Dancenorth Australia will mark its 40^th Anniversary by fortifying its commitment to the future of Australia and New Zealand's dance ecology: doubling its annual Secondment Program for emerging dance artists and continuing to throw its doors open to independent practitioners through its Artist Residency in the Tropics (A.R.T.) Program.  

The globally-renowned, Gurambilbarra (Townsville, QLD, Australia) based Company has been operating since 1985 and has a long history of attracting independent artists to enliven and be enlivened by the unwieldy beauty of the dry tropic landscape it calls home.

Artistic Director and Co-CEO Kyle Page said the increased opportunities for emerging and independent dance artists are lighting the way for the future custodians of Australian dance.

“As we celebrate a milestone birthday, we do so deeply aware that Dancenorth’s legacy stretches far beyond any single moment or individual. The company existed long before our current team and it will continue to evolve long after each of us has played our part. We are conscious of the echoes of those who paved the way, mindful of our own impermanence at the helm, and committed to easing the path for those who will come next” said Page.

“Our range of artistic development opportunities provide individuals with the invaluable gift of time, space and creative exchange – essential ingredients for innovation. These programs not only foster the growth of artists but also strengthen the broader dance ecology, ensuring a vibrant and resilient national sector for generations to come.”

In 2025, Dancenorth’s A.R.T program will provide five independent artists with respite from their usual surroundings, enabling reflection, research, development and new experiences from which to draw creative inspiration. Artists are provided a bursary, connectivity to the company and basic technical support, with residencies running for two to three weeks.

For emerging dance artists, the Secondment Program is an immersive opportunity that includes skills training, creative workshops and an interrogation of Dancenorth’s repertoire.

Dancenorth Associate Artistic Director Amber Haines said demand for the Secondment Program has rapidly grown in recent years, attracting almost 150 applicants in 2024.

“This year, we’ve expanded our Secondment Week to welcome over 50 young artists for two week-long immersions in the studio—offered as a free gift to the independent dance community,” said Haines.

"It feels like a significant nod to the future, and we take both the opportunity and the responsibility seriously to share our experiences and surrounds with the dance artists who will follow us."

“The enrichment and energy exchange our Secondments bring to the building flows both ways, and we are incredibly excited to open our doors to a larger number of young and emerging dance artists this year.”

Applications for Dancenorth’s A.R.T Program are open 12 January to 16 February 2025.

Applications for Dancenorth’s Secondment Week Program will be open 17 February to 9 March 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit www.dancenorth.com.au/for-artists

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FUNDING: Dancenorth’s Regional Gravitation Program is generously supported by the Ian Potter Foundation and Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Strategic Partnerships Fund.