We all know that opportunities to work as a dance artist are limited, but in 2011, So You Think You Can Dance choreographer, and independent dance producer Paul Malek decided to do something to help address the situation. Malek commissioned “Underground”, a quarterly dance festival held at the unique warehouse space at Revolt in Kensington. The aim of the festival is to provide more opportunities for dance artists to strut their stuff.
“Underground” is both a showcase and club event, providing a non-competitive and celebratory platform for independent and established local choreographers and dancers. The event has gone from strength to strength, with attendance numbers increasing five-fold since its inception. “We have been completely blown away from the response to our event,” remarks Malek. “We get in excess of 50 performance applications from companies and choreographers for each event and can only accept 26. We're even getting international interest, with LA choreographer and YouTube sensation Erica Sobol joining the lineup for our Autumn event”.
The success of “Underground” isn't just limited to the dance community. One of the event’s accomplishments is its ability to appeal to audiences that may not usually attend dance performances. “Its truly inspiring to see audiences flock to these events… people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Some have never seen a dance show in their life, but they're here, and they're loving it!” says Malek.
The next instalment, “Underground Autumn” takes place on Saturday 4 May and will host 26 acts over two performances. “Underground Autumn” features the choreographer Erica Sobol (LA), hip hop crews Sole Symphony and the Collektive (pictured), contemporary choreographer Adrian Ricks (Cats, Everybody Dance Now), Ballroom act Danzfuzion and several Melbourne-based dance companies.
"Underground" Saturday 4 May 2013 8pm - 18+ Event Revolt Artspace - 12 Elizabeth Street, Kensington VIC Bookings: Revolt Artspace (03) 9376 2115 or www.revoltproductions.com
Sole Symphony & The Collective gear up for Underground Autumn.
