Review: Echo by Australasian Dance Collective Is A Breath Of Fresh Air
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The Australasian Dance Collective’s 2025 season of Echo is simply exquisite. Opening night at the Judith Wright Arts Centre showcased the incredible talent of ADC’s Youth Ensemble, as they take the stage in a bold, three-part dance journey.
Consisting of two dance works broken up by a series of short films, Echo is a fresh and engaging piece of contemporary art that leaves audiences hungry for more. ADC Youth Ensemble Director Courtney Scheu describes the isolated dance works as being united by their exploration of the individual and the collective. This concept grounds the performance and connects its three distinct parts.
Conceptualised and directed by the incredible Courtney Scheu herself, Ripple is an 18-minute piece brought to life by 20 dancers that explores how different forces shape us as individuals. Choreographically playing with the different forms a ripple can take – whether in nature, technology, society, or the brain – this visually striking work evokes a deep connection to its layered themes.
From the moment Ori Lichtik’s Last Life begins to play, the choreography draws you in with its enchanting fluidity. The ensemble moves with such freedom and fluency, expressing powerful, full-bodied movements that flow seamlessly across the stage. The dancers embody a compelling movement quality that is laced with both defined technique and expressive emotion. Even in moments of contrasting group and solo work, the ensemble moves with such harmony and grace it feels as if they are one fluid body. This makes for a visually captivating experience that continues to draw the audience’s attention through to the final frame.
Claire Browning’s stunning lighting design entirely elevates the atmosphere throughout Ripple. Deep, blue-toned lighting from above and the sides of the stage casts a haze-like glow over the dancers. It complements their movement with a soft, ambient effect. The contrast in lighting throughout Ripple intensifies the impact of the choreography, and at times, highlights the most memorable moments.
Echo is a contemporary work of art enriched with creativity and passion Photo by Jade Ellis
Echo is a contemporary work of art enriched with creativity and passion Photo by Jade Ellis
A standout moment towards the end of Ripple unfolds as dancers are seamlessly lifted into the air and passed above the group, their bodies solely illuminated while the ensemble remains in the darkness. This innovative use of lighting produces a breathtaking illusion of the dancers floating through the air.
Ripple is beautifully breathtaking – an elegant reflection on how individuals are shaped by forces both seen and unseen.
Inside Out, Outside In is a presentation of short dance films created and performed by ADC Youth Ensemble and AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre Artists. This segment offers a unique and refreshing element to your typical dance showcase. The presentation of short films is deeply moving and inspiring, offering a powerful insight into what ADC’s Youth Ensemble is all about – empowering young dancers to find their voice as emerging artists.
Each film is remarkably unique and infused with creative flair. From music and choreography down to camera angles and costuming, the films have evidently been crafted with great care and vision. Together, they showcase the bold and talented spirit of emerging artists.
Metamorphoses, directed by Amy Wake, is a clear standout, delivering visuals that are simply brilliant. The innovative use of a projector, casting complex images onto a dancer’s back, took this piece to an extraordinary level. A powerful storytelling device that enhanced the choreography’s emotional depth whilst producing a fascinating blend of movement and multimedia.
The collaborative direction and choreography of Flipped by Madison Hardwick, Isabela Thompson, Matilda Shanks, Neve Smith and Isa King produced yet another standout film. Creatively incorporating elements of nature into both its soundscape and physical movement, Flipped is a work that feels raw, grounded and alive.
Inside Out, Outside In is a dynamic and exciting experience, producing an imaginative lens through which to experience contemporary dance.
The final part to Echo is the fearless and empowering 14-minute dance work , snakeskin. Inspired by the ancient Gnostic text The Thunder, Perfect Mind , this piece is designed to embrace each dancer and encourages them to explore and connect with their inner self. Conceptualised and directed by Kate Harman, snakeskin unapologetically embodies the rawness of teenage girlhood.
The choreography is saturated in passion and raging emotion. The use of contrasting levels, formations and dynamics within this dance work adds a compelling element of depth to the choreography. The repetition of subtle combative gestures evokes the struggles – both internal and external – that often define the experience of girlhood.
The choreography of snakeskin is saturated in passion and raging emotion Photo by Jade Ellis
The dance work snakeskin takes you on an emotional journey, to say the least. The ensemble, to begin with, is incredibly calm and smooth. As the piece progresses, they erupt into bold, erratic expressions, revealing the raw beauty within rage and emotional release. The power of unity when the ensemble moves as one is undeniable, yet the piece remains deeply infused with the distinct soul and passion of each individual dancer.
Kate Harman’s costume design is essential in the execution of snakeskin’s core themes. The selection of a suit jacket paired with a red top is bold and brilliant. In one of snakeskin’s most powerful moments, the dancers tear off their jackets and begin attacking them. It’s a visceral act of rebellion that sheds imposed identities and marks a raw, revelatory reclaiming of self.
The soundtracks underlying this piece have been carefully selected to accompany the dynamic and unpredictable nature of snakeskin. Daring, percussive accents heighten the choreographic impact, amplifying moments of tension, release and emotional rupture. Claire Browning’s design of red lighting to support these heightened moments strengthens the emotional atmosphere.
Throughout Echo, I could not take my eyes off Isabella Messer – her performance was utterly captivating. The way she executed every movement with such deep expression and tension was unmatched, entirely embodying the emotional core of this dance work.
ADC’s 2025 season of Echo is a breath of fresh air. Witnessing such a powerful display of young talent, it’s clear the future of dance is in inspiring hands. Enriched with creativity and passion, Echo is a contemporary work of art that leaves audiences wanting more.
Echo is presented by Australasian Dance Collective’s Youth Ensemble and AUSTI Dance & Physical Theatre. The season runs from 20 – 21 June 2025.
Website: https://australasiandancecollective.com/
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