New book: Dance Education Around the World
Dance Education Around the World
Perspectives on Dance, Young People and Change
Edited by Charlotte Svendler Nielsen and Stephanie Burridge
Foreword by Sir Ken Robinson.
Dance has the power to change the lives of young people. It is a force in shaping identity, affirming culture and exploring heritage in an increasingly borderless world. Creative and empowering pedagogies are driving curriculum development worldwide where the movement of peoples and cultures generates new challenges and possibilities for dance education in multiple contexts.
2015 Queens Birthday Honours for dance
We congratulate members of the Australian dance community who received Honours in the recent Queens Birthday honours list.
Stanton Welch received an AM for significant service to the performing arts as a ballet dancer, mentor, choreographer and artistic director.
Mrs Janice Ethel Conroy (Qld) and Mrs Diana Cecile de Vos-Beck (WA) (former member of WA Ballet) both received an OAM for service to the performing arts through dance. Mrs Margaret Jean East (Tas) received an OAM for service to the performing arts through dance administration roles.
Ausdance National President Brian Lucas responds to Australia Council funding cuts
Dear Ausdance members,
I am writing to you as the President of Ausdance National, in response to the recent funding cuts to the Australia Council, and the rechanneling of those funds into a new funding mechanism entitled the National Programme for Excellence in the Arts.
I am clearly aware of the substantial levels of anger, confusion, disillusionment and anxiety which currently exist throughout the Arts sector as a result of these cuts and the flow on changes to Australia Council funding processes.
As an independent artist who works in and across many aspects of the Australian Arts ecology, I personally share the anxieties and anger that are a result of seeing the future of our practices, our livelihoods and the continued survival of our fragile economy threatened and undermined.
Honorary life members add their voices in support of the Australia Council
3 June 2015
Senator The Hon. George Brandis QC
Attorney-General and Minister for the Arts
PO Box 6100
Senate, Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Senator Brandis,
We, the undersigned honorary life members of the Australian Dance Council – Ausdance, write to add our voices to the many letters and statements made in support of the Australia Council. The Australian arts profession has fought hard over many years for the independence and peer review principles embedded in the Australia Council’s charter, and we are now concerned that a commitment to excellence through the peer review process will be compromised as further cuts and conditions are imposed on the smaller organisations by a reduced Australia Council. This decision has the potential to dismantle much of the Australian dance ecology and dissipate the constantly growing audience it has developed over the last decade.
ArtsPeak calls for Senate Inquiry
Ausdance joins other members of ArtsPeak (the confederation of national peak arts organisations) in calling for a Senate Inquiry into the recent federal Budget announcement that $104.8m over 4 years will be stripped from the appropriation of the Australia Council for the Arts to establish a National Programme for Excellence in the Arts (NPEA) under the control of the Arts Minister.
ArtsPeak aims to ensure that Australians can continue to enjoy diverse rich cultural experiences at all levels. Until the outcome of a Senate Inquiry, we call on Senator Brandis to restore all the funding cut from the Australia Council and its programs, and repeal his decision to establish the NPEA.
Read the full media release: ArtsPeak Calls for Senate Inquiry
Expressions Dance Company performing Natalie Weir’s 7 Deadly Sins
When: 21–29 August
Where: Playhouse, QPAC
Wrath. Greed. Sloth. Pride. Lust. Envy. Gluttony. Plunge into a wicked tale of ancient sin unleashed on the modern world. Spotlighting the inherent frailty and imperfections that exist in us all, 7 Deadly Sins explores the age-old sinful nature of mankind retold through electrifying contemporary dance characterised by Natalie Weir's unique insights into the human condition.
Rich imagery, extravagant costumes and breathtaking movement will pack an emotional punch in this devilishly delicious adventure!
Book now as tickets are already selling fast!
Australia Council grants programs suspended or cancelled after 2015 Federal Budget cuts
In the 2015 Federal Budget, the Government announced cuts to the Australia Council’s budget to establish a new funding structure called the 'National Programme for Excellence in the Arts'. Yesterday the Australia Council outlined the significant effect the 2015–16 budget measures will have on their funding programs.
'To manage the transition to the new funding framework the Council needs to take the following actions:
- the Australia Council June grant round, including government programs, will not proceed
- existing applications can be assessed within the September round, which will include multi-year project support for individual artists and arts organisations
- the six-year funding for organisations program is suspended
- the Australia Council will honour the current contracts of multi-year funded organisations until their conclusion at the end of 2016
- the ArtStart, Creative Communities Partnerships Initiative and Artists in Residence programs will not be offered in the future.'
Yesterday Ausdance met with other peak arts organisations to discuss joint actions and to draft a joint response. We will update you in the coming week.
In the meantime, you may like to add your name to the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA) joint letter to George Brandis. Sign the letter here: http://bit.ly/1IOfz6c
Federal Budget 2015—some changes for Arts funding
The 2015 Federal Budget was announced on Tuesday 12 May. While detail and analysis will come to light over the coming days, the main item for the Arts is the establishing of a 'National Programme for Excellence in the Arts' to support endowments, international touring and strategic projects, with an emphasis on attracting private sector support.
The program will be delivered through the Ministry of Arts, but money is being redirected from the Australia Council to fund it. Minister for the Arts, George Brandis stated 'here will be no reduction in the Australia Council’s funding to the 28 major performing arts companies as a result of this initiative'.
From the Minister's press release:
The National Programme for Excellence in the Arts will allow for a truly national approach to arts funding and will deliver on a number of Government priorities including national access to high quality arts and cultural experiences.
Arts funding has until now been limited almost exclusively to projects favoured by the Australia Council. The National Programme for Excellence in the Arts will make funding available to a wider range of arts companies and arts practitioners, while at the same time respecting the preferences and tastes of Australia’s audiences.
Accordingly, the Visions of Australia and Festivals Australia programmes will return to the Ministry for the Arts after being transferred to Australia Council by the previous government. The Major Festivals Initiative will also be transferred with support for this programme to be doubled to $1.5 million.
The program will also provide $5.3 million over three years for the continuation of Creative Partnerships Plus1 matched funding.
Additionally, following on from the savings announced last year more efficiencies are being required of the Australia Council and arts agencies. An additional $13.2 million through until 2019 is being cut from arts and cultural programs administered by the Australia Council, Screen Australia and the Ministry for Arts. The Australia Council will need to find an additional $1.8 million in efficiencies per year, with Screen Australia looking for $0.9 million and the Ministry $0.7 million this year, and $0.5 million in the future years. According to the Budget papers 'the savings from this measure will be redirected by the Government to repair the Budget and fund policy priorities'.
The Australia Council has noted their savings will be met through reduced funding to the ArtStart, Capacity Building and Artists in Residence programs.
The Australia Council has issued a statement:
The Board of the Australia Council will be giving careful consideration to the Council’s priorities for the next year and beyond, and the implications for delivery of the Australia Council Strategic Plan.
Until the Board and Executive have had the opportunity to undertake these considerations in response to the Budget measures further detail will not be available.
The Australia Council remains committed to supporting Australian artists and arts organisations, and working collaboratively to achieve strong outcomes for the arts in Australia.
News reports and articles
- Why nobody knew: Budget 2015 revelation, Ben Eltham, ArtsHub, 28 May 2015
- Arts Minister admits no consultation on funding reforms, Maxim Boon, Limelight Magazine, 28 May 2015
- Major art heist: the Brandis file, Keith Gallasch, RealTime, 20 May 2015.
- Brandis on new arts funding body, ABC Books and Arts, 19 May 2015.
- Arts Minister George Brandis defends Australia Council funding changes, ABC Books and Arts, 19 May 2015.
- The arts minister has wrenched our culture away from the artists, Julian Meyrick, The Conversation, 15 May 2015.
- What the Australia Council cuts mean for you, Deborah Stone, ArtsHub, 14 May 2015.
- Warnings from the arts community about the effect of Budget funding changes, Steve Cannane, Lateline, 14 May 2015.
- There’s money for the arts in the budget—but with strings attached, Peter Tregear, The Conversation, 13 May 2015.
- George Brandis turns arts into 'political football' with $104.7m Australia Council cuts, Joel Meares, The Canberra Times, 13 May 2015.
- Budget 2015: George Brandis' extraordinary raid of the Australia Council, Ben Eltham, The Drum, 13 May 2015.
- Budget takes $100m from Australia Council to establish arts excellence program, Alan Evans, The Guardian, 12 May 2015.
- Federal Budget 2015: Australia Council loses $104m, funneled to Arts Ministry, Matthew Knott The Sydney Morning Hearld, 12 May 2015.
- Budget shock decimates Australia Council, Ben Eltham, ArtsHub, 12 May 2015.
2015 CHASS Australia Prizes
The CHASS Australia Prizes honour distinguished achievements by Australians working, studying or training in the humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS), including academics, practitioners, philanthropists, policy makers and students.
Nominations close 1 June 2015.
Individuals, agents, publishers, teachers and organisations are invited to make nominations for any of the four categories:
- Book (cash prize of $3,500 sponsored by Routledge)
- Distinctive Work (cash prize of $3,500 sponsored by Routledge): an exceptional artistic performance, exhibition, film, television show, play, composition or practical contribution to arts policy.
- Future Leader (cash prize of $2,000 sponsored by Future Leaders): for an individual under 35 years of age who is demonstrating leadership skill and potential in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
- Student ($500 voucher sponsored by The Co-Op): for a student essay, exhibition, performance, project or thesis.
Self-nominations are welcome. To nominate, visit the CHASS website.
2015 Australian Dance Awards longlist
The long list of nominations is being shortlisted by the Australian Dance Awards selection panel.
The shortlist will be announced in July, with winners announced at the 2015 Australian Dance Awards in Adelaide on Saturday 12 September.
Image by Chris Herzfeld, Camlight Productions. Lina Limosani, Elizabeth Cameron-Dalman & Kimball Wong.New Zealand Dance Company auditions
The New Zealand Dance Company is seeking a female dancer with strong technique, partnering and improvisational skills with a minimum of three years professional experience.
NZDC is offering an Auckland-based contract from 29 June – 23 Aug 2015 including a January 2016 international tour. There is further potential for contracts in November/December 2015 and ongoing in 2016.
New Zealand Dance Company choreographers include Ross McCormack (NZ), Malia Johnston (NZ), Stephen Shropshire (Holland) and Louise Potiki Bryant (NZ).
DANscienCE Festival 2015 call for presentations
DANscienCE bings together dance artists and scientists in an exploratory celebration of two fields of creative excellence.
- Date: 21–23 August 2015
- Venue: QUT Creative Industries
Directed by Liz Lea and Associate Professor Gene Moyle.
DANscienCE 2015 will explore themes of cognitive psychology, applied dance science, technology, neuroscience, ecology, robotics, and the ageing body. We want to hear from the Australian and international dance and science communities, researchers, educators, practitioners and artists to contribute to the program and the publication that will follow.
You are invited to submit paper presentations (standard, Pecha Kucha, posters), performative works (live and film), workshops, forums and panels.
Visit DANscienCE Festival 2015 for full program and submission details.
Submissions due 15 May 2015 to [email protected]
Vale Maggi Phillips
It is with great sadness that Ausdance National farewells Maggi Phillips. Dr Phillips was an extraordinary contributor to dance in Australia, as a teacher, researcher and dance scholar. Maggi passed away in Perth on the evening of 31 March, surrounded by family and friends. Her dedication to dance practice and scholarship is well known and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family, colleagues and students.
Most recently Maggi was Associate Professor and the Coordinator of Research and Creative Practice at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, a position that fused her disparate influences and her desire to privilege such diversity in scholarship and access. She was a much-loved supervisor in the school’s postgraduate program and wrote on dance from numerous perspectives, including cultural distinctiveness, singular knowledge and danced thought. Together with colleagues from QUT and Deakin University, Maggi led the Australian Learning and Teaching Council project, Dancing between Diversity and Consistency: Refining Assessment in Post Graduate Degrees in Dance, which highlighted the particularities of multi-modal artistic research.
In 2010, Maggi received an Australian Dance Award for her Services to Dance Education, and in 2013 took on the role of Editor of Brolga—an Australian journal about dance, overseeing editions about education and dialogues. She was also a great contributor to the World Dance Alliance, presenting at many forums and serving on review and editorial committees.
Maggi's 70th birthday.Last year friends from around Australia and the world sent messages in celebration of Maggi's 70th birthday—paying tribute to her broad contribution in developing artists, academics and dance in all corners of the globe, particulary through the World Dance Alliance. Secretary-General of the World Dance Alliance and long-time friend and colleague Cheryl Stock wrote at that time
Maggi, you are the ultimate quiet achiever – an extraordinary life in dance, some of which is well known and some of which is tantalisingly unknown. What we clearly see from your academic work is someone with a passion for knowledge (of which you have prodigious amounts), an ever enquiring mind that takes you on all kinds of literary, cultural and fantastical journeys and an intellectual capacity that is awe-inspiring and which you generously share with colleagues and students alike. A workaholic with a zest for life, a voyager who is a wonderful travel companion, a researcher who knows what questions to investigate, I consider you a long-time and dear friend.
I remember first hanging out with you in the early ’80s in Darwin, where you were at the time a mover and shaker at Brown’s Mart Community Arts Centre and also Artistic Director of Feats. You invited me several times to undertake projects there. What fun-filled crazy times I enjoyed with you during the Darwin days! I recall those beautiful ballet feet and legs and expressive arms. We worked together on a large community project, Backtracks, involving over 100 people from all sorts of backgrounds and skills bases – I even persuaded you to dance, in a ball gown I recall. You were very accommodating of my sometimes crazy eclectic ideas (as long as they were interesting!) What I mostly remember of those steamy troppo days and evenings was your infectious deep throated laugh (still wonderfully frequent) and the stories – ah the stories! – around the kitchen table – of your days in the circus dancing bareback on elephants (or were they horses?).
That you are a great shopper is well known, seeking out the most amazing treasures, mainly to wear in exotic combinations which look just fantastic on your slim body. From pottery in the Atherton Tablelands to the markets in Taiwan, to the most exquisite fabrics in India, you always find that special something. Your forensic ability to find such purchases are more than matched by your forensic ability in research to go deeply into your research topics. I feel privileged to have worked with you and Kim Vincs on the 3-year research project you led – such a collegial, pleasurable and rewarding experience.
Despite your challenging health problems, you bear them with such dignity, lack of complaint and good spirits, that I always feel uplifted in your company. Even though we do not see much of each other, your support and friendship is treasured. Thank you Maggi.
Today Cheryl noted
Maggi in her quiet manner, inspired us with her insightful musings, extraordinary intellect, imaginative and scholarly writings, witty humour and throaty laugh, and above all with her non-judgmental and always positive support and unconditional friendship.
Tracks Dance Company have published an overview of Maggi's time in Darwin and her early training, in her own words.
Vale Maggi Phillips, by Nina Levy. Dance Australia
Chunky Move position vacant—Executive Producer
An exciting opportunity exists for a dynamic and experienced arts producer to take up a senior leadership role with one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies.
Led by internationally acclaimed choreographer Anouk van Dijk, Chunky Move has an enviable reputation nationally and internationally for producing a distinct yet unpredictable brand of genre-defying dance performance. The Company’s multi-tiered programming initiatives nurture a strong and vibrant dance culture in their home city of Melbourne.
The Executive Producer is responsible for the overall management of the Company, producing new works, initiating national and international touring and collaborations, and generating income through actively fundraising and developing entrepreneurial activities.
This position requires an impressive track record at a senior level in the performing arts, strong producing credentials, and excellent communication and management skills.
Your application should address the selection criteria and received no later than COB Tuesday 14 April 2015.
For position description and company profile, visit Chunky Move's website.
For further information contact Hillary Coyne, Business and Program Manager on (03) 9645 5188 or email [email protected].
2015 Hotbed #1 with Martin Nachbar—applications open
Hotbed is Lucy Guerin Inc’s workshop program for professional dancers and dance-makers. Workshops are led by local and international choreographers to encourage a broad understanding of the local dance community of current contemporary dance thinking and practice.
Dates: Monday 4 – Friday 9 May 2015
Times: Mon, Wed, Fri 11.30 am – 4.30 pm / Tues & Thurs 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Venue: Lucy Guerin Inc studio, 28 Batman Street, West Melbourne
Price: $75 for the full week
Applications for workshop #1 with Martin Nachbar (Germany) close 15 April 2015.
Places are limited and by application only. Visit Lucy Guerin's website for more information and to apply online.
Asia-Pacific Dance Bridge 2015: Connectivity through dance
16 – 18 October 2015
World Dance Alliance Singapore is proud to present the 2015 Annual General Meeting of World Dance Alliance Asia-Pacific alongside Asia-Pacific Dance Bridge 2015: Connectivity Through Dance.
Asia-Pacific Dance Bridge 2015: Connectivity through Dance aims to cultivate dance connectivity within Singapore’s own dance community as well as forge alliances between dancers, academics, educators and administrators throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The conference will consist of several events: Symposium, Choreolab, Community Showcase, Small Company and Independent Artist Showcase, Singapore Tertiary Showcase and Workshops.
These events will be presented in partnership with Singapore’s arts industry organisations located in Singapore’s arts & culture district including Esplanade Theatres on the Bay (Esplanade), Lasalle College of the Arts (Lasalle), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), National Library Building (NLB), and School of the Arts (SOTA).
The World Dance Alliance Asia-Pacific (WDAAP) Annual General Meeting, Network Meetings, Young Scholars Meeting as well as the World Dance Alliance Global Executive Meeting will also be hosted at NAFA.
Submissions deadlines
Call for Symposium: Closed
Call for Choreolab: 15 April 2015 Extended to 30 April 2015
Call for Community Showcase: 15 April 2015 Extended to 30 April 2015
Call for Small Company & Independent Artist Showcase: 15 April 2015 Extended to 30 April 2015
Call for Workshops: 15 April 2015 Extended to 30 April 2015
For further details of the event please visit the WDAS2015 website.
WDA members can register here now.
Announcing Jerril Rechter as keynote artist-in-conversation #2
Jerril Rechter is the CEO of VicHealth. She has extensive experience in leadership across the areas of government and not-for-profit sectors.
Jerril is a World Health Organization Advisor, a board member of the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations, a member of Victoria’s Justice Health Ministerial Advisory Council and a member of the Liquor Control Advisory Council.
She regularly presents at state, national and international conferences and events to share her experiences in health promotion, leadership, the arts, and the potential of innovations to improve health and wellbeing for everyone.
She has served on various state and national boards and committees, including VicHealth's, as Board Member from 2004 to 2010. Her Ministerial appointments have included the Victorian Eating Disorders Taskforce, Australia Day Committee Victoria, Australia Council for the Arts Deputy Chair Dance Board, Arts Tasmania Board, Brand Tasmania Board and the Community Leaders Group Tasmania.
Jerril is a recipient of a Centenary Medal, Tasmania Day Award, and Fellowships from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Australia Council, Harvard Club of Australia, the Australian Davos Forum-Future Summit, and Williamson Community Leadership Program (Leadership Victoria).
Jerril holds a Master of Business Leadership from RMIT University. She has held executive positions at Leadership Victoria, Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, Footscray Community Arts Centre, and founded Stompin Youth Dance Company.
The National Forum is a partnership between the Australia Council for the Arts and Ausdance National.
2015 Winter Brisbane Contemporary Dance Intensive with Expressions Dance Company
Applications are now open
This biannual event is regarded as one of Australia’s best training programs in contemporary dance, led by a team of specially selected professional dancers and choreographers from around the country.
Join acclaimed guest teachers and EDC dancers as you participate in workshops with an intense focus on contemporary dance, its techniques and the industry, preparing you for a career in dance.
DATES | Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2015
VENUE | QUT Campus, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane
TIMES | 9 am – 5 pm Daily
COST | $570 per person
For more information email [email protected] or call 07 3257 4222
Please Note: spaces are limited and entry is by application only.
Announcing Lemi Ponifasio as keynote artist-in-conversation #1
National Dance Forum partners the Australia Council for the Arts and Ausdance National are thrilled to announce acclaimed New Zealand-based artist Lemi Ponifasio as the first keynote artist-in-conversation for NDF2015.
Lemi is a leading voice in contemporary dance and theatre making internationally, based in the Asia-Pacific, performing and collaborating worldwide. He will be in conversation with NDF2015 co-facilitator Fiona Winning on the afternoon of Thursday 19 March.
The second keynote and the full list of speakers will be unveiled in early February.
Lemi Ponifasio
Lemi Ponifasio. Photo: Christian WesterbackAustralia Day Honours 2015
Ausdance National congratulates those from the dance community recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours.
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia
Ms Leanne Faye Benjamin OBE
For significant service to the performing arts, particularly ballet, as a dancer and role model. Principal, The Royal Ballet, London
Mr Noel Christian Tovey
For significant service to the performing arts, to Indigenous performers, and as an advocate forthe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Miss Carole Oliver
For service to the performing arts through dance education. Founder, Owner and Artistic Director, Carole Oliver School of Ballet
Ms Daele Fraser
For service to the performing arts, particularly dance. President, Dance Master International Association.
Citations can be found at It's An Honour.
Nominations for Australian honours can be made all year round here.