Stompin

Following the huge success of Uncover This in November 08, Stompin presents another ambitious and exciting dance work titled Tales From A Small City. 

Based on the true stories of the dancers, Tales From A Small City will be presented as a series of vignettes; sometimes brash, sometimes intimate, each conveying aspects of youth - the embarrassments, the joys, the adventures.  What it is like to be young in a small city? Currently in rehearsal, the project features a group a 12 young dancers from Launceston and surrounding areas and is being choreographed by Antony Hamilton and Stephanie Lake, both highly acclaimed performers working with Melbourne based companies Chunky Move and Lucy Guerin Inc.  Adam Wheeler  (choreographer of Uncover This) is producing the show.  Both he and Stephanie got their start with Stompin and went on to forge successful careers in dance – living proof of the tremendous success of the Stompin experience.
 Tales From A Small City will be presented in the 18th year of Stompin’s existence.  Stompin is coming of age!  So as a celebration of it’s enormous contribution to the cultural life of the city of Launceston and the awesome experience it has offered so very many young people over those years - Stompin offers yet another bold, fresh, high energy performance event.

Uncover This is over and we want to hear from you.

If you saw Part 1 or Part 2, please share your thoughts with us about what you thought of your experience.

Email info@stompin.net.

Thanks. Love Stompin

Hi everyone

I’m writing to say good bye to Bec Reid who has spent the last 5 years with Stompin as one of our Artistic Directors. I had the most amazing time working with Bec, she was a true professional who knew how to make work well.

Bec has left to pursue other adventures in the arts and I know she will be such an asset as an artist pushing the boundaries and as a truely beautiful person. You just need to be standing next to Bec and you can feel her bright light shine. It brings a smile to your face and the energy to be who you are!

Thanks for everything Bec. Everyone at Stompin will miss you.

Onwards and upwards for Luke and I. I’m really excited about our journey ahead for Luke and I and Stompin.

From Sarah

We have great pleasure in welcoming Kyle back to Stompin! This time Kyle is teaching our Shop program. It started last week and is lots of fun so if you want to participate not too late. Call Sarah at Stompin on 6334 3802 or email sarah@stompin.net.

here’s kyle performing “aether” by lucy guerin (pictured with kirstey mccracken)

Kyle began dancing in 1997 with Stompin under the directorship of Jerril Rechter. He participated in Grind 2 and Distance with which he toured locally, nationally and internationally.
Since moving to Melbourne Kyle has completed his Bachelor of Contemporary Arts at Deakin University and graduate studies at the Victorian College of the Arts in Arts and Events Management.
Over the past five years Kyle has worked with companies Lucy Guerin Inc (Melt, Plasticine Park, Love Me and Aether), BalletLab (Upholster), Strange Fruit (The Spheres and The Field) and numerous independent choreographers among these Shelley Lasica (Play in a Room). Kyle has performed with the aforementioned companies both within Australia and overseas.
Kyle is currently working with TasDance on their season The Earth Beneath our Feet, in which he performs in work by Nanette Hassall, Byron Perry and Tanja Liedtke. Kyle has also toured with TasDance to the Australian Performing Arts Market with Divine Harmonies.

I think Trish has had a good time teaching Shop because she brough a nice selection of lollies for us tonight. I’m nibbling on them now as a watch the final Shop with Trish feeling like I should be up there doing some exercise! It’s been a great six weeks of Shop with Trish with a very focused group of dancers. They have received incredible guidance from the wonderful Trish. We will miss her! Thanks Trish - you’re a star!!

Watch out! Kyle is gearing up for Shop No.2 for the year which starts on Thursday 18 May at 6pm - 7pm. That will be a different experience for everyone with another talented young dancer. Go Kyle! Looking forward to it. Remember to register to participate if you haven’t yet.

From Sarah x

One of my wonderful Tafe Arts Admin. students did some research on Stompin’s amazingly, beautiful, regal, prestigious yet grungy studio - The Lyceum. So, now I can share some goss about where we’re based and it’s origins. And wow does it have a juicy history!

Ok, a few facts. The Lyceum was built in 1856 on land owned by prominent Launceston resident Dicky White (thus the address - Dicky White’s Lane). His stepson, William Henry Clayton designed and built the original Lyceum which opened on June 1 1857.

At the time it was called the Theatre Royal but in later years it went through several names changes - the Oddfellows Hall, the Gaiety theatre, the Bijou Hall, the Empire Theatre and eventually the Lyceum Theatre. The building was used for auctions, public meetings, film shows, a wax works and many live performances. I’ve seen photos of it’s original state with chairs, it’s fun looking at the old pics.

this is what it looks like now.

I also found out that Kenneth Gillespie, a Launceston born ballet dancer and teacher had his studio at the Lyceum - go dance! Before this though, it was a pool hall with snooker tables (my dad told me he used to hang out there quite frequently as a lad).

Stompin is so lucky to have such an amazing studio and office space. It’s really good for me to have my office in the studio, it makes me feel really connected to Luke and Bec’s work and the dancers.

Off to meet Bec, she’s in town for a meeting with the Architecture students at the University of Tasmania for Home, our major show for 2006. It’s in November and it’s going to be a treat! Look out…

From Sarah x

We had our first SHOP last night with Trisha Dunn and it went really well. Trish is such an amazing dancer and teacher, she was brilliant with the dancers. A variety of people attended including new company members and old Stompers. Trish led a detailed dance class giving the dancers an opportunity to really focus on clarity of movement and taking risks.

Thanks Trisha! Thanks to those who attended and if you want to join it’s not too late. call me on 6334 3802. Looking forward to getting together again next week for SHOP.

Off to meet Caro from the Dance Board, Australia Council.

From Sarah

It’s all go in Stompin land.

Lots of people coming up to the studio and activity happening all over Oz.

Lots of projects on the go and being produced — Auditions, Back in the Lab, SHOP and HOME in Launceston, The Outback Fringe in Roxby Downs South Australia, The Works Festival in Hobart and Special Mention in Sydney — WOW! That’s a lot of activity for 2006!

If you’re interested in volunteering or work experience or secondment at Stompin give me a bell, we’d love to have you.