Jo's first taste of dance was one that many dance enthusiasts can relate to, ballet classes after school. But something about watching her older sisters in their contemporary dance classes called to Jo, and when she was invited to join, she leapt at the opportunity.
I immediately loved taking off my ballet shoes and tights and dancing in a more natural way.
Jo went on to graduate from the Victorian College of Arts, which spurred a career in the performing arts, taking opportunities as they arose in various venues. As her career and disciplines evolved, Jo developed a keen interest in choreography as a social encounter. She was fascinated by the contrast of private behaviours in a public setting - the curious relationship between audiences and performers.
Sometimes dance brings about complex and passionate conversations, then other times it silences people - both responses are often a sign of a work that it ‘working’
What They Said rehearsal images by John McDermott
Jo is typically an Australian-based Choreographer and What They Said is Jo's first collaboration with the New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC). Jo was drawn to the raw physicality of New Zealand choreographers from a young age. This collaboration with NZDC is the culmination of several years of collaboration between dancers working in Melbourne and New Zealand and hopefully paves the way for more collaborative works with dancers across the ditch in the future.
The dancers have a readiness, very willing to try ideas and offer parts of themselves to the process.
What They Said is Jo's first 'play without words.' While Jo has always involved text in her development process in some way, the foundation of this work is formed by words and phrases that people have said to Jo over several years.
What They Said rehearsal images by John McDermott
This show is another opportunity for Jo to work with long-time collaborators Duane Morrison (Music) and Andrew Treloar (Costumes). Over the years and through many projects, Jo, Duane and Andrew have developed a balance between working efficiently and provoking one another to pursue unfamiliar processes and investigations. Duane has often utilised voice recordings in the music for works Jo has choreographed, but for this work, they knew they really wanted to drive and challenge that process further. Andrew and Jo work with a process they call 'choreographing the costumes', which allows the costumes to reference and create possible meanings in the work.
There is a swift feedback loop between each of us and the dancers, it can be very generative and everyone contributes to the making of the work.
What They Said rehearsal images by John McDermott
Live performance often involves sitting down for an extended period of time in a dim lit space with our phones off. It can feel like a foreign experience after the last few years. Despite the challenges, it seems there is still a desire from artists and audiences to come together again and experience that funny feeling of anticipation as the house lights dim.
If those who see this work are reminded of it and it resonates in their own day to day encounters, I’ll be pleased.
What They Said runs from 7 - 8 October in Rangatira. Click here to learn more.
