Australian Dance Theatre: A Foundation Story

when was australian dance theatre founded

The Australian Dance Theatre (ADT), founded in 1965 by Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, is a contemporary dance company based in Adelaide, South Australia. It was the first modern dance company in Australia, drawing inspiration from the techniques of Martha Graham. The ADT has since garnered several industry awards and was the first Australian company to be invited to the Edinburgh Festival.

Characteristics Values
Year founded 1965
Founder Elizabeth Cameron Dalman (OAM)
Founder's aim To 'open the horizons for provocative contemporary dance'
Based in Adelaide, South Australia
Type of dance Contemporary
First name Australian Dance Theatre (ADT)
Former names Meryl Tankard Australian Dance Theatre (1993-1999)
Current artistic director Daniel Riley
Former artistic directors Garry Stewart (1999-2021), Merryl Tankard (1993-1999), Leigh Warren (1987-1993), Anthony Steel & Lenny Westerdijk (1986), Jonathan Taylor (1977-1985)

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Australian Dance Theatre was founded in 1965 by Elizabeth Cameron Dalman

Australian Dance Theatre, one of the country's most renowned and influential dance companies, was established in 1965 by the visionary artist Elizabeth Cameron Dalman. This was a pivotal moment in Australia's cultural history, as it marked the first full-time professional modern dance company in the nation's capital, Canberra.

Dalman, a pioneering figure in Australian dance, possessed a deep passion for dance and a desire to establish a company that would showcase Australian artists and stories. With her dedication and artistic vision, she laid the foundations for a company that continues to thrive and inspire generations of dancers and audiences alike.

The early years of the Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) were marked by innovation and experimentation. Dalman's choreography drew from a range of influences, including modern dance techniques from America and Europe, as well as her own experiences and the unique Australian landscape. The company quickly gained recognition for its dynamic and diverse repertoire, which often incorporated elements of Australian culture and heritage.

Under Dalman's leadership, the ADT not only pushed artistic boundaries but also played a significant role in the development of dance education in Australia. The company offered classes and workshops, fostering a new generation of dancers and choreographers. The ADT also toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, bringing their unique brand of contemporary dance to new audiences and helping to put Australian dance on the global map.

The legacy of Elizabeth Cameron Dalman and the ADT extends far beyond its founding in 1965. The company has continued to evolve and flourish, with subsequent artistic directors building upon Dalman's vision to create a company of international acclaim. The ADT remains at the forefront of contemporary dance, known for its bold, innovative, and uniquely Australian style, a testament to Dalman's pioneering spirit and enduring contribution to the arts.

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The company is based in Adelaide, South Australia

The Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and has been creating and performing contemporary dance across the country and worldwide since 1965. Adelaide has played a significant role in establishing itself as a globally renowned festival city, and the ADT has been a crucial part of this success.

The ADT's home base is the Odeon Theatre in Norwood, Adelaide, where they presented 'Convergence' in May 2021. The company has also performed at the Adelaide Festival, with Daniel Riley's 'Tracker' being one of the most successful works from the ADT, with 20 sold-out performances across multiple festivals.

The ADT has a rich history in Adelaide, with founder Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM's vision to create a modern dance company in a ballet-dominated landscape. Dalman had to train her dancers in contemporary dance from scratch, and her early works addressed the concerns of a new generation, including the Vietnam War and the shifting mores of 1960s Australia.

The company has continued to thrive in Adelaide, touring extensively across Australia and internationally. They have performed in prestigious theatres worldwide, including the Sydney Opera House, Sadler's Wells in London, and Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. The ADT has garnered industry recognition, receiving numerous Helpmann, Green Room, Export, and Australian Dance Awards.

The ADT is funded by the Government of South Australia through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and has various corporate partners, sponsors, and private donors. This funding support has been essential to the company's success and longevity in Adelaide.

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It was the first modern dance company in Australia

The Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) was founded in 1965 by Elizabeth Cameron Dalman (OAM) and was the first modern dance company in Australia. Dalman's vision was to create a modern dance company at a time when there was little to no modern dance in Australia, particularly in South Australia. The company was initially called the Australian Dance Theatre, but from 1993 to 1999, it was known as the Meryl Tankard Australian Dance Theatre.

The ADT is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and has been creating and performing contemporary dance across the country and worldwide since its inception. It has prioritised creating intellectually and artistically compelling dance works of the highest standard, pushing the boundaries of dance and collaborating with artists from various cultural and scientific domains, including robotics, photography, neuroscience, architecture, and virtual reality technology.

As the first modern dance company in Australia, ADT drew inspiration from the techniques of Martha Graham. The company has toured extensively across Australia and internationally, performing in prestigious theatres such as the Sydney Opera House, Sadler's Wells in London, and Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. ADT was the first Australian company invited to the Edinburgh Festival and is the only Australian company to perform at Théâtre de la Ville in Paris.

Since its founding, ADT has garnered numerous industry awards and has been recognised for its exceptional contemporary dance and dynamic performances. The company has accommodated and often led changes in the Australian dance landscape, reflecting the postmodern, globalised world through its repertoire. ADT's subject matter, style, and form have been distinctly contemporary from the start, addressing topics like the Vietnam War and the shifting mores of 1960s Australia.

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The ADT has toured performances extensively across the world

The Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) has been creating and performing contemporary dance across Australia and worldwide since 1965. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, the ADT is at the forefront of Australian contemporary dance, pioneering new works that redefine dance in the region. The company has toured extensively across Australia and the world, showcasing its artistically innovative and dynamic repertoire that reflects Australia's ingenuity and vibrancy.

ADT's performances are not limited to the traditional theatre spaces but extend beyond the stage to include film, interactive installations, gallery exhibitions, and works for public spaces. This approach ensures that their productions reach a diverse range of audiences and contribute to the artistic landscape both locally and internationally.

The company has toured extensively throughout Australia and in various countries, including Ireland, Korea, Canada, the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Japan, Spain, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Norway, and Colombia. Their performances have been presented at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Sadler's Wells in London, the Southbank Centre in London, and the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris.

ADT was the first Australian company invited to perform at the Edinburgh Festival, and it remains the only Australian company to have performed at Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. Since 2001, their performances have captivated over 250,000 people in Europe, Asia, and North America. Their collaborations with artists from diverse cultural and scientific domains, such as robotics, photography, neuroscience, and virtual reality technology, further enhance their performances and contribute to their global appeal.

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The company has won several awards and performed at prestigious theatres

The Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) has been creating and performing contemporary dance across Australia and the world since 1965. It is the country's first modern dance company, and its repertoire extends beyond the stage to include film, interactive installations, gallery exhibitions, and works for public spaces.

The ADT has won numerous awards, including several Helpmann, Green Room, Export, and Australian Dance Awards. Since 2001, the company has performed for over 250,000 people in Europe, Asia, and North America, showcasing its artistry in some of the world's most prestigious theatres. These include the Sydney Opera House, Sadler's Wells in London, the Southbank Centre in London, Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, and The Joyce Theater in New York.

ADT was the first Australian company invited to the Edinburgh Festival, and it remains the only Australian company to perform at Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. The company has also toured extensively across Australia and other parts of the world, including Ireland, Korea, Canada, the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Japan, Spain, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Norway, and Colombia.

In 2021, the ADT presented 'Convergence' at its home base, the Odeon Theatre in Norwood, Adelaide. This performance brought together the work of three winners of the International Choreographic Competition Hannover: Philippe Kratz (2018 winner, Germany), Oscar Buthelezi (2019 winner, South Africa), and Tu Hoang (2020 winner, Vietnam). The same year, ADT collaborated with The Australian Ballet to present 'THE HUM', a remarkable new work by Daniel Riley, at the Sydney Opera House.

The ADT is funded by the federal government through the Australia Council, the Government of South Australia, corporate partners, sponsors, and private donors. The company is committed to creating intellectually and artistically compelling dance works of the highest standard, pushing the boundaries of dance, and collaborating with artists from diverse cultural and scientific domains.

Frequently asked questions

The Australian Dance Theatre was founded in 1965 by Elizabeth Cameron Dalman.

The Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) is a contemporary dance company based in Adelaide, South Australia. It is one of Australia's leading contemporary dance companies and has toured performances extensively throughout Australia and the world.

The current artistic director of the Australian Dance Theatre is Daniel Riley, who took over at the end of 2021.

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