Sharp Short Dance applications now open

Applications are now open for visionary and creative dancers and choreographers, aged 21 years and under, to take part in Sharp Short Dance, a dance festival coordinated by FORM Dance Projects.

On November 10-14, Sharp Short Dance will showcase short, new and innovative dance works from the dance industry’s finest young talent. The festival encourages young artists to strive for their own artistic excellence and supports participation in all genres of dance.

“Sharp Short Dance is a really great platform for young artists. It’s an environment that isn’t judging, but where everyone is really proud of each other’s work,” said 2014 Best Duet winner Genevieve Morris. “Winning Best Duet boosted my confidence and gave me a lot of reassurance. People appreciated what I did, which pushed me forward to create my own dance company.”

Artists can enter their dance work to one of three heats, which are separated by genre. Selected works will then continue into the final that will be judged by a panel of industry professionals.

From krumping to classical, jazz to contemporary, all participants in Sharp Short Dance are eligible for the festival’s awards, including Most Innovative Choreography, Outstanding Male Performer, Outstanding Female Performer, Solo, Duet and Ensemble Performance and the Audience Choice Award.

Sharp Short Dance provides professional development opportunities for young artists to network with industry experts and mentoring for those participating in the final heat. Finalists are also eligible for industry placements with the prestigious Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre, as well as renowned choreographer Marko Panzic’s Dream Dance Company.

“Sharp Short Dance is a unique and exciting opportunity for young choreographers to showcase their work in front of an audience and industry leaders,” said Marko Panzic. “This program is one of FORM’s best and that’s why we are awarding an industry placement with the Dream Dance Company.”

To download a 2015 application form, visit http://form.org.au. Applications close on Monday, October 12. For those chosen, Heats One to Three are set for November 10-12. The Final will be November 14, with all performances taking place at Riverside Theatres at the corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta.

Photos by Pia Moore.