Ql2 – So Frank

Connected – beyond the electronic devices and onto the dance floor

Lifestyle - Fran - July 27, 2016

At a time when developing ‘connections’ can invariably mean doing so in real life, as well as over the world wide web via a handheld device, comes Ql2 Dance’s triple bill ‘Connected’.

Dance artists Sara Black, Kristina Chan and Lingua Franca have created in collaboration with the 32 young contemporary dancers who will be performing the three pieces that make up Connected; visual and vocal movement that describes connectivity without the use electronic devices.

The dancers are a diverse group of individuals from Canberra and the Region, Thailand, Perth and Regional NSW. They come together over their love of dance and perform in unison with passion and dedication.

We chatted to Project Director (as well as a former ‘quantum leaper’, teacher and choreographer) Jamie Winbank, about the triple bill.

He tells us that Connected explores “the power that connections can have on the individual, and provides a unique reflection of our own lives – connecting out to those looking in”.

The work goes further than the mere relationship between individuals; “it explores connections through our skin, connections with the natural world, and how strength and empowerment affect our connections with each other”.

Jamie goes further to explain the genre of contemporary dance and how it relates to the pieces being presented; “Connected is presented in the medium of contemporary dance and physical theatre. At the heart of contemporary dance is a sense of examination and research; exploring the abstract. Usually strong in theme and content, contemporary dance often addresses current cultural, political and global contexts and is deliberately open to audience interpretation. This presentation is no exception, the dancers and choreographers have researched and collaborated together to create mature and professional work, that often is not expected of dancers of this age.”

Indeed, these young dancers perform with an enthusiasm and devotion that translates beyond their young years (the dancers’ ages at Ql2 range from 8 to 26 years), and they are able to cohesively present three innovative pieces to their audiences.

“The process of working with the Quantum Leapers is one of great personal growth and development. Not only do the young dancers refine their technical skills and ability to move, they mature and grow into young artists worthy of any stage around the world” Jamie adds.

Ql2 Dance has been shortlisted for an Australian Dance Award (ADA) in the “Outstanding Achievement in Youth Dance” category for their 2015 production, Reckless Valour and will be performing Connected at the Canberra Theatre Centre’s Playhouse stage (details below).