Residency with Her

Residency with her is a solo dance work dedicated to the exploration of place-based practice and the deep connection between dance and the land. Created during a residency in the artist’s hometown of Kiama, on the land of the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal Nation, this project represents an experimental investigation into how dance can be influenced by and intertwined with its environment.

The work moves beyond traditional studio boundaries, inviting the artist to engage directly with the diverse landscapes of Kiama—from the rugged cliffs and tranquil beaches to the dense forests and open fields. Through this immersive approach, the artist investigates how the natural elements, textures, and rhythms of the land can shape and inform the dance practice.

Residency with her is a research-focused endeavour, driven by curiosity about how the outdoor setting alters the creation and experience of dance. The artist’s movements are inspired by the natural features and cultural significance of the land, creating a dialogue between body and environment. Each site-specific performance becomes a living, breathing extension of Kiama’s landscape, allowing the dance to evolve in response to the immediate surroundings.

This experimental work explores the reciprocal relationship between place and practice, questioning how the context of the land influences artistic expression and how dance can reflect and honor the unique characteristics of its environment. The project serves as a platform for discovering new ways of engaging with dance, offering insights into the potential of outdoor spaces as sites of creative exploration and personal connection.