Dancers at the Bendigo Ballet Company will unveil an original work this weekend with the premiere providing an encouraging end to the group's first year.
Our Nature has been developed, choreographed and performed by the company of young dancers and features performers aged between five and 18.
Bendigo Ballet Company director Nat Hannaford said creating the original work was something she wanted to help the young dancers do.
"Unlike regular dance schools, we are a youth company. So we take on a bit more of the burden of a production, it's a bit of more a community thing to do," she said.
"After we finished the mid-year classical show in June, we knew we wanted to do an original thing. I'm very proud of them for doing everything involved in putting on show."
Our Nature sees dancers personify the four elements: fire, wind, air and water, exploring the way that human behaviours and desires match those in the natural world.
"We came back at term 3 and (talked) about the issue of whether Earth and nature have the desire of balance as humans do. If so, that's something we share," Ms Hannaford said.
"We went through the processes from there and explored it, gave it some structure.
"The structure we gave it was to personify the four elements so we can express the stories in more digestible way for audiences to look and relate to.
"It's been very collaborative. (The dancers) only need me and (deputy director) Anglea Lloyd for direction and guidance as trained theatre people."
Ms Hannaford set up the dance company as an organisation that provides an outlet for people with a passion for dance.
"Angela and I have both taught dance for years," she said. "We're set up similar to a dance school this year but want to continue to grow more like the Bendigo Youth Choir as an inclusive community group.
"We want to continue for people who want to express stories through dance and don't necessarily have an interest in the competitive dance environment."
The company currently has 18 members aged between five and 18.
"Some are new and a lot of the juniors are new," Ms Hannford said. "They are interested in learning techniques and skills of dance but didn't want a competitive environment. Two of our leaders (who are 18) are eager to come back as leaders to help classes and groups."
Bendigo Ballet Company's Our Nature is on at JB Osbourne Theatre on December 7 from 6pm. A matinee show is at 1pm for people with special needs and to say thank you to groups who have helped and supported Bendigo Ballet.
For tickets or more details email bendigoballet@gmail.com
Chris Pedler
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
