17 May 2022 09:20
MadeBy Choreographer has a winning AURA
MadeBy is a world-first initiative developed by RAD Australia with music licensing body OneMusic Australia. Born in the midst of the global pandemic, MadeBy celebrates the innovation of original works and highlights the value of creating music and dance, their artistic currency, and their interconnectivity.
In Stage 1, through their membership with OneMusic (APRA AMCOS), Australian composers were offered the opportunity to submit an original composition into a competition that was judged by a panel of leading industry peers. The winning piece Regrowth by NSW Blue Mountains composer Emma Greenhill was then offered in a second competition for aspiring choreographers from within the RAD membership, who were asked to create an original dance work in response to the music. In a bid to nurture the careers of emerging artists and educate musicians and dancers on the creative process, OneMusic and the RAD engaged professional artists in both fields to mentor the winning artists throughout a 12 month collaboration, that will see the pair create a brand new work together that will premiere in late 2023.
The judging panel for the choreographic competition, David McAllister AC (RAD Vice President and former Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet), Alice Topp (Resident Choreographer with The Australian Ballet and MadeBy Choreographic Mentor), Gerard Charles (Artistic Director, RAD) and winning composer Emma Greenhill were inspired by the depth of the entries. Speaking on behalf of the panel Gerard Charles said:
“I would like to congratulate all of the entrants of the MadeBy Choreographic Competition as part of the broader MadeBy initiative. I was so pleased you succeeded in being creative not only with the choreography but also in dealing with the realities of the pandemic. The pieces that captured my attention were those that showed imagination, individuality and humanity and so I encourage you to continue to seek your own voices as storytellers and artistes. I commend you for sharing your work for everyone to see and being open to collaboration with other artists and artforms. I encourage you to continue to experiment, learn and nurture your craft to ensure the legacy you leave in dance encapsulates something uniquely Australian and uniquely yours.”
And the winner is...
The panel selected Monique Mangano from Brisbane and her piece titled AURA performed by dancer Emilia Bignami as the winner.
"After listening and reading the story behind the creation of Emma Greenhill’s piece Regrowth, I was inspired to choreograph a piece that embodies the growth and eventual breakdown of a tree. I also wanted to explore the idea of a potential aura and spirit that flourished in the forest while nature rebuilt itself. This piece of music continuously changes with interesting and new sounds, this allowed me to show the contrast between organic pure movement and rigid sharp movement. Through these dynamic changes, I wanted to reflect the continuous growth and strength of a tree as well as the subtle breakdown. My intention was to have an energy pull towards the corner that continuously draws you back in, I was able to signify this through the use of stillness and the constant push and pull of movement."
Monique will receive a cash prize and be supported over the next 12 months by mentor Alice Topp as she begins her collaboration with Emma Greenhill.
Alice can't wait to get started telling us: “I’m thrilled and honoured to have the chance to support our next generation of dance makers. Australia has an abundance of young talent with fresh, unique voices and I’m so looking forward to supporting Monique through this wonderful initiative as she develops her craft and sound as an artist. I’m sure we will learn and grow from each other in equal parts!”
"I am so excited to have been chosen as the winner of the MadeBy Choreographic Competition and to have been given the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading artists. Thank you to Emilia Bignami (dancer) and Deanna Castellana (mentor) who inspired me throughout the competition process, none of this would have been possible without you! "AURA Choreographed by Monique Mangano, performed by Emilia Bignami to the music 'Regrowth' by Emma Greenhill.
Cameron Lam, Art Music Lead, APRA AMCOS said:
“We’re glad to see MadeBy reach the final stage and pair these rising artists to create a new music and dance work together. The experience will enrich their creative practice as they learn from not only their mentors but each other throughout this year-long collaboration. Congratulations to Emma and Monique – we’re excited to see your shared vision and final product.”
Who are OneMusic?
In the eyes of the law, music played at home is different to music played in a business.
If you use music protected by copyright in any way at your dance school you’ll typically need permission from the copyright owners or someone they have authorised to represent them.
In our country, OneMusic Australia owns (or represents the rights to use) virtually any commercially-released music from anywhere around the world. OneMusic issues licences so you can go ahead and use their music. That’s millions of the world’s most popular songs.
The money goes back to the music creators.
OneMusic does not licence songs set to video/videos with a song. This is called a syncronisation (sync). The permission for syncs is granted only by the record label and the publishers.
Read more on the One Music website here