THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY is lashing out this spring with a dance line-up  intended to  explore portraiture and identity through dance.

Karen Vickery, Director of Learning and Visitor Services, seems to   be behind the venture, saying, “These performances have been inspired by portraiture and provide us with unique interpretations of spirit, biography and identity. It is important to provide audiences with the opportunity to look at portraiture through a variety of different lenses and these three performances, we hope, will open up that dialogue.”

First up, inspired by the exhibition “Tough and Tender”, QL2 has choreographed “Other Moments”, a dance performance this weekend exploring how a photograph catches a moment.

Then in October, “Dances for David”  will showcase four landmark choreographed performances inspired by David McAllister, artistic director of the Australian Balle. Commissioned in association with a portrait of McAllister, the piece showing poignant and touching moments sparked by stories, relationships and photographs, will be performed by Elle Cahill, Julia Cotton, Anca Frankenhaeuser and Patrick Harding-Irmer.

Finally,  Canberra-raised choreographer James Batchelor will perform a piece titled “Smooth,” an ode to master sculptor Barbara Hepworth.

“Other moments,” performed by QL2 Dance (30 minute duration):  Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, 11.00am, 12.15pm and 1.30pm   

“Dances for David” (25 minute duration):  Saturday 15 and 29 October, 1.00pm and 3.00pm  Sunday 16 and 30 October, 1.00pm and 3.00pm  Commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery with funds provided by The Stuart Leslie Foundation   

“Smooth Translation,”   Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November at 11.00am, 12.15pm and 1.30pm  Commissioned as part of Design Canberra.