AustLit

'In 2007 the West Australian Aboriginal Dance Company was founded by Louise Howden-Smith OAM, to pursue the vision of creating an Aboriginal contemporary dance company based in Western Australia. A Board and an Advisory Committee of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians were established enabling further research into the vision.'

'In 2009 a focus group was held with key stakeholders from relevant sectors in order to develop the basis for a Feasibility Study, which was generously funded by Woodside, and conducted over the following 15 months. The outcomes and recommendations from the Woodside Feasibility Study formed the platform on which the company was developed and is now Ochre Contemporary Dance Company.'

'In 2011 the company began to perform on a project basis with commissioned works premiering at various government and corporate openings and gala functions which increased momentum and visibility. May 2012 saw Ochre’s official launch by the Minister for the Arts, the Hon. John Day at a gala function in the Hackett Hall of the WA Museum. The company’s inaugural production Diaphanous: seeing through and beyond was staged in November that year at the State Theatre Centre of WA.'

'Ochre continued a strong trajectory of growth in 2013, with two full-length performances; a commissioned performance titled Pulse, performed at the opening night of the Red Earth Arts Festival in Karratha, and the company’s major production, Dreamtide staged in October 2013 at the State Theatre Centre of WA. Dreamtide was met with very positive reviews and acclaim.'

'In early 2013 Ochre was invited to take up residency at the University of Western Australia’s Masonic Hall in Nedlands in the role of Company in Residence of the UWA Cultural Precinct. This new role has opened up to the company a variety of opportunities and resources throughout the university campus.'

'The Company continues to grow and develop into an important cultural asset for Western Australia providing a platform for telling Australian stories through contemporary dance.' (Source: Ochre Contemporary Dance Company website)