Exciting new directions are taking shape in dance in Western Australia. As the starting point to developing a new interstate relationship between DADAA WA, Tracksuit, Ausdance WA and Dance Integrated Australia, I will be traveling to Perth to present a week-long program of dance for all abilities. This visit contributes to a cultural exchange that will be part of the Dance Week WA 2013 program.

I was last in Perth 10 years ago as a WAAPA student and a member of Link Dance Company with Chrissie Parrott as the Artistic Director so this opportunity to return will be extremely rewarding for me both personally and professionally. There seems to be a growing shift in the dance community of the west which continues to build new opportunities and partnerships as it looks more outwardly and inclusively across the cultural landscape. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Paige Gordon and excited about what new directions and possibilities may result from this visit.

Tracksuit and DADAA WA will host the Dance Integrated Australia // Education Team comprising Associate Artist Jianna Georgiou (JUMP 2013 mentee) and myself with Paige Gordon (Director / Tracksuit), Joshua Pether and Catherine Ryan (Link Dance Company graduates from WAAPA). This team will engage dancers with different levels of experience in activities including: a master class, two workshops, a forum for discussion and a public performance outcome at the King St Arts Centre on Sunday 5 May.

Masterclass Workshop with TRACKSUIT

This workshop is suitable for performers of all abilities, and the focus is to develop skills in creating dance while discovering ideas
to empower people with different needs to make their own creative choices.
(Maximum 20 people)

When: 10am – 1pm Tuesday 30th April 2013
Cost: $10
Venue: Midland Junction Arts Centre, 276 Great Eastern Hwy, Midland WA 6056
Booking: click here

Workshop : ‘Beyond Technique – searching for authenticity’

‘Beyond Technique’ is a workshop designed to challenge and inspire dancers to look for a new and authentic quality of
movement from within. This is open to dance students, graduates and dance-makers.

When: 5 – 9pm Wednesday 1st May 2013
Cost: $25 (concession), $40 (waged)
Where: Studio 3, King St Arts Centre, Munster Ln, Perth WA 6000
Booking: click here

Discussion : ‘Dance in all its Forms – a trajectory for the future’

DADAA WA has a long history of dance with many key dance artists involved in the evolution of its story. This platform event allows discussion to ensure a pathway for the future of inclusive, integrated dance performance, and its trajectory for the future.

Chaired by Mallika Macleod (Board Member of DADAA WA), speakers include Philip Channells (Director of Dance Integrated Australia, Paige Gordon (TRACKSUIT), Jianna Georgiou (Performer with Dance Integrated Australia & recipient of JUMP Mentorship Australia Council), Sirena Dosen (TRACKSUIT performer), Melissa Cantwell (Artistic Director, Perth Theatre Company) and Finola O’Doherty (Foundation for Social Inclusion).

When: 6.30 – 8pm Thursday 2nd May 2013
Cost: Free
Where: DADAA WA, East St Gallery, Fremantle WA 6160
Please register your intent to attend by emailing Tracksuit

Workshop : ‘Enter & Exit – observer is performer is observer’

This workshop is suitable for artists with dance experience who are interested in developing an awareness of improvisation
techniques to inform the beginnings of creating new work. The 3-day workshop culminates in a public performance 3pm Sunday 5th May.

When: 11am – 5pm Friday 3rd, 9am – 12noon Saturday 4th and 9am – 5pm Sunday 5th May 2013
Cost: $80 (conc) $100 (waged) (This includes 2 FREE tix to performance)
Where: Studio 3, King St Arts Centre, Munster Ln, Perth WA 6000
Booking: click here

Performance : ‘Enter / Exit’

This performance is the resulting work by the participants and is open to public.

When: 3pm Sunday 5th May 2013
Cost: $10.00 (waged), $7.00 (conc.)
Where: King St Arts Centre, Studio 3
Booking: click here

To view the event on the Ausdance WA website, click here.

To learn how to be involved or for any other enquiries, you can email Paige Gordon or telephone 0411 243317.

Photograph: Tracksuit performers in Hi Viz (2011) by Paige Gordon.