The period 1945 to 1965 was an astonishingly creative time for Australian dance. Dancers from the 1930s Ballets Russes tours and modernists who had settled in this country were teaching, performing and developing companies. The spectacular results included long, brilliant seasons by the Borovansky Ballet and the National Theatre Ballet Company, the formation of the Victorian Ballet Guild and the eventual foundation of the Australian Ballet. Smaller classical and modern groups sprang up in every state, some going on to gain international reputations.
Illustrated with a wealth of photographs and designs for decor and costumes,
Australia Dances: Creating Australian dance 1945-1965 surveys the major companies, large and small, modern dance, the beginnings of Aboriginal theatrical dance and the various teaching codes which became established. Selected works from company repertoires are discussed, making the book a rich and valuable resource for students and scholars as well as an essential addition to every dance lover's library.
Praise for Australia Dances:
'A beautifully produced and designed publication ...
Australia Dances is a welcome addition to what is a sparse Australian publishing scene as far as monographs on Australian dance are concerned.' – Michelle Potter,
Canberra Times
'... the authors have amassed a vast gallery of evocative illustrations ... impeccably reproduced ...
Australia Dances will be indispensable to students of our photographic history.' -
Dance Australia
'Beautifully designed and presented ... The text is informed and readable, infused with sharp observation and touches of humour.' -
Australian Book Review
'Anyone who loves dance will be intrigued, and the photos and illustrations are magical.' -
Australian
'As a record of the Australian ballet repertoire of the period, the book is without parallel.' - Jonathan Bollen,
Journal of the Historical Society of South Australia