For the love of dance

THIS phrase underpins all that Generate Dance, an emerging contemporary dance collective, is about – inspiring experienced and not-so-experienced dancers to come forward and share their passion for dance with like-minded others.

At 25, Dylan (not his real name) always regretted giving up dance in year 9. Dylan’s story is one many boys and young men would identify with – teasing at school and lack of direction in his later teens. While Dylan’s parents were very supportive, the pressure to find a ‘proper’ career was high.

Since the age of five, Amy attended dance lessons and events, up until about year 11 or 12. VCE was simply too intense to allow her those weekly hours. A year later and she really misses that feeling that only dance can fill.

Sue had a similar background to Amy, although it’s been 20 years now. Her ballet teachers always said that Sue had great potential for a career in dance. But family, work, and life in general kept it a long way down her list.

At Generate Dance, all of these people can find that something that held their passion for their formative years.

Dylan can finally express his creativity in a supportive atmosphere. Amy can explore that creative freedom that contemporary dance offers. Sue can re-ignite the love of classical ballet in a personal, non-competitive environment.

Danielle Courtier is the principal and artistic director of Generate Dance and a former professional dancer.

Danielle has taught classical ballet, contemporary dance and associated complementary techniques for many years.

She has been instrumental in writing award-winning submissions, and over a number of years creating key dance projects with local and regional dance schools that still operate today.

So what is contemporary dance, and what gives it so much appeal?

In a nutshell, contemporary dance encourages creative freedom. And therein lies its appeal. The forms it can take are very flexible and experimental – inspirational.

But why form a collective?

Generate Dance offers opportunities for people to draw from their personal journeys and create a means to express them through dance.

People can experiment and push boundaries – from enthralling drama to rapturous peace and everything in between – willingly giving something of themselves to create a unique dance experience.

Change your life? Maybe. Break out in to new ways of thinking and doing? Absolutely.

Generate Dance can help you tap into your movement creativity, your rhythm, your musicality in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment.

To find out more visit generatedance.com.au.