Journal articles and newsletters from Ausdance and industry partners.
Observing Lois Greenfield
Australian photographer Laura Ross wonders what it is about Lois Greenfield's wonderful photos of dancers that sets her apart from her peers.
Guillermo Keys Arenas 1928–2006: an appreciation
Harry Haythorne honours Sydney-based Mexican-Australian dancer and teacher Guillermo Keys Arenas who made an enormous contribution to multi-culturalism through the annual Folkloric Festivals which he directed from 1979 – 94.
Mary Whidborne—first teacher of Dalcroze Eurhythmics in New South Wales?
West Australian Dalcroze expert, Joan Pope OAM establishes how much of an enigma Mary Whidborne is today, because it seems that she was the first significant teacher of Dalcroze Eurhythmics in this country.
A ragbag of ballet music oddments
Whereas literary scholars have a platform for publishing small or isolated findings, neither the ballet nor the musical world offers a comparable vehicle for such items. English literature scholar, Rodney Edgecombe shares some his minor but interesting discoveries about music for ballet.
Embodied histories of contemporary dance
Dr Katrina Rank discusses the role of memory, narrative and individual perception in relation to a live dance performance called Marvellous, which was a synthesis of five separate works she choreographed in 2000.
My dancing years the Borovansky Ballet
This is the fourth part of Tamara Finch’s story of her career as a dancer. The first three parts were published as ‘My dancing years’ in New York in Dance Chronicle, Volume 27, Numbers 1 – 3, in 2004. Part three concludes with the decision of Finch (then Tamara Tchinarova) and her mother to remain in Australia at the end of the 1938 – 39 tour by the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, and with an account of some of her early experiences in Australia including her time with the Polish-Australian and Kirsova Ballets.
The historical buzz on Buzz Dance Theatre
Adrian J. Lowe writes a history of the Perth-based contemporary dance company Buzz Dance Theatre. He writes from the perspective of an observer for those who may have an interest in dance, but not necessarily a working knowledge of the art form.
Dancing to the right tune
Past research indicated that dance companies use strategic public relations for various audience development activities that are innovative and successful in the short term. Recommendations from Madeline Wilson's research include long-term strategic audience development plans to ensure dance companies continue to develop audiences and remain viable in the future.
Margaret Barr, storyteller Part two: Climbers
Part 2 of Joanne Harris' exploration of two interesting works by story-teller and choreographer Margaret Barr that were captured on film in 1962 (Snowy) and 1980 (Climbers).
Volatile grace
New Zealand dancer and choreographer Douglas Wright has been inspirational for many dancers with his innovative approach to both the creative process and to embodying the movement.
Simon Dow’s gamble La Bohème — the ballet
Lee Christofis talks eloquently about Simon Dow's love for Puccini's opera La Bohème and the creation of the his full length ballet created for West Australian Ballet which premiered in May 2004.
Lynne Golding national star
Robin Grove talks eloquently about one of Australia's "star" ballerinas during the '50s, Lynne Golding.
Margaret Barr, storyteller Part one: Snowy
Choreographer Margaret Barr developed a rich style of dance-drama to communicate her strong social conscience. Since dance is ethereal, works are often lost after their performance, but fortunately, two of Margaret Barr’s choreographies were captured on film so we are able to observe her dramatic skills, sophisticated wit, manipulation of dance elements and the societal issues that were important to her.
A strange occupation
Dancer Josef Brown shares his experience of Palestine, its people and working with artist Nicholas Rowe in 2003.
Emergent kapa haka and ballroom dance forms in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Susan Graham examines macro level environmental and political influences on two dance forms that represent the cultural origins of modern day bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand—kapa haka and ballroom dancing. The historical origins, foci and functions of both forms will be compared and traced over the past one hundred years.
Qualitative reflections on collaborative improvisation
Don Asker looks at collaborative processes across art-forms and examines ways in which memories and reflection can contribute to the creative practice/experience.
Jewel in the crown an interview with Sue Street
Dance critic Kevin Ng talks to Professor Susan Street about her experiences as Dean of Dance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
The freedom of freelancing—a conversation with Natalie Weir
Hong Kong dance critic Kevin Ng talks to freelance choreographer Natalie Weir at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, just before the premiere of her new work Turandot.
Odette’s evolving nightmare—Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake
This article by dance writer and critic, Lee Christofis, draws and elaborates on the material collected by Lee in an interview with Graeme Murphy about his Swan Lake for The Australian Ballet.
Drama and music in ballet scores a glossary in the form of an essay
Once character, emotion and action are added to abstractly satisfying movement, some questions may arise: "What and how does dance mean?" "Must it necessarily turn to mime, and strive for ‘verbal’ representations without words?" Music scholar, Rodney Stenning Edgecombe, explores this fission by discussing the key terms that became current over time, starting with Noverre’s scène d’action, and ending with Gorsky’s mimodrama.