Anne O’Keeffe - About Me

Anne O’Keeffe is a Melbourne-based teacher, choreographer and performer, with a Bachelor of Education in Dance, Drama and Literature (Deakin University, 1983), a Graduate Diploma of Choreography (Victorian College of the Arts, 1997) and a Master of Choreography (VCA, 2009). As a freelance artist, she has performed, choreographed and directed works for the Victorian Arts Centre, Australian Choreographic Centre, Dancehouse and numerous theatre groups and community festivals. In 1998 Anne founded Sirensong Dance and Theatre, a multi-modal dance theatre company, interweaving movement, live singing and text. As Artistic Director, Anne choreographed and performed in Walk on Water (1999/00), her solo work Sex and Death (2002/03) and Song of Longing (2008). In 2016, Anne was awarded a Pegasus Scholarship, recognising teaching excellence in the Performing Arts. 

Anne has taught movement and dance improvisation since 1983, inspired by Skinner Releasing Technique, Al Wunder, Stephanie Skura, Eva Karzag and Min Tanaka. She has taught at the National Theatre Drama School, Federation University, Victorian College of the Arts (Dance, Music Theatre and Acting Schools), Brave Studios, TAFTA, 16th Actors' Studio and privately. Anne has performed as an improviser at  Movement Research, (Judson Church, New York), Rushing for the Sloth (Sydney), Precipice (Canberra) and Cracking it Open, Conundrum and the Little Con (Melbourne). She also curated and performed in improvisation performance events such as the Women’s Night (1998-02) and Out of the Ordinary (2004-06). In 2009, Anne achieved a Master of Choreography, exploring presence, creativity and community. 

In 2001, Anne’s passion for improvisation and embodiment led her to establish the ALCHEMY DANCE improvisation classes, which she has been developing and teaching ever since. Held at Dancehouse and Green Monday Studios Melbourne, Alchemy classes inspire participants to connect deeply with their inner life, explore and expand their movement vocabulary, and to delight in the process of spontaneous expression and composition. Anne’s teaching emphasizes integration and liberation of the self through conscious embodiment, and she provides a warm, generous space where movement can be explored soulfully and joyfully. She is passionate in her commitment to supporting students in their creative unfolding.

Inspired by her own on-going arts practice, Yoga and Buddhism, Alchemy Dance explores the interface between improvisation and spiritual practice through embodiment and awareness of the present moment.

Photography by Romeo Viglino