2019 National Dance Forum
We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Tracks to deliver the 2019 National Dance Forum as part of the Darwin Festival. Attending the Forum provides an opportunity for the dance sector to network; share and expand knowledge; see diversity of practice; learn from other artists, and engage and be aware of what is happening in the Australian dance scene.
It is with pleasure we release the program details for the upcoming National Dance Forum, to be held in Darwin on 9 & 10 August 2019. The forum features a range of presenters featuring dance practitioners from the Northern Territory and around Australia with keynote presentations by Dr Nicholas Rowe, Marilyn Miller and Thomas Mayor. Book tickets here.
We would like to extend thanks and acknowledge the curatorial panel Annette Carmichael, Rachael Wallis, David McMicken, Tim Newth and Avril Huddy and Tracks for their contribution in developing the program. For information about the rationale, read a message from Annette Carmichael, Chair of the 2019 National Dance Forum Curatorial Panel.
Building Momentum Support Ausdance National – Give Now
Ausdance has a unique place in the Australian dance ecology, and we are reaching as we approach the end of the financial year to ask for support. We have much to celebrate and look forward to! In partnership with Track Dance Company, Ausdance National will present the 2019 National Dance Forum to bring together the professional dance sector to share, collaborate and celebrate in Darwin in August.
Together with our ongoing national and international advocacy for the sector and our support of the national network, Ausdance National continues to play a critical role, despite reduced resources. Vital, tax-deductible donations will help to enable us to continue our important work on the sector’s behalf. Please consider donating at this critical time for Ausdance National. All donations are tax deductible, and you can donate easily via GiveNow
Opportunities
‘Home – dance of place, disruption and belonging. 2019 National Dance Forum
Forum partners Ausdance National and Tracks Dance Company will present the fifth National Dance Forum (NDF2019) from 9–10 August 2019 in Darwin, Northern Territory. The two-day forum will provide the national dance community with an opportunity to gather in the unique setting of Darwin and coincides with the opening weekend of the Darwin Festival. For more information and to book your tickets here>>
Expressions of Interest for the 2020 Keir Choreographic Award now open.
The Keir Choreographic Award (KCA) is a national biennial award dedicated to commissioning new Australian choreographic short works and promoting innovative, experimental and cross-artform practices in contemporary dance across Australia and internationally. The Keir Choreographic Award aims to expand the profile and debate around choreographic practice in Australia. One of Australia’s most prestigious choreographic awards, the recipient of the KCA will receive $50,000. Professional artists with an established practice are encouraged to apply by 14 July 2019. The Keir Choreographic Award jury will assess the applications, and eight short-listed works will be provided with commissioning funds to realise their idea in March 2020. Presented by Carriageworks, Dancehouse, The Keir Foundation and the Australia Council for the Arts. Applications Close 14th July and for more information about how to apply click here >>
Work with Lucy Guerin Inc: Executive Producer
Here is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies in the influential role of Executive Producer. Lucy Guerin Inc (LGI) engages in an inspiring and innovative exploration of contemporary dance that resonates within Australian culture and the wider global community. The Executive Producer works closely with the Artistic Director, Board, staff, choreographers and dancers of LGI across all aspects of the organisation’s creative output and business operations To apply, please email an Expression of Interest and cover letter addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description, the names of two referees and a current CV.
Applications close 9th July. Download the full job description here>>>
PAC Australia Performing Arts Exchange and Conference, 26th– 29th August, The Events Centre, Caloundra QLD
Focusing on the fundamentals of audience development, PAC Australia's 33rd annual conference will provide you with the best ideas, tools, mechanisms and information to maximise outcomes and quite simply, make it easier to succeed. Together with the Performing Arts Exchange [PAX] this is an unmissable opportunity for artists, producers, marketers, programmers and presenters to connect, create, build touring opportunities and cultivate audiences. Learn about why people do and don't come to your events, listen to global arts leaders at the top of their game and discover how to find the people who will meet you in the spaces where the amazing stuff happens. For more information and register click here>>
Shaping Bodies, Shaping Minds
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia has announced it will host its third international conference Shaping Bodies, Shaping Minds 18 – 19 January 2020. Following the success of two previous conferences in Sydney in 2016 and Brisbane 2018, the Academy’s third conference will also trigger a global year of celebrations marking 100 years of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Call for contributions now open until 30 June 2019. For more information click here>>
Performances
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Bangarra: 30 years of sixty five thousand is Bangarra Dance Theatre’s landmark 30th anniversary season. This diverse program of three contemporary works displays the passionate storytelling, rich artistry and deep community connections that have made Bangarra the premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company in Australia. Frances Rings’ Unaiponis an absorbing portrait of the great Aboriginal inventor, philosopher, writer and storyteller, Ngarrindjeri man David Unaipon, who features on the Australian $50 note. Stamping Ground was created by Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián as a homage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures. Curated by Artistic Director Stephen Page, to make fire highlights the breadth, power and beauty of Bangarra’s creations over three decades. With roots in the world’s oldest continuing culture, Bangarra: 30 years of sixty five thousand carries the spirit of Bangarra into its fourth decade, promising many more years of deeply moving and authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories. Touring across Australia from June – Oct. For more information and bookings click here>>
THE DINNER PARTY – Expressions Dance Company, Touring NT in July
An elegant dinner party hosted by an influential young man for his manipulative guests is thrown into turmoil when power meets greed, ambition and jealousy. As the evening wears on The Dinner Party exposes society’s insatiable desire for control and status and the power-play between the guests intensifies as the accusations start to fly. Who really holds the power at this sophisticated table? And who will be in control by the time coffee is served? Premiering to extraordinary reviews in Brisbane in 2015, The Dinner Party (former title The Host), is gripping contemporary dance theatre from Queensland’s award-winning Expressions Dance Company. Bookings here >>
Youth Dance
The Australian Youth Dance Festival Revolutions Per Minute brings together youth dance companies from around the world for two nights of gala performances at the Meat Market in Melbourne. The exceptional and diverse line-up of companies performing includes Rutherford Dance Company Youth (UK), YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) - National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and Dansebryggeriet (Denmark) in collaboration with Hurja Piruetti, (Finland) as well as Australia’s leading youth dance companies. Wednesday 10 & Thursday 11 July. Book your ticket here>>
Sydney Dance Company school holiday workshops
This July, Sydney Dance Company are presenting 15 workshops for ages 5-18 in five locations across Sydney. The school holiday workshops provide an exciting and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers – many have performed with The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company and have appeared in TV shows such as So You Think You Can Dance. Workshops at Ultimo, Penrith, Pennant Hills, and Alexandria include Beginner Dance, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Theatre Jazz, JFH, Boys Only Hip Hop, and a new Winter Intensive program. For the first time, Sydney Dance Company are coming to Menai with a Pre-Professional Year Masterclass where dancers can learn Sydney Dance Company repertoire and more.
Phone: 02 9258 4818 Location: Sydney Dance Company studios (Ultimo), Alexandria, Menai, Pennant Hills, Penrith. Click here for more info >>
Information and resources
Collaborating with Regional Communities
Regional Arts Australia promotes culture and creativity that enriches lives and nurtures pride, resilience, empowerment, connectivity and healing in communities.
Regional Arts Australia recently released a new publication, Collaborating with Regional Communities: guidelines and tools for regional arts and cultural engagement. The publication includes guidelines and tools to assist those working in regional communities achieve a more rewarding level of involvement in cultural activities.
Download the guidelines here >>
National Advocates for Arts Education
To celebrate its 30th birthday, National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE) launched its new website. NAAE advocate for ‘The Arts’, a key learning area in the Australian Curriculum, which contains the five discrete subjects: Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts. As the recognised peak association in the arts learning and professional development area, it provides a united voice for arts education through policy advice and support for decision makers. NAAE work with government agencies, teachers, schools and tertiary institutions. NAAE has recently revised its seminal publication More than words can say: a view of literacy through the arts. This collection of papers defines what is meant by ‘literacy’ in each of the art forms: dance, drama, media, music, visual art and design. The collection will stimulate discussion and raise awareness of the potential for the arts to enhance learning across the curriculum. Download a copy here>>
Mr Willoughby
Athol Willoughby OAM, has had a long and distinguished career as one of Australia’s leading ballet dancers and teachers, connecting him with significant developments in mid-century Australian ballet and with major figures such as Walter Gore and Valrene Tweedie, and as an adjudicator and examiner for Cecchetti Ballet Australia. Running Man Australia has recently released an interview with Athol download it on Vimeo here>>