Dancers aged 60+ wanted - Applications Now Closed
Work with an acclaimed international choreographer on a Melbourne Fringe Festival performance. No dance experience required.
We’re inviting adults aged 60+ to take part in an exciting contemporary dance work developed in collaboration with a leading Taiwanese choreographer and a team of artists visiting Melbourne this October.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to explore movement in a supportive environment, guided by a renowned creative team, and to be part of a powerful artistic work celebrating the richness of lived experience. Over two weeks of workshops and rehearsals, participants will collaborate closely with the artists to develop the performance, culminating in a short season of public shows in a professional theatre venue in North Melbourne.
No formal dance experience is required, just an interest in movement, a basic level of fitness, and a willingness to be part of something unique.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications closed at midnight, Sunday 31 August.
FAQs
Anyone aged 60 and over is invited to apply (and if you’re 59 and 11 months, don’t worry — we’ll look the other way). We’re looking for people who enjoy moving their bodies and are excited to be part of a unique performance work.
The process will have a high level of physical engagement so a basic level of fitness is required to ensure your safety. The show runs for 75 minutes, so you’ll need to feel comfortable being on stage and active (to varying degrees) for the full duration.
The choreography (dance moves) involves precise movements and stage directions, with sounds cues to guide timing and execution. While the creative team is experienced in working with diverse bodies and abilities, participants will need to be able to follow and execute specific instructions for the integrity of the performance.
Participation involves two weeks of workshops and rehearsals (four hours a day, five days a week), followed by one week of performances (five shows in total), all located in North Melbourne, so you will need to be able to get yourself to and from this area to participate in the project.
We trust your judgement in deciding whether this opportunity feels right for you and we welcome hearing from you, should you require any further clarifying information that isn’t covered in these FAQs.
You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or calling Melbourne Fringe on (03) 9660 9600 and asking for Andi or Harriet.
Yes! We encourage anyone aged 60 and over who enjoys moving their body and collaborating with others to apply. The creative team has extensive experience working with a wide range of bodies and abilities, and the choreography is designed to reflect that.
Dance or performance experience is helpful, but absolutely not essential. However, a basic level of fitness is necessary to participate.
The choreography (dance moves) involves precise movements and stage directions, with sounds cues to guide timing and execution. Participants will need to be able to follow and execute specific instructions for the integrity of the performance.
Many wonderful things! Participating in this project offers an exciting opportunity for you to:
- Perform on stage in a professional show, working with a top choreographer
- Be involved in Melbourne’s largest independent arts festival
- Proudly represent the seniors community and the wisdom of your lived experience
- Build cultural connection
- Make new friends and professional contacts
- Make a creative contribution
- And much more!
The project has a two-week workshop period, followed by a one-week performance season, as follows:
Workshops:
Week 1: Tuesday 30th Sept to Saturday 4th Oct, 11am-3:30pm (5x rehearsals)
Week 2: Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th Oct, 11am-3:30pm (5x rehearsals)
Production Week:
The production schedule is being finalised as we speak! Technical Rehearsals and Dress Rehearsals will take place on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th Oct, most likely in both the daytimes and evenings.
Performances:
Tuesday 14th to Saturday 19th Oct, 5:45pm each night (75 minute show length).
All performers will be required from at least one hour prior to each show for warm-ups, and up to 30 minutes after the show’s conclusion for cool-downs.
We will also require you to respond to a few e-mails in the lead-up (or alternative method of contact).
Please note, while it is most beneficial to yourself and the project to attend all dates, there is some flexibility if you cannot make one or two rehearsals. You will have a chance to let us know about your availabilities when you apply. However, please understand that you must be available for all performances.
While it is most beneficial to yourself and the project to attend all dates, there is some flexibility if you cannot make one or two rehearsals. You will have a chance to let us know about your availabilities when you apply. However, please understand that you must be available for all performances.
Yes, this project involves learning choreography (dance moves). Rest assured, the creative team is very experienced at working with a variety of different levels of dance experience, so the choreography is adapted to suit the dancers who participate. There is a collaborative aspect to the rehearsal process, so you may even get to contribute some ideas yourself! There will also be the opportunity for spoken text as part of the show, which will be generated collaboratively, drawing upon each individual's personal experiences.
Applications have now closed. If you have already applied and would like to discuss your application, you can email us at [email protected], or give us a call on 03 9660 9600 and ask for Andi or Harriet.
Yes, participation is entirely free. Dancers are engaged on a volunteer basis, so there will be no payments involved, however, this is a truly exciting and unique opportunity to get to collaborate with an acclaimed international choreographer and perform in a professional theatre setting.
The only minor costs involved are you getting yourself to and from the venue each rehearsal and performance. While full catering will not be provided, there will be plenty of snacks to nibble on.
Costumes will be all-black outfits that are comfortable for dancing in. You will be asked to provide your own outfit, with guidance from the team.
Yes! If you are selected, you are more than welcome to tell friends and family. They will need to purchase a ticket when they go on sale (we will give you a discount code to pass along). You are also welcome to post about it on social media once the program has been launched on the 22nd of August.
At Meat Market – Blackwood box, 3 Blackwood St, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051.
The five performances will take place from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 19th Oct, 5:45pm each night (75 minute show length).
Feel free to email [email protected] or call 03 9660 9600 and ask for Andi or Harriet.
This project is supported by
