Tim Podesta to premiere latest work in London

On December 7, Australian choreographer Tim Podesta will be in London for the premiere of his latest work The Zoo, inspired by Edward Albee’s 1959 play “The Zoo Story”. On the same day in his hometown in Wodonga, regional Australia, his full-time training organization Projection Dance School will be performing Don Quixote. Meanwhile, in America his film La Jeune Femme et la Mort starring ballet’s Mara Galeazzi and Marlon Dino will be screening at film festivals and in Ethiopia students will be gearing up for Podesta’s third visit, where he’s developing a sustainable dance program with the support of the Australian government.

“Dance has always been something that I see has the potential to be more than just entertainment. I firmly believe that dance has values of a holistic nature that can have a huge impact in people’s lives,” Podesta commented.

Looking at his school in Wodonga, Podesta has evidence of this. Numerous school alumni now enjoy professional careers in companies around the world. Then, from just one of his trips to Ethiopia, Podesta and stars of the ballet world were able to raise enough money to provide nutrition assistance, education, medical care and socio-psychological services to PACO, a registered charitable organization supporting children who are afflicted by HIV. 

“Travelling to Ethiopia is always an amazing time. Over the years I have shared the stage with Ethiopian dancer Melaku Belay, conducted ballet and contemporary dance workshops for unprivileged children from three charity organisations supported by the Australian Embassy through its Direct Aid Program and worked with dancers from the Destino Dance Company. I am excited to get back there and work with the Ethiopian community to develop sustainable dance programs and international ties with their incredible dancers,” Podesta shared.

In London, Podesta is working with a number of international artists, including frequent collaborators James Pett and Travis Clasuen Knight from Company Wayne McGregor. These locally-based dancers are helping him bring to life The Zoo, along with his producing partner and theatre designer Yukiko Tsukamoto. The Zoo marks Podesta’s return to the London stage after the success of his award-winning work Shadow Aspect in 2017.

“I love London; it just breathes artistry and it inspires creativity,” Podesta shared.

Having frequent opportunities internationally is what continues to draw Podesta back to Australia, and more importantly regional Australia.

“I grew up in regional Australia. There is rich talent and infrastructure there and I want young dancers growing up there to have the amazing opportunities and experiences that I have had and know that dance can make a difference,” Podesta concluded. 

Visit www.projectiondance.com for more information.

Image (top): Promotional poster for The Zoo. Photo (left): Podesta in Ethiopia. Photo (right): Podesta with students of Projection Dance School. Images courtesy of PROJECTion Dance Co.