AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre's annual unveiling of fresh choreographic talent will return to the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) for a three-night run from October 17-19.

2024’s uNCOILEd eXposed will feature new pieces by Fiona Larkin, Elizabeth Arifien and Mara Glass. An outcomes-based residency project, uNCOILEd gives emerging choreographers the chance to work with AUSTI dancers to bring new, experimental works to the stage, providing help with costumes, lighting, photography and videography.

Every year produces “absolutely beautiful” work, says AUSTI.'s founder and artistic director Michelle Maxwell. “I'm always in awe of how, as young artists, they step up to the challenge.”

Thanks to Fiona Larkin for taking the time to tell us about her work.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you became a dancer.

My name is Fiona, I’m 23 and a Sydney-based dance artist, living and working on Gadigal land. Through dance, I find utter joy in the experience of a hard-working creation process that leads to the fulfilment of that effort onstage. I love the unpredictability of dance creation and performance and the ability for art to impact an audience. During my time as a company artist with AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre, I have been challenged to incorporate more physical theatre work into my training, which, while scary at first, has been extremely rewarding. Dance provides limitless opportunities to learn, grow and create, with every new experience shaping me as an artist.

Why move into choreography?

I’ve expressed interest in choreography from a young age and I have been very fortunate to have some incredible dance teachers who nurtured that creativity. They always provided a space where I could voice ideas and create routines. However, it was following the creation of my final choreographic project at university that I truly recognised how much I enjoyed producing dance work and the fulfilment of leading a creation process to the stage.

As a AUSTI company artist (2023/2024), I’m also grateful to have experienced the uNCOILEd eXposed process from a dancer's lens and was inspired by the 2023 choreographers to apply for the residency myself. 

What inspired your new work?

My new work “Collide’, created in collaboration with the AUSTI company artists, was initially inspired by the word itself, provoking further research into the scientific definition of ‘collisions’. After learning about the two types, elastic and inelastic collisions, I considered the potential to demonstrate this concept through exciting, collaborative movement and dynamic contemporary dance. The more I learnt about the collision types, the more explorative the concept became, focusing on how dancers could apply speed and momentum to their movement to create collisions through partner work. 

Where do you hope this will take your career?

Following uNCOILEd eXposed, I hope to continue creating work. Dance is the means in which I create first and every artistic idea I have is directly linked to portrayal through movement. Throughout my career, I hope to find more opportunities where I can grow in my choreographic capabilities, and start working through the list of ideas I already have and the ones yet to come. 

uNCOILEd eXposed is at IPAC's Bruce Gordon Theatre, 17-19 October, tickets $15-$35.

Read more in the Flame's October cover story.