Tasdance Artistic Director since 1997, Annie Greig, will be leaving the company in 2015. She says:
It has been a privilege to contribute to the rich history of Tasdance; however it is the right time for me to transition from the company next year. I am certain Tasdance will continue to go from strength-to-strength, proudly remaining Tasmania’s flagship contemporary dance company and an advocate for the growth of arts and cultural activities in regional Australia.
A real focus of my tenure has been to support young and emerging dancers and choreographers, and I get great satisfaction that I have been able to offer choreographic opportunities to over 50 of Australia’s dance practitioners. Additionally, with an emphasis on linking with regional audiences, it has been gratifying that the company has regularly toured our repertoire inter-state. I pay tribute and say thanks to all the artists, staff, supporters, sponsors and Board that I’ve connected with at Tasdance, and I look forward to witnessing the continued development of Tasdance in the years ahead.
Chair of Tasdance Board, Norm McIlfatrick, acknowledges Annie’s tenacity and dedication to the company:
Annie provided clear and strong direction for Tasdance over a long period, deftly navigating some challenges whilst undertaking a myriad of roles, and leaves the company in a solid position from which the next chapter in the company’s evolution can be defined. Her sound leadership resulted in returning the company to Key Organisation status with Australia Council for the Arts, alongside the unceasing, multi-year funding support from Arts Tasmania.
Over many years Annie provided the company with strategic artistic programming, which has had at its core the belief in providing opportunities for successive generations of dance artists and a resolve to continue to support contemporary dance development through innovative community and education projects. The Tasdance Board applauds Annie’s dedication to Tasdance over so many years and she continues to show great respect for the Company by providing the Board a year’s notice, giving us space for a managed transition into the future.
Annie’s contribution to the company extends over 20 years, having been employed as Tasdance’s Acting General Manager and Liaison Officer between 1991 and 1994 under founding Artistic Director Jenny Kinder.
Annie was honoured with a Bicentennial Medal in 2003 for her services to dance, placed on the Honour Roll for Women in Tasmania in 2010, and in recognition of her services to Ausdance was made an Honorary Life Member of Ausdance National.Outside Tasdance, Annie worked in numerous capacities within the national arts sector, including Course Director with the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA), lecturer at University of Tasmania for the Bachelor of Performing Arts, and Performing Arts Program Officer for Arts Tasmania.
Annie has served on the Tasmanian Cultural Industries Council, Advisory Committee for the Australian Choreographic Centre (Canberra), was President of Ausdance NSW, and a former National Vice-President of Ausdance. Currently Annie continues as the Secretary for the Asia Pacific Performing Arts Network (APPAN).
For more information contact Richard Longbottom or T 03 6331 6644.