Expressions dance company in Brisbane is entering into an exciting collaboration with three of China's leading contemporary dance companies and two Chinese dance festivals.
In February, EDC will join forces with Guangdong Modern Dance Company (GMDC) to present a season of “Black” at Queensland performing arts Centre. In November, it will tour to Guangzhou in China for a contemporary dance festival.
GMDC, founded in 1992 by current director Willy Tsao, is mainland China's first professional modern dance company.
"Black" is a triple bill comprising one work performed by GMDC, one performed by Expressions and the eponymous work performed by both companies. GMDC will present Sumeru, choreographed by Liu Qi and named after the central world-mountain in Buddhist cosmology. Expressions will present Don't, choreographed by artistic director Natalie Weir. The companies will combine for Black, which is choreographed by Hong Kong-based choreographer, Xing Liang.
The season will not be graced unfortunately by company member, Daryl Brandwood. At the age of 44, he has decided to retire after a remarkable career in both classical and contemporary dance. Fellow company dancer Jack Zeising has also left to freelance. However, Richard Causer (who was with the company from 2006 to 2012) is returning to the company, having spent some time out dancing in London where he worked with New York legend Penny Arcade, Anomic Multimedia Theatre, Chisato Minamimura, Balbir Singh, Inky Cloak Theatre Co and other dance companies.
Black will run from February 12-20.