Youth dance under the spotlight at AYDF Industry Forum

AAR Australian Youth Dance FestivalYouth dance leaders will gather in Melbourne for a series of workshops and seminars during the Australian Youth Dance Festival being held at the Victorian College of the Arts and presented by Ausdance VIC.

The forum draws on the importance of youth dance and arts practice, its contribution to a healthy arts ecology, and its impact in shaping the future. This is a rare opportunity for youth dance leaders to participate in a dialogue with eminent national practitioners.

Facilitated by contemporary dance artist and AYDF alumni Adam Wheeler, the panel includes Access and Inclusion advocate, CEO and Artistic Director of Arts Access Victoria Caroline Bowditch, dance maker and independent producer of Filipino descent Efren Pamilacan, Taiwanese-Australian dancer and choreographer Jennifer Ma, the Artistic Director of Hobart based youth dance company DRILL Performance Isabella Stone, and Executive Director of Ausdance VIC Michelle Silby.

“I appreciate the invitation to be involved in the Industry Forum as part of AYDF, and I’m looking forward to the conversation,” says Efren Pamilican.

The Industry Forum on 7 July is open to anyone working in arts and creative industries, including local government authorities, and people working with youth.

The forum will be a site of learning and professional development for teachers, leaders, artists, and educators focused on supporting, promoting, and sustaining contemporary youth dance practice in Australia.

The industry forum will be followed by networking refreshments, and the (RE)GENERATE performance – a 90 minute, intimately presented journey showcasing the talents of youth dance from around the country.


The Australian Youth Dance Industry Forum takes place on Thursday 7 July at the Martin Myer Arena – Victorian College of the Arts. A limited number of tickets are on sale for this event. For more information, visit: www.ausdancevic.org.au for details.

Image: Australian Youth Dance Festival (supplied)