‘Reviewing a Pedagogy for the Bodenwieser Technique.’ James Batchelor and colleagues

My review of Reviewing a Pedagogy for the Bodenwieser Technique was published online by CBR CityNews on 7 September 2026, following the initiative in which James Batchelor’s work for a Masters degree relating to the technique of Gertrud Bodenwieser was discussed. The review below is a slightly enlarged version of the CityNews post. Follow this link to the CityNews review. *********************** 3 September 2026. The Street Theatre,

Dance diary. August 2026

In August an email from James Batchelor arrived in my inbox. It concerned a talk he would be presenting in Canberra at the Street Theatre in conjunction with Ruth Osborne and academics from the Australian National University (ANU). The talk relates to Batchelor’s current work towards a Masters degree at the ANU and is part of a regular Street program

Diamond. Liz Lea and colleagues

My review of Diamond was published online by CBR CityNews on 7 August 2026, following its opening performance in Canberra on 6 August The review below is a slightly enlarged version of the CityNews post. Follow this link to the CityNews review. ********************** 6 August 2026. The Q Theatre, Queabeyan Diamonds are indestructible; people are not. No matter what media

Dance diary. July 2026

As the Royal Ballet moves into its 2026-2027 season, I can’t help reflecting on how lucky we were to be able to watch Patricio Revé, now a principal dancer with the Royal, grow as an artist during his time with Queensland Ballet. But nor can I help feeling how much we will now miss him (unless of course we can

Return to the Strange Land. DocEdge Film Festival

26 July 2026, Wellingtonreviewed by Jennifer Shennan This film, directed by Olga Malířová, traces the life and work of one of the world’s foremost choreographers, Jiří Kylián, but is at the same time far more than just a conventional documentary. Rather it is an exquisitely sequenced portrayal of the rich artistic rapport between Kylián and his muse, the wonderful dancer

Mettle. Quantum Leap Australia

My review of Mettle was published online by CBR CityNews on 25 July 2026, following its opening performance in Canberra on 24 July. The review below is a slightly enlarged version of the CityNews post. Follow this link to the CityNews review. ************************** 24 July, 2026. The Vault, Dairy Road Precinct, Fyshwick (Canberra) ‘It’s time to test your mettle,’ says

Winter Season. Royal New Zealand Ballet

16 July 2026. St.James Theatre, Wellingtonreviewed by Jennifer Shennan This triple bill showcases the impressive versatility of Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers. Within a 90 minute time-frame, they perform Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering, a 70 year old work of highly demanding classical style, imported from England; Sarah Foster-Sproull’s Ultra Folly, a clever and quirky home-grown piece commissioned by the Company

Return of the Peggy van Praagh and Keith Bain Fellowships

Ausdance has announced the return of two fellowships, the Peggy van Praagh Choreographic Fellowship and the Keith Bain Choreographic Travel Fellowship. Ausdance initiated the fellowships some years ago but closure was necessary during the COVID outbreak. They have just now been reinstated and, as before, are worth $10,000 each. (Left) Peggy van Praagh teaching at the Australian Ballet, 1965. Photo:

Fever/Dream. Ballet Collective Aotearoa

3 July 2026. Hannah Playhouse, Wellingtonreviewed by Jennifer Shennan Fever/Dream is a program of five works performed by the current members of Ballet Collective Aotearoa. Turid Revfeim has for some years now established and directed this independent collective, offering regular classes and creating opportunities for free-lance dancers to perform and choreograph. Their work is of consistently high standard and brings much of

Dance diary. June 2026

Lucy Guerin, director and founder of the Melbourne-based contemporary dance company Lucy Guerin Inc, will step down from her position at the end of 2026. Guerin established her company 25 years ago and, while 25 years is a more than commendable time to have been at the helm of a dance company, the news came as something of a shock.