A world-first composition and choreography initiative, MadeBy, developed by OneMusic Australia and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia, has announced the winning choreographer who will begin a brand new artistic collaboration with emerging composer Emma Greenhill.
MadeBy highlights the artistic currency of creating original art. It celebrates the interconnectivity of two symbiotic art forms and provides a nurturing breeding ground for emerging Australian composers and choreographers.
Through OneMusic, Australian composers were offered the opportunity to submit an original composition in Stage 1 of a staggered competition. The winning piece was selected last year from a pool of over 300 entries representing a range of styles from musicians nationwide and formed the starting point for Stage 2 of the initiative.
Blue Mountains composer Emma Greenhill’s piece entitled Regrowth is a stunning meditation on the devastation of the 2019-20 bushfires and nature’s resiliency. The piece was offered as inspiration for a second competition for aspiring choreographers within the RAD Membership, who submitted an original dance work on film in response to the music.
“I was really looking forward to seeing my piece be interpreted by another artist through a different art form. It’s very exciting to see my music literally come to life through the physical act of dance, something I have always been very captivated by since childhood,” said Greenhill.
Emerging choreographer Monique Mangano, based in McDowall, Brisbane trained in the RAD’s ballet syllabus to Advanced 2 level at Promenade Studios with RAD Registered Teacher Rosanna Castellana. Mangano impressed an esteemed panel of judges including David McAllister AC (vice president of the RAD), Alice Topp (resident choreographer with The Australian Ballet), Gerard Charles (artistic director of the RAD), as well as winning composer Emma Greenhill. Taking inspiration from Greenhill’s bushfire theme, her original work AURA, performed by 18-year-old dancer Emilia Bignami, explores the idea of an aura and spirit that flourished in the forest while nature rebuilt itself.
Also excited by the next generation of choreographers, David McAllister, also former artistic director of The Australian Ballet, called the work “inventive and really musical. Monique choreographs using a range of movements and the space in a way that feels fresh and unique.”
Both artists received cash prizes to support them in the final stage of the initiative, which, recognising a broader push toward artistic partnership and collaboration in a post-COVID arts landscape, will see OneMusic and the RAD support the development of these artists in a brand-new collaborative work that will premiere in 2023.
Professional artists in both fields have been engaged and will mentor the winning artists in a wider bid to nurture their talent and provide guidance through the collaborative process. Rachael Dease (composition) and Alice Topp (choreography) will help guide Greenhill and Mangano through a collaborative artistic process lasting up to 12 months.
Topp said, “I’m thrilled and honoured to have the chance to support our next generation of dance makers. Australia has an abundance of young talent with fresh, unique voices, and I’m so looking forward to supporting Monique through this wonderful initiative as she develops her craft and sound as an artist. I’m sure we will learn and grow from each other in equal parts!”
Cameron Lam, Art Music Lead, APRA AMCOS, said, “We’re glad to see MadeBy reach the final stage and pair these rising artists to create a new music and dance work together. The experience will enrich their creative practice as they learn from not only their mentors but each other throughout this year-long collaboration. Congratulations to Emma and Monique. We’re excited to see your shared vision and final product.”
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