Expressions Dance Company: Season Launch 2014

Happy 30^th EDC!

2014 is a big year for the Expressions Dance Company (EDC) with two main stage seasons presented at QPAC, as well as a full programme at their studio based at the Judith Wright Centre in Fortitude Valley.

EDC, Queensland’s leading contemporary dance company, launched their 2014 season on the 6^th February at the QPAC Concert Hall. Natalie Weir, now in her sixth year as Artistic Director of EDC, announced the programme.

he season beings with two main signature works. First up is a Double Bill; Carmen Sweet + R&J will be  presented at the EDC Studio, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts from 19 –21 February.  Carmen Sweet, described by Weir as “a heady journey of seduction, jealousy, lust and revenge”, will also tour to Ipswich, Cairns, and Toowoomba. The second production will be the premiere of Natalie Weir’s highly anticipated The Red Shoes, to be presented at the QPAC Playhouse from 18 – 26 July. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s legendary gothic fairy tale, The Red Shoes, as Weir told us, “will spotlight obsession, passion, self-destruction and jealousy in the ultimate tug-of-war between art and heart”.

Weir describes herself as being “passionate about the power of dance to create work that touches the human spirit, moves and connects with people and relates to who we are as Australians”.

2014 will also see the return of Australia’s only Solo Dance Festival, which showcases both choreographers and dancers and will be presented at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC from 15 – 24 May.

“After much demand”, said Weir, “we’re thrilled to return the Festival in 2014 to a new home at QPAC. Over two weeks we’re bringing to Brisbane some of Australia’s best dance artists from the Australian Ballet, Australian Dance Theatre, Chunky Move, Dancenorth, Lucy Guerin Inc, and Shaun Parker and Company, as well as many independent artists, including Brisbane’s own Brian Lucas.”

Members of the EDC for 2014 include Michelle Barnett, Benjamin Chapman and Daryl Brandwood, each in their second year with the company; Jack Ziesing in his 4th year; along with long term member Elise May. Joining them will be guest ensemble members Natalie Allen, Rebecca Hall, Alice Macann, Sam Colbey.

During the launch we were treated to some performances by the EDC dancers and special guest artists whose dance technique and choreography were just exquisite, offering us a great example of what we may expect from their upcoming season of dance.

For more details about EDC’s 2014 programme, visit their website: expressionsdancecompany.org.au