12 FOR 26

Image by Nick Hanson of Launnie Can Dance 2023

We are determined to get as many Tasmanians (and guests) moving as possible, so for the remainder of 2026, we are offering
$12 classes across our entire Community Program.

Whether it's Contemporary, Ballet, Commercial, or Hip Hop, we believe that creativity and self-expression should guide our classes.

Our passionate and dedicated teaching artists are committed to providing inclusive, non-competitive spaces that, most importantly, are about having fun dancing.

TASDANCE NEW WORK, COIL CALL OUT

Image by Melanie Kate Creative of Izzy Lockett

CALL OUT FOR LOCAL DANCERS

We are on the lookout for 60 local movers and shakers to be part of a
large-scale community-meets-professional dance performance being presented in September 2026.
No experience required!
Flexible rehearsal sessions!
Life-changing experience with like-minded people!

SESSIONS JULY — MOTHERSHIP

Image by Crispian Chan of MOTHERSHIP

SESSIONS JULY

Join us for SESSIONS JULY and witness a special showing of MOTHERSHIP
featuring Pat Toh Ling (Singapore) and Freyja Wild (Rooke)

FRIDAY 17th of July
5:30pm — 7:30pm
ASSEMBLY 197 Studio,
197 Wellington Street, Launceston

Experience new contemporary performance and meet the artists of this exciting international collaboration.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? CLICK HERE

DANCEWEEKENDER NIPALUNA/HOBART 2026

Image by Melanie Kate Creative of DANCEWEEKENDER Launceston 2025

DANCEWEEKENDER NIPALUNA/HOBART IS BACK

25th APRIL 2026 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | STUDIO THEATRE, THEATRE ROYAL

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE LINE UP

Feras Shaheen Workshops

We’re excited to kick off 2026 by welcoming Feras Shaheen to Launceston as our first artist in residence for the year!

Over the coming month, Feras will work with the northern arts community, sparking vital conversations and activating dance as a powerful space for cultural expression, connection and creative change.

Feras will spend two weeks with Assembly 197 and Tasdance, sharing his practice, collaborating, and shaping new ideas with local artists and community.

REGISTER HERE

WANT TO JOIN OUR BOARD?

Image: Big Heat at Junction 2023 by Melanie Kate Creative

BOARD MEMBER EOI – CLOSES 23rd January 2026 

Expressions of Interest are invited from people who want to join our board to help us achieve the Assembly 197 vision. Board positions are voluntary, with Directors expected to attend (in person or remotely) six board meetings a year, as well as our annual strategic planning weekend and AGM, and when possible, participate in Assembly 197 events. Most Board Meetings occur virtually. Any travel costs to attend meetings will be covered by Assembly 197. 

WHO WE ARE

We are Assembly 197, a resoundingly Tasmanian, proudly regional, live arts centre on the banks of Launceston’s Kanamaluka River in the heart of Lutruwita/Tasmania. Led by Co-Creative Directors Adam Wheeler and Emma Porteus and governed by an active skills-based board, A197 emerged from the recent amalgamation of the flagship dance company Tasdance, and the internationally recognised development program Situate.

Care for our people is paramount to Assembly 197’s culture. Employing 60+ artists annually, including creative associates, provocateurs, independent artists, and teachers, we are committed to collaborative, long-form artmaking. Assembly 197 is passionate about how the physical body shares stories. Building on Tasdance’s 42-year commitment to pursuing choreographic excellence, we make large-scale works that celebrate the human form in performance. Assembly 197 provides professional development opportunities to build artists’ skills, capacity, and careers through Situate, Tasmanian Residency for Independent Practice (TRIP), choreographic workshops, and intensives. In addition, through our Artery program, we work in partnership with The Smith Family, Stompin, and schools to offer artist-led workshops and pathways for young creatives from Day Care to University.

Assembly 197 believes all bodies deserve to engage with and experience artistic encounters, and we invite you to join us on our journey.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND BACKGROUNDS, INCLUDING:

• We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in finance, fundraising and sponsorship, governance and/or law, and would also welcome applications from those with experience in diverse areas such as arts administration, marketing, festivals and events, education, community and government engagement, or business.

• Connections with the Australian arts community or broader business, political and community networks in Tasmania would also be an asset.

• We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Applicants should be willing to engage actively in Assembly 197’s development, attend Board and committee meetings, and revel in and encourage others to experience and be inspired by our art-making.

THE NEXT STEPS

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Simon McKenzie, Board President, at president@assembly197.com.

If you’d like to express interest in joining our board, please email us a brief (no more than 300 words) statement explaining why you’d like to join us and what you consider you could contribute to the board. Email this, with a copy of your current CV, to Simon McKenzie at president@assembly197.com by 23rd January 2026

PLAGIARY - ALISDAIR MACINDOE X TASDANCE

IMAGE: WILL HAMILTON-COATES

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 21.11.25
PLAGIARY - ALISDAIR MACINDOE X TASDANCE
FRIDAY 5TH - SATURDAY 6TH | 7:00-8:00 | ANNEXE THEATRE

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

MAKE 25 IS BACK WITH ALISDAIR MACINDOE

IMAGE: Will Hamilton Coates — Plagiary at Now and Never 2024

🚀 MAKE 25 is here! Tasdance’s choreographic intensive returns in 2025, led by acclaimed choreographer and composer Alisdair Macindoe. Fresh from its international debut at Noorderzon Festival, Plagiary lands in Launceston this December — a bold fusion of innovation, technology, and live performance. 

Over six days (1–6 Dec), independent dance artists will dive into Alisdair’s AI-driven collaborative process, co-creating and performing Plagiary in real time. Free to join (with a paid honorarium for performances), MAKE 25 invites dancers hungry for experimentation, digital integration, and creative teamwork. 

Applications open 10–26 October — no long forms, just a short video! 💥

APPLY NOW HERE

DANCEWEEKENDER at JUNCTION

DANCEWEEKENDER 2024 at JUNCTION. Image by Melanie Kate Creative

DANCEWEEKENDER is a vibrant celebration of community dance across Lutruwita/Tasmania, presented by Tasdance. After its successful 2024 launch, the 2025 program builds on the momentum by bringing local dance groups together in afternoons of performing, teaching and sharing. Events across the state invite social dance groups to perform a short piece and then teach their style to the audience, allowing anyone to join in, whether for ten minutes or three hours. Over 450 participants engaged in the 2024 program, showcasing the diversity of dance and the broad community interest. DANCEWEEKENDER is built on Tasdance’s ethos of collaboration, access and dance-making for everyone. It’s a welcoming space to learn, share, move and connect through dance.

INFLUENCER at JUNCTION

INFLUENCER at JUNCTION. Image by Adam Wheeler

INFLUENCER is a captivating exploration of hierarchies of power, trends, manipulation and the conscious or subconscious methods and platforms in which humans affect, lead and follow each other. 

Led by Kyall Shanks, five artists equipped with 50 selfie lights unravel the power of digital algorithms, social “norms,” and how they shape our everyday behaviours. 

From the influences of political leaders and pop culture to the captivating allure of social media personas, INFLUENCER offers a unique insight into the subconscious manipulation we all face. 

INFLUENCER promises a dynamic fusion of talent and perspective, featuring powerful storytelling, innovative choreography, and thought-provoking visuals.

INFLUENCER at THEATRE ROYAL

INFLUENCER is a captivating exploration of hierarchies of power, trends, manipulation and the conscious or subconscious methods and platforms in which humans affect, lead and follow each other. 

Led by Kyall Shanks, five artists equipped with 50 selfie lights unravel the power of digital algorithms, social “norms,” and how they shape our everyday behaviours. 

From the influences of political leaders and pop culture to the captivating allure of social media personas, INFLUENCER offers a unique insight into the subconscious manipulation we all face. 

INFLUENCER promises a dynamic fusion of talent and perspective, featuring powerful storytelling, innovative choreography, and thought-provoking visuals.

CREATIVE TEAM

Lead Artist/dancer: Kyall Shanks
Dancer/collaborator: Amber McCartney
Dancer/collaborator: Jenni Large
Dancer/collaborator: Gabriel Comerford
Sound designer: Anna Whitaker 
Production + Light Consultant: Chris ‘Wolfe’ McBride
Tour Manager: Bodhi Aulich-Croll

INFLUENCER REGIONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM

In 2025, the INFLUENCER Creative Team ventures into regional Lutruwita/Tasmania for the final creative development of the work before the world premiere in Nipaluna/Hobart.

You will find the team in the following towns:

• 11th-15th AUGUST — STANLEY & SMITHTON

• 18th-22nd AUGUST — KING ISLAND

• 25th-29th AUGUST — FLINDERS ISLAND

• 1st-5th SEPTEMBER — ST HELENS

If you would like to learn more about how to connect with the team while they visit your town, contact Bodhi at bodhi@tasdance.com.au

SHOW DETAILS

NIPALUNA/HOBART SEASON

WHEN
12 September Thu 7:30 pm
13 September Fri 7:30 pm

WHERE
Studio Theatre, Theatre Royal

DURATION: 60 mins

Proudly supported by Arts Tasmania, Creative Australia, RANT Arts (RAF)

Strengthening Our Foundations – ASSEMBLY 197 Evolves

Emma Porteus + Adam Wheeler in the Assembly 197 gardens

We’re excited to share an important update from ASSEMBLY 197 (A197). As our work continues to evolve across local, national, and international contexts, we’ve undertaken a restructuring that strengthens our capacity, sharpens our focus, and supports sustainability across all we do.

What’s changing?
The evolution welcomes a new parallel leadership structure. This model ensures deep focus in key areas while fostering flexibility, cross-organisational collaboration, cohesion, and mutual support. 

Formally Co-Creative Directors, Adam Wheeler and Emma Porteus, now as Executive Directors, serve as co-CEOs of A197 and manage the A197 Portfolios: TASDANCE | SITUATE |ARTERY | TRIP | HUB.

Specifically;

Adam Wheeler: Executive Director – TASDANCE, ARTERY & HUB

Emma Porteus: Executive Director – SITUATE & TRIP

For more information on the A197 Portfolios, head to: www.assembly197.com/about

This new leadership structure enables Executive Director Emma Porteus to pursue her PhD, examining how creative practices contribute to recovery and resilience in the face of natural disasters and a changing climate.

We’re hiring — A New Executive Producer

We’re now recruiting for a new Executive Producer, a pivotal position for someone passionate about producing, operations, and the arts. The Executive Producer will provide vital leadership in operations, governance, compliance, and resourcing that support A197’s artistic and strategic ambitions. 

The role is suited to someone highly organised and strategic, with strong producing and administrative capabilities. This person thrives in collaborative environments and is committed to supporting bold, artist-led practice from behind the scenes.

For more information about the role and how to apply, head to: https://www.assembly197.com/executive-producer-role

Image by Melanie Kate Creative of Jenni Large in BEACON

TERM 1 CLASSES

Term 1 is about to begin at the Assembly 197 Studio!

Dance classes kick off from February 12th! For our Street and Dance Discovery classes, head to the Tasdance website to register: www.tasdance.com.au/tdsd

Free trials available + Ticket to Play vouchers accepted.

Tai Chi (Taijiquan) with Wuji Medicine is currently running on Friday mornings (and it's free!) All levels of experience are welcome.

Photo by Melanie Kate Creative

BEACON at TEN DAYS ON THE ISLAND

Three dancers in three transparent images by Studio Bacon

Tasdance, in association with Ten Days on the Island, presents

BEACON

BEACON is an intergenerational dance performance brought to life at dusk.

This transformative encounter brings community members and professional artists together to explore our deep connection to place, confront the challenges of our climate, and embrace the power of gathering. Immerse yourself in a shared energy and leave feeling inspired and hopeful as we navigate an uncertain future – together.

As the sun sets, take a moment to wander down to Civic Square and experience this free performance.

CREATIVE TEAM

Lead Artists: Emma Porteus and Adam Wheeler
Choreographers: Jenni Large, Gabriel Comerford, Isabelle Lockett
Country Man: Nathan Pitchford
Musician: Emily Sanzaro

WHEN
27 Mar Thu 7:00 pm
28 Mar Fri 7:00 pm
29 Mar Sat 7:00 pm

WHERE: Civic Square Launceston

TICKETS: FREE

DURATION: 40 mins

BEACON IS CALLING FOR YOU

Several people stand on stage looking up with their arms above their head and their palms facing upwards.
Image by Melanie Kate Creative of DANCEWEEKENDER Launceston

After the massive success of MUSTER in 2021, Tasdance is bringing together a new team of creatives to work with 80 local dance lovers to be part of a major dance performance in March 2025.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Whether you have just returned from Broadway, feeling like it's time to dust off the old dance shoes or want to try something entirely out of your comfort zone, BEACON is the dance performance experience for you.

++++ No Experience Required++++

++++ All Ages Welcome ++++

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

We are hosting a FREE gathering to introduce the project, get moving together, and allow you to ask any questions.

30th November 2024

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Launceston College Drama Room
Patterson Street, Launceston TAS

TRIP SESSIONS

Adrien Tucker (Naarm/Melbourne)
Aurelio Di Virgilio (Milan, Italy)
Kady Mansour (Naarm/Melbourne)
Sophia van Gent (Naarm/Melbourne)

Friday 30.08.24 | 5:30 – 7:30pm | Assembly 197
197 Wellington Street 7250

DANCEWEEKENDER AT JUNCTION

Promo info about Danceweekender with Jenni Large in front of grey brick wall.

Tasdance is bringing dance lovers from across the north together for an afternoon of performing, teaching, and sharing. Five Launceston-based social dance groups will perform a short piece and teach their style to the audience. You can join us as an audience member or a mover for ten minutes or three hours.

Dance Groups Announced Soon.

21 Sep 2024   |   2:00pm - 5:00pm

$10 - General Admission

Princess Theatre
57 Brisbane St
Launceston TAS 7250

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS

MAKE Choreographic Intensive 2024

MAKE Choreographic Intensive is back for 2024. Facilitated by the exceptional Jenni Large and Ashleigh Musk, this four-day intensive is dedicated to supporting the development of independent practice.

WEDNESDAY 18th - SATURDAY 21st 2024

PRIME is back!

We're excited to announce that a new 4-week block of PRIME will be launching on Monday 22nd July! These are our dance classes for anyone over 40 who wants to get moving! This will become part of a much larger work for 2025.  For more information email us emma@assembly197.com