Ausdance In Conversation

The members of the Ausdance NSW team will be reflecting on the year that was of COVID-19 and discussing the impact the pandemic has had on the dance and entertainment sector. We will also be discussing the state of funding for the arts and our hopes for 2021.

Tonight's conversation is an interview with Vera Köppern which was recorded when Annalouise Paul was overseas as part of her Innovating Dance Practice grant. Originally broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains as part of the 'Dancing on Air Series.'

Annalouise Paul chats with both artists who navigate their often controversial worlds with grace, talent, sophistication and clarity. This interview was co-created for In Conversation series by Ausdance NSW. Thanks to Ausdance NSW team for their important and excellent support for all forms of Dance. Originally broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains as part of the 'Dancing on Air Series.'

Ausdance in Conversation is a podcast run by Ausdance NSW that address issues and points of discussion that dancers are talking about, including mental and body health, diversity and parenting in the dance industry. Ausdance NSW is the peak body for dance and has been representing dancers’ interests at both a national and international level for 40 years, through their advocacy and by providing leadership to create a strong and unified voice for dance in Australia. Today’s conversation is between Alice Weber and Monica Blaszczak as part of a residency that was held online due to COVID 19 restrictions.

Guest Host Annalouise Paul speaks to independent artists Dr Laura Osweiler and Matt Cornell about mental health in the dance industry.The societal rise in awareness of mental health and surrounding issues is currently more evident than ever. How is the dance sector responding to this in 2019? How is the dance sector responding to trends in thinking and being proactive about mental health? What are your approaches to self-care so we can learn from and share with each other?

Guest Host Annalouise Paul speaks to independent artist, Yasmin Brock and choreographer, independent artist and 2019 Australia Council Award for Dance recipient Vicki Van Hout about biodiversity and the issues they have faced as artists both nationally and internationally. · Biodiversity in all living systems is crucial for survival, so what of our dance ecosystem?

Guest Host Annalouise Paul speaks to educators Gwen Korebrits, CEO of Dance Health Alliance, and Linda Gamblin, Head of Training and Sydney Dance Company, about mental health in the dance industry. The societal rise in awareness of mental health and surrounding issues is currently more evident than ever. How is the dance sector responding to this in 2019?

Guest Host Annalouise Paul speaks to Lisa Maris McDonell, Flaminco dancer and choreographer and Adelina Larsson, dance, choreographer and caretaker of ReadyMade Works about the challenges and joys of parenting while pursuing an independent dance career. · Working in the arts can be demanding on many levels, commonly with our time and often for a lower income than in other industries. How do we manage our responsibilities to families, such as parenting or caring for elders or siblings?