Local opportunities for local dancers
Paul Malek believes that the only way to make it is to make your own way. The VCA trained, nationally renowned dancer and choreographer is making his mark on the dance industry with this mantra in mind. Inspired by the amount of local talent and frustrated with the lack of opportunity to showcase it, North Melbourne resident Malek founded UNDERGROUND at Revolt.
The event, which played to packed houses at Kensington’s Revolt Artspace throughout 2012, is a 100% home-grown showcase that harnesses the energy of a nightclub with a creative edge: an 18 act, style bending showcase of Melbourne’s best dancer’s choreographers, DJs and performers.
The idea is simple but the result is electric: a night with all the energy of a club event that is both a party and a showcase for the best of Melbourne’s dance industry. “UNDERGROUND has a dancehall feel with the best of Aussie talent, drawcard headline acts and most importantly – the opportunity for emerging talent to perform on stage in a professional atmosphere” Malek remarks.
And it’s back in 2013, bigger and better and most importantly, by popular demand. On the success of UNDERGROUND so far, Malek says “The reception has been mind- blowing. The audiences have been brilliant and the camaraderie is exactly what the dance industry should be; Pure and unrelenting dance celebration.”
The UNDERGROUND series kicks off on February 2nd with a lineup featuring the dance and choreographic stylings of Paul Malek (Choreographer So You Think You Can Dance / Dancing With The Stars / Collaboration The Project) Adrian Ricks (Everbody Dance Now, CATS) Loredo Malcolm (So You Think You Can Dance) Michael Ralph (CATS, FAME The Musical) and Kim Adam (Collaboration The Project) with vocals from Amy Lehpamer (Rock of Ages). Scene legend Sid Mathur is MC and DJ ADM, fresh from his packed out Tokyo Salon residency F-ING FRIDAY, will be on decks for the night. It’s sure to sell out.
The night is only part of Malek’s vision for a thriving, self-sustaining and supportive industry. As well as devising the UNDERGROUND project in 2012, Paul both produced and choreographed several acclaimed independent dance theatre productions, youth dance initiatives and Dance industry nights, all without any government funding or sponsorship. And it’s all paying off. His 2013 is thriving, with tours with his company Collaboration: the Project kicking off in July, and the UNDERGROUND event launching in both Sydney and Brisbane as well as the four events already planned for Melbourne this year.
About Paul Malek:
Paul Malek is one of Melbourne’s most innovative and hardworking theatre creators. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and Bartuccio’s Dance and Promotions Centre, Paul has extensive training in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, character, kinetic awareness, improvisation, dance making, folk dancing, acrobatics, lyrical and hip hop.
A highly sought-after choreographer, Paul’s work has featured on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and several film, TV & theatre projects. He has produced over 15 dance productions to critical acclaim, and in 2012 will choreograph the Stage Arts production of Hair. In 2009 & 2011 Paul was awarded Best Choreographer and People’s Choice, along with Best Choreography awards at Short Sweet Dance Melbourne.
Paul is actively engaged in the Australian dance community. As artistic director and founder Collaboration The Project and it’s youth component, Project Y, Paul aims to provide Australian dancers, choreographers and artists performance & creative opportunities on Australian Shores. His passion is to develop a strong and connected local artistic environment, allowing creative artists to grow and expand their craft.
An active board member of Australian Teachers of Dancing International, Paul has developed a 12 level Jazz syllabus which is now taught in schools throughout Australia, Asia, United Kingdom and Norway. Paul is one of the highly esteemed teachers & choreographers at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, and regularly travels throughout Australia and internationally conducting choreography, contemporary, jazz, commercial jazz, lyrical and movement workshops for all ages.
Paul is also the producer and director of Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, an annual Industry showcase now in its third year, and Underground Melbourne, a quarterly dance festival for independent and emerging choreographers.
Proudly supporting Mayibuye
A percentage of every ticket sold will go towards youth dance organisation Mayibuye. A youth-led community organisation, which uses performing arts to facilitate educational opportunities for young people in Australia, Cambodia & South Africa, who are vulnerable to negetive peer pressures and at risk behaviour.
www.mayibuye.org.au
UNDERGROUND SUMMER
February 2, 2013 – Doors open 8pm
Tickets $20 presale at www.revoltproductions.com /$25 at the door.
Revolt Artspace
12 Elizabeth Street, Kensington VIC
