CHOREOLAB CALLOUT

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer, or just starting out, Tracks Dance Company’s Choreolab program invites you into the studio to work on your moves.

WORDS TIERNEY WHITE

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW open for the 2026 Choreolab program, which invites participants to explore their bodies through dance, music, and theatre over the course of 10 weeks – that’s 60 hours! – culminating in a showcase to present their findings.

Co-led by Jenelle Saunders and David McMicken, Choreolab includes special guest facilitators throughout the course, including James Mangohig (music), Alyson Evans (theatre and characterisation), and Rachael Wallis (First Nations, contemporary). 

McMicken says it’s a chance for curious movers and shakers to explore their bodies and learn different ways to move. 

“Choreolab is for anyone that has any sort of artistic interest whatsoever and would like to learn new skills or hone old ones. It comes from movement or physical practice, which is a commonality to all artists – whether it's dance, theatre, visual arts, music, there's still the body involved. The idea of composition or putting ideas together is also very familiar to most artists,” he says. 

“The course is designed as an entrance level course, because we don't have any tertiary training here. And so, rather than people having to go away to do something – and even if you go south, this sort of course simply doesn't exist – there's a chance to dip into it here with some highly, highly experienced practitioners in music theatre, dance, First Nations practice, theatre – there’s quite a range from our Artistic Leadership team.” 

In 2025, 10 participants took part, one of whom was Antony Sinni, who got a lot out of the experience. 

“I learnt so much about myself and my artistic practice ... I didn’t have any training in movement prior to commencing the program. Over the course … I was equipped with new skills, viewpoints, and approaches to movement and dance, which has expanded my artistic practice tenfold,” they said. 

“The Tracks philosophy is holistic and is committed to fostering a welcoming environment that celebrates participants bringing their full selves to the program. I’d recommend it to anyone.” 

Not only do the participants get something from the experience, but audiences are also treated to works in progress, with the opportunity to unpack it with the participants at a post-show Q&A. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the performance for its thoughtful presentation, its community-centred approach, and how it normalised the presentation of works in progress. 

Great entertainment and very inspirational music and dance,” says one 2025 showcase attendee. 

Applications close mid-January, with twice-weekly sessions kicking off early Feb. If improving your dance is a New Year’s resolution, Choreolab might just be your jam.

Choreolab
WHEN SUN 18 JAN (APPS CLOSE) 
INTENSIVE SAT 31 JAN, 10AM-4PM
EVERY MON & THU (FEB 2 – MAR 23), 5.30-8PM 
AT TRACKS STUDIO 
COST $330 FULL PROGRAM 
INFO tracksdance.com.au

_{Image: Duane Preston}