FORMidables FORM Dance Projects

In this final episode of FORMidables, we hear from two artists who have embraced dance film as a most inspiring creative practice, offering infinite possibilities of approaching dance as a subject of viewing. They offer a masterclass in “just doing it”, whilst giving precious advice to their younger selves and sharing striking insights in Western Sydney’s unique character. You’ll be left in no doubt that living a creative life is priceless.

Diving deep in their personal stories, Molonai Makalio and Lawrencea Mateariki openheartedly share their Polynesian culture and how dance has been a healing force in their life journey growing up in Western Sydney.

In this meditative episode, Murasaki Penguin co-founder and multidisciplinary choreographer Anna Kuroda with charismatic dance artist Ryuichi Fujimura share their love of performance and the joy of connecting with an audience. Their distinct paths to becoming a professional dancer tell us that there is no one way of building a career and that it’s never too late to give it a go.

Enter the worlds of Braveheart and Riverdance! With remarkable honesty and humility in view of their international achievements, two-time Irish dance world champion, Liam Costello, contemporary Highland dancer and emerging choreographer Sabrina Muszynski, with leading Irish and tap dancer, Peta Anderson, share the highs and lows of competitive “sports” that have taken them from the NSW Northern Rivers to Edinburgh, Western Sydney to London and New York.

What is Hip Hop? Australian B-Boy pioneer Nick Power, joined by Jack Wardana aka Poppin’Jack of Stale Biskitz and Booyakasha member Alice Tauv aka Arisse openly share their strong sense of belonging to the Hip Hop community. Leaders in their own right, they take us through the roots of this “universal unifier” and the roads they travelled to find their own distinct artistic voices, from the Tanami Desert to Paris, the Inner West to Western Sydney where Sydney’s Hip Hop heart beats the loudest.

Two of the most treasured voices of Australian independent contemporary dance disclose with courage and humour the story behind their relationship and common belief in the artist’s responsibility to ask the hard questions. Their provocative and generous conversation makes compulsory listening for anyone interrogating the current cultural parameters, indigenous and non-indigenous, framing contemporary art making in a multicultural society. Vicki Van Hout and Raghav Handa open doors to genuine dialogue and remind us that dance is a language for all.

Vicki Van Hout is an Indigenous independent artist with Wiradjuri, Dutch, Scottish, and Afghan heritage, and over 20 years’ experience as a director, choreographer, performer, dramaturg and mentor. She was the recipient of The Australia Council Dance Award in 2019, which recognised her outstanding and sustainable contribution to Australian dance and the impact on Australia’s cultural narrative through “her commitment to charting new territories through her work, challenging existing stories and prompting contemporary conversations.”

Raghav Handa is an Australian choreographer and performer of Indian heritage, Inspired by his birthright – his works combine traditional kathak principles and contemporary movement to create multifaceted and engaging explorations of modern Australian cultural identity. He has worked in a variety of dance roles including choreographer, performer, collaborator, dance lecturer, artist representative and mentor for young performers. His works have been performed across Australia and internationally to strong critical acclaim.