Full-time training: Australasian Dance Collective
How has your understanding of dance as an art form evolved during your full-time studies? Were there any particular moments or experiences that shifted your perspective?
During my full-time studies, my understanding of dance evolved beyond perfecting technique. Initially, I focused on precision, strength and executing movement correctly, but over time I realised that dance is ultimately about storytelling, communication and creating an emotional connection with an audience.
This shift became especially clear while performing in ADC’s 40th anniversary season, Blue, in Hofesh Shechter’s In your rooms alongside the company. The work demanded emotional maturity, vulnerability and an understanding of themes such as injustice and oppression. The choreography is intensely charged with energy and intention, requiring a major mental shift from simply completing movement to fully embodying and communicating the emotional weight of the work.
Similarly, performing in Sam Coren’s Slug as part of Kinesis further expanded my understanding of dance as an expressive art form. The highly abstract nature of the work demanded complete performative commitment and intentionality to convey its intricate avant-garde narratives and emotional nuance.
Through these experiences, I came to understand that dance is not only about what the body can do, but also what it can communicate. My studies taught me to value authenticity, intention and emotional impact just as much as technical skill.
How did the community within your program (teachers, peers) shape your experience and growth as a dancer and individual? Can you share a specific example?
The community within my full-time program played a huge role in shaping both my growth as a dancer and as an individual.
Our program director went above and beyond to connect us with prominent industry professionals and independent artists, giving us invaluable insight and opportunities throughout the year. For example, we had the opportunity to connect with The Farm to observe and experience the creative development of its newly announced work, No One Gets Out of Here Alive. In return, we held a showing at which we performed our graduation works for its creatives.
This level of exposure and connection to current working artists was really unique to this program and enabled me to take my first steps into the industry feeling like I already had a community around me.
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Images by David Kelly