Dance students at the West Australian Academy of the Performing Arts are about to leap onto the stage for a stunning program of contemporary dance and classical ballet, called "Verge".
WAAPA has welcomed back acclaimed French choreographer Didier Théron, following previous collaborations on Harakiri and Shanghai Bolero, to choreograph his 2022 work, Atalantas, on the graduating students.
Drawing inspiration from the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta of Greek mythology, this piece presents a cast of warrior women who fight for their future, their place as women and their freedom. Théron says: “I am Atalanta, we all are Atalantas.” The work features live percussion performed by 3rd Year Bachelor of Music student Jonathan Parker.
The second contemporary dance piece is by highly regarded WAAPA alumnus, Deanne Butterworth.
Known for her original work that is preoccupied with the investigation of movement and how it relates to the physical, emotional and sonic space in which it is located, she has created Reading Room for 2nd year students.
For ballet lovers, 2nd and 3rd students will perform excerpts from Don Quixote, restaged by WAAPA’s Coordinator of Classical Ballet Kim McCarthy in collaboration with dance lecturer Leanne Stojmenov, who was celebrated for her interpretation of the lead role of Kitri in the ballet throughout her 20 year ballet career.
'Verge' will be performed from November 10 to 16 at the Geoff Gibbs Theatre, Mount Lawley. More info here.