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Beyond Technique to improve access to dance
In March 2010 Accessible Arts hosted an inclusive dance masterclass Beyond Technique | Searching for Authenticity at Carriageworks, Sydney, with Philip Channells, artistic director of Adelaide's multi award winning inclusive youth company Restless Dance Theatre.
The masterclass was associated with the 2010 Arts Activated National Conference, which provided an opportunity for those in the arts and disability sectors to explore, debate and discuss arts, access and excellence.
Thirty-five people - dancers, performers and educators with and without disability – participated in Beyond Technique | Searching for Authenticity over two days. The broad range of the participants’ experiences and abilities created another layer to the collaboration. The class culminated in a series of devised performance pieces that attracted an audience of approximately 100 people.
“This master class is a vital step in facilitating an ongoing connection between professional artists and those dancers who are often excluded from high level creative experience and training” said Accessible Arts’ Becky Chapman. “Without such experience and training it is impossible to even think about enriching our dance culture with inclusive dance companies”.
A panel presentation on inclusive dance followed the masterclass at the Arts Activated National Conference. Facilitated by Erin Brannigan, founder of ReelDance and lecturer in dance at the University of NSW, the panel bought together leading international dance practitioners, including Rafael Bonachela, artistic director of Sydney Dance Company, Philip Channells, Gaelle Mellis, designer, Restless Dance Theatre and Jo Dunbar, UK based dance theatre artist.
Rafael Bonachela was one of many practitioners who signaled his support for inclusive dance practice saying, “Coming together at this conference can stretch Australian thinking about what dance is, who can dance and how to build the skills of those wanting to create dance that is real, that is human.”