Published Sunday, 13 July, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
World dance community gathers in Brisbane for summit
Arts Minister Rod Welford today welcomed more than 300 dance artists and specialists from 20 countries to Brisbane for the World Dance Alliance Global Summit, 13–18 July.
Mr Welford said peak industry body, Ausdance Queensland, had been selected to host the prestigious biennial event during summits in Hong Kong and Toronto two years ago.
“This summit has attracted some of the most exciting talents in world dance to Queensland,” Mr Welford said.
“Delegates include Li Cunxin, author of Mao’s Last Dancer; Lloyd Newson, Director of the United Kingdom’s DV8 Physical Theatre; Rustom Bharucha, controversial Indian arts activist; and David McAllister, Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet.
“The World Dance Alliance has chapters in Europe, America and Asia Pacific and the summit gives members the opportunity to come together, exchange ideas and build awareness of dance, in all its forms.
“The focus of this year’s event is the notion of dance dialogues across cultures, art forms and practices.
“Dancers, choreographers, teachers, managers, promoters and other industry professionals will take part in a range of workshops, performances, conferences, master classes, discussions, research and activities.”
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government had helped Ausdance stage the summit in Brisbane with a $55,000 Industry Development Initiative grant through Arts Queensland.
Highlights of the summit include the Dance Dialogues speaker program, an international master class series and performances and exhibitions, including showcases by Expressions Dance Company and Queensland Ballet. There will also be exhibitions at the State Library of Queensland and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
Ausdance Queensland Executive Director Marcus Hughes said the summit was a chance to present the strength of Queensland’s dance community to an international audience.
“This summit will allow dancers and dance professionals to build relationships within the international dance community, while gaining exposure to trends in the creation of work and its promotion,” Mr Hughes said.
“From past summits, Queensland dancers and dance workers have been invited to undertake international residencies, research programs and cultural exchanges.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Mr Welford said peak industry body, Ausdance Queensland, had been selected to host the prestigious biennial event during summits in Hong Kong and Toronto two years ago.
“This summit has attracted some of the most exciting talents in world dance to Queensland,” Mr Welford said.
“Delegates include Li Cunxin, author of Mao’s Last Dancer; Lloyd Newson, Director of the United Kingdom’s DV8 Physical Theatre; Rustom Bharucha, controversial Indian arts activist; and David McAllister, Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet.
“The World Dance Alliance has chapters in Europe, America and Asia Pacific and the summit gives members the opportunity to come together, exchange ideas and build awareness of dance, in all its forms.
“The focus of this year’s event is the notion of dance dialogues across cultures, art forms and practices.
“Dancers, choreographers, teachers, managers, promoters and other industry professionals will take part in a range of workshops, performances, conferences, master classes, discussions, research and activities.”
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government had helped Ausdance stage the summit in Brisbane with a $55,000 Industry Development Initiative grant through Arts Queensland.
Highlights of the summit include the Dance Dialogues speaker program, an international master class series and performances and exhibitions, including showcases by Expressions Dance Company and Queensland Ballet. There will also be exhibitions at the State Library of Queensland and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
Ausdance Queensland Executive Director Marcus Hughes said the summit was a chance to present the strength of Queensland’s dance community to an international audience.
“This summit will allow dancers and dance professionals to build relationships within the international dance community, while gaining exposure to trends in the creation of work and its promotion,” Mr Hughes said.
“From past summits, Queensland dancers and dance workers have been invited to undertake international residencies, research programs and cultural exchanges.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000