Welcome to YOUTH CHOREOLAB!

A day of movement, experimentation, inspiration and creation! An opportunity to delve into processes for improvisation, movement making and choreography shared by acclaimed dance artists and choreographers.

Youth Choreolab is for young artists (ages 14-25) from all dance training backgrounds and experiences. We encourage anyone with an interest in choreography and/or movement based performance making to attend. Youth Dance Maker's Initiative celebrates diversity, equal opportunity and strive to create an inclusive, culturally safe environment.

There are 3 offerings as part of this event on 26 NOV @ Dancehouse. You can join one or ALL!

Youth Choreolab
Project Z
Now Pieces

Below is a description of each event.

CHOREOLAB: 10am - 3pm

Choreographic workshops led by acclaimed artists:

'Moving Matters: To Move only when you are moved' with Priya Srinivasan (Internationally acclaimed dancer/choreographer/scholar. Green Room Award winner for Breaking Ground for The Durga Chronicles 2023)

In these difficult times of chaos, violence and living in polarity, what can we as artists and movement creators choose to create a different world. How does art have the capacity to move ourselves and others? How can we move only when we ourselves feel moved? How can we use dance to create meaningful art? How can dance be an act for social change? How might we create inclusive practices within our art? Using postmodern Indian dance as the basis, this workshop looks at how movers might use some basic structures from this form in experimental ways with their own text, rhythm, sound and movement to create meaningful expression.

‘Bodies for Brains’ with Amber McCartney (Chunky Move, Lucy Guerin, Tasdance. John Truscott Artists Award for Tiny Infinite Deaths at RISING 2023)

This improvisation based workshop will focus on infusing layers of information into the body to create complex physicalities. Together we will be led by our bodies to build scores, find innovative pathways and embody new beings with a focus on rhythm, texture, imagination and sensory information.

'Rapid Sensorium' with Chelsea Byrne (Artistic Director Youth Dance Makers Initiative)

Whirlwind bite sized workshops throughout the day to check in and tune into into your body, the breath flowing, blood pumping and attune your attention. Scores and tasks that play with impulse, space, time and tone using a multitude of improvisational and score based techniques and help us get to know one another.

PROJECTZ: 3pm - 4pm

Introducing Youth Dance Makers Initiative's choreographic project for 2024. A youth-lead dance film collaboration facilitated by YDMI's Artistic Director, Chelsea Byrne and Erin O'Rourke, winner of the 2022 Telstra Emerging Choreographer of the Year for her film 'Yellow Mellow’!

What's the film going to be about? How will it evolve?... You tell us! Together we will unpack your ideas and interests, and arrive at the concept for the film.

Youth Dance Makers Initiative creates opportunities for young people to come together, collaborate with experienced artists and voice your ideas, opinions and perspectives through powerful dance works. 0 auditions, 0 competitions, 100% creativity.

This session is for anyone interested in being involved in Project Z in any capacity.

NOW PIECES:

‘Now Pieces’ is a monthly improvisational performance evening dedicated to low-fi public performances curated by and featuring local dance leaders. With thanks to Dancehouse all Youth ChoreoLab participants are invited to attend 'Now Pieces’ at a highly discounted price. There are 2 shows on the 26th!

>>> Keen to see one or both? Tickets to Now PIECES are included in the "FULL DAY" or "CHOREOLAB+NOWPIECES" workshop passes <<<

1. First Nations Artists - 6pm - 7pm - Curated by Amelia Jean O’Leary (Gamilaroi Yinarr)

“My hope in curating a full mob Now Pieces is to share how wonderful and diverse Blak performing and visual artists. With no expectation to be anyone else we prosper in our individuality whilst always loving and supporting each other.”

Collaborators/Performers: Jyden Brailey (Tharawal/Yorta Yorta), Zoë Brown-Holten ((Th)Dunghutti, Gomeroi and Wiradjuri), Amelia Jean O’Leary (Gamilaroi Yinarr), Ella Clarke-King (Kirrae Whurroung woman from Eastern Marr Nation), Emma Salmon (Kimberley Stolen Generations descendant with ties to Nyikina land), Matisse Knight (Wiradjuri).

2. Street Dance Artists - 7:30pm - 8:30pm - Curated by Efren Pamilican

Artists from Hip Hop, Dancehall, Popping, Breaking and Krump backgrounds will perform with sound artist and co-curator Pataphysics through improvisational “call and response” techniques shared within movement and music genealogy.

Co-Curator / Sound Artist / Performer: Pataphysics. Collaborators / Performers: David Leupolu, Efren Pamilacan, Gabi Quinsacara, Lerato Masiyane, Jurnma, PJ

If you're keen to participate but finances are a barrier or have any questions about the event, please email Chelsea: chelsea@arsmovementeducation.com or contact us via instagram @ydanceinitiative

Please note that the Upstairs Studio at Dancehouse is NOT wheelchair accessible.