In 2018 Ausdance WA launched their first Dance Artist In Residence (DAIR) initiative. This program was introduced with the aim to address the challenge faced by many dance artists in accessing affordable studio space. DAIR creates the opportunity for Ausdance WA to establish partnerships with dance studios, schools and other dance spaces and provide access to this space for our members.
Lauren Catellani is currently in residence at YMCA HQ Leederville in their newly renovated studio space. For those familiar with Lauren's career in dance will remember her recent choreography in Lemons which was presented at Fringe World 2018 (pictured below). She also danced in the work 'Dance, Quiet, Riot', choreographed by Emma Fishwick, which was performed at Stackwood in Fremantle and for STRUT's Short Cuts.
In undertaking this residency, Lauren's intention was to conclude the first development of ideas for her new work, 'In search for home I find myself leaving or not quite arriving'.
Lauren expands on processes developed during research completed at WAAPA in 2017, which focused on the intertwine of dance and the visual arts. Building on this work, Lauren will apply the research into her choreographic practice.
While the DAIR residency does not require a performance outcome and can be purely used for research and development, Lauren does have the desire to present this as a full length workout some stage.
Allowing for an intensive residency gives the dance artist the opportunity to explore unique ideas and their creation without the pressure of reaching defined outcomes. Harbouring these creative inspirations makes West Australian dance diverse and interesting.
We look forward to hearing more about Lauren's progress and her exciting career in dance!