Like any good reflective process, it’s always good to define what it is you can offer, to determine your strength, and also what’s lacking. Living in London got me thinking – on what separates what I know from what dancers learn here, and what there is here that I can learn.
So, in the spirit of advancement, here’s a few little things I think Australian contemporary dancers have going for us… feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments section!
1. We’re “Space Eaters”
Renowned for our use of space, Australian contemporary dancers like to really move. And move a lot.Traveling (or “eating”) through space is instinctive. Though some would argue it’s a cultural value (with all the country space we occupy, you say?), regardless, it’s one of our strengths as dancers and can lend itself to a powerful dynamic.
2. Breadth of Style
It’s one things I’ve noticed since coming here; Australian dancers are good at, and used to, merging stylistic and technical forms. In London, contemporary dance seems driven by certain approaches to movement – Cunningham, Laban, Graham. There are certain strengths to be gained in being able to divide these forms, but another strength is shown through mixing and matching these preferences…much more the Aussie way.
3. Improvisation as a tool
What can I say, it’s a part of our training. Improvisation exists in every country, in countless artistic forms, but I must admit that I think Australians are particularly gifted in it. It seems to be a part of our training, something we’re encouraged to do as a performer, and choreographically. Professionally, it’s something needed to work with a contemporary company, as most choreographers are interested in collaborative efforts.
5.Tenacity
Tenacity is not only shown stylistically, it’s proven in the drive and motivation of Australian dancers. The dance opportunities are currently limited, funding is low, and thus tenacity in dancers is essential to motivate and survive in the art form. Seizing opportunities, or better yet, creating them, are things that must be done in order to be able to dance in the Australian Contemporary Dance landscape.
5. (A little byproduct of…) Tall Poppy Syndrome
This is said to be a cultural syndrome, but I believe it occurs strongly in Australian dancers. It’s common to not believe we’re good enough to be on par with the international scene, and it can be difficult to advertise ourselves, promoting ourselves above our peers. So removed are we as a country from the greater European opportunities, it’s believed that overseas experience are almost essential to create a better artist. Whilst there are many strong points to going overseas to dance, I still believe we undervalue our talent, and our unique artistic perspective.
Are you, or have you worked with, Australian dancers? What are your thoughts?
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