Culture
Dance
Choreography works are engrossing, but there’s barely a dance step in sight
The national biennial award commissions original works by Australian artists and this year’s four performers create feats of the imagination.
- by Jill Sykes
Latest
★★★★★
Arts
Ferocious, topical and sassy: the new show you cannot, must not miss
A new musical gives a Girl Power makeover to the story of Henry VIII’s wives, in a pop-fuelled production inspired by divas like Beyonce, Adele and Sia.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Andrew Fuhrmann, Tony Way and Kate Herbert
Cattle calls, stress, high kicks: Scrapping for work in the cut-throat dance world
Melbourne-born Caitlin Marks made it through the first auditions for the Rockettes, the New York dance company that personifies Christmas in the Big Apple.
- by Nick Miller
Exclusive
Arts
One of ballet’s busiest superstars is making the big leap to Melbourne
Russian-born Daniil Simkin is famed for his extraordinary leaps and spins, and exquisite control. He’s here to play the fool, literally.
- by Nick Miller
★★★★
Rising Festival
Manifesto: when high-concept contemporary dance meets cheerleading
This dancing manifesto created by Melbourne-based choreographer Stephanie Lake is a call for more flash and more sizzle. And it’s thumping good fun.
- by Emma Sullivan, Carla Jaeger, Andrew Fuhrmann and Cameron Woodhead
★★★★
Performing arts
Bangarra production Terrain showcases need to care for our country
While some references are specific, like the men’s dance with shields, this is more of a cerebral and spiritual representation than literal references to animals and plants that we have seen in the more distant past.
- by Jill Sykes
When dancers touch: the push for real consent in this intimate art form
‘Intimacy coaches’ are helping dancers regain their power, advising on consent and choreography. But are Australian companies doing enough?
- by Emma Sullivan
This must-see Rising show will probably be the most difficult to watch
A new work from Broome-based company Marrugeku was inspired by a conversation with deep-thinking Indigenous senator Patrick Dodson.
- by Nick Miller
Shadowy pageant of dance runs from chaos to breathless stillness
The Australian Ballet performance of Kunstkamer is a world of clowns, mimes and maniac dolls, with lots of screaming and neurotic vibrating, contrasting with flowing movement.
- by Andrew Fuhrmann
Exclusive
Parenting
Reality TV show blamed after young dancers penalised for inappropriate costumes
A debate has erupted in the Sydney dance community over age-appropriate costumes, choreography and music for young dancers on the competition circuit, with dance insiders blaming shows like Dance Moms for normalising skimpy outfits.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
★★★★½
Performing arts
The return of the Sydney Dance Company classic is a must-see
Ab [Intra] is the most interesting piece Rafael Bonachela has choreographed for Sydney Dance Company.
- by Jill Sykes