Dance of gratitude

A group of Australia’s most critically acclaimed dancers has performed a choreographed “thank you” to UNSW’s Creative Practice Lab.

iOU Dance 2013, a series of short solo works performed over two nights, acknowledged the Io Myers Studio as a research hub and performance space for independent dance in Sydney. 

iOU was produced by Kristina Chan and included dancers; Martin Del Amo, Sue Healey, Narelle Benjamin, Benjamin Hancock, Timothy Ohl, Gavin Clarke, Paea Leach, Kristina Chan and Joshua Thomson

The group used the studio space to develop new works and in exchange shared their skills with UNSW students and researchers.

Choreographer and dance film-maker Sue Healey has a long association with the Io Myers studio, having used it as a rehearsal space for a number of years.

"The Creative Practice Lab team at Io Myers Studio are singlehandedly making a difference to the careers of independent artists in Sydney,” she said.

“There is nowhere else in this difficult arts landscape that supports the research, creation and performance of new work in the way that the Creative Practice Lab has for many years – long may it last.”

The first such "dance of gratitude" in 2011, led to an acclaimed performance as part of the 2012 Spring Dance festival at the Sydney Opera House.

Manager, Su Goldfish, said Io Myers offers the perfect space for artists to hone their craft.

“We are proud in the School of the Arts and Media that the Io Myers Studio offers a site where ideas and action can happen, where risks can be taken and experiments welcomed. As part of a major research and development university, Io Myers Studio is the perfect place for artists to be,” she said.

 Media contact: Fran Strachan, UNSW Media Office  9385 8732;  0429 416 070