10 Years Strong!

Austinmer Dance Theatre has a new name and direction, writes Vyvian Wilson, secretary of the AUSTI Board of Directors

Ten years ago, Austinmer dance artist and teacher Michelle Maxwell identified a gap in the industry for emerging dance artists transitioning from full-time training and tertiary education into a professional career.

“If dancers didn’t fit in the ‘box’ of our leading training facilities and companies, there weren’t the opportunities for them here,” Michelle says.

“I saw many of my very promising senior students travel overseas in search of further training, only to become homesick, grow too tall or become injured and return home feeling they had failed.”

Often this ended their pursuit of a dancing career.

In 2011, against all odds Michelle established the Austinmer Dance Theatre (renamed AUSTI dance & physical theatre) as a not-for-profit association.

“It was a leap of faith and while exciting it wasn’t easy. Had I known the challenges of securing funding, the endless, voluntary hours of teaching, choreographing, self-promotion, planning etc,
I may have given it more thought.”

Despite these difficulties Michelle continues to steer the AUSTI ship and audition exceptional emerging dance artists every year for one of 12 places offered at AUSTI, providing them with a rich program of classes, workshops, mentorship and professional performance opportunities.

“We strive to create a supportive space where young artists feel valued, supported and able to take risks, while perfecting their craft and expanding their professional networks.”

AUSTI’s successes have been extraordinary. Accolades have included the 2011 Sydney Fringe Festival (SFF) – Most Outstanding Dance Production; 2018 SFF Critics Choice Award; and an AUSDANCE Australian Dance Awards nomination for outstanding achievement in youth dance. Many of AUSTI’s dancers have gained professional work both nationally and overseas.

One of the biggest impediments to AUSTI’s development is its lack of a permanent home –
an affordable dance studio equipped with a sprung dance floor, a necessity for the health and safety of all dancers. Currently, AUSTI splits its activities across local commercial dance studios and community spaces, which can be a juggling act.

The other obstacle is the lack of ongoing financial support. To date, Michelle has given all her time and energy to AUSTI without remuneration.

“I do it because I love dance and have a passion for creating this opportunity for young dancers in the Illawarra but it would be nice to take home a pay cheque once in a while.”

Despite these difficulties, 2022 is looking positive for AUSTI. With a generous grant from Wollongong City Council, AUSTI has re-branded the organisation’s website with its new name and look, and has an invigorated program.

Due to the impact of Covid, AUSTI is squeezing two years into one – some highlights will be a Youth Dance Australia collaboration with Yellow Wheel and Sue Healey and participation in the Australian Youth Dance Festival, both in Melbourne. There are also plans for a Dance on Film fundraiser this year, which will screen the best of AUSTI in performance over the past decade.

Michelle’s dream is to see AUSTI working and creating in an Illawarra-based Arts Hub –
a multi-arts space where mainstream and diverse artists of all genres can train, rehearse, collaborate and hold developmental showings.

“I would love to set up a ‘youth’ program for younger dancers (aged 10-14) with and without previous dance training, run regular community workshops and performances in the Illawarra’s Aboriginal and underprivileged communities and get AUSTI on the road for some touring of performances and workshops to regional and remote areas.

“At AUSTI we’re passionate about training the ‘whole’ dancer’. While technique forms a large part of what AUSTI offers, building a dancer’s self-belief, inner confidence, respect for each other and independence as artists, all form a vital part of AUSTI’s program.

“To witness the growth and self-development of a young artist is priceless, and something I never tire of.”

AUSTI’s rebranding project was funded through the Creative Wollongong Quick Response Grants from Wollongong City Council. Visit www.austitheatre.com.au