ArchivesACT has chosen two files about Canberra’s first professional dance company, the Human Veins Dance Theatre, as its Find of the Month for November.
The Archives said the files detailed how the dance company was formed and how it came to be based in Canberra.
“[The Human Veins Dance Theatre] first formed in 1980 and performed around Australia and abroad until 1988,” the Archives said.
“Many of the group’s works and performances received positive reviews from critics around Australia and the company was warmly welcomed to Canberra by appreciative audiences and supporters,” it said.
The Archives said the driving force behind the Human Veins Dance Theatre was Artistic Director and Choreographer, Don Asker.
“A pamphlet promoting one of the group’s earliest performances described Asker as ‘probably the best known internationally of Australia’s young choreographers’,” it said.
“Working off the proceeds of a grant from The Australia Council, the Human Veins ‘project’ began their performances at the Australian National University’s (ANU) Art Centre.”
ArchivesACT said the first performances were scheduled in February 1980.
It said files showed that by May 1980, Mr Asker was pushing to establish a permanent base in Canberra.
“The files show that the company was supported by some notable individuals, including Dame Peggy van Praagh (Artistic Director, Australian Ballet) and Senator Susan Ryan who, among many others, provided written representations on its behalf,” it said.
“The Human Veins Dance Theatre was able to establish a base in Canberra but, at least in its early years, a lot of time and effort was devoted to ensuring the company had the resources and funding required to survive.”
The Archives said there were a series of articles in the Canberra Times in July 1982 that supported a public campaign to allow the company to continue to exist, which it did until it was disbanded in 1988.
ArchivesACT’s Find of the Month for November can be accessed at this PS News link.
