DirtyFeet: dancing through a decade

The soft hum of the rehearsal studio fills the air, the echo of steps on the wooden floor blending harmoniously with the murmurs of creative minds at work. This is not just any studio; it’s the birthplace of countless artistic dreams and a sanctuary for emerging dance talent. Here, the future of dance is being meticulously sculpted, one creative idea at a time.

As DirtyFeet celebrates the 10-year anniversary of our pioneering program, "Out of The Studio," I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. This program has been at the heart of our mission to nurture and develop emerging dance artists, becoming a rite of passage for many and leaving an unforgettable mark on the Australian contemporary dance landscape.

"Out of The Studio" was launched with humble beginnings at Shopfront Arts Co-op in August 2014. Our small but mighty team, fortified by homemade chocolate brownies and cups of tea, set the foundation for what this program would become. The early days included doing everything ourselves, from cleaning to catering the events. These formative experiences encapsulates the essence of our company—a commitment to supporting emerging artists with a hands-on, nurturing approach.

The heart of the program has always been to provide a unique space where emerging choreographers and dancers can experiment, fail forward, and grow. In offering a blank canvas within a nurturing environment, we give artists the freedom to explore their own creative directions without pressure. For many, this program marks their first paid opportunity to develop new work and lead a group of dancers through a dedicated creative development period. This experience often becomes a pivotal milestone in their careers. The opportunity, space, and support to create and present new work to an audience for the very first time is a rarity and a precious gift that we are proud to offer.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen countless artists step onto that stage to share the early drafts of what would later become remarkable works of art. Each year, the program has grown stronger, with more diverse voices and innovative ideas coming to the forefront. The feedback from the artists, their growth, and the connections they’ve made through the program are a testament to the power of providing a nurturing and supportive space for creativity. This program has become a cornerstone of Sydney’s dance community, and being part of its journey has been both humbling and inspiring.”

– Anthea Doropoulos, Artistic Director 

The journey has not been without challenges. The dance industry is tough, and sustaining a dance career in Australia is incredibly demanding. Yet, even as a small, independent, not-for-profit contemporary dance company, we are mighty because of our resilience, passion, and determination.

From our initial setup at Shopfront, to our move to Brand X, and most recently partnering with Sydney Dance Company, Each new venue partnership has enriched our experience, allowing us to expand our reach and support even more artists.

For many, "Out of The Studio" has served as their gateway into the New South Wales dance sector, with their careers flourishing thereafter, thanks in part to the strong foundation and community that DirtyFeet provides. This platform has been pivotal in developing and sustaining numerous artists' careers. Previous "Out of The Studio" residents have gone on to present and work with leading dance organisations across the country, such as Sydney Dance Company's New Breed, the Keir Awards, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Melbourne Arts House, Sydney Opera House, Bangarra, Australian Dance Theatre, Sydney Festival, Dancehouse, TasDance, Arts Gallery of NSW, The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre,  Dance Makers Collective, FORM Dance Projects, Blacktown Arts Centre, PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, Karul Projects and FLING Physical Theatre.

The program's success stories are a testament to its impact. Choreographers who once entered the studio as novices now lead companies, tour globally and inspire the next generation of dancers. Their works resonate with audiences far and wide, bearing the imprint of the nurturing environment from which they sprang.

Looking to the future, we are committed to continuing these vital relationships and fostering new ones. We will keep cultivating relationships with established artists who serve as mentors in the program, carefully matching them with our emerging choreographers. These connections often extend beyond the program, creating long-term professional bonds that enrich both mentors and mentees.

The 10-year anniversary of "Out of The Studio" marks a significant milestone for DirtyFeet. This program has become a crucible for emerging dance talent, offering a unique space where creativity and experimentation thrive. Reflecting on these past ten years, I am overwhelmed by the sense of community and the incredible journeys we’ve helped to shape. The feedback from the artists, their stunning performances, and their continued successes constantly remind me why this work is so vital and fulfilling.

As we commemorate this significant achievement, we remain committed to our mission and excited to see what the next decade holds for our artists and the broader dance community. This program has touched many lives and forged countless careers. It exemplifies what DirtyFeet stands for: nurturing artists, fostering relationships, and building a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive dance community. Celebrating the past, the present and the future, we eagerly anticipate many more years of creativity, collaboration, and community-building.

Here’s to many more years of breaking new ground and sustaining artistic dreams. Happy 10th anniversary, "Out of The Studio"! Thank you to every artist, supporter, and community member who has been a part of this incredible journey. Together, we've built something extraordinary, and the best is yet to come.

Sarah-Vyne Vassallo is the Director of Artistic Operations and Inclusive Practice and a Winston Churchill Fellow.

DirtyFeet’s Out of the Studio 2024 program will be held at the Sydney Dance Company Studios on September 20 to 21 (three performances). On the bill are new works by Vishnu Arunasalam, Amy Flannery, and Emma Riches, with collaborators Mitchell Christie, Maddison Fraser, Josh Freedman, Emma Harrison, Jacinta Mullen and Aroha Pehi, mentored by Martin del Amo and Vicki Van Hout.

Bookings here.

The photos show a range of performances held by 'Out of the Studio' over the decade.