Critical Acclaim @ DANCE MASSIVE
DANCE MASSIVE is a unique major contemporary dance event in Australia. Held in Melbourne in March across 2 weeks, in 3 venues with over 200 artists in 22 performances, it provided, in combination with the National Dance Forum, a chance to see, discuss and meet with some of Australia's finest contemporary dancers and choreographers.
The aim of Critical Acclaim at DANCE MASSIVE was to increase the critiquing skills of two Tasmanian writers in the area of dance through providing exposure to a range of dance works, makers and critical ideas.
Emerging Hobart based writer Anica Boulanger-Mashberg and Launceston based writer, Wendy Newton were selected to attend Critical Acclaim at DANCE MASSIVE.
The writers undertook an intensive and privileged program across five days - viewing over 10 performances and events and having one-on-one conversations with significant dance makers and critics including Gideon Obarzanek, Lucy Guerin, Helen Herbertson, Alison Croggon and Keith Gallasch.
Participating in selected National Dance forum sessions, the writers responded to the work and will be developing longer articles for publication on their experiences at DANCE MASSIVE.
The writers engaged in many hours of challenging and rigorous debate about the varied performance work, the role of critical writing, styles of reviewing and avenues for written responses.