Dance Dr. presents DECA
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November 12, 2023, at NIDA in Sydney, NSW
Artistic Director: Lucy Mary-Claire Eaton
Dance Dr. is a truly special project that began a decade ago with Artistic Director Lucy Mary-Claire Eaton’s vision. Starting on a shoestring budget, Lucy aimed to create a platform for young people to come together and perform compelling, relatable work. Dance Dr. plays a crucial role in developing artists’ performance skills, company life, and fostering a deep connection to self, promoting positive self-esteem.
Through a decade of hard work, the Dance Dr. Company, led by Lucy and her right-hand person Chloe O’Shea, has developed a distinct and evolving brand. Lucy reflects on the journey, stating, “Dance Doctor started as a fleeting idea in 2013 when I was a 19-year-old creatively unfulfilled at Hurstville Station. It was a place for me to make work as a young female choreographer and to have young female dancers express themselves beyond rigid industry structures.”
Despite facing challenges with little money, no reputation, and limited time, the company has thrived over the past ten years. Lucy emphasises the importance of good friends during tough times, highlighting Chloe O’Shea’s invaluable role in every aspect of the company’s operations.
Chloe O’Shea shares her perspective, stating, “It has been my greatest pleasure to be involved with Dance Dr. for the past nine years. Dance Dr. is a selfish endeavour for me as I believe I get as much out of it as the dancers do. Lucy and I need you just as much as you need us.”
Company dancer Isabella Russell expresses gratitude, acknowledging the transformative impact of Dance Dr. on both dance and life. She emphasises the company’s role as a second home and the valuable life lessons taught by Lucy and Chloe.
Isabella proceeds to share individual testimonials from company members, highlighting the profound influence Lucy and Chloe have had on their personal and artistic growth. The dancers express appreciation for the supportive environment, the lessons in resilience, confidence-building, and the overall positive impact on their lives.
In conclusion, Isabella expresses deep gratitude for the last ten years, recognising Lucy and Chloe as driving forces behind the company’s success. The celebration culminates with a thank you for the unwavering support, inspiration, and valuable lessons that have shaped the dancers into empowered individuals.
Congratulations to Dance Dr. on its 10-year anniversary, and here’s to many more years of incredible dance growth and empowerment. As an observer, it was a very special evening of dance, witnessing the company revisit works from the last decade. I find myself on my feet, deeply bowing to you all for your efforts, your passion, that sublime technical prowess, but mostly for giving of yourselves throughout your movements. I was deeply touched by you, the company dancers, your leaders, and the work.
review: Danielle Brown
