Dancenorth Celebrates 40 Years with Opportunities for Emerging and Independent Dance Artists
As Dancenorth Australia celebrates its 40th anniversary, the globally-renowned company based in Gurambilbarra (Townsville) is reaffirming its commitment to the Australian dance ecology by expanding its support for emerging and independent artists.
In 2025, Dancenorth will double its annual Secondment Program, welcoming over 50 young dance artists into its studios for immersive training and creative workshops. The company will also continue its Artist Residency in the Tropics (A.R.T.) Program, providing a unique opportunity for five independent artists to draw inspiration from the striking landscape of North Queensland while engaging in reflection, research, and artistic development.
Artistic Director and Co-CEO Kyle Page sees this milestone year as a chance to honour Dancenorth’s legacy while nurturing the future of Australian dance.
“As we celebrate a milestone birthday, we do so deeply aware that Dancenorth’s legacy stretches far beyond any single moment or individual,” said Page. “We are committed to easing the path for those who will come next, fostering innovation and strengthening the broader dance ecology to ensure a vibrant and resilient national sector for generations to come.”
Supporting Independent Artists: The A.R.T. Program
The Artist Residency in the Tropics (A.R.T.) Program, running for two to three weeks, offers independent artists the time, space, and resources to develop their creative practice. Each residency includes a bursary, technical support, and connectivity to Dancenorth’s team, all within the inspiring setting of Townsville’s dry tropic landscape. Applications for the 2025 A.R.T. Program are open from 12 January to 16 February.
Doubling Opportunities for Emerging Talent
Dancenorth’s Secondment Program has experienced a surge in demand, with nearly 150 applications received in 2024. In response, the program has been expanded to accommodate over 50 participants across two week-long immersions, offered free of charge.
Associate Artistic Director Amber Haines expressed excitement about the program’s growth and its impact on the dance community.
“The enrichment and energy exchange our Secondments bring to the building flows both ways,” said Haines. “It feels like a significant nod to the future, and we take both the opportunity and the responsibility seriously to share our experiences and surrounds with the dance artists who will follow us.”
Applications for the Secondment Program will be open from 17 February to 9 March 2025.
A Legacy of Innovation
Since its founding in 1985, Dancenorth has been a beacon for Australian dance, drawing independent artists and audiences to its home in Townsville. The company’s innovative programs reflect its enduring vision: to nurture talent, inspire creativity, and build a strong foundation for the next generation of dance artists.
To learn more about Dancenorth’s programs and apply, click here.
Acknowledgement of Funding
Dancenorth’s Regional Gravitation Program is generously supported by the Ian Potter Foundation and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Strategic Partnerships Fund.