12am.com.au : Mixing Music Media


	.: Earthdance - 2003

Date of Interview: 13 September, 2003
Contributed by: Marius Jones

1. A year on since we last spoke, how has Earthdance developed for 2003?

We spent most of this year incorporating as a non-profit organisation - a lengthy bureaucratic process dealing with exciting people like the Tax Department (9am Monday morning straight after the last Earthdance) and Consumer Affairs. Some of the meetings and conversations have been hilarious to say the least; a different language is spoken in these worlds! After a lot of hard work we are now a legal entity, have an ABN, bank account, shiny shoes and are in a good position to take Earthdance further than a single annual event, to additional projects that have long term benefits for Melbourne's young people and dance community. The first free electronic music event at Federation Square shall lay down our foundations.

2. Gasworks Park and now Federation Square - How do you keep finding the right space?

We have always been fortunate enough to get support and approval from nearly every venue that we've really sought after, particularly as it is really hard for many dance promoters to be given the same venue opportunities as other more mainstream commercial festivals. Dance events don't always receive the right kind of understanding of what they actually are from venue owners, who mostly can't envisage anything but drugs when they hear the word dance or techno. A big advantage for Earthdance is that there is a positive underlying humanitarian theme; world peace, which makes Earthdance a little bit more accessible to mainstream thinking. The fact that this year, Earthdance coincides with the United Nations World Peace Day definitely influenced Federation Square management into seeing me and allows the opportunity to put in a written proposal to hold the festival there.

3. Are there internationals playing in Australia this year? If so, whom?

Cairns has a couple of big internationals; Freq Nasty & DJ Olive. Melbourne for the first year is featuring a 100% local line up for both the Festival at Federation Square and Ostara, the Earthdance Benefit Night at Colonial Hotel. Although I admit I do love hearing good internationals play, it's also true that we have too many talented live acts and DJ's living in this city. The music will be the same high quality as all previous events both in Melbourne and the rest of Australia.

4. What time does it all happen?

The Festival Opening Ceremony is from 11am at Federation Square with a harmonic mediation for Peace with the Tibetan Community, followed by music and performance till 8pm when Earthdance closes with African song dance and drumming with the Dambi Dancers from Sudan mixing it up with Mantrix, at 8pm.Then it's straight over to the Colonial Hotel (only a 10 minute brisk walk) for Ostara, the Earthdance Benefit Night, which kicks off at 8.30pm. Earthdance will finish 9am Sunday morning with the Prayer for Peace. It's a big weekend.

5. Has the level of support risen since 2002?

Earthdance has had fantastic grassroots support from many in Melbourne since our inception in 1998. However since we've become better known in recent years we've been getting a more broad level of support from sponsors, media, local business and many talented individuals who are not necessarily exclusive to the dance scene. Many of our financial sponsors including Swear Shoes, Bico Designs and Night Sounds are once again involved in 2003. People seem to be more aware, generally, of what Earthdance is all about, have either now been to an event or heard how good last year was. Earthdance couldn't survive or continue without the generosity of the Melbourne community and we are incredibly thankful to all who support us.

6. I've already had contact as far as Cairns. Is the festival slowly
growing and establishing a national identity?

In 1998 Earthdance was held only in Melbourne and Byron Bay. Last year, nearly every state had an event including Perth & Cairns. When an event runs over a number of years successfully, it's natural that it becomes more recognisable. With Earthdance, part of the overall international philosophy is to hold a global synchronised dance party, so organisers are actively encouraged to start Earthdance events in new places every year. What's happening here in Australia is happening all over the world.

7. How do numbers in Australia compare with the rest of the world?

We have fantastic numbers, particularly as our population is so small. In Melbourne we had an estimated 3000 people at Gasworks last year which was one of the larger events globally. Earthdance has always had great audience support. Australia has such high quality productions and so much effort is put into all types of events and parties here that people really show their appreciation by coming back year after year. And I think that we are a nation of dancers.

8. Earthdance is predominantly a fund raising festival - what do you get out of it personally?

I have learnt so much in the last 6 years, both professionally and on a personal level. In building an event from an idea for a club night and developing it into a constantly evolving festival concept has really taught me many amazing and useful skills which I apply in many other projects I work on. Personally I think I have become a much nicer person, influenced by the many positive people I've met and worked with doing Earthdance. The fact that I'm giving my time as a volunteer to work on something very special allows me to feel a bit less selfish, that I'm giving something back. I hope I'm less self centred and a bit more confident than I was 6 years ago.

9. What can punters expect at Federation Square?

The actual space is quite fantastic, perfect for a party. We've been down there so many times for site meetings and it feels better every time. The music line up is a great combination of live acts and Dj's, Syn Fm is broadcasting Earthdance live, RMITV is filming a documentary to air later on Channel 31 and we've got fantastic VJ's and some amazing plasma screens. There are a number of performance artists and of course all the interesting people who'll be there on the dance floor. The Earthdance atmosphere is always incredibly friendly. Joining with so many other events around the world, particularly on a day for peace, does have a tangible impact. The punters can expect an incredible & fun experience at the first outdoor event for this year.

10. Is the forecast looking bright for Earthdance 2003? If so, in what way?

Earthdance is continuing to move forward and there are a number of really interesting projects in the pipeline. Becoming 'legal' is a major step in the right direction as we now have a number of options to work in partnership with like minded organisations, local councils and businesses. We can access greater funding opportunities and sponsors and continue to create new events that benefit many in our community through dance, art & healing. At this stage let's just say Federation Square is yet another beginning for some amazing potential in 2004 and beyond.

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