ArtsCoast brings dance opportunities to the region

When Lewis Major fractured his spine at just 21, he was told he’d never dance again. Now, in a inspired twist, Lewis is coming to Nambour where he’ll embrace his ‘brokenness’ through the development of a new, major dance-theatre work. 

The working title for this new work is Kintsugi, in honour of the Japanese philosophy, which sees beauty in the incomplete. 

Lewis said he still struggled with his physical body and had a hard time keeping up with the day-to-day training required as a dancer. 

“I run a small independent dance company and at some point, I looked around me and realised each artist I had somehow brought into my orbit, brought with them their own brokenness – I also realised that’s what made them special,” Mr Major said. 

“Kintsugi will be a reminder to stay optimistic when things fall apart and to celebrate the flaws and missteps of life. 

“In this work, we will use 3D projection and design to light and texture the performers and the space, creating a fluidly shifting atmosphere and stage architecture. 

“We are interested in working with local artists as part of the development process, formally or informally and hope to initiate a range of opportunities to embed ourselves fully in Kabi Kabi and Jinibara country over the course of our time there.” 

Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said Lewis was coming to the region to develop his work thanks to artist residency program, ‘BEYOND’, which is supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s ArtsCoast and Victorian arts organisation PUNCTUM INC. 

“From April 26 to May 16, council will host Lewis Major and company at its 2nd Space Studio in Nambour,” Cr Baberowski said. 

“This residency brings exciting opportunities for the local dance sector to learn from Lewis at his daily open classes for dance students and emerging dance professionals. 

“Lewis will engage local artists from Nambour and the broader Sunshine Coast community to inform and develop his work.” 

Lewis’s residency comes off the back of Sunshine Coast based artists Courtney Scheu and Itamar Freed traveling to Kyneton Contemporary as part of the broader BEYOND residency exchange. 

Through reciprocal programs of exchange, residency, and presentation BEYOND connects and deepens regional partnerships and arts practice beyond borders and boundaries to build on regional arts and audiences. 

Currently BEYOND involves PUNCTUM INC (VIC), Kyneton Contemporary Art Triennale (KCAT) (VIC), ArtsCoast - Sunshine Coast Council (QLD), Situate (TAS) and Country Arts (SA). 

Information about arts events, programs and initiatives can be found by subscribing to the monthly ejournal, ArtsCoast or following @ArtsCoast on Instagram.