Disability Arts History Australia

Items

• "Interview with Jianna Georgiou"
  Jianna Georgiou is a professional dancer, director and choreographer and has been with Restless Dance since 2006. Interview Summary Jianna Georgiou, who has Italian and Cypriot heritage, shared her journey as a dancer. She expressed her aspirations to collaborate with friends from other dance companies and emphasized her desire to continue her path with Restless Dance Theatre. Jianna’s determination remains strong, fuelled by her goal to perform and the emotional connection she feels through dance. She hopes to explore various dance styles, including hip-hop, which currently resonates with her, and she is motivated by the creative and energetic environment at Restless Dance Theatre.
• "Interview with Michelle Ryan"
  Michelle Ryan is the artistic director of Restless Dance Theatre and has extensive experience as a dancer and performer. Interview Summary Michelle Ryan, the artistic director of Restless Dance Theatre, shares her journey from being a successful dancer diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 30 to becoming an advocate for artists with disabilities. Despite her initial hesitations to perform with her disability, a positive experience dancing with a European company reignited her passion and led her to Restless Dance Theatre, where she aims to change perceptions of who can create art. Michelle emphasizes the importance of providing professional opportunities and proper compensation for disabled artists, challenging the notion that disability work is charity or hobbyist. She advocates for representation that is genuine and not tokenistic, ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities is meaningful and respectful.
• "Interview with Roz Hervey"
  Roz Hervey is a Creative Producer with Restless Dance Theatre and is also a director, dance theatre performer and lecturer. Interview Summary: Roz Hervey, the creative producer of Restless Dance in Adelaide, previously worked as a dancer and dance theatre artist in Australia and the UK. Her approach with Restless Dance involves creating personal and reflective dance theatre by giving dancers specific tasks. Roz does not view the performers as disabled but as exceptional artists telling unique stories, and she aspires to change societal attitudes and encourage diversity in art. Despite progressing towards inclusive perceptions, she still encounters patronizing attitudes and misconceptions about artists with disabilities.
• "Interview with Nick Hughes"
  Nick has worked as an actor, director, writer, artistic director, dramaturg and was the Company Manager for Restless Dance Theatre Interview Summary Nick Hughes is a retired arts administrator who has worked in various capacities within the arts industry, including as an actor, writer, stage manager, and notably as the company manager for Restless Dance Theatre. Nick gained degrees in drama, and sociology, and moved from the UK to Australia in 1973. During the interview, Nick reflects on his significant contributions to the arts and disability sectors. Despite being unfamiliar with disability arts in the beginning, Nick says he became deeply involved and committed to the field, valuing disability arts for the social and political aspects. Nick discusses witnessing first-hand the growth and development of individuals through creative expression. Throughout his career, Nick says he has seen the evolution and increasing recognition of disability arts as a legitimate and powerful art form capable of altering people’s perceptions and advocating for inclusivity and equality in society.
• "Interview with Michael Hodyl"
  Michael Hodyl is a multifaceted artist, dancer and performer and has been with Restless Dance Theatre since 2018. Interview Summary Michael Hodyl, with Polish, Chinese, and Russian heritage, is a multifaceted artist who began his journey in the performing arts with a deep-rooted affinity for ballroom dancing. He transitioned into contemporary dance while maintaining his diverse dancing background and enjoys creating his own dance moves, which express his vibrant charisma and heritage. Facing challenges such as injuries, Michael finds ways to recuperate and return to dance, aiming to elicit happiness and pride from his audience through his performances. He cherishes the supportive friendships he's made in the arts community, holds his performances in high regard, and aspires to be recognized for his talents and hard work.
• "Restless Dance - Program 2022"
  Restless Dance Theatre Program 2022 – information about works Seeing Through Darkness, Ecoute Pour Voir (Listen To See), Exposed, and Home, and promotion of tour ready works Guttered and Intimate Space
• "Interview with Michael Noble"
  Michael Noble is a professional dancer and performer and has been with Restless Dance Theatre since 2015. Interview Summary Michael Noble is an ex-foster kid turned contemporary dancer at Restless Dance Theatre, who started in arts as an outlet for expression. His dance style has evolved from literal interpretations to more abstract movements, as Restless has supported his growth and mental health needs. Being in a company that accommodates artists with disabilities has led Michael to explore his own neurodivergence, specifically relating to being on the autism spectrum. He believes art, including the political, is less about the message itself and more about being the messenger for another's vision or interpreting and sharing one's own perspectives.
• "Interview with Darcy Carpenter"
  Darcy Carpenter is a professional dancer and has performed with Restless Dance Theatre since 2014. Interview Summary: Darcy is a professional dancer with a family history in dance, who works with Restless Dance Theatre and has worked with the Riverland Youth Theatre. Darcy expressed her passion for dance and acting, mentioning her desire to share emotional experiences with her audience and her personal growth as an artist through the support of Restless Dance Theatre organisation. Throughout the interview, Darcy’s pride as a third-generation dancer shone through, along with her aspirations to continue developing her artistry.
• "Restless Dance - Past Shows 2012 - 2016"
  Restless Dance Website, information about past shows 2012-2016, captured 2020 – information about Debut 5: the dancers direct (five short works from Youth/Senior ensembles), In The Balance (at Adelaide Cabaret Festival) Touched (directed by Michelle Ryan with Youth ensemble), What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This? (directed by Emma Stokes with the Senior ensemble), Naturally (directed by Michelle Ryan with Youth ensemble), Salt (touring work developed by Rob Tannion), Debut 4 – the dancers direct 2013 (short works by five company members), high voltage 2012 (short work directed by Lorcan Hopper, as part of Debut 3 – the dancers direct and toured to Port Moresby) and Howling Like A Wolf (creative via collaborations between Restless and Melbourne based Rawcus Theatre led by Kate Sulan).
• “Restless Dance – Exposed Promotional Poster Seoul International Dance Festival"
  Restless Dance Theatre "Exposed" Promotional Poster Seoul International Dance Festival
• “Restless Dance – Exposed Program Seoul International Dance Festival"
  Restless Dance Theatre "Exposed" Program Seoul International Dance Festival - reads, in part "<Exposed>, directed by Michelle Ryan is a new work exploring vulnerability, uncertainty and risk through movement, design, and music. Be taken on a journey where the breath is a metaphor for feeling threatened or safe, agitated or calm, and the sonic possibilities of breath are entwined into the mesmerising score."
• "Restless Dance - Exposed - Promotion Card - Madalene Macera, Charlie Wilkins and Bhodi Hudson"
  Restless Dance - Exposed - Promotion Card - image of Madalene Macera, Charlie Wilkins and Bhodi Hudson - reads, in part "Loud. Strong. Original."
• "Restless Dance - Exposed Program"
  Restless Dance Theatre Program 'Exposed' - reads, in part “Most of us are free to make choices about what parts of our life we keep private and what is public. But for some, this choice Is often not so straight forward We need to rely on others, sometimes strangers to help us with moments in life that you might take for granted And if we are lucky, we win have people around us who we trust. Trust is built slowly over time, relinquishing ourselves to the hands of others. With our backs to !he wall creating edges and boundaries, we build a community around us to keep our fragility protected is when we feel safe enough to let our guards down, we can show the little pieces of ourselves that are our most personal To be brave, yet vulnerable, is when we feel safe and not exposed.”
• "Restless Dance - Education Outreach Program"
  Restless Dance Theatre Education Outreach Program - reads, in part "Restless Dance Theatre is Australia's leading dance theatre company working with people with and without disability. Our artistic voice is loud, strong and original Restless invigorates, influences and diversifes dance by creating innovatIve and highly distinctive works of dance theatre. Restless Is a place where diversity Is celebrated and all artists thrive creatively. Restless has many ways your school can connect with our organisation . whether it's through the creativity of a dance workshop, the anticipation of watching a live performance or the knowledge gained throug sessions with our industry professionals".
• "Restless Dance - Dot to Dot"
  Restless Dance Theatre website, 'Dot to Dot', captured 2020 - reads, in part "The Dot To Dot project is a series of workshops aimed at broadening awareness, developing skills and teaching how to run accessible and inclusive performing arts workshops."
• "Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre Annual Report 2023"
  Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre Annual Report 2023 - President's, Artistic Director’s and CEO’s Reports, Ensemble Overview, News, Project – French Café Dinner, Community Program, Holiday Programs (River Stories, Sensory Lab, Shift Shape Initiate, Pop Icons, Dis-Co Ball)
• "Restless Dance - Australian Performing Arts Market Information Pack Cover"
  Restless Dance - Australian Performing Arts Market Information Pack 2007 - cover for package which included Annual Report, promotional DVD, and DVD of work Rebel Rebel directed by Artistic Director Ingrid Voorendt - reads, in part "Restless Dance Company is one of Australia's leading dance companies, working with young people with and without a disability to create dance theatre and run workshop programs.The company has existed for 16 years and achieved an enviable reputation for making highly original, large works of dance theatre."
• “Restless Dance – Exposed Promotion Card”
  Restless Dance 'Exposed' Promotion Card - reads, in part "Exposed. directed by Michelle Ryan is a new work exploring vulnerability, uncertainty and risk. Be taken on a journey where the breath is a metaphor for feeling threatened or safe, agitated or calm, and the sonic possibilities of breath are entwined into the mesmerising score."
• "Interview with Matthew Shilcock"
  Matthew Shilcock is a stage and film performer, dancer, director, choreographer, producer, project planner, manager, consultant and disability advocate. Interview Summary Matthew Shilcock, a contemporary dancer, lives with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that led him to discover dance as an affordable alternative to physiotherapy. His 12-year dance career has been shaped by working with both disabled and non-disabled artists, including elite companies and individual dancers, where he found a passion for the unique problem-solving and rewarding experiences that come with working with disabled dancers. As he transitions from performer to dance maker, Matthew's motivation has shifted from personal excitement and self-discovery to a focus on the next generation, aiming to pass on his unique experiences and methodologies. He acknowledges that while being on stage as a disabled artist can be inherently political, he values his authenticity and the impact of his work over the perceptions and labels placed upon disability in the arts.
• "Restless Dance - Master Classes"
  Restless Dance Theatre website, 'Master Classes,' captured 2020 – reads, in part, "In 2019 Restless Impulse dancers and Company dancers will take part in workshops with Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Company."
• "Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre - Open Doors Dance, Tintenbar 2019"
  Sprung!! Open Doors Dance, Tintenbar 2019 - Sprung!! describes Open Doors Dance as a program for anyone who enjoys movement and music
• "Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre Annual Report 2017-18"
  Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre Annual Report 2017-18 - History, Governance, Dancers, Tour, Performance, and Program Highlights (‘Play’ at New England Regional Art Museum Armidale; ‘Share House’ at Anywhere Theatre Festival Brisbane, Crack Festival Newcastle; ‘Gemini’ at Ausdance Canberra, World Dance Alliance Adelaide; ‘Signatures’ at World Dance Alliance Adelaide; ‘Medley’ at Gold Coast Disability Expo; ‘Floating’ at Australian Dance Awards Brisbane)
• "Restless Dance - Links Workshop"
  Restless Dance Theatre website, 'Links' captured 2020 – reads, in part, "Restless Dance Theatre presents Links, a dance theatre workshop for 8-14 year olds. The workshops involve creating movement in a safe and fun environment where the participants’ ideas become dance. No experience is necessary, just the desire to take part. Workshops are open to people with and without disability and are led by highly experienced tutors in an accessible space."
• "Restless Dance - Central Workshop"
  Restless Dance Theatre website, 'Central Workshop,' captured 2020 – reads, in part, "Restless Dance Theatre presents a series of dance workshops, for people aged 15-26 years with and without disability. The workshops involve creating movement in a safe and fun environment where the participants’ ideas become dance. No experience is necessary, just the desire to take part. Workshops are open to people with and without disability and are led by highly experienced tutors in an accessible space."
• "Restless Dance - Celebrating 30 Years - Poster"
  Restless Dance Celebrating 30 Years Poster - reads, in part "A celebration of dance, film and live music showcasing the works of Restless Dance Theatre."