Natalie Weir leaves Expressions

Natalie Weir, the Artistic Director of Expressions Dance Company, has decided to step down. “2018 is my 10th year leading this wonderful company and I am extremely proud of our many achievements during this period," she says.
 
“I had the privilege of taking on the role of artistic director from the founders of the company, Maggi Sietsma and Abel Valls, and I believe that now is the right time for me to hand over the reins to someone new, who can build on the company’s successes and lead it into the future. It has been a joy to guide EDC and I have worked with many beautiful artists who have touched my heart with their commitment and grace.”
 
Weir’s final signature work for EDC, Everyday Requiem, will premiere at the Qld Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in October. She will continue to plan the company’s 2019 season, which includes a collaboration in China and Australia with Beijing /LDTX, as part of the company’s Chinese Australian Dance Exchange Project.
 
EDC’s Chair, Marian Gibney, expressed the Board’s appreciation for Ms Weir’s enormous contribution to EDC. “Natalie has given her all to the company. Her artistic vision has been embraced by audiences, collaborators and partners alike and her values have created a culture that nurtures and respects artists.
 
“She will leave a brilliant and enduring legacy. While we will miss Natalie dearly, the Board is pleased that we have time to work with her to recruit and smoothly transition to a new artistic director, who can lead the company into a new era.”

Weir's time at EDC was marked by her commitment to sustaining an ensemble of dancers. She also developed a long-term, pivotal partnership with QPAC, resulting in six, large-scale signature works which have attracted many national awards and nominations,including two Helpmann awards for Where the Heart Is.

She established a partnership with the Dance Department at the Qld University of Technology, offering students real world learning opportunities, and enhanced EDC’s commitment to dance education through the Brisbane Contemporary Dance Intensive (BCDI), which attracts aspiring dancers from across Australia. She launched a pilot youth ensemble, developed the Chinese Australian Dance Exchange Project, which involves a significant partnership with three Chinese contemporary dance companies led by Willy Tsao - City Contemporary Dance Company, Guangdong Modern Dance Company and Beijing/LDTX.

“Change is a good thing, both for me and for EDC,” said Ms Weir. “The company is well positioned to soar, lifting to new heights in the future. I will miss EDC greatly, however this is an exciting time for the company and for me. I thank everyone who has worked so hard and with such passion to realise my vision. It has been a wonderful journey."

Tickets for Everyday Requiem can be booked by visiting here.
 
“Everyday Requiem will be a very special work, and I am very excited to bring it to the stage,” Weir says.