Win tickets to the Opening Night performance of Expressions Dance Company’s award-winning R&J at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta Sydney.

Contemporary choreographer Natalie Weir’s R&J turns the classic story of Romeo and Juliet on its head, cutting to the essence of what is real, human and inevitable. Love plays a major role in all our lives, but as Shakespeare knew too well, it does not always guarantee a fairytale ending.

Set across three different eras, and telling three different versions of events, R&J shows us how unpredictable fate can be. The first story, set in a modern day city, is brutal and contemporary; the second, set in more ancient times, captures the romance of young love escalating towards a tragic end; while the third and final story, set in domestic bliss in suburbia in the 50s, is touching in its realism.

Playing at Riverside Theatres from Thursday, 16 until Saturday, 18 May, R&J celebrates contemporary performance at its most bold and powerful. For more information, visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au.

To Enter: Email info@danceinforma.com with your Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, Postal Address and Phone Number and answer this question: “Who choreographed R&J?” Entries close May 10.

Win tickets to Opening Night of Slava’s Snowshow at Theatre Royal, Sydney.

The multi award-winning international sensation Slava’s Snowshow storms into Australia for a limited season playing in Sydney from 11 to 23 June then travelling to Brisbane 26 to 30 June, Canberra 3 to 7 July and finishing in Melbourne, playing from 17 to 28 July.

Since its creation by renowned Russian clown Slava Polunin in 1993, Slava’s Snowshow has played to millions of people in more than 30 countries and 120 cities.

Slava’s Snowshow is a fusion of traditional and contemporary theatrical clowning arts, and a beautifully crafted visual spectacle loved by children and adults alike. The show brilliantly creates a world of wonderment and fantasy that transports the audience to a joyous dream-like place.

Polunin created his Snowshow following his sensational performance as part of Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria, drawing on the influence of artists such as Charlie Chaplin, Marcel Marceau and Leonid Engibarov. He and his company of clowns have taken clowning out of the world of circus, and brought it into the theatre.

Visit Ticketmaster.com.au for tickets to Sydney and Melbourne performances. Visit Qpac.com.au for Brisbane tickets and Canberratheatrecentre.com.au for Canberra.

To Enter: Email info@danceinforma.com with your Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, Postal Address and Phone Number and answer this question: “Who created Slava’s Snowshow”? Entries close May 25.

Photo (top): Expressions Dance Company in R&J.

Energetiks has three double passes to giveaway to the dance documentary First Position, with the film opening in cinemas on April 11.

Just “Like” Energetiks’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/energetiks.dancewear) and write on their wall (in 25 words or less) why you should win tickets to First Position. Entries close next Monday, April 8.

Produced and directed by ex-dancer Bess Kargman, First Position follows six young dancers as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix. Every year the prestigious competition attracts over 5000 applicants, of which 300 are selected for the finals in New York City.

The six dancers on whom the film focuses share a fierce determination and a love of dance, but this is where the similarities end. With origins as diverse as Sierra-Leone, Israel and California, their upbringings differ greatly. Kargan sheds light on each dancer’s family life, circumstances and path thus far.

The giveaway tickets, courtesy of Energetiks are valid from April 11 to end of the film’s theatrical season at all participating cinemas. (NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, SA, WA).  Each ticket admits two.

Energetiks is a leader in Australian dancewear. Check out their latest designs and range of class wear, footwear and fashion at www.energetiks.com.au

Internationally acclaimed theatrical production Cavalia gallops down under for first time in 2013

Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse, is an innovative multi-media and multi-disciplinary production created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil. Cavalia will open in Brisbane on March 6^th, before heading to Sydney in May and Melbourne in August.

Enjoyed by some 3.5 million people across North American and Europe, Cavalia is a lavish production involving 44 magnificent horses and featuring 36 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians from all over the world. A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing the equestrian arts.

In Cavalia, horses cavort with the many artists in front of a constantly changing digital background projected onto a 60 metre-wide screen, drawing spectators into dream-like virtual environments. Unlike traditional horse shows, Cavalia’s audience faces a single 50 metre-wide stage which allows the horses space to gallop at full speed, at times running completely free, unfettered by bridles or halters. Cavalia takes place under a white, 2,440-square-metre big top, rising some 35 metres high that gives the horses an ample playground to perform with their trainers and artists. Cavalia’s gleaming White Big Top is the second-largest touring tent in the world – surpassed only by the one housing Cavalia’s sister production, Odysseo.

Win two tickets to the Sydney Opening Night performance of Cavalia on May 15, under the Big White Top at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park. 

To Enter: Email info@danceinforma.com with your Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, Postal Address and Phone Number and answer this question: “Who created Cavalia?” Entries close April 15.

By Kristy Johnson.

The Addams Family will be making its musical debut this year in Sydney on March 23^rd. The freakishly fun production will feature all the signature characters and stay true to the quirky original theme. In celebration of the news, Dance Informa caught up with Chloe Dallimore and Teagan Wouters who will play the roles of ‘Morticia’ and ‘Wednesday Addams’.

Chloe Dallimore

Congratulations Chloe on landing the role of Morticia Addams! Do you enjoy playing roles in family favourites like Annie and The Addams Family ?
I think the beauty of something like Annie or The Addams Family is that people already know (the story), and they have a sense of what they might expect. They come with that to the theatre, which is terrific, but it also adds pressure as a performer to make sure that the characters that people have loved and grown up with are portrayed as genuinely, and with as much integrity and love as possible. We don’t want people walking away going, “oh that’s not what I imagined”. We want them to feel as if they’re being totally transported into that family or story that they have loved so much. So it’s a big responsibility, whereas with something like Chicago or Sweet Charity it’s a little more of a blank canvas and the audience is not so familiar with the specifics of the show.

When reading reviews of your performances, critics make note of your great comic timing. Have you always considered acting to be one of your great strengths?
I began as a dancer, so that’s the thing that seems to come most naturally for me. Singing was next and then the acting was something I discovered in my late teens. I think comedy depends so much on the other performers around you as well. We’ve all seen comedy sketches where all the performers just gel incredibly well. So I’ve been very lucky in my comedic roles to be cast with other actors who also have brilliant acting instinct. I’ve learnt so much from them and the audience teaches you a lot about acting. You’re always trying to fine-tune the audiences understanding of the character. So acting is something I probably work hardest on when I’m preparing for a role, and I try to be as instinctive as possible.

Speaking of other great actors, how was it working alongside Todd McKenney in Annie?
We’ve had a fantastic time together. Probably the greatest thing about working with him is his ability to bound onto that stage with 300% energy every single night, no matter what kind of day he’s had. You feel that energy next to you and you have to meet it. He’s also wonderful at talking constantly about how we can improve something. He’s very open and very generous, so I think it’s been a very successful and wonderful working partnership.

How do you ensure you’re in peak condition during performance season? Do you try and fit in dance classes here and there?
The difficulty I have is that I move around so much that it’s very hard to commit to certain dance classes. Another part of my life is Pilates and Xtend Barre. Xtend Barre is a really safe way of working out with all your Pilates principles. It really targets the muscles but protects all the joints so you can keep your body safe and still challenge it to its maximum. Not only am I teaching it, but I also put myself through my own Pilates and Xtend Barre practice every day. I find that it offers me the opportunity at this stage in my life to strengthen and keep my body strong, toned and flexible, without fatiguing myself before the eight shows a week.

Chloe is currently teaching Xtend Barre classes at Emergy Pilates Lounge in Sydney. Visit www.emergypilates.com.au

Teagan Wouters

Congratulations Teagan on securing the role of ‘Wednesday Addams’! How excited are you to be part of this production?
I’m so excited! I can’t wait for it to start quite frankly! I’m thrilled.

Can you tell us about the audition process?
I initially auditioned in December [2011] for the musical director and the casting agent. That was my first audition and then I got a call back a couple of months later to audition with the American creative. It was a really fast audition! I worked with them for maybe 20 minutes or so. It was a really simple process, which was good. I wouldn’t say it wasn’t hard though. I had to prepare two songs from the show and sing those, and there were about four scenes from the show that I also had to do.

Do you think your study in musical theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts prepared you well for this role?
Absolutely! I think any sort of study that is about the theatre is going to help you with auditions, researching roles, and all that kind of thing. I’m definitely very grateful for my training at the VCA.

When do rehearsals begin?
We haven’t started yet. We don’t start rehearsing until the end of January.

Have you met the rest of the cast yet?
I’ve met a couple of them at the launch. I’ve met Chloe Dallimore, Meredith O’Reilly and a few others. Everyone’s lovely and I think it’s going to be a really fun cast to work with.

Do you feel any pressure working alongside performers who have been in the industry for a long time?
I don’t think I feel pressure. I think it’s definitely a case of being so excited to work with people of their calibre! I’m sure I will learn a whole heap off them. I’m really excited about it.

Would you say musical theatre is your passion? Are musicals what you would like to continue doing?
Yes, I think so. I studied musical theatre so I think it’s my ultimate passion. I wouldn’t mind getting into TV and film though. I really like the vibe of the live audience; seeing their reactions and the feeling you get from performing live. I do think this is where I will begin and probably end up.

The Addams Family opens at the Capitol Theatre Sydney, March 2013. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 723 038 for bookings. www.addamsfamilythemusical.com.au

WIN A DOUBLE PASS!
Dance Informa has 2 Double Passes to giveaway to the preview performance of The Addams Family at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney on Tuesday March 19.

To Enter: Email info@danceinforma.com with your Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, Postal Address and Phone Number and answer this question: “Who will play Morticia Addams in the Australian production of The Addams Family?”
Entries close Feb 20.

Top photo: The Australian cast of The Addams Family musical. Photo by James Morgan.

Dance Informa magazine is giving away cash to a lucky dancer and his or her studio. Imagine what you could do with $1000 cash. Imagine blessing your dance studio with $3000. Make dance dreams come true and enter today!
Just click on the image below.

Dance Studio Owners: Tell your teachers and students about this contest. The more entries for your studio, the greater your chances to win. How would you like $3000 towards renovations, new flooring, costumes, camps, audio equipment or whatever you need?

Starring David Hobson and Rachael Beck, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the “most fantasmagorical stage musical in the history of everything”, flies into Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from November 16. The award-winning musical will then take over the stage at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from January 30, 2013.

You’ll believe a car can fly in this fun stage adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that features sensational sets, stunning special effects, an irresistible story and memorable classics such as “Truly Scrumptious”, “Toot Sweets”, “Hushabye Mountain” and, of course, its Oscar-nominated title song “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.  All these ingredients add up to a West End and Broadway blockbuster the whole family will love.

Presented by Tim Lawson, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be directed in Australia by Roger Hodgman and features sets and costumes by renowned English designer Anthony Ward.

Based on the timeless novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins.

Originally written by Ian Fleming for his son, the much loved 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes, was part of many childhoods. The movie began life as a personal dream of James Bond producer, Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli.  As with all his film projects, “Cubby” Broccoli surrounded himself with the very best British talent available to ensure the success of Chitty, which at the time was publicised as the largest and most expensive musical ever filmed in England.  The director, Ken Hughes, who had also adapted the screenplay with prolific children’s author Roald Dahl, led the British film crew. The Sherman brothers, fresh from major success with Disney Studios, provided the score and songs, earning an Oscar nomination in the process.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the stage musical opened at the London Palladium to rave reviews in April 2002.  The London production was nominated for 3 Laurence Olivier Awards in 2003, including Best New Musical, and won Best Musical at the Variety Club Awards in 2003. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang broke every box office record and continues as the longest running musical ever to play at the London Palladium. The Chitty stage car holds the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive prop in the history of British theatre!

The Broadway production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang received 5 Tony Award nominations, 10 Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and 4 Drama Desk nominations during its Broadway run at the Hilton Theatre.

The fantastic adventures of this out-of-the-ordinary car that flies through the air and sails the seas, are reaching a new generation through an enthralling and enchanting stage musical. Make sure to get your tickets! Tickets are now on sale. Visit www.chittychitty.com.au.

WIN Tickets!
Win 1 of 2 Double Passes to see a special preview performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on November 16!
Email info@danceinforma.com with your Name, Email Address, Postal Address and Phone Number and answer this question: “What famous pair wrote the music for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?”
Entries close Oct 20.

After high praise overseas, Legally Blonde The Musical is heading to Aussie shores this October. A stellar cast including Lucy Durack in the role of ‘Elle Woods’ and Rob Mills as ‘Warner’, will be taken through rehearsals under the direction of Broadway director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

Here, Dance Informa chats with Jerry prior to rehearsals on the intense training regime required, and why audience members never fail to fall in love with ‘Elle Woods’.

How intense will the rehearsals be for the Australian production?

I’m going to be meeting some of the principals later in the week but I’ve got to adjust and get myself ready for the gruelling time ahead (laughs). There are five weeks of rehearsals and two weeks of full previews before it opens. We start each day with one hour of jump rope. There’s a jump rope number that opens the second act of the show, so everyone in the show has to learn how to actually jump rope and sing, and it’s tricky!

Legally Blonde The Musical has been a hit overseas. Why do you think people are so drawn to the storyline?

Well first of all, I think if you’ve seen the movie or if you haven’t seen the movie, it doesn’t really matter. The character of ‘Elle Woods’ is an underdog and she’s larger than life. Everybody loves an underdog. She goes on this journey and she discovers who she really is and finds the right path for herself in the end. It has all these fantastic elements of a musical.

The cast for the Australian production looks amazing. Were you familiar with most of their work?

Well I’ve met Lucy (Durack) before in London. She came and auditioned for me while I was there, and then David (Harris) played ‘Malcolm’ for me in The Full Monty years ago. The rest of them I’ve auditioned, but I haven’t met them yet. They’re all quite spectacular.

Lucy Durack as 'Elle Woods' in Legally Blonde The Musical

What stood out from Lucy’s performance when she was auditioning?

You know when you meet a character as beautiful as ‘Elle’. She comes from a wealthy family in the play, so you think “well what’s wrong with her”? And then her boyfriend ‘Warner’ breaks up with her and I think there’s a lot of people that can relate to being dumped (laughs). Everybody’s gone through a breakup at some point in their life right? So I think what I was looking for, what I always search for, is someone who has that vulnerability to let us in on what she’s really thinking. Lucy’s truly a wonderful actress. You can connect with her right away because she seems really honest. So honesty and vulnerability are the qualities that really add to the job, besides being beautiful and being able to sing and dance (laughs) – that’s a given.

Did you plan on making the Australian version quite different?

Well the show will remain the same as far as the scenery and blocking. But I never ask a cast to repeat what some other actor has done, so part of this discovery in the rehearsal will be allowing them to bring their natural qualities to the roles. I think that’s what always makes a musical fresh because the cast becomes absorbed in the story, and we have a cast on stage that are invested in the story. The audience gets so much more out of it.

Your career-to-date is simply amazing. What’s next for you once Legally Blonde wraps up?

Well, actually the exact same day we begin rehearsals here, my next Broadway show has rehearsals in New York City. I will miss the first week so the cast in New York is going to be learning all of their music and working on their British accent for a musical called Kinky Boots, based on the British film that was made and has scores by Cyndi Lauper. We’ve been workshopping the show and it’s become quite good. Productions for the show will open in spring of next year.

Legally Blonde The Musical opens at Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star, on Thursday 4^th October 2012. For bookings call 1300 795 267 or visit ticketmaster.com.au .

WIN A DOUBLE PASS!
Dance Informa has double passes to giveaway to Legally Blonde.
Email info@danceinforma.com with your Name, State, Email Address and Phone Number and answer this question: “Who is the Choreographer of Legally Blonde The Musical?”

www.legallyblonde.com.au
facebook.com/legallyblondemusical

The Official Show of the Australian Tap Dance Festival.

Australia’s best tap dancers fly in to Melbourne to perform in one jaw-dropping tap show for the Australian Tap Dance Festival. Australia’s Got Tap will feature performers from Tap Dogs, Happy Feet 2, Bootmen, Hot Shoe Shuffle, 42nd Street, Got to Dance UK,  Australia’s Got Talent, Nigel Lythgoe’s Superstars of Dance and select Tap Festival participants.

Experience classic and famous routines, original choreography and live music.

Australia’s Got Tap
Friday 13th July  7.30pm (one show only).
Irving Theatre, 38 Huntingtower Rd, Armadale VIC.

For more information visit www.TheTapDanceShow.com / www.AustralianTapDanceFestival.com.au

Win a Double Pass to Australia’s Got Tap!

Just email info@danceinforma.com with subject: “WIN TICKETS” and tell us Why Your Love Tap Dancing.
Dance Informa’s Editors will pick the best responses to win.
* All valid entries must include your full name, postal address and date of birth.

Competition open until July 8.

Published by Dance Informa dance magazine -covering dance in Australia, dance training, dance auditions, dance teacher resources, dancewear and fashion and more.

Australia’s very own Tap Dogs first appeared at the Sydney Festival in 1995. The tapping feet of this internationally acclaimed dance sensation has now reverberated around the world in 330 cities, 37 countries, and been seen by more than 11 million people. Now they are coming home – stronger, faster, louder and more outrageous than ever to tour Australia from July to August 2012.

The 2012 winter tour commences in Canberra 3 to 8 July, then Newcastle 10 to 15 July, followed by Adelaide 17 to 22 July, Hobart 16 to 18 August, Albury 21 to 23 August and finally Wollongong 24 & 25 August.

Created by Olivier Award winning choreographer Dein Perry, this global dance phenomenon combines the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing and is part theatre, part dance, part rock concert.

The adrenalin pumped touring cast includes the best tap dancers from around the world. Leading the pack is Sheldon Perry (brother of Dein) along with fellow Aussies Matthew Papa, Nathaniel Hancock, Jesse Rasmussen and from the US Anthony Russo and Richard Miller. In addition to the macho line-up, Tap Dogs now has two beautiful female percussionists, Cat Hunter and Lyndsay Evans joining the testosterone fuelled action on stage.

Tap Dogs was originally created and choreographed by Dein Perry and directed and designed by Nigel Triffitt. In the last 15 years Tap Dogs has won 11 major international awards, including an Olivier for Best Choreography.

Win a Double Pass to Tap Dogs in Adelaide or Canberra!

Just email info@danceinforma.com with subject: “WIN TICKETS” and tell us Why Your Love Dance Informa.
Dance Informa’s Editors will pick the best responses to win.
* All valid entries must include your full name, postal address and date of birth.

Competition open until June 20.

Published by Dance Informa dance magazine -covering dance in Australia, dance training, dance auditions, dance teacher resources, dancewear and fashion and more.

A Reserve Double Passes are up for grabs!

NUTCRACKER ON ICE

The international ice dance sensation The Imperial Ice Stars make a triumphant return to Australia this winter with a dazzling new production of The Nutcracker on Ice.

Over the last seven years, The Imperial Ice Stars have performed to more than three million people across five continents, at some of the world’s most prestigious venues.

For their latest production, The Nutcracker on Ice, acclaimed Artistic Director Tony Mercer – the world’s leading creator of contemporary theatre-on-ice – has once again teamed with four-time figure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist Evgeny Platov, and dual World Champion Maxim Staviski to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing.

Sydney: Capitol Theatre – 6-10 June
Canberra: Canberra Theatre Centre – 13-17 June
Brisbane: Lyric Theatre, QPAC – 20-24 June
Adelaide: Adelaide Festival Centre – 18-22 July
Melbourne: The Arts Centre – 25-29 July
Perth: His Majesty’s Theatre – 2-12 August

www.imperialicestars.com

OPERA WARRIORS

Direct from the award-winning creative team behind the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, Opera Warriors showcases the best of Chinese modern theatre arts in a show that tells a story of the Peking Opera through martial arts and modern dance. To celebrate the closing of the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia, Opera Warriors will premiere at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House with four shows only from 14 to 16 June.

Opera Warriors is choreographed by Mr Xing Shimiao, and scripted by Ms Pik Wah Li (Lilian Lee) – one of Hong Kong’s most popular columnists, whose screenplay Farewell My Concubine won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993. Mr Sha Xiaolan, the Lighting Designer of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Beijing 2008 Olympics, will light the Opera House stage.

Leading Chinese dancer Mr Wang Di, who performed the painting scroll sequence in Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, and Mr Huang Doudou, China’s most famous male dancing artist, who performed Chinese Kung-Fu in the Closing Ceremony of 2004 Greece Olympic Games, will lead the troupe of 60 dancers.

Brought to Sydney by the Shanxi Huajin Dance Art Troupe, Opera Warriors is an exquisite visual feast that combines an elaborate set, beautiful costumes, dynamic lighting and original music with a story that encompasses the dramas of life.

www.operawarriors.com.au

Win a Double Pass to:
Nutcracker On Ice at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre or Opera Warriors at Sydney Opera House!

Just email info@danceinforma.com with subject: “WIN TICKETS” and tell us What show you’d like to win tickets to and why. Dance Informa’s Editors will pick the best responses to win.
* Please include your full name, postal address and date of birth.

Competition open until May 24.

Published by Dance Informa dance magazine – everything dance in Australia – dance auditions, dance news, dance events and resources for dance teachers.