Victorian Dance Festival launches 2016 event

On Friday, October 23 at the Iconic Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, the Victorian Dance Festival (VDF) launched its 2016 event. The festival is the only all-inclusive dance event boasting the biggest names in the industry, which will all converge on Warrnambool’s Arch & The Light House Theatre for a weekend of dance on April 15-17, 2016.

Warrnambool is the capital of the Great Ocean Road and Home Oddball. In partnership with Warrnambool Tourism, Warrnambool City Council, Australian Dance Initiative and Arts Access, dancers of all abilities, including those with disabilities, will be treated to a weekend of high quality dance tuition, dance performances and educational seminars.

Paul Malek, previously a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Australia, said, “The impact VDF has already made on so many individuals, companies and families has been astonishing. An event as warm, inclusive and inspiring as this is one truly memorable experience for all who attend.”

Now in its fourth year, the festival was designed to cater to regional dancers. The goal was to give rural dancers the experience that is often out of reach for many who live a significant distance from the city. The festival aims to empower dancers to explore and develop their dance repertoire, giving them the opportunity to undertake many styles of dance.

The Victorian Dance Festival will ensure regional dancers have access to high quality, intensive dance education while breaking down the barriers of distance and the lack of opportunity.

VDF promotes a healthy, safe and positive lifestyle and teaches dancers about creating opportunity, innovation and an ability to dispel the myth that just because you live in a rural setting, you are therefore disadvantaged. Busting this myth is one of the festival’s assets, with many metropolitan-based dancers travelling to Warrnambool for the event.

Kate Meade, founder and director of the event, said she was delighted to be offering new opportunities in 2016. She said, “The Victorian Dance Festival prides itself on providing opportunities for dancers Australia-wide. We are now extending this to include choreographers.”

“It is with great delight we offer the opportunity for up-and-coming choreographers. If you are ready to share your gift with 2,000 dancers eager to learn and grow, then this grant is for you,” she said.

EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS CALL OUT

The Victorian Dance Festival has announced its 2016 Emerging Choreographers Grants. Applicants may apply for one of two grants to instruct and showcase new or developing work at the 2016 Victorian Dance Festival.

Successful applicants will be paid $100 per class to teach a one-hour session at VDF. They’ll also be provided the opportunity to perform work solo or with a group at the Gala Showcase.

Plus, successful applicants will receive promotion for their upcoming shows, workshops or other events through the Victorian Dance Festival database and social media for 12 months. They’ll receive a full weekend pass to the 2016 VDF too.

To apply, email vicdancefestival@gmail.com a description of your proposed class and why you would like the opportunity to be a presenter. Descriptions can only be up to 500 words. Their application should also include a link to their previous works, whether via YouTube or Vimeo.
A headshot will also be required.

The deadline for Emerging Choreographers applications is November 20. Applicants will be contacted on December 1 via email if they win.

For full details on VDF 2016, stay tuned to www.victoriandancefestival.com.