Australian Dance Council – Ausdance Vic

Australian Dance Council – Ausdance Vic is the peak body for dance in the state of Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1977, it is part of a national network of Ausdance organizations dedicated to dance advocacy, education, and industry development. Ausdance Vic works to raise the profile of dance within the state by engaging with policymakers, increasing investment in the arts, and supporting dance professionals and communities[1][3].

History

Ausdance Vic originated as part of the wider Australian Dance Council, which was initially established in Melbourne in 1977 under the name Australian Association for Dance Education (AADE). It was founded by prominent figures in the Australian dance community, including Peggy van Praagh, Shirley McKechnie, Keith Bain OAM, and others who sought to unify dance practitioners and educators while promoting dance as a vital cultural and educational practice[2][5].

The national organization established state and territory bodies, including Ausdance Victoria, to work locally on advancing dance education, policy, and advocacy. Ausdance Vic received its first project funding from Arts Victoria in 1979, which enabled it to appoint its first project officer and expand its activities within the state[5].

Mission and Activities

Ausdance Vic aims to celebrate and promote dance in Victoria by providing leadership in dance education, policy development, and community engagement. It advocates for increased investment in dance and facilitates programs that support professional development, inclusive practices, and the sustainability of dance activities throughout the state[1][3].

The organization also honors Indigenous Australian culture, acknowledging the world's oldest continuous living culture and paying respect to Elders past and present as part of its commitment to cultural inclusion and recognition within the dance community[3].

Relationship with Ausdance National

Ausdance Vic is a key member of the network of Ausdance organizations across Australia, which historically operated under the umbrella of Ausdance National, the national dance advocacy body. Ausdance National played a significant role from 1977, supporting state bodies, coordinating national initiatives, and advocating on behalf of the dance sector at the federal level[2][4].

Despite significant federal funding cuts to Ausdance National in 2016 and its announced disbanding in 2019, Ausdance Vic has continued its work at the state level. It remains a vital and active organization representing dance in Victoria, continuing the legacy and aims established by the original founders[2][4].

Legacy

Since 1977, Ausdance Vic has been instrumental in developing dance education and policy frameworks within Victoria, fostering a thriving environment for dance professionals and enthusiasts. Its contribution to arts advocacy and dance sector growth reflects its role as a leader in the field, supporting diverse forms of dance practice and promoting the cultural significance of dance in the broader Australian arts landscape[1][5].

This article summarizes the identity, history, mission, and ongoing role of Australian Dance Council – Ausdance Vic as a pivotal nonprofit organization dedicated to dance in Victoria, Australia.

[1] https://ausdancevic.org.au [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Dance_Council [3] https://ausdancevic.org.au/about-ausdance-vic/ [4] https://ausdance.org.au/about-us [5] https://ausdance.org.au/articles/details/ausdance-nationals-history-and-achievements