Dancers from China and Australia collaborate for the first part of a Chinese Australian Dance Project which extends to 2020.
Earlier this year Expressions Dance Company’s (EDC) ensemble travelled to China to collaborate with Guangdong Modern Dance Company (GMDC), forming new relationships, creating new work and premiering it to delighted audiences there. Now it's Australia’s turn.
EDC’s Artistic Director Natalie Weir says she is thrilled to build on the collaborative exchange of culture and dance. “We are very excited to be presenting this showcase which will include an Australian premiere of 'Black' - a piece the companies created together under the direction of acclaimed Hong Kong choreographer Xing Liang, as well as a piece each from GMDC and EDC.”
The triple bill will feature a piece from GMDC’s resident choreographer, Liu Qi; 'Sumeru', revealing the connection between the elements of the earth and the elements of dance. According to an ancient saying, a grain as tiny as a mustard seed can reveal all the wonders of Mount Sumeru. Dance, like a mustard seed, may contain many interesting stories if you take a look inside.
Natalie WeirThe EDC ensemble will premier 'Don’t' to Brisbane. This work by Natalie Weir will explore the emotional power of words that come between us, words that inspire us and words we wish we had never said.
Together, the companies will present 'Black' which sees dancers from both companies using materials and textures seen in their lives to collage the dreamlike, fleeting and ineffable charm of black.
These are the Top 5 reasons Natalie Weir is excited to collaborate with China:
Leading companies
Asia’s Guangdong Modern Dance Company is one of Asia’s leading contemporary dance companies. Works created by its dancers, resident choreographers and artistic director have won critical acclaim and overwhelming audience response worldwide. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with them and bringing them to Australian shores.{youtube}IQJDYxHZxcw{/youtube}
Triple the fun
'Black' is a triple bill performance, which means there will be a trio of short works performed - one by EDC ('Don’t'), one by GMDC ('Sumeru') and one by both companies together ('Black').Back and forward
Following the Brisbane season of Black at QPAC, we will then travel back to China again to perform at the opening of the Guangzhou Modern Dance Festival – a brilliant honour.Chinese New Year
The Brisbane season falls within 2016 Chinese New Year celebrations. We’re excited to be able to share this meaningful tradition with our fellow GMDC dancers while they’re in Australia.
International collaborations
EDC’s international collaborations over the past seven years have built our international profile through a number of distinctive and unique collaborations. We have worked with with Beijing/ LDTX, Singapore Dance Theatre, Cathy Sharp Dance Ensemble in Basel, and now, GMDC. Being resident in these countries is a wonderful way for EDC to show its work internationally and make long-lasting connections.'Black' performs Queensland Performing Arts Centre 12-20 February.
