PPY17: Transitioning from Dancer to Artist

Brad Carter is a Pre-Professional Year 2017 student. In this Q&A, he discusses how his ideas about contemporary dance have changed over the year.

I joined PPY to focus on making the transition from dancer to artist. I always wondered how choreographers start with an idea and then go through a creative process to get it to stage. I am always intrigued by dancers who are organic and authentic, and don’t have this idea of ‘performing’ and ‘showing’ the audience.

I wasn’t expecting to have so many different artists come in and share their artistry, influenced by their different backgrounds and culture. I wasn’t expecting to have the ability to take that all in and figure out for myself what it is that I want to pursue. It’s amazing how very grounded and humble these guest artists are despite their success.

Being a beautiful dancer is one thing, but having the thought process behind every movement is what interests me in dance. Having that vulnerability and rawness has changed my perspective of dance. Contemporary work where every dancer has their own strong intention is the most exhilarating thing to watch.

I have discovered that I am passionate about so many things in life and I have learned so many ways to express them through contemporary dance. I have learned not to take myself too seriously and become vulnerable.

Dance for me is where you are able to open a door between yourself and the audience, and draw emotions and ask questions. This enables the audience to find the answers from their own perspective or interpretation – then dance becomes communication.

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PPY is proudly supported by Lexus Australia.

Applications are now open to audition for Pre-Professional Year 2018