Contemporary dance performance ‘HOME’ to captivate at Shepparton Festival, through University of Melbourne Goulburn Valley partnership
Dance students from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) at the University of Melbourne are set to captivate Shepparton Festival audiences with a new contemporary dance work exploring themes of migration, memory, and belonging.
Head of VCA Dance Professor Carol Brown, described ‘HOME’ as a “powerful production that reveals deep reflections around what it means to live together on this land.
“‘HOME’ promises to be a thought-provoking performance shedding light on the personal experiences and relationships our students have with the places they call home.”
‘HOME’ has been choreographed by renowned London-based dance company Alleyne Dance and will be performed at the Shepparton Festival on Saturday 1 April 2023.
“Through the choreography of Alleyne Dance, our talented students will take audiences on a sensory journey through the stunning surrounds of Shepparton Art Museum.” Professor Brown said.
VCA dance student Abbigail Makin is thrilled to return to her hometown of Shepparton to share her story in this one-off performance.
"Heading back to Shepparton with the VCA is a full circle moment for me," said Makin. "Throughout the choreographic process, I've reflected on how Shepparton, Melbourne and the VCA have influenced me, as a dancer and person."
After training at her local dance studio, Amy Newton Dance Studios, Makin successfully auditioned for VCA's prestigious dance program because she could not imagine doing anything else as a career. Makin credits her time at VCA for broadening her knowledge of dance and shaping the person she is today.
"I studied lots of styles as a kid, and love that my teachers at VCA nurtured and encouraged me to combine my experiences in those styles with my contemporary dance training. As a result, I have honed a unique voice as a dancer and artist.
"I can't express how excited I am to perform with my VCA peers in Shepparton, where it all began." said Makin.
Makin hopes to travel to New York and London after graduating later this year to pursue her dance career.
The ‘HOME’ performance at Shepparton Festival is part of a University of Melbourne initiative connecting the next generation of artists from the Goulburn Valley region with a career pathway into the arts, as part of its place-based partnership.
Professor Brown said: “Through our project, local dance students will have the opportunity to watch the dress rehearsal of ‘HOME’ and meet our students,
“We will also host a workshop for VCE Dance students, which will give insights into the various pathways available for those aspiring to pursue a career in dance.”
“In many ways, ‘HOME’ is a celebration of diversity, migration, and the power of dance to bring people together, and we cannot wait to share this incredible work with the community of Shepparton.” said Professor Brown.
The performance of ‘HOME’ will take place on Saturday 1 April at 4:00pm, in the Shepparton Art Museum Ampitheatre, 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630. Tickets are free and can be reserved here.
Professor Carol Brown and Abbigail Makin are available for interviews. Images are available upon request.
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Credits:
Choreography: Kristina and Sadé Alleyne
Creation Assistant: Giorgia Gasparetto
Composer: Will Tonna & Giuliano Modarelli
Costumes: Giulia Scrimieri
Dramaturgy: Fiona Graham
Performers: Amy Addison, Zodie Bolic, Chantelle Borg, Eiren Chamley, Stephanie Dixon, Jazmin Griffiths, Bethany Ha, Siobhan Henderson, Ruby James, Emilia Kyprianou, Anastasia Lonsdale, Abbigail Makin, Kathryn Riddoch, Emily Roberts, Mia Theeboom, Harshil Bipinchandra-Vora, Jake Ware, Rory Warne, Emily White, Taylor White, and Carmen Yih.