Joining the ensemble for the latest research and  development period of the No Difference project is former ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ choreographer and Gold Coast-based performer, Travers Ross.

Led by Philip Channells, this project has been a 2-year ongoing partnership between The Arts Centre Gold Coast and Dance Integrated Australia. No Difference engages local Gold Coast and visiting guest artists from Brisbane, Sydney and the NSW Northern Rivers region.

No Difference has a unique place in Australian inclusive dance practice, contributing to the diversity of Australian cultural conversations about the importance of our common, connected humanity. At the heart of the project is that we embrace and respect our differences – including negative perceptions of ourselves – regardless of the things that set us apart.

Dancers: Kayah Guenther & Travers Ross / Photo Sam James

Other creatives and performers to join this next stage of the process from 4 – 10 February 2017 include Gold Coast-based artists Marissa Burgess, Shenae Howe, Kerrie Scott, Lauren Watson & Gavin Webber (The Farm); Brisbane-based artist Sandi Woo; Sydney-based artists Tom Hogan & Sam James; NSW Northern Rivers-based artists Tess Eckert, Kayah Guenther, Maitreyah Guenther and Canadian guest artist Meredith Kalaman.

While expanding the cultural landscape of dance activities in Queensland, attracting both emerging and established artists with and without disability, I am confident this project will enhance the diverse cultural framework in which Philip’s work sits. Angela Chapman, Ausdance Queensland

This project is proudly supported by The Arts Centre Gold Coast Benefactors.

BIOGRAPHY

Travers Ross is an abstract triple threat who wittingly disperses his creativity into alternative staged and filmed art set to appease all walks of life through an inconceivable collection of inspiring individuals he attracts. He’s a leading Australian choreographer, vocalist, performer who traverses countries, cultures, time and space before you. At the 2016 Falls Festival he shared his new solo music under the name Yt Dingo that is a 3some of genres. Electronic, Roots, Rap with Pop to bridge the gaps using urban contemporary dancers to tell some stories and party with.

In the past life he choreographed for three seasons of So You Think You Can Dance Australia, The ARIA AWARDS song of the year for 360 feat Gossling; toured internationally with Stalker Theatre breaking on stilts; won a People’s Choice Award for Short and Sweet Dance followed by an Australian tour of his work,”X”.

In the USA he assisted Snoop Dogg, Pharrel Williams, Swoop Academy and in Australia artists such as Bliss n Eso, Sietta, Dalas Frasca featuring in many music videos, corporate events, theatre shows, festivals and films. He has been running events, festivals and workshops himself around Australian capital cities and remote communities for close to 10 years one you may know as Utopian Dream Festival built out of his birth town, Coffs Harbour.

Reaching beyond the borders of Japan and Australia, Travers also performs as a vocalist in his band, NEREUS that was seen and heard at the trendy festivals this year including Splendour in the Grass, Desert Harmony Festival NT. He has just returned from Japan recording their album set to release in April 2017.

Travers recently moved to the Gold Coast where he just completed a residency at The Arts Centre Gold Coast, performing and choreographing for Circus Corridor, working with different music producers, and now performing under Elements collectives hip hop theatre company in 2 shows called M.I.N.D.E.D and One Way. Travers hopes to further his theatre and film projects and support others in theirs.

Photo: Ben Holbourn / Bourn Photography