History
Tasdance is based in the regional centre of Launceston, Tasmania and is the state's professional dance company.
Original Name: Tasmanian Dance Company
Founding Date: 1981
Founder: Jenny Kinder
Artistic Director 1997 - present: Annie Greig
Artistic Directors 1995 - 1996: Karen Pearlman and Richard James Allen
Artistic Director 1981 - 1994: Jenny Kinder
It was established 26 years ago as Australia's first dance in-education company, under the artistic direction of Jenny Kinder. After the first decade Tasdance broadened its role to include significantly more activity in the areas of theatre based performance, dancer development and community work. From its beginnings as a dance-in-education company, Tasdance has experienced a significant growth in stature and has earned a national reputation for the strength, diversity, innovation and accessibility of its repertoire of contemporary Australian work.
Under Artistic Director, Annie Greig, who joined the company in 1997, Tasdance focuses on presenting high quality Australian choreography and on developing audiences in Tasmania and regional Australia. In its prolific 26 year history, Tasdance has commissioned work from many distinguished Australian choreographers including Nanette Hassall, Leigh Warren, Natalie Weir, Sue Healey and Paul Mercurio and has nurtured the development of choreographers such as Neil Adams, Sandra Parker and Anna Smith.
The company has undertaken a number of national and international touring productions, including performances in Canberra, Geelong, New Zealand, Beijing, New York and most recently, Korea, where the company was invited to perform at the 4th international Asia Pacific Performing Arts Symposium.
Tasdance works to inspire young people in contemporary dance and has numerous innovative approaches to achieve a better understanding of the art form.