Dance up a storm

By Kath Gannaway
WORKSHOPS in Healesville, Warburton, Yarra Glen and Mooroolbark over the next three weeks will set the stage for a series of dynamic public performances in September.
The call went out last week for Yarra Ranges’ residents to get involved in the performances known as “storming”.
Project organiser Mary-Jane Warfield explained the large-scale public performances were inspired by the work of New York City comedy group Improv Everywhere.
“Storming is essentially a series of non-demanding physical performances where large groups of people assemble in a public space at a set time and perform rehearsed activity,” she said.
The concept is driven by Nick Papas, from independent theatre ensemble Born in a Taxi, who is expecting upwards of 200 local people to be involved in the project.
“Participants will come together through a chain of free workshops across the region which will teach Taxi’s unique style of movement and dance,” Ms Warfield said.
“From this, some participants will be selected as trainers to recruit and support other performers, and there will then be an all-in rehearsal in the lead up to the three storming performances in September.”
Ms Warfield said the performances were dynamic.
“Storming begins unannounced in an outdoor public place with a gradual arrival of performers. What at first appear to be simple formations become more complex as the piece takes shape,” she said.
“Unique to storming is that the participants may be trained or untrained dancers who are given a certain flexibility and freedom to express their movements in their own way.”
She said storming was open to the wider community and had no restrictions on age, culture or ability.
The project is supported by Regional Arts Fund and The Shire of Yarra Ranges and is a first for both the region, and for Nick Papas, a founding member of Born in a Taxi, which, as an independent theatre ensemble, has created physical and visual theatre for 20 years.
The workshops are from 7pm to 9pm in Warburton on 29 July and 5 August, Healesville, on 30 July and 13 August, Yarra Glen, on 31 July and 7 August, and Mooroolbark from 1pm to 3pm on 2 and 9 August.
For further information contact Ms Warfield 0419 557 721.