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AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE TURNS 50 TODAY

10 June 2015: Australian Dance Theatre turns 50 today, making it the oldest contemporary dance company in .

Artistic Director Garry Stewart said that the anniversary makes you think about the past, present and future.

“Elizabeth Cameron Dalman started the company with an ambitious vision and it’s her legacy that has made such a formidable impact on Australia and the world – it is fitting that she is our 50th anniversary patron. She is remembered jointly with other past Artistic Directors, who with their ensembles have all played a pivotal part in reaching 50,” he said.

Australian Dance Theatre was founded by Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM in 1965 after she was inspired by her experience in New York and by the Australian environment. It was the first time modern and contemporary dance was taught in Australia.

Since then, the Australian Dance Theatre has grown to be one of the most influential dance companies in the country and has been producing consistently great repertoire since it was formed.

Under the artistic direction of Garry Stewart since the end of 1999, the Australian Dance Theatre embarked on a remarkably successful artistic trajectory that has distinguished it as a daring, exciting and highly skilled ensemble.

The world renowned dance company has a rich history full of wonderful stories and achievements that have lead it to its current world-class status, a dancing phenomenon that continues to push new boundaries across the globe. As a result, they enjoy an enviable national and international reputation, making it Australia’s number one dance ambassador across the globe.

Over the 50 years there has been five artistic directors and three interim directors (1965 – 1975 – Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM, 1977 – 1985 – Jonathan Taylor, 1986 – Anthony Steel and Lenny Westerdijk (artistic caretakers), 1987 – 1993 – , 1993 – 1999 – , 1999 – Bill Pengelly (interim Artistic Director), 1999 – current – Garry Stewart), 67 choreographers, 232 dancers, 24 composers, 97 designers, 24 stage managers, 11 technical directors, and the ADT has toured in 265 venues around the globe.

The milestone birthday was celebrated today at a Founders event organized by Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman at the original home of the ADT – Arcade. ENDS.

Media Information Contact: Connect with ADT on Social Media:

facebook.com/australiandancetheatre Gabrielle Leonello 08 8121 7717 \ 0425 554 454 \ [email protected] twitter.com/ausdancetheatre youtube.com/adtaustralia

AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE 126 BELAIR ROAD, HAWTHORN 5062 AUSTRALIA WEB: ADT.ORG.AU EMAIL: [email protected] TELEPHONE: +61 (0)8 8373 7733 FAX: +61 (0)8 8373 7030