It’s about one moment…

From award-winning Australian choreographer Natalie Weir (where the heart is, R&J) comes When Time Stops – an ethereal voyage of life-changing moments.

The moment a single decision hurtles you into unknown territory…
The moment the water rises…
The moment you choose to stay or go…
The moment that stops time…

This anticipated new signature work from Expressions Dance Company opens the floodgates on those achingly personal yet intensely dramatic life-defining events: new life, loss, love and longing.

How we deal with these moments determines who we are, who we become, and what we hold dear. Do we sink or swim?

Featuring eight dancers, When Time Stops is EDC’s most ambitious work to date, with design by Bill Haycock, lighting by David Walters, and original composition by multi award-winning Australian composer Iain Grandage performed live by Queensland chamber orchestra, the Camerata of St John’s.

Eight performances only 6 – 14 September at the QPAC Playhouse.

Produced by Expressions Dance Company and QPAC

“Natalie Weir continues to unfold and reveal the full emotional landscape of the human heart.” THE AUSTRALIAN

Choreography and concept by Natalie Weir
New composition by Iain Grandage
Design and concept by Bill Haycock
Lighting by David Walters
Music performed by Camerata of St John’s

With Michelle Barnett, Daryl Brandwood, Benjamin Chapman, Thomas Gundry Greenfield, Elise May, Riannon McLean, Samantha Mitchell & Jack Ziesing

SEASON
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Wednesday 11, Friday 13, Saturday 14 September at 7.30pm
Tuesday 10 September at 11.30am & 6.30pm
Thursday 12 September at 11.30am

VENUE
Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Cewntre
Corner Grey and Melbourne Streets
South Bank QLD 4101

Orwell’s satirical novel of an animal rebellion on a farm is a metaphor for Stalin and the Russian Revolution – but this novel has been adapted in such a way that many politics are referenced throughout, including the banishment of one leader and the words “Moving Forward” being used!

“I have a scheme…” squeals Snowball, played by Tim Dashwood, in his impassioned speech to the farmyard animals, encouraging them to build a windmill on the recently taken over Animal Farm. Snowball is overthrown by Napoleon, and run off the farm in a spellbinding fight scene during the play.

Nick Skubij’ portrayal of Napoleon, the self-elected, and thrice self-medalled Leader, is beyond compare. Assisted by Bryan Proberts, playing Squealer, the “Propaganda Master”, Napoleon slowly turns the 7 initial Commandments of Animalism, into just one – “All Animals are Equal – but some are more equal than others.”

Ross Balbuziente plays Boxer – the true workhorse of the farm. He embodied the horse mannerisms exceptionally well – and the way he walked was remarkable.

Nelle Lee plays Mollie, Boxer’s partner, and also Clover, the “pretty horse” who misses the ribbons and sugar that Farmer Jones used to give her. Nelle is an amazing actress, whose voice changed with each characterisation.

The actors had the audience in their collective palms for the entire 90 minutes of this outstanding adaptation. We laughed, we were silent, we cowered, we marvelled.

Thank you shake & stir.

Reviewer: Adelle Givney

However, if you are interested in taking up a new activity and developing your dancing abilities at the same time, then you should consider joining some sort of dance class.

There is a huge range of hobbies and activities you could choose to try, most of which will be beneficial for you in some way. Taking up a sport will usually increase your physical fitness. Going to an art class will allow you to develop your creative side, or attending a drama class can provide avenues for self-expression. Even computer gaming can be beneficial, as it has been found to stimulate your brain and improve cognitive abilities by enhancing problem solving skills, decision making and reaction times. However, very few activities are as beneficial for you in body and mind as dancing, which provides a highly effective form of exercise involving the whole body. It can encourage self-expression and individuality, and also supports mental wellbeing by improving self-confidence and self-esteem. Age is no barrier to dancing, and as the choice of dance styles available in Australia is so wide, there is something to suit all ages.

What style of dance is best for you?

Once you have made the decision to attend a dance class, you need to decide on the style of dance you want to learn. The list of possibilities is almost endless, so to help you narrow it down it might be helpful to consider the following questions:

• What are you looking to get out of dancing? Is it to get fit, in which case you might want to consider some of the more physically demanding forms of dance, such as ballet, jazz or some of the Latin American dances? Or are you looking for a fun activity to improve your social life? If this is the case, you might think about a form of group dancing such as line dancing.
• Do you want to dance individually, with a partner, or as part of a larger group? Ballroom dancing is ideally suited for dancing as a couple, whereas some of the forms of modern dance can offer the opportunity to join a dance troupe.

Finding the right class

Once you have decided on the style of dance you want to learn, the next step is find a suitable class. For some people the idea of dancing in front of others can be very daunting, but it is important to remember that everyone was a beginner at one time, so don’t feel too self-conscious. In reality, everyone else in the class is there to learn, and they will be too busy concentrating on getting their own steps right to worry about looking at you.

However, because dancing can be a very personal experience, it is important to find a class with a teacher that you feel comfortable with. Most classes will allow you attend the first lesson on a trial basis, without the need to commit to anything further. This will allow you to get a feel for the class and decide whether it is going to suit you.

Check out the teacher’s background to ensure he or she has the necessary experience or qualifications to teach. You might also want to observe how the teacher interacts with the class – is she aware and responsive to different people’s needs and abilities, and skilled at setting people at ease?

Equipment and clothing

Most public dance classes, especially at beginner level, won’t expect much in the way of specialist clothing, and comfort and ease of movement will be the most important consideration. However, it is worth finding out what is required before you go so that you can feel confident you will be dressed in the same way as others in the class.

For some styles of dance however, such as ballet or tap, you will need proper footwear, and it is worthwhile getting these fitted in a specialist store.

Although the thought of going along to dance classes can seem a bit daunting at first, it is definitely worth making the effort. Within a few weeks you will be fitting right in, feeling the benefits of regular exercise, and wondering why you didn’t start dancing lessons sooner.

Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance offers open age dance classes for beginners to professionals.

Please visit our website for more information and for the current open age schedule.

http://www.theministryofdance.com.au/timetable

http://www.theministryofdance.com.au/video/full-time-course

For all enquiries:

Email: admin@theministryofdance.com.au

Phone: +61 3 9329 6770

Address: Level 1, 64-90 Sutton Street North Melbourne Vic 3051