Restless role models at NSW residency
Restless Dance Theatre, an industry leader in the field of disability arts practice, has recently undertaken a three-week residency at Bundanon, the artist in residence complex near Nowra in NSW.
The Restless ensemble are working with Sydney-based Choreographer and Director Dean Walsh during the residency and engaging local community groups in dance workshops.
"What's exciting about working with Dean is that he brings a set of new skills and vocabulary to the ensemble ... to push the dancers to make great work," said Artistic Director Philip Channells.
Channells believes Bundanon is the perfect location for the development of the dancers and for the creation of new work. It will be the third work developed for the Restless Touring Company.
"All the working methods of the company are designed to put the young disabled person in the driving seat; in control in terms of what the content of the dance is and in terms of how that content is expressed."
While in residence, Restless Dance Theatre presented two half day workshops with local disability service groups including Greenacres, House with No Steps, Life without Barriers, ADHC (Ageing, Disability and Home Care) and Shoalhaven Crossroads.
"Working with community groups is an essential part of what we do at Restless and its through having a connection to the community, establishing partnerships and collaborations, that we find it a really unique way of discovering what dance can be, it is really the grass roots of the company. We also learn very quickly what it's not - and that changes from group to group."
"It's also a great opportunity for our ensemble to take the stand and be role models and leaders in the community."
Philip Channells is a panel member at Accessible Arts' Dance Symposium planned for July at CarriageWorks in Sydney. Attendance at the Symposium is now open.
The Accessible Arts Bundanon Residency is currently open accepting applications for the 2012 residency for a NSW artist with disability.
Media release source: Bundanon Trust