New Contemporary Dance Company Announces Chair

The Boards of STEPS Youth Dance Company and Buzz Dance Theatre today announced the appointment of Wendy Wise as the inaugural Chair of Western Australia’s new Contemporary Dance Company.

The new company will continue the educational and youth engagement programs delivered successfully by STEPS Youth Dance Company and Buzz Dance Theatre and introduce works for an adult audience.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said “The establishment of a new company and the appointment of Wendy Wise as its Chair represents a significant step forward for contemporary dance in WA. Wendy Wise will guide the transition to create a contemporary dance company that will draw on the best elements of Buzz Dance Theatre and STEPS Youth Dance Company,” Mr Day said. “This new company will bring a fresh approach to creating and delivering contemporary dance for Western Australian artists and audiences.”

Wendy Wise offers expertise in strategy development, business planning, event management and fund raising, which will be invaluable during the transition. She has extensive arts sector knowledge and experience, working with a diverse range of people and organisations, including government agencies and funding bodies.

Wendy Wise has served on several boards and management committees in the arts and community sectors, including Healthway, Community Cultural Development Board of the Australia Council, Deckchair Theatre Company, Independent Living Centre, Arts Industry Training Council and the Ethnic Music Centre of WA.

Pamela-Jayne Kinder, Chair of Buzz Dance Theatre said “We are excited that after months of planning we have reached the implementation phase of this project. Under the expert leadership of Wendy Wise, a new board will be appointed followed by the recruitment of key roles including the company’s new Artistic Director.”

Lisa Hutchinson, Chair of STEPS Youth Dance Company agrees. “The boards of both companies recognise that this is an important step in the evolution of the contemporary dance sector in WA and welcome Wendy Wise as Chair.”

The new company is due to launch in January 2015.