Sharp Short Dance Festival
The Sharp Short Dance Festival returns to Riverside Theatres for the ninth year running. Presented by FORM Dance Projects, Australia’s most talented dancers and choreographers aged under 21 years will compete for awards, prizes and prestigious industry secondments across four days. The festival concludes in an exciting final, where contestants face a judging panel of renowned industry professionals.
Annette McLerlon, Director of FORM Dance Projects, told City Hub the inspiration behind the event was to “create a platform to support young aspiring choreographers and dancers to create new innovative short dance works, to meet other like-minded dance makers and to introduce them to a diverse network of dance industry professionals”.
Spectators can expect an eclectic mix of dance genres on display, with jazz, tap and lyrical in the first heat; classical and contemporary in the second heat; cultural, hip hop and street in the third heat; and a mix of all genres in the final.
McLernon offers her industry-insider advice to any nervous prospective contestants, urging them to: “Make (the performance) original, make it your own. Experiment rather than copy.”
She highlighted Billy Keohavong, who took out Best Male Dancer in 2014 with a contemporary solo, as a prime example of the innovative choreography and engaging performances the judges look for. Alongside Billy, McLernon praises Susan Abau in 2013 for her culturally informed dance, and 2016 festival MC Joshu O’Grady for his comedic and entertaining performance in 2011.
We look forward to seeing the talent on offer this year! (NBee)
Nov 15,16, 17 + 19; 7.30pm. Riverside Theatres, cnr Church and Market Streets, Parramatta. $12-$25. Tickets & info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
