South West women are being asked to try something new and take part in a community dance project calling for the end of violence against women.
Nationally recognised choreographer Annette Carmichael is on the search for 200 women to create her next large-scale dance performance, Chorus.
Chorus will bring together women from Mandurah, Bunbury, Denmark, Ravensthorpe, Perth and Albany to create an original dance work that will be performed in Denmark on February 29 and March 1, 2020.
The original dance work utilises contemporary dance, created in collaboration with the participants from regional communities, and suits many different ages and abilities.
It follows 'Beauty' - a one winged bird, a fragile goddess, fractured by small and large transgressions living in an inverted world where gods have no authority, only the chorus has the power.
The chorus are women, diverse, strong and forceful. As children, lovers, mothers and leaders they meet in this moment of time. Will they see the damage to Beauty? Will they save her?
Ms Carmichael, who was shortlisted for a 2018 Australian Dance Award and was part of the Australian delegation at a major international meeting on inclusive performing arts earlier this year, described the project as full of "hope and optimism".
Through the process of creating this original dance work we are also creating new social networks and new friendships that will add another layer of support for women in each community.
- Annette Carmichael
"Chorus is a dance project that calls for the end of violence against women," she said.
"It will be a performance that explores the strength and solidarity of women.
"It is inspired by the peace marches and group actions of women across the world calling for equality and demanding safety.
"Through the process of creating this original dance work we are also creating new social networks and new friendships that will add another layer of support for women in each community."
Women aged 14 years and older are invited to participate in the project with no prior dance experience required.
Ms Carmichael and Bunbury artist and educator, Dr Vahri McKenzie will lead a weekend of 'taster workshops' for women in the South West to try out the style of dance and learn more about the themes of the project.
The workshops will be held at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre from 2pm on Saturday, July 27 and 10am-1pm on Sunday, July 28.
Participants are advised to attend both workshops, wear comfortable clothes, non-slip shoes and bring water.
For more information about the project, or to register for the workshops, visit annettecarmichael.com.au
