Verity Jacobssen and Kevin Privett, Shorter+Sweeter Dance
Photo: Mikaela Burstow
History
Founded in 2000 by the then Parramatta Riverside Theatres and Ausdance NSW as an outreach program of the NSW Ministry for the Arts Western Sydney Arts Strategy, Western Sydney Dance Action became an incorporated association in 2004 following many successes in developing dance practices and initiatives in Western Sydney.
The inaugural Dance Bites seasons, established in 2003, have served to provide local and regional artists with the support to present their work in Western Sydney at Riverside Theatres. The development of this program has supported artists such as Kay Armstrong, Rakini Devi, Shaun Parker, Frances Rings, Narelle Benjamin, Martin del Amo, Annalouise Paul, Liz Lea, fLiNG Physical Theatre, Tasdance and Sydney’s newest youth dance company, youMove.
Since its inception, Western Sydney Dance Action has established vital relationships with other Western Sydney Arts venues such as Riverside Theatres, The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Powerhouse Youth Theatre. The organisation has co-produced many artistic developments and residencies, productions and education programs such as the Westbound Work Experience Program and the inaugural season of Fast+Fresh Dance. These partnerships, which continue to flourish, have played an important role in the development of dance and audiences, as well as providing fundamental support for artists in Western Sydney.
In 2011, after 10 years of growth and with an accelerating artistic program Western Sydney Dance Action has emerged as a professional and sustainable arts organisation, under the name, FORM Dance Projects. The three successive directors, Kathy Baykitch, Olivia Ansell and Annette McLernon, in collaboration with the Board, have contributed to the ongoing development and success of the organisation.
