Message from the director:

CO-LECT began with a co-llection of artists in Hamilton that wished to have a space to explore, create and have some fun! Since then it has grown to a team of seven choreographers and ten dancers and has eventuated in the piece of work we are performing today.

We originally began with the concept of ‘big feelings.’ We sat down at the very beginning of the process and wrote down the emotions, moments, and thoughts we had each had when experiencing something ‘big’ in our lives. I find it interesting and heart-warming that many of the ‘big moments’ that were chosen stemmed from experiences associated with dance. From here we each chose a word that resonated with us and began developing from this.

The August 2021 lockdowns threw a spanner in the works, forcing us to devise, rehearse and teach dance over Zoom and eventually in the park. Changes for the show in 2022 saw four new dancers join the team, putting together the version you see tonight in just over three weeks!

A massive thank you needs to be said to the hard-working dancers that have been through this journey with us - thank you for trusting the process and being brave when things were new. Another big thank you to the choreographers that have put this show together - your tiresome work and dedication to getting this show off the ground has been the key to making this show as stunning as it is. To both the dancers and choreographers - you are all incredibly talented and I hope dance always finds a place in your lives.

And a final big thank you to everyone who has been willing to help us out along the way, donating time, space, and talents to this show you believed in - Aaron Chesham for your time, expertise and mentorship; Limelight Dance Academy and Alec Forbes for the donation of beautiful rehearsal space; Mark Hamilton for the amazing photos making up the poster; to Fastlane Fitness & Kate Monsma for the donation of food over the rehearsal week; and to my mum for always saving the day in the end.

CO-LECT is a dedication to the talent and effort that is Hamilton dance - those pushing on with the tenacity to just give it a go.

"Capacity, audacity, and tenacity will take you to your mountaintop"―Robin Sharma.


Program

Credits


Cast 
- Amelia Monsma
- Ashley O'Connor
- Caitlyn Ulyatt
- Deena Landon
- Ella Jefferies
- Emma-Rose Gibney
- Imogen Dryden
- Kaylee Bird
- Kimberly Blow
- Stephanie Balsom

Special Guests
- Ashlee Griffin
- Jisun Park
- Yotam Levy 

Director/Producer - Hannah McFarlane

Lighting Designer - Aaron Chesham

Stage Manager - Corazon Blow

Photography - Mark Hamilton

Media & Comms - Olivia Kerbers

 

A massive thanks to Limelight Dance Academy for the donation of rehearsal space throughout this process,

and to Fastlane Fitness Cafe for keeping our tummies full.