2016 marks a new direction for Dancenorth. As Dance Australia critic Denise Richardson observed in September 2015, “Under [new artistic director Kyle] Page, the company has been invigorated, and infected with a palpable enthusiasm…” and browsing the 2016 program there is a sense of the company looking to new places and people.
In the immediate future, Dancenorth has announced a brand new residency program entitled Artist Residency in the Tropics (A.R.T). The program offers independent dance artists the chance to live and work in tropical North Queensland. Artists in residence are encouraged to attend company class in the morning and then have full access to a studio for the remained of the day. There is no presentation outcome but artists are encouraged to present their explorations at an informal showing for the company and invited guests for feedback and critical discussion. The successful applicant will be required to host a professional development workshop for the Dancenorth dancers.
Dates: Option 1: 9-20 May or Option 2: 15-26 August
Applications close: midnight, Sunday 3 April
More info: http://www.dancenorth.com.au/art
Photo: Amber Haines
Next on the performance agenda for Dancenorth is the hilariously named Rainbow Vomit, an immersive work designed to appeal to children of all ages. Rainbow Vomit, directed by Page and Amber Haines, calls into question the impact of technological advancement on a child’s attention span, imagination and creative capacity. “Children are exposed to more technology and with it, sensorial stimulation than ever before. We are interested in creating a space that provides the spring board to enhanced creativity and imagination,” says Page. “Rainbow Vomit is an interactive work involving fireworks glasses, 4kms of UV rope and spectacular, mind-bending choreography.”
Rainbow Vomit plays Townsville 11-16 April.
More info: http://www.dancenorth.com.au/currentworks/