Dance returns to Lion Arts
JUST IN: The state government has partnered with Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) to deliver a new program to strengthen Adelaide’s dance sector.
The program, called LOFT, provides a dedicated space at Lion Arts with pathways for funding and residencies and marketing, mentorship and administrative support from ADT.
LOFT’s first opportunity is the PEAK residency which includes a cash investment of $12,000 and six weeks of studio time across 2025-26 for a South Australian dance artist or collective to develop new work.
ADT and Adelaide Fringe will provide in-kind support of the residency during its development and stage performances of the work as part of Adelaide Fringe 2026.
Lion Arts Centre includes offices, studios, galleries, and the factory venue that hosts gigs. This picture: Morgan Sette/City of Adelaide
The loft studio on level one of the Lion Arts Centre has a history of dance in that space, being the former home of Dance Hub SA.
Dance Hub SA was established as LWDance Hub in 2016 when contemporary dance choreographer Leigh Warren created it to fill a gap in independent dance opportunities.
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Dance Hub SA delivered its last program, Choreolab24, earlier this year before closing due to funding challenges, saying while they successfully received project grants, “it is not sustainable for us to continue without organisational funding or premises”.
Before becoming Dance Hub, Leigh Warren Dance, established in the 90s, was one of several South Australian arts companies to lose triennial funding from the Australia Council in 2011.
The new LOFT program follows the state government working with UniSA Creative to research and consult on best practice options to support independent contemporary dance and build a thriving sector.
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels says “South Australia has long been recognised for our wonderful contemporary dancers and dance companies”.
“The Malinauskas government is proud to be partnering with Australian Dance Theatre on LOFT,” she says.
“We are creating a dedicated space for dancers to come together, develop their skills and share best practice as well as more opportunities for employment and funding.
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“Our artists and dance companies are outstanding and this collaboration will help ensure South Australian dancers have opportunities to connect and thrive across their career.”
LOFT will be run by a creative producer, a role currently recruiting, who will design the inaugural program and be assisted by an artistic advisory group to ensure LOFT is meeting the evolving needs of the dance sector.
The LOFT will launch in mid-2025, with applications for its Peak residency now open.
Amelia Watson performing ‘Tortion’ at ADT RAW on Saturday. This picture: Morgan Sette
The LOFT program announcement coincided with ADT’s RAW showcase over the weekend, where 10 choreographers presented works in progress they had developed with a boost of $300 and three hours of studio time from ADT.
Dancers presented 10-minute showings of their work in a fast-paced experiment, including works that examined connection to country for young First Nations women and the interaction between dance and disability.
Choreographer Amelia Watson told CityMag before the showcase that presenting a work in its early stages is “like jumping into the deep end of a pool”.
“I think that vulnerability is really integral for art and so it’s a process for me to let my ego go and I think it makes more authentic and honest stories, and that’s what people connect to,” Amelia says.
Amelia says the support of programs like RAW “is really valuable”.
“It’s really important to me as an artist and to the communities around me that are participating in showings and offering opinions,” they say.
“I really think that showings are a valuable space to hear what people think, feel, and what they can take from your first draft.
“Feedback on accessibility is also very important to me and I want to know what does and doesn’t work for people.”