Ausdance ACT has collaborated with the Canberra Theatre Centre to offer a dance or physical theatre artist, team of artists or company, space and support for a creative development of a new physical performance as part of the NEW WORKS program.
It is a priority for Ausdance ACT to help create and support programs that deliver professional pathways and new work development for local dance artists.
For more information about Canberra Theatre Centre's New Works program visit HERE.
2025 Recipient
Yolanda Lowatta with Aba Bero and Harlisha Newie Joe
Yolanda is a Geidei woman from Lama, ZENADTH KES (Torres Strait Islands) and is also of Papua New Guinea & Fijian heritage. A Helpmann Award winner for dance, she has performed with Ochre Contemporary Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, YT Dingo, Jannawi Dance Clan, Australian Dance Party, and Melanie Lane.
In March 2025, Yolanda Lowatta undertook her creative development residency. She spent a week in The Courtyard Studio with collaborating dancers Aba Bero and Harlisha Newie Joe, and mentors Jeremy Ambrum and Sara Black, creating the first scenes from her new work, 'Karbai'.
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Ngunnawal traditional custodian Richie Allan welcomed the artists and guests to the creative development showing, which was well received with much constructive discussion on the work so far.
We congratulate the other 2025 dance artist recipients supported by Canberra Theatre Centre's New Works Program: Emma Laverty who undertook an artist-led program for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to work closely with the Canberra Theatre Centre, engaging in mentoring sessions, and developing a new work for presentation. As well as James Batchelor who undertook a creative development of Resonance in early January. Continuing his exploration of lineages of contemporary dance history with a focus on the legacy left by late choreographer Tanja Liedtke.​
Image credit: O&J Wikner Photography
2024 Recipient
Sugar Kaye Sañejo Grefaldeo with Erika Jane Goldsmith and Richu Jong Kung and collaborators Kulture Break
Originally hailing from the Philippines, Sugar is a valued member of Filipino Hip Hop Community, which has trained her as an all-styles dancer and been her main influence. Since moving to Australia, she has trained in Cuban contemporary dance, afro, dancehall, and street Latin styles. Passionately representing the Filipino Community at multicultural events in Australia she is a performing artist, studio manager, dance teacher, and choreographer.
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Sugar developed her one-woman dance theatre work, ‘Fortuna’. Joined by mentors Erika Jane Goldsmith and Richu Jong Kung, and collaborating with Kulture Break, Sugar's work delves into her journey as a Filipino migrant and the intricate dance of fortune and destiny.
The week culminated in an insightful and moving showing, showcasing the profound themes and dynamic choreography of ‘Fortuna’.
Image credit: Art Atelier Photography
2023 Recipient
Jake Silvestro, with Romain Hassanin, Steve Gow, Lilah Gow & Darcy Wiseman
A circus and visual artist, Jake is excited by fine art, theatre and storytelling. With a passion for creative experience and boundless energy for physical movement, he has carved a career in multiple art forms since 2010. Jake has toured with the internationally successful Circus OZ, CIRCA, Casus, Company 2, Dislocate and GOP, as well as many small to medium sized arts companies in Australia. Diving back into his independent practice, Jake is working to bring a new style of circus to Australian stages that prioritises sincerity, honesty and narrative exploration.
'Alienation' is a physical theatre work that explores the parallels between animal and human behaviour and invites us to reconsider our relationship to the natural world. Relying heavily on contemporary dance and circus, the work incorporates visual art, live music, and absurdism.
'Alienation' was further developed through support from Legs on the Wall in Sydney and premiered as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival in October 2023.
Emerging circus artist Darcy Wiseman was also supported by Ausdance ACT to observe this creative development for the week and extend his performance vocabulary with movement.
Image credit: Creswick Collective
