Five up and coming choreographers will be given the chance to create work on Sydney Dance Company’s dancers thanks to a new program entitled "New Breed". Co-presented by Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks, the five works will be presented at Carriageworks from 5-8 November this year. "New Breed" is a three year program, designed to give emerging choreographers the chance to create work on company dancers.
The five choreographers include independent choreographers, Gabrielle Nankivell and Lee Serle, and Sydney Dance Company dancers, Juliette Barton, Cass Mortimer Eipper and Charmene Yap.
There is a range of choreographic experience within the group, as well as a range of artistic styles. Serle was an inaugural recipient of the Australia Council’s Creative Australia Fellowship in 2012 and the first Australian to be awarded the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Initiative for dance. He is interested in abstract works that are conceptually driven and structurally complex, while Nankivell’s works are typically high energy and theatrical, informed by her extensive physical theatre experience.
Cass Mortimer Eipper has been choreographing for some years now, having been co-director of Australian dance/media company Ludwig prior to joining SDC. He has choreographed numerous works, including several pieces for West Australian Ballet, and in 2013 was the recipient of a 2013 West Australian Dance Award for Most Outstanding Choreography for his co-creation with Emma Sandall, Fleck&Flecker.
In contrast, Barton and Yap will be making their choreographic debut at "New Breed". SDC artistic director Rafael Bonachela explains that the pair were invited on the strength of their work as dancers with the company. “I know how creative they are and what they’re like when they’re working with me as performers,” he remarks. “Ultimately New Breed is an opportunity for them to see if choreography is something they enjoy and want to pursue.”
For more information about "New Breed" go to http://www.sydneydancecompany.com/productions/newbreed or http://www.carriageworks.com.au