Project Z
Youth Dance Maker’s Initiative looks at the bigger picture.
We pay attention to the world we live in, how we exist within it and how we can rattle the cage.
A youth-led, collaborative, screen dance project for 15 young people.
Collaborate with professional artists and other young people
Develop concept, create choreography, perform and/or direct parts of an experimental dance film
Develop your choreographic skill in relation to the camera
Get access to raw footage to create your own independent film
Be credited for your contribution
The Details
Applications Close: When 15 people have been confirmed or Monday 3rd June. Whichever comes first!
Applicants will be notified no later than: Monday 10 June.
Project Dates to pop in your diary: Monday 8 July - Saturday 13 July 2024 (Wednesday rest day)
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Inner Melbourne (Carlton/ Prahran/ film locations TBC)
Cost: This is a FREE program! Participants will be asked to contribute to some fundraising activity.
What will the film be about?
EXPLORATION as a rebellion against capitalist culture and societal norms.
What expectations does society place on you? What is it to rebel? If there were no expectations or pressures placed on you, what would you do? Who would you become? This theme evolved thought a series of conversations with a group of young people about what they value most.
Who is this project for?
You! Dancers, movement-based and film artists from diverse backgrounds, training and experiences interested in dance on screen, expanding their artistic practice and working collaboratively with professionals and other young people, ages 14 - 25 years. We highly encourage young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and culturally and linguistically diverse to apply. You don’t need to be a highly experienced or accomplished dancer. There is no audition. We value ideas, perspectives and creativity.
What is “screen dance”?
Screen dance is a hybrid artform combining dance and film where choreography considers the relationship between camera and dancer/body, allowing for a profound encounter into the movement and the subtle emotions of the performer.
Here are some examples of screen dance films (recent and classics) suggested by the Project Z team.
How do i apply?
Apply via the Expression of Interest Form.
The form will ask for your details, to tell us about you and ask a couple key questions. There are no word limits. We don't expect you to write an essay, just what you think in your own words. Alternatively you can submit a video application responding to the questions above via instagram @ydanceinitiative.
The key questions are:
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Why would you like to be part of Project Z?
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What expectations placed on young people by the wider society do you feel impact you the most?
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For you, what would be the ultimate act of rebellion?
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What message would you like this film to send about exploration, rebellion and the impact capitalist culture and societal norms have on young people?
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When you think about the concept of exploration and the message you would like to send, what does the backdrop of the film look like?
When will I know if I'm part of PROJECT Z or not?
Approximately 1 week from submitting your Expression of Interest. Applications close 3 June or when when 15 young people have accepted their offer. Whichever comes first.
I've got questions. Who can I ask?
If you have any questions or if you would like to apply via video please contact Chelsea via chelsea@artsmovementeduction.com or @ydanceinitiative.
Meet The PROJECT Z Facilitators
Erin O'Rourke
Erin is a Naarm/Melbournebased contemporary dancer, choreographer and researcher. Erin was awarded The Australian Ballet/Telstra Emerging Choreographer in 2022 for her dance film ‘yellow mellow’. In 2023, ‘yellow mellow’ was a part of Dancehouse’ Dance (Lens) Official Selection. Choreographic credits include ‘object-shun’ for Melbourne Fringe Festival X Dancehouse and ‘when the water gets cold’ for Transit Dance. Her recent performance work includes Alicia Frankovich’s Rich in World/Poor in World at NGV Australia as a part of Melbourne Now, Jenni Large’s Body Body Commodity in Mona Foma (Tasmania), and Harrison Hall, Sam McGIip and NAXS Future’s Body Crysis at ACMI for Now or Never Festival (Melbourne).
Cobie Orger
Cobie has been engaged with the moving image for over 20 years. She creates meditative works for screen centred around the body in motion, nature and everyday happenings screened in galleries, theatres, cinemas, foyers, personal computers and building facades.
Cobie’s practice often involves collaborations with artists from the visual arts, music, theatre, and dance, and generates work that can exist as intimate viewing encounters, through to large scale, participatory community events.
Alongside her creative practice Cobie is also committed to the documentation of artistic work coming from various artist fields. She has taught editing for Screen Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts and is a co-presenter of screen dance workshops at Dancehouse’s biannual Dance(Lens) program.
Chelsea Byrne
Chelsea is a dance artist, educator and producer. She is and passionate about facilitating opportunities for young people that foster unapologetic self-expression. Her movement practice uses improvisation and composition techniques to create moments of curiosity, indulgence and play. Chelsea has performed at Melbourne Fringe, Midsumma, Dance Massive, Dancehouse and The Arts Centre Melbourne, and collaborated on screen based works shown at Melbourne’s Signal Screen, Chin Chin Art Wall, and SXSW Festival. Chelsea studied dance extensively, completing a Master of Dance at VCA (2016), was formerly Director of Contemporary Dance for The Space Dance & Arts Centre’s pre-professional program and is on the Youth Dance Australia national committee.