Fast+Fresh Dance 2013

Lennox Theatre, Riverside, Parramatta NSW
Heats: November 12-14. Final: November 16

By Deborah Searle of Dance Informa.

Fast+Fresh Dance 2013 saw an eager young crop of dancers compete against each other in November, showing Sydney their choreographic talents and passion for dance. A mixed bag of performances in dance genres from classical to hip hop, and even African, Fash+Fresh Dance gives young dancers a valuable chance to present their work and showcase their talents.

Fast+Fresh Dance aims to cultivate talent and performance by choreographers and dancers aged 21 and under. The festival inspires and educates young performers to strive for their own artistic excellence and encourages active participation in dance at all levels and styles. Works must be five minutes or less.

Dance Informa enjoyed watching this year’s heats, and although disappointed in the audience attendance, the competition presented fun nights of varied performances and a chance for audience interaction with a People’s Choice Award. Fast+Fresh Dance is the kind of festival that needs to be supported by the dance community. Next year, I urge you all to get tickets and support our young artists.

2013 Winners

Best Male Dancer – Active-me by Abuzar Abdelrahim
Best Female Dancer – Make You Feel My Love by Sumire Antonioli
Best Solo – Hourglass by Lacinda Fisk
Best Duet – The Past, Group devised by Rose Bay Secondary College, dancers Hannah Danon and Kai Taberner
Best Group – A Memory by Kei Ishii, performed by Tiana Lung, Courtney Raftry, Kristina Richmond and Maddie Tratt
Most Outstanding Choreography – A Memory by Kei Ishii
Industry Placement – Rat Song 2 by Jessica Du
Judges Choice Award – Magic Shoes by Joseph Dufty (co-choreographed by Jaryn Smith and Joseph Dufty)

2013 Judges

Kiri Morcombe, Sophia Ndaba, Joshua Lowe, Katina Olsen, Joshua Thomson, Melanie Hitchcock, Jason Winters, Matt Cornell, Sarah-Vyne Vassallo, Marko Panzic, Annette McLernon, Caroline Baum and Vicki Van Hout.

Fast+Fresh Dance 2013 was presented by FORM Dance Projects.

Photo: Abuzar Abdelrahim, Best Male Dancer 2013. Photo by Dominic O’Donnell. Photo source: www.form.org.au