AS reported recently in “arts in the city,” a giant of the world of Australian dance, well-known Canberra figure Julie Dyson, will shortly retire  from her position as national director of Ausdance, to be replaced by Roslyn Dundas. 

Dyson has been with the organisation, in both voluntary and paid capacities, since its inception in 1977 and has been praised by the president of Ausdance National, Brian Lucas, for having helped to create “an organisation that is admired nationally and internationally for its work with artists, managers, funding bodies, educators, government departments and decision makers at all levels.”

Dyson, he added, initiated partnerships to promote and support Australian dance and professional dancers with organisations beyond the dance community, especially through arts organisations such as ArtsPeak and the National Advocates for Arts Education.”

Some of Dyson’s inspired programs, developed with the Australia Council, have included  Dance Plan 2012, the National Dance Forums and the Indigenous dance forum “Creating Pathways.”

Prime Minister Julia Gillard commented, “Julie’s tenure has been unparalleled in terms of commitment, having been a key driving force in the development and growth of the Australian dance community.”

She will be farewelled  by her colleagues and peers in the dance community this Thursday.