Australian Dance Theatre turns 50!
On June 10, 2015, the Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) turned 50, making it the oldest contemporary dance company in Australia. Artistic Director Garry Stewart said that the anniversary makes you think about the past, present and future.
“Elizabeth Cameron Dalman started the company with an ambitious vision and it’s her legacy that has made such a formidable impact on Australia and the world – it is fitting that she is our 50th anniversary patron. She is remembered jointly with other past Artistic Directors, who with their ensembles have all played a pivotal part in reaching 50,” he said.
ADT was founded by Dr. Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM in 1965 after she was inspired by her experience in New York and by the Australian environment. It was the first time modern and contemporary dance was taught in Australia.
Since then, ADT has grown to be one of the most influential dance companies in the country and has been producing consistently great repertoire since it was formed.
Under the artistic direction of Garry Stewart since the end of 1999, ADT embarked on a remarkably successful artistic trajectory that has distinguished it as a daring, exciting and highly skilled ensemble.
The world renowned dance company has a rich history full of wonderful stories and achievements that have lead it to its current world-class status, a dancing phenomenon that continues to push new boundaries across the globe. As a result, it enjoys an enviable national and international reputation, making it Australia’s number one dance ambassador across the globe.
Over the 50 years there has been five artistic directors and three interim directors—1965 to 1975 was Dr. Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM, 1977 to 1985 was Jonathan Taylor, 1986 was Anthony Steel and Lenny Westerdijk (artistic caretakers), 1987 to 1993 was Leigh Warren, 1993 to 1999 was Meryl Tankard, 1999 was Bill Pengelly (interim artistic director) and 1999 to current is Garry Stewart. Plus, the company has hosted 67 choreographers, 232 dancers, 24 composers, 97 designers, 24 stage managers and 11 technical directors. ADT has toured in 265 venues around the globe.
The milestone birthday was celebrated on Wednesday, June 10 at a Founders event organized by Dr. Elizabeth Cameron Dalman at the original home of ADT, Adelaide Arcade. See this Facebook album for photos of the event.
Image: Dr. Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM performing in 1974. Photo by Jan Dalman.