We believe in the positive impact dance has on people's lives- it is a creative way to improve health and fitness, encourage self-expression and build confidence. The workshops are also an important professional pathway for aspiring young artists to gain experience to further their performance career.
“We have disabilities, but it doesn't matter: we can all move and be together and no one cares about the differences.” - 2018 participant Brianna Lowe.
In 2021, The Right Foot workshops were led by professional artist Gabriela Green-Olea and Chris Bunton in collaboration with a team of professional DirtyFeet artists who identify with and without a disabilities.
DirtyFeet would like to acknowledge the contribution made by Sarah-Vyne Vassallo (Artistic Director, Murmuration) and past The Right Foot staff in assisting DirtyFeet establish such a successful program.
For more information regarding The Right Foot visit our Facebook Page or contact Program Manager Zoe Morgan
DirtyFeet delivers The Right Foot with the support of The Funding Network, The Hecand Private Ancillary Fund, City of Sydney and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
DirtyFeet would like to thank Jason Lam and Kaboom Studios for their photographic support during the 2015 project.
The Right Foot - Emerging Makers project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
We take a three phase approach:
Starting with a virtual consultation process, a team of 8 established Australian dance artists with disabilities, at varying points in their career, will co-create discussion and action points addressing the current condition of professional pathways for disabled dancers in Australia.
Managed by Anthea Doropoulos and led by Sarah-Vyne Vassallo, the artist consultants include Caroline Bowditch, Marc Brew, Dan Daw, Sarah Hoboult, Margot Politis, Matthew Shilcock and Kiruna Stamell.
The disability-led workshop series fosters the development of new and emerging dance makers with and without disabilities. 12 participants will attend 2 x 3-day workshop intensives. The focus will be on the dance making process; research and experimentation; generating choreographic material; score structures and devised theatre methods.
Lead Artist Sarah-Vyne Vassallo with Assistant Artist Chris Bunton will deconstruct the making process to foster, mentor and guide new and emerging dance voices. Providing high quality choreographic and artistic skills development to the next generation of dance makers with disabilities.
It is important that the artists feel empowered from the beginning to the end of the project and contribute to all aspects of the project. From their interests in making, to studio-practice, to feedback and reflection on the project.
We will support this process through varying formatting including, journaling, active reflection, video responses and discussions.