After a whirlwind rehearsal period with Mirramu Dance Company and visiting Taiwanese dancers, ECDysis is now over.
Our thanks to the Canberra Theatre Centre for their generous support and to the ACT Government for a small short response grant, which helped with costs for our theatre lighting technician, program printing, transport to the theatre in production week and artist living costs at Mirramu and in town.
The production was a significant work, celebrating 6 decades of Elizabeth’s dance practice, her evolution as a dancer and choreographer, and her connections with other dance professionals world-wide.
Audiences have spoken of the emotional impact of the work and the joyous nature of the performance. Camaraderie and long-held precious relationships were evident on stage and in preparation.
Bill Stephens’ Review in Canberra Critics’ Circle on Tuesday 28 October 2025 says: Dalman still possesses a remarkable presence. Therefore, the opportunity to witness her perform this work, was a rare and memorable experience.
This review is also published in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. https://artsreview.com.au/ecdyysis/
Michelle Potter’s Review was published in City News on 3 November 2025: https://citynews.com.au/2025/celebrating-dalmans-decades-of-dance-creation/
Potter says: (The first half)…demonstrated the basic elements of Dalman’s choreography, which have stayed with her but which she has developed over the years: beautifully shaped and placed arms, movement that is carried through the whole body, and the exceptional projection of an emotional response to movement. The dancer that stood out for me in demonstrating those elements was Miranda Wheen, although everyone involved in This Train gave a moving demonstration of Dalman’s early approach.
In the second half: (Miranda) Wheen’s choreography had moments of fast-paced movement juxtaposed with slower sections and her dancing was technically outstanding and conveyed a great involvement with the topic.
And finally: ECDysis closed with a new work, Family Tree, and the evening was an exceptional example of creativity and cross-cultural connections.
Photograph by Sigo Tseng (with thanks)