Utopian Dream Festival - a dream come true for dancers
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By Kristy Johnson
For those readers who are unaware of the festivities surrounding Utopian Dream, this article will have you listing this five-day event as a definite ‘must do’ in your 2010 diary. Set in the beautiful surrounds of Coffs Harbour within the north coast of New South Wales, the golden crescent beaches and views of the coastline present the perfect opportunity to ‘sweat it out’ with fellow dance enthusiasts who have a love affair with the art form.
Dancers from various regions and communities within Australia came together to celebrate their love of dance under the one roof. Whilst considering what to write for this review, a comment made by Urban Dance Centre scholarship winner Jeremy Santos sprung to mind. Jeremy stated that there is a “core feeling within”, where dancing is what he is “meant to do”. Such peace with oneself was evident within the walls of the Coffs Harbour Showground. Each dancer came with a love of dance that could enable unique choreographic pieces to be created and new friendships to be formed.
With a line-up of acclaimed and highly respected choreographers and teaching staff on board including Travers Ross, Jason Winters, Richard ‘Swoop’ Whitebear, Sean Robinson, Bboy Ill Will, Csaba Szirmai and Marko Panzic, Utopian Dream presents a new direction for the Australian dance industry that has the ability to change lives. Professional dancer and choreographer Marko Panzic refers to Utopian Dream as being “one of the best festivals” he has been a part of to date. Marko goes on to say that “the coming together of all different dance genres was so inspiring “ and urges “all dancers in Australia to get behind this festival as it will change your life.”
Such a life-changing experience also struck a chord close to home. Whilst being surrounded by a group of inspiring and encouraging individuals throughout the week and reflecting on my own love of dance, Utopian Dream proved to not only change my life but also release the passion for performing that I knew I still had within me. With friends securing overseas contracts and a family involved within the business side of dance, this art form has always been a central part of my life that constantly allows me to discover more about myself. I must thank the immensely talented Travers Ross and Jason Winters who inspired me to
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Swoop teaches at Utopian Dream
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Break Dancers at Utopian Dream
Photos: Eduardo Murillo Design |
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continue my dancing journey after three years off. It is
simply never too late if you have the passion within you…
The talented choreographers at Utopian Dream continuously amazed me with their ability to take risks and to ‘step outside of the box’. Their minds work full-time to ensure their message is being communicated. Such a mundane task of brushing teeth may act as a catalyst for a bigger picture on the stage. One such choreographer that comes to mind is Richard ‘Swoop’ Whitebear who has collaborated with the likes of Madonna, Chris Brown and a myriad of other professionals. His ability to take a Salsa movement within Csaba Szirmai’s class and translate it in to his own unique style not only demonstrated the importance of being versatile and continuously going to class, but also the need to remain creative with ‘fresh’ ideas.
Creator of the festival, Travers Ross, refers to this event as being an “unforgettable dream” with the ability to have “touched, connected and inspired Australian dancers to continue to express themselves and push towards their goals for a better future and lifestyle as a dancer”. With dancers entertained for five days and six nights, there is no doubt in my mind as to why this festival is thought of as an ‘unforgettable dream.’ Dancers could enjoy ‘Contemporary Treats’ in the Botanic Gardens, ‘Soul Duel Battle’ where crews all over Australia battled it out on the floor, ‘Latin Fiesta’ to unleash the Salsa within, and many other opportunities to celebrate with newfound friends.
A broad array of workshops to choose from including Salsa, Break Dancing, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Lyrical and Drumming, provided the perfect opportunity for dancers to broaden their skills and try new styles that they may have previously thought were outside their comfort zone. This diversity of styles and forms of movement is something professional dancer and choreographer Jason Winters is passionate about and he feels contributes to a dancer’s overall success. Jason goes on to say that “diversity as a dancer is the magical key to true happiness and success…and this festival is the best example in the world of exactly that!”
I am passionate about all forms of dance, but in particular Ballet and street dance styles. Although they appear to be on a completely different spectrum, I notice similarities within technique, coordination, strength, and the ability to move an audience. Through observing the Choreographer’s Demo on the first night of this entertainment-fuelled week, Bboy Ill Will who performs regularly with his crew ‘USA Break Dancers’ demonstrated upper body strength and a dynamic core, one of the requirements for all Ballet dancers. Bboy Ill Will’s goal to open his own dance studio reflects his willingness to travel outside of New York and communicate his knowledge and appreciation of dance to those who are passionate. To find out more about Ill Will and his crew, visit www.usabreakdancers.com.
Utopian Dream Festival is a unique opportunity to celebrate the world of dance with a group of grounded and humble individuals. Salsa instructor Csaba Szirmai reflects these exact qualities through his involvement in this five-day event. “If I am not invited as a teacher, I will pay to be a student there…that’s how much I enjoyed it.” And as a dance journalist, I will put down my pen and pay to be a student next year as well…
To find out more about this creative genius visit the Utopian Dream website at www.utopiandream.com.au
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