Best Dance Work at Rising Festival

The Shepherds Wins Top Spot at Rising Festival

The Shepherds, a dance work created by Carly Sheppard and Alisdair Macindoe, took the top spot at this year's Rising Festival. The production, which combines science fiction and fairytale elements, premiered under an alien sun with two black-clad figures in dinosaur masks and platform boots grazing at the back of the stage. The production made the work feel like an epic drama, despite its 60-minute running time.

The storyline revolves around the so-called Shepherds, who have developed rituals to normalise their possession of the land. These rituals are often represented through dance, with persistent violence displayed in a highly controlled choreography. Macindoe and Sheppard receive excellent support from dancers Karlia Cook and Tyrel Dulvarie.

The world of The Shepherds seems to overlap with our own, drawing parallels with familiar issues like fear, hunger, hope, and possession. The work is unmistakably an Australian production, yet the resemblance is uncannily familiar.

The production's success can be attributed to its two-year development, facilitated through the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship Alumni Commissioning Program. The team has received exceptional artistic support, which is evident in the final product.

The Shepherds is a superb theatrical adventure that feels complete despite its short season. It is a production that showcases the best dance work seen at this year's Rising Festival.

Carly Sheppard, dancer and choreographer, is known for her creative work with various dance companies. Her collaboration with Alisdair Macindoe has produced an exceptional performance. "It begins under an alien sun, with two black-clad figures in dinosaur masks and platform boots grazing at the back of the stage."

Sheppard's experience working with various dance companies has allowed her to hone her craft and develop a unique style. Her collaboration with Macindoe has resulted in a highly acclaimed performance.

The Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship Alumni Commissioning Program aims to support emerging artists in their creative endeavours. The program's commitment to artistic development has yielded notable results in recent years, with talented artists like Sheppard and Macindoe receiving exceptional support.

The Shepherds' production is set to end tonight, and those who still have the chance to experience this excellent dance work are encouraged to do so. The event will be a great opportunity to see this outstanding production before it ends.

The best dance work at Rising Festival, The Shepherds, is a testament to Australia's thriving arts scene. The event serves as a reminder of the country's vibrant cultural landscape, where exceptional artistic talent flourishes.

The team behind The Shepherds

The Shepherds' creative duo, Carly Sheppard, and Alisdair Macindoe, have a proven track record in the dance industry. The two-year development period has allowed them to hone their craft, resulting in an exceptional performance. The support from the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship Alumni Commissioning Program has played a significant role in the production's success.

With its thought-provoking storyline, outstanding choreography, and the commitment of the artistic team, The Shepherds is undoubtedly the best dance work at Rising Festival this year. It will be interesting to see how the production will tour far and wide in the future, sharing its exceptional artistic talent with audiences around the world.