Surface 2021

PROJECT OVERVIEW

As part of my involvement in LandMARKS, a six-month artist residency supported by Brimbank City Council and Working for Victoria, I collaborated with six dancers and choreographers to creatively respond to the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions. Together, we explored themes of anxiety, uncertainty, and anticipation experienced during transitions in and out of lockdown. Through movement-based experimentation, we examined ideas of touch, social distancing, and physical space, culminating in the creation of a collaboratively devised dance film. 

THE PROCESS

The project was developed through a collaborative process of concept development, rehearsal, and community engagement. Initial workshops centred on shared experiences of lockdown, shaping themes of touch, distance, and shifting spatial awareness. Collaborators came from a range of street dance practices—including krump, house, hip hop, and waacking—bringing distinct movement languages that informed the physical and expressive qualities of the work. These ideas were further explored in rehearsal through improvisation and choreographic tasks, allowing the material to evolve organically. Community input helped shape the emotional direction of the piece, culminating in a collaboratively created dance film.

THE TEAM

Director, Producer, Cinematography, Editing: Rachel Main

Choreography: Jennifer Ma

Dance and Choreography: Aleena Panagopoulos, Daisuke Benson, Dinah Teofilo, Kiki Targé and Phillip Egan-Makaafi.

Assistant Director and Cinematography: Lizbeth Calingasan

Drone: Zac Britt

Colour: Chris Bennett

Score: ML Hall

OUTCOME

The project culminated in an eight-minute dance film, shot at a rooftop car park in Sunshine, where the open, urban setting reinforced themes of isolation, proximity, and shared space. The work was exhibited at Sunshine Art Space and later at the Gertrude Street Projection Festival, where it received a Judges’ Award.