Our cover photo this issue is of the phenomenally talented Harrison Lee, who recently won gold at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne international ballet competition in Switzerland. We just had to celebrate this remarkable achievement! Our correspondent Emma Sandall was there to witness the whole event – you can read her thoughtful and considered account in this issue, as well as bask in our beautiful photos of all the Australian contestants.
Speaking of things international, Australian dancers are always described by overseas observers as having a different sense of space from other nationalities. What does this really mean? Do we really dance bigger and broader than most? Does our “wide brown land” really affect the way we move? Emma Sandall, an Aussie who has had a respectable international career of her own, explores this concept.
Dancers, like sports people and athletes, have short careers. Retirement comes early, following a lifetime of training and commitment, and can be a traumatic experience. Qld Ballet principal dancer Matthew Lawrence has recently hung up his shoes and shares his feelings with readers in this issue.
Musical theatre luminaries Lisa O'Dea, Marko Panzic and Aaron Cash (who is choreographer for Ballet Revolucion as well as sometime So You Think You Can Dance judge) discuss the joys of teaching and mentoring.
Why does Giselle continue to be one of the world's favourite ballets? Maina Gielgud, who has been in Australia to stage her version of this classic for the Australian Ballet, tells us why she thinks it has such timeless appeal. We have some gorgeous photos of the dancers in rehearsal, too.
We also have an interview with emerging choreographer and Tanja Liedtke Fellowship winner Joseph Simons, and another with the artistic director of Chunky Move, Anouk van Dijk.
Shaaron Boughen, Adjunct Associate Professor in Creative Industries at Queensland University of Technology, alerts us to the absence of dance in the proposed new education curriculum.
Sydney Dance Company's Janessa Duffty answers our Limelight questions; Nutritionist Fiona Sutherland discusses food shaming; and Michelle Dursun profiles veteran dance teacher Mary Geer.
All that and more in the April/May issue of Dance Australia. OUT NOW!
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