Award-winning choreographer and dance artist Annette Carmichael has created a unique opportunity for men to perform for dance project The Beauty Index, which will be hosted at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (MANPAC) on May 1.
The project was created to encourage men from rural and regional communities to try their hand at something different - and it requires no previous dance training or experience.
After successful performances in Ravensthorpe, Moora and Kalgoorlie, The Beauty Index is headed for the Mandurah stage.
"It's dance that is made for what you're good at," Ms Carmichael said. "No matter the skill level, we promise we will make you look amazing."
The project is choreographed to showcase the strengths of participating men.
"In Moora, a local electrician joined our cast. Little did his town know what an amazing dancer he is. I don't think he realised the skills he had either," she said.
"After one week of training he stunned his community with his grace and rhythm."
Nine men from Mandurah joined Ms Carmichael and soloist Carl Heslop recently for taster workshops, and there are still places left in the cast.
The Beauty Index encourages Mandurah men to "take the plunge" and register for the week of evening rehearsal sessions from April 19-23.
The final dance performance, set in a mythical world where men struggle to balance elements of beauty and fear, will be on Saturday, May 1.
The Beauty Index is something new that is designed to break down stereotypes and contribute to the community.
Ms Carmichael said men had signed up to projects in other towns for a variety of reasons and was looking forward to working with the Mandurah men who sign up.
"Whether it's because they want to be a positive role model for their sons, meet new people or contribute to their community, we can't wait to meet the men of Mandurah and create a powerful performance with them," she said.
Anyone wishing to learn more information or sign up for The Beauty Index is encouraged to contact Mark Labrow at mark.labrow@manpac.com.au before April 16.
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
