Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub is a new professional dance and interdisciplinary arts organisation in Newcastle, NSW. Catapult aims to bring the finest professional contemporary dance artists to inspire, educate, collaborate and work with the Newcastle community. Catapult dance offers: professional artist In residence programs, a masterclass series, a youth contemporary collaborative initiative entitled the Flipside Project (supported by Arts NSW) and community classes.
Since Launching the Catapult venue, which has two large studios, in 2015, Catapult has played host to residency program, Propel, funded by Australia Council for the Arts.
This program has provided choreographers Adam Blanch, Kristina Chan, Marnie Palomares, Miranda Wheen and Joshua Thomson the opportunity to seed new work in collaboration with Newcastle-based interdisciplinary artists. Over a three-week period, the Propel residencies provided artists with space and time to engage in experimentation, crossing art forms, whilst developing concepts for new works. A number of these works are set for further development in April, 2016 at the Lock up Gallery, Newcastle, an exhibiting space housed in the old police station and prison cells.
Catapult has an exciting line-up for the Masterclass Series 2016. The masterclasses provide opportunities for local Newcastle dance students to learn new techniques, repertoire and choreographic practice from artists such as Joshua Mu, Joseph Simons, Paul Knobloch, Craig Bary and Marko Panzic.
Weekly drop in dance classes at Catapult are taught by director Cadi McCarthy. The classes focus on contemporary dance technique, and creativity for adults, young people and toddlers. There are classes available for all ages and levels of dance experience. These classes are also taught by visiting artists who are engaged in the various residency programs.
For more information head to www.cadimccarthy.com.au/catapult