NORPA, Media Release, 23 January 2023
The prestigious Sydney Dance Company joined forces with NORPA last week to mentor young dancers from the Northern Rivers in a week-long dance intensive held at Southern Cross University in Lismore.
Working with Sydney Dance Company’s Teaching Artists, 30 local dancers aged 13-18 years from across the region were taught Sydney Dance Company choreography and repertoire as well as learning how to develop and express their own experiences through contemporary dance.
Justine Turner, Sydney Dance Company’s Learning Manager said “The Creative Youth Dance Intensive provides tenacious and talented young dancers with an opportunity to connect to their creativity, express themselves and allows them to explore a new way of creating movement. We are delighted to partner with NORPA to connect with emerging dancers in the Northern Rivers Community.”
Julian Louis, NORPA’s Artistic Director said “The Northern Rivers has a very strong dance scene and this has been a great opportunity for young and emerging dancers to get first-hand experience with one of Australia’s best dance companies. We’re thrilled to have collaborated with Sydney Dance Company to make this once in a lifetime experience available to aspiring young dancers in the Northern Rivers.”
The Creative Youth Dance Intensive, supported by the Office for Regional Youth in partnership with Create NSW, culminated on Friday afternoon with an informal performance for family and friends as well as special guest, the NSW Minister for Arts and Regional Youth, Ben Franklin.
Minister for the Arts and Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the arts can be transformative for children and young people, providing a sense of community and belonging.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to providing more opportunities for young people to not only access and experience arts, screen, and culture but to explore and develop creative skills alongside professional artists and mentors,” Mr Franklin.
MacKinnon Connolly from the Lismore area was one of the participants. MacKinnon said of the experience, “This experience has been so valuable. Different perspectives in dance allowed me to challenge myself on a creative level. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience, connecting with new people in such a creative environment.”
Sydney Dance Company’s Creative Youth Dance Intensive is part of NORPA’s Summer 2023 program supported by the Office for Regional Youth in partnership with Create NSW. The workshop was also supported by Southern Cross University.
About Sydney Dance Company
Sydney Dance Company is Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, presenting new works in Sydney, around Australia and internationally, under the Artistic Direction of Rafael Bonachela. Since 1985 the Company has been resident in purpose-built and recently refurbished studios at Wharf 4/5 in Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Its studios house the largest public in-studio and online dance class program in Australia, attracting nearly 100,000 attendances each year. A legendary force in contemporary dance in Australia, Sydney Dance Company celebrated its 50th year in 2019. More information www.sydneydancecompany.com
About NORPA
NORPA is a leading Australian theatre company based in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. We program and co-produce works by leading national companies as well, but making original Australian work is at the heart of what we do and why we exist. Building opportunities, and nurturing local artists, NORPA is proof that regional Australia has big creative potential. NORPA celebrates 30 years in 2023. Find out more at norpa.org.au
