A production that involves secret trysts, simmering jealousies and stark realities, 'Danse Noir' features a cast of exquisite and captivating young dancers.
The production includes up-and-coming dancers Kenny Johnson, Tyrel Dulvarie and Yolanda Lowatta (‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’) and is choreographed by the talented Penelope Mullen.
Centring around an apartment block from which the residents are pulled sharply into focus by the voyeuristic tendencies of the landlord, the latest show from the Judith Wright Centre is sure to steam up the set and eke out often-repressed emotions.
One of the main dancers, Yolanda Lowatta, shares the secrets from behind-the-scenes.
Describe ‘Danse Noir’ in five words? Relationships, survival, desire, revealing, attraction.
How have you prepared for this role? How do you make it your own? At the start of the rehearsals, I workshopped some ideas that (choreographer) Penelope Mullen gave me and I put a little bit of my style into my character to make it my own.
Your fav dance in the production and why? The opening number is my favourite dance piece because that’s when we are introduced as our characters.
How is this production different to other dance shows you have been part of? In terms of dancing, this production is different to me personally because I get to really establish my character and her journey through out the show.
What life lessons have you learnt from being an artist/ dancer/ performer? As a performer, I’ve learnt that it is important to take initiative and responsibility plus time management is an essential skill.
Can you talk us through a typical rehearsal? Generally our rehearsals start around about 11am. I get there at least half an hour early to get ready and warmed up, then we recap on material that is already set and either extend on it or start on a new piece. We generally finish around 2pm.
The rest of the cast makes you feel... ? I LOVE being a part of 'Danse Noir' because the cast continuously inspires and challenge me to strive for perfection — not that we ever reach it but simply that we strive.
The audience will say as they leave the theatre? I’m really not sure that the what the audience say when they leave, but whatever it is I hope that they are affected by the show.
If you had three wishes, you would ask for? Hmmm. A yacht, the ability to teleport and happiness.
This show is all about love, lust, betrayal and desire. What has been the best advice about love you've been given? One that has resonated with me lately is "If you love something you have to let it go. If it comes back it’s yours to keep, but if it doesn’t come back then it was never yours."
Any advice to younger dancers? Well this is only my third year dancing, so I still class myself as a young dancer. But from my experience, I’d have to say being open to everything and taking what I needed has really helped me get to where I am.
The reason you became a dancer was? I became a dancer after taking a dance class at my old college, I loved it. Dancing makes me feel free and happy, it feels almost therapeutic.
'Danse Noir' is on at the Judith Wright Centre from April 26 – May 3.
