Anne O'Keeffe
Anne O’Keeffe is a Melbourne-based performer, choreographer and teacher with a Bachelor of Education in Dance and Drama (Deakin University, 1983) and a Graduate Diploma of Choreography (Victorian College of the Arts, 1997). She has worked as a freelance artist for 21 years, performing, choreographing and directing work for Victorian Arts Centre, Australian Choreographic Centre, Dancehouse and numerous theatre groups and community events. In 1998 Anne founded Sirensong Dance and Theatre. As Artistic Director, Anne choreographed and performed in Walk on Water (99/00), a dance theatre piece performed in and around water at the Melbourne City Baths. Sex and Death, her first full-length solo incorporating movement, text and singing, was performed at Chapel Off Chapel in 2002/03.
She has taught improvisation since 1984, profoundly influenced by her training with Al Wunder (11 years), Joan Skinner (Skinner Releasing Technique, U.S.A,1998/03), Stephanie Skura, Eva Karzag and Min Tanaka. Anne has taught improvisation at the Victorian Arts Centre, Australian Ballet School, National Theatre Drama School and Ballarat University and is currently teaching the first and second year Dance students at Victorian College of the Arts. Anne has performed as an improviser at Movement Research, (Judson Church, New York, 1998) Rushing for the Sloth (Sydney, 2000), Cracking it Open (Melbourne, 2002) Precipice (Australian Choreographic Centre, 2002-03), and Conundrum (Melbourne, 2000-05). She has also curated and performed in the Women’s Night (Melbourne, 1998-02) and Out of the Ordinary (Melbourne, 2004).
Anne’s passion for improvisation led her to initiate the movement-based ALCHEMY classes in 2001. Held at Dancehouse, Danceworks and Cecil Street studios in Melbourne, the Alchemy classes lead participants through a process of discovering, exploring and expanding movement vocabulary while making deep connections with inner life. Influenced and inspired by Skinner Releasing Technique, Buddhism and Yoga, Alchemy aims to explore the interface between improvisation and spiritual practise through the embodiment and awareness of the present moment.
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