Dance makers in good hands with Brisbane choreographic Platform

Expressions Dance Company’s Launch Pad, an intimate in-studio season of short duets, returns to Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art in February 2012. Launch Pad was developed by EDC’s Artistic Director Natalie Weir in 2010 to give choreographers an opportunity to road test new ideas and Brisbane audiences a chance to experience contemporary dance at close quarters and in detail.

“Launch Pad is always presented in our studio at the Judith Wright Centre. I love the intimacy of the studio and welcoming audiences into our creative space.” Ms Weir said.

“I wanted to create a platform for creation, a program designed for genesis of ideas in a supportive and understanding environment, with a group of very talented dancers who are experienced to giving to the creative process”.

For Launch Pad 2012, Ms Weir has extended invitations to local choreographers Lisa Wilson, Claire Marshall and Gareth Belling to create a series of duets on the EDC dancers.

“I asked Lisa Wilson to choreograph for Launch Pad because she is an exceptional creator who’s work is very beautiful and her choreographic career is really gaining momentum.”

“Launch Pad seemed a good opportunity for her to be able to experiment with her style and play with new ideas.” Ms Weir said.

Claire Marshall is a Brisbane-based choreographer known for her work across different mediums, including the very popular SlowDive, which, since its debut in 2010, has been touring Queensland.

“I invited Claire to create a duet because she has been making very unique work as an independent artist, she has a very distinct voice and I am looking forward to seeing if she further develops this style or goes in a different direction for Launch Pad”.

Gareth Belling, company dancer with Queensland Ballet, will be creating his first contemporary piece on EDC in Launch Pad.

“I have known Gareth for some time, from when I worked at Queensland Ballet as a choreographer and he was in many of my works”.

“He has always shown an interest in choreography and has created pieces for Queensland Ballet, which were very successful. I am very happy to give him the opportunity to work with EDC, it will be exciting to see how he develops a contemporary duet”.

“Choreography is my passion and I’m pleased that Launch Pad has been successful over the last two years, in allowing choreographers to develop their ideas and present new work and grow their own passion”, Ms Weir said.

Launch Pad 2012: EDC studio, Level 4, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art from 21 to 25 Feb, 2012.