Youths dominating the Mornington Peninsula’s dance scene bring their show to town

Hearing of youths being graced with a platform to showcase their remarkable talent puts a stupendous smile on our dial. Founded in early 2016, not for profit dance group Spark Youth Dance Company is entirely operated by individuals under 25 – and they’re bringing their 90-minute contemporary dance production, Shatter, to the Geelong Performing Arts Centre this April. On the 14th, the cast and their full orchestra will be showcasing their wildly popular theatre show to the Geelong community.
The story centres around the British Suffragettes and draws attention to women’s rights and gender equality; a stimulating, importan and worldly discussion. The tale is manifested through a young woman named Rosie who is living through the Suffrage movement, a movement that fought for womens’ right to vote. The Suffragettes were a group of women who resorted to “deeds” or violent tactics to express their anger towards the limited societal progression that was hindering their ability to live equally to men. This was done through extreme protest measures, including smashing windows and going on hunger strikes in prisons – anything to assert their extreme frustrations. While women’s rights remain compromised in countries around the globe, the production is of significant relevance, educating young artists and audience members on history’s longstanding struggle with gender equality.
This calendar event marks the first of its kind for a youth dance company to be touring such a sizeable production. Both the creation and direction of Shatter has been curated by an all-youth creative team under 25, featuring a cast of 28 kids aged between 7 and 20, against a 35-piece professional orchestra. 20-year old choreographer and director Alex Dellaportas has been lent a helping hand by industry professionals Joseph Lallo (conductor) and Melbourne costume designer Tamara Keane, to deliver this must see show. With stellar reviews from Dance Writer’s Jessica Poulter and Victorian Dance Festival’s Kate Meade, the production has been described as “ground-breaking in its execution” and “everything you could wish for in a youth dance company.”
Tickets are on sale now for the Geelong show. Purchase yours through SYDC’s website www.sparkyouthdance.com.au.
Forte will see you there!
Written by Hannah Kenny