CADI McCARTHY | CATAPULTING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Internationally acclaimed, multi award-winning contemporary dancer and choreographer, Cadi McCarthy cites her classical ballet training and experiences at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts as the foundation upon which she has built a full and illustrious career on the world stage. Spanning over two decades, Cadi's career has seen her travel through Europe, the US, Canada & Asia as both dancer and director. Highlights have included a residency at the Chez Bushwick Choreographic Studios in New York, becoming a recipient of a Churchill Fellowship & representing Australia at the World Dance Alliance in Taiwan. During her time as Artistic Director of Buzz Dance Theatre in Perth Cadi created 9 full-length works, established the largest Artist in Residence Grant in Australia & developed the The Big Stretch programme for remote communities in WA. However Cadi recently kicked her biggest goal thus far after being the recipient of an Australian Dance Award in 2014 for Outstanding Achievement in Community and Youth Dance for her Direction of ‘Look the Other Way’ for Buzz Dance Theatre.

Her extensive knowledge and skill in the artform, coupled with a passion for youth education and development has now spawned Catapult, the first contemporary and choreographic dance organisation of it’s kind in the Hunter. Cadi takes a moment to talk to us about her dance background, her non-competitive approach to teaching professional dance practice, collaboration and creativity. What was it about contemporary dance that first ignited your passion? I love how contemporary dance works the extremes of your body, the freedom of improvisation and the in-depth level of understanding needed to demand the audience’s attention. Contemporary Dance demands a whole different level of performance: technique, emotion, intricacy, intensity, gesture and communication. I also love that contemporary dance has no rules, and each artist has their own style and choreographic identity. It is a dance genre that is accepting of a diverse range of thought, ideas and provocations. Your latest project Catapult Dance seems to be neither a dance school nor a company. Can you explain more about what this project aims to do for the Newcastle’s dance community? Our aim is to become a nationally recognised dance organisation, informing young people about contemporary and choreographic dance practice in a non-competitive, inclusive way, extending their network and profile in the professional arts and broader community. Catapult isn’t a dance school and we don’t want to compete with the amazing existing dance schools in the Hunter. Catapult hopes to compliment this existing training through different types of contemporary dance, choreographic and arts experiences. Such as, opportunities to collaborate directly with nationally recognised professional contemporary and independent choreographers and mentors. Catapult has three main projects in 2015: Flipside Dance Youth Project; Catapult’s choreographic, contemporary youth dance initiative, where young people collaborate with professional dance artists, Professional Choreographic Residencies; our long-term residency program for professional choreographers and multi- disciplinary artists from the Hunter, and Master Classes; intensive weekend programs with Australia’s most outstanding established dance artists.

Why is it important for dancers to have this experience? Strong national networks are integral to the success of artists. Having a broad knowledge of artists, their working practices, and having the opportunity to work directly with professional artists is the best stepping stone into a professional career. Catapult also provides opportunities for students to perform in a full-length works: similar to the workings of a professional dance company. So often young dancers only experience short 3-minute routines whereas Catapult provides the experience of performing in a 60 minute work, with original music composition, visual design and projections. Developing this understanding of contemporary dance practices as a young person is a huge advantage. Contemporary Dance is so much more than technique or steps (even though they are vitally important), it is also about being highly creative and knowing how to work collaboratively in the studio. What is the importance & impact of collaboration in the creative process? Crossing art- forms is vital to the progression of all art forms. Collaborations are a way for artists to grow, an interchange of creative ideas - an opportunity to propel ideas and practice in new directions. It is an opportunity to peel away habitual patterning and spark new thoughts, ideas and ways of creating work. Collaborations also are great at engaging the whole artistic community. It is a way to bring communities of artists and young people together. Why did you choose Newcastle to start this project in? Newcastle has an amazing arts scene and creative culture. It feels like the city is blossoming before our eyes with incredible street art, gallery spaces and numerous Newcastle-driven theatre productions.

I do believe that Newcastle based artists are not paid their true worth though, and I, and Catapult are committed to be an advocate for this. I think this is vitally important. From my experiences, I know that this shifts the way that artists are valued in the community, and for gaining the support from the funding bodies.

I think Newcastle is on the verge of great things and is about to explode with arts opportunities. I hope to be a part of this process. ------ You can keep in touch with Cadi’s developments: www.cadimccarthy.com.au More information about the choreographers and the Flipside project are available at: www.catapultdance.com.au Photo provided by artist