‘100 Years Of The History Of Dance As Told By One Man In 60 Minutes With An Energetic Group Finale‘ directed by Emma Canalese and performed by Joseph Simons premieres at Brisbane Powerhouse 31 July until 3 August.
The performance bursts at the seams with fascinating facts, naughty stories and dance moves to die for.
It follows Jacob, a schoolboy tasked with presenting a report on a topic of his own choice.
Undaunted by the scope of his choice, Jacob decides to cover 100 Years of the History of Dance!
100 years of dance
Thus, he explores the lives of influential choreographers, including Martha Graham, Bob Fosse, Rudolf Nureyev, Gene Kelly and Paula Abdul.
He talks about them, and also demonstrates their signature dance styles.
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During the hour, Jacob comes to the realisation that you can study your heroes all you like.
However, that won’t make your own path any clearer.
Indeed, to emulate his idols, he needs to stop studying and start creating.
So Jacob gets the audience up out of their seats and teaches them a simple dance to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’.
Then, as he prepares his report, Jacob begins to ponder the difference between influence and plagiarism.
Indeed, where is the line between inspiration and theft?
He begins to question his own legacy…
100 Years of the History of Dance is a physical theatre performance.
It blends dance and theatre in an unusual, charming and funny way.
Dance isn’t a foreign academic concept, it’s for everyone… and it feels good!
Development for the play began in New York City where Joseph Simons, Emma Canalese and Enrico Melozzi worked together to bring to life Jacob and his obsession with dance.
Later developments took place in London, UK and Brisbane.
Joseph Simons
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Originally from Dubbo, N.S.W., Joseph graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Art in 2008.
He’s since become one of Australia’s busiest performers and creators.
He is a performer, choreographer and director and works in a range of forms from contemporary dance, theatre, ballet, opera and musicals.
The Sydney Morning Herald described his shows as “a style of performance that combines lashings of humour with storytelling, physical theatre and dance.”
He tours extensively throughout USA, Australia, UK and Asia.
Following on from his hit solo show First Things First, dance and comic maverick Joseph returns with this next one-man adventure.
Don’t miss it. It’s a hilarious and heart-warming new Australian play.
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