QL2’s Connected
Dancers get connected, without a device in sight
The 32 young dancers in QL2 Dance’s Connected are used to connecting online, but they have worked with renowned dance artists Sara Black, Kristina Chan and Lingua Franca to create 3 works about connection, with no tablets or phones — just bodies, movement and some very loud voices.
Connected is a remarkable triple bill of diverse pieces performed by QL2’s Quantum Leap ensemble — young contemporary dancers from Canberra and region, plus visitors from Thailand, Perth and regional NSW.
Artistic Director Ruth Osborne says “in exploring different forms of connection, we’re breaking away from those little screens. And getting in touch with ourselves, with others, and the environment we inhabit. Each work shows a lot of maturity: these choreographers have collaborated with the dancers to draw out a subtlety of expression you might not expect from young dancers.”
The Quantum Leap ensemble has some amazing alumni — including two of the dancers touring with Bangarra. Osborne says “I’m sure some of this ensemble will be making their mark nationally as creators and performers, very soon. But you can see them now!”
Connected is a trio of diverse pieces that are dynamic, complex and uplifting; created in collaboration with the auditioned dancers by renowned choreographers Sara Black (Chunky Move, Punchdrunk), Kristina Chan (ADT, Australian Ballet), and physical theatre company Lingua Franca (Brisbane Powerhouse, Wirksworth Festival UK.)
Quantum Leap is QL2‘s flagship contemporary youth dance ensemble. This selective ensemble is a vibrant, demanding, supportive and structured environment for young people to gain an understanding of choreographic processes, develop choreographic literacy and work together to create sophisticated productions that wrestle with big ideas.
The Connected triple-bill consists of:
- Act of Contact by Sara Black which explores “the myriad messages we receive through our skin … a conversation and understanding without words.”
- Infinite by Kristina Chan which she describes as “connections: how we live, breathe and embody nature.”
- All our Might created by physical theatre group Lingua Franca which asks “In an age of empowerment, action and aggression, what is strength?”
QL2 Dance is home to Quantum Leap, Canberra’s auditioned youth dance ensemble. They run challenging, diverse and rigorous youth dance programs. Artistic Director, Ruth Osborne, is passionate about extending youth dance practice beyond training, beyond ‘young people dancing’, to immersive, creative, ongoing dance experiences. QL2 aims to develop the next generation of dance-makers, and contribute to a passionate, caring, diverse society.
Check out QL2s Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/QL2dance/
CONNECTED | Quantum Leap
Wednesday 27th July – Saturday 30th July; 7pm and Saturday matinee 2pm
(school matinees 28th and 29th July, 10:30am)
The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre
Bookings here: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or phone (02) 6275 2700
