The Choreographic Process and Cultural Storytelling Workshop
Thomas Dixon Centre, October 27
Queensland Ballet presents a professional development workshop lead by Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri choreographer Katina Olsen. Participants will delve deep into Katina’s creative process and unique ability to tell important cultural stories.
This year Katina’s groundbreaking new work for Queensland Ballet’s Bespoke season was praised as a significant collaboration between First Nations dance and classical ballet.
Described by one reviewer as a “beautiful presentation of varied aspects of culture, spirituality, preservation and advancement of the entire self”, the piece marked an important milestone in Queensland Ballet’s history, being the company’s inaugural First Nations work.
Queensland Ballet Executive Producer Craig Cathcart explains the piece was the beginning of what the company hopes is an ongoing relationship with Katina.
“Katina has a unique and deeply thoughtful creation process which is evident in her evocative works where landscape, connection to country and human emotion are powerfully conjured. It was a privilege to work with her earlier this year and we were immediately keen to brainstorm further collaboration opportunities.”
The professional development workshop, geared primarily towards dance teachers working with year 10-12s, is strongly aligned with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s Senior Dance syllabus and aims to deepen understanding of choreographic practice, engagement with First Nations culture and culturally sensitive teaching practices.
According to Queensland Ballet Head of Community and Engagement Lily Spencer, whilst developed for teachers, the workshop is open to any interested participants.
“The workshop is guided strongly by the QCAA syllabus and hugely beneficial to Senior dance teachers. However, the unique opportunity to explore Katina’s choreographic toolkit, and wealth of knowledge will appeal to anyone seeking to broaden their creativity and cultural understanding”.
Focusing on repertoire, practical movement, choreographic workshops and conversation, participants will discover first-hand Katina’s approach to establishing historical and cultural contexts within a narrative structure, as well as her meticulous techniques for conveying viewpoint and achieving specific purposes through use of dance concepts.
Katina says she is thrilled to be sharing her dance journey and practices.
“I’m very much looking forward to fostering deep conversations and broadening people’s understanding of my own approach to dance and my culture. As artists we have a unique platform to voice stories and encourage new ways of thinking, so I believe the exchange of ideas and a constant willingness to learn are integral to the creation and appreciation of art”.
The Choreographic Process and Cultural Storytelling Workshop for Teachers will take place on Sunday October 27 11am-4pm at Queensland Ballet’s home the Thomas Dixon Centre.
