The Artists Lab Presents: Dance Advanced – A glimpse into the mastery with Simone Sault

Dance, an art form that transcends borders and cultures, has always been about evolution, technique, and passion. The Artists Lab: Dance Advanced workshop assembles Australia’s elite dancers and choreographers, joined by global specialists, to delve into the cutting-edge of dance and artistic expression. This workshop offers a deep dive into the world of contemporary dance, under the able guidance of global dance luminary Simone Sault. We sat down with Simone to discuss her vision for the workshop, her experiences from the world of dance, and her insights into the future of this art form.

A Dance Legacy Inherited

From classical ballet in Melbourne to choreography for major films, Simone’s diverse dance background is a rich catelogue of experiences. “At the core of whatever style of dance you love, technique is the evergreen,” Simone emphasised, underscoring her holistic approach towards teaching dance in this advanced workshop. For her, technique is the golden ticket to a long-lasting career in dance, a sentiment she aims to impart throughout Dance Advanced.

Simone, with your rich background ranging from classical ballet to musical productions and choreographing for films, how do you believe your diverse experiences have prepared you to contribute to an advanced dance workshop such as ‘Dance Advanced’?

I feel very fortunate to have a vast background in all genres of dance, whether it be classical ballet or MT to bring to the Dance Advanced course in October. At the core of whatever style of dance you love, technique is the evergreen. We will be highlighting this daily with morning class to enable you to get intouch with all the right muscle groups needed for the incredible days ahead. A solid proper dance technique is a golden ticket to longevity in this business.

A Global Perspective

Having performed and choreographed across the globe, Simone’s international experience is a treasure trove for participants. “Working in incredible countries like Russia, USA, UK, Japan, France, and China has granted me unique senses, styles, and particularly work ethics,” she said. With her broad exposure, Simone promises to provide Australian aspiring artists a deeper understanding of global artistic standards and practices.

What unique elements are you introducing to the ‘Dance Advanced’ workshop that encapsulates your worldwide experiences?

I bring to the Dance Advanced workshop a wealth of knowledge and first hand experiences having over 30 years in the industry. A career that has included ballet/dance companies, West End Musicals, Broadway TV and Film. Working in incredible countries like Russia, USA, UK, Japan, France, China to name a few – all bringing with them their unique sense and style and in particular work ethic. Having worked throughout these magnificent parts of the World as both a performer and creative, this allows me to pass on 1st hand experiences and guidance to Australian aspiring artists of the future who will not have had the chance to experience yet. A greater, more exposed insight to how the rest of the world works in the arts is paramount to the next generation of Australian talent.

Teaching Beyond Techniques

When asked about her teaching approach, Simone’s response was highlighted with the wisdom of her years. “Coaching and working with advanced dancers is similar to creating a piece. It’s an exploration of truth, passion, curiosity, and result.” For Simone, teaching is more than just transferring skills; it’s about nurturing the next generation of artists.

Many recognize you for your performances and choreography, but teaching is a different ball game. How do you approach teaching advanced dancers, and what’s the core message or skill you aim for participants to take away?

Coaching and working with advanced dancers is just as rewarding as working on a new piece of choreography. My style of teaching is to never talk AT the students. I actually choose to see them not only as the human beings that they are, but as ‘artists in the making’.

Yes there is a strong focus on technique as you continue your training across all styles, but it must also be taught the importance of knowing WHY you’re dancing what you are dancing, and learning to harness a deep honesty and curiosity with dance /movement, hence why teaching hungry and passionate dancers is similar to working on creating a piece. It’s an exploration of truth, passion, curiosity and ultimately, result.

Inside the Audition Room

One of the standout features of ‘Dance Advanced’ is its emphasis on preparing dancers for the intense world of musical theatre auditions. Simone believes in the power of authenticity. “Offering your true self, responsive, curious, and the ability to take notes, combined with technique, is when the magic happens!” she shares, hinting at the deep insights awaiting participants.

The event promises insights into what creative teams look for during auditions for musical theatre shows.

From your perspective, can you share a sneak peek into this aspect and why it’s crucial for aspiring dancers?

To pass on inside knowledge of what we look for in a room of aspiring dancers for an upcoming show I believe to be crucial to this next generation. Learn the song, yes. Learn the lines, learn the dance, but the ability to walk into a room and offer your true self, open, responsive, curious, an ability to take notes and change up what “you think we want” are qualities that endear you to a panel. Team these attributes with technique, and a clear desire to be your true authentic self and well, watch the magic happens! That’s when we get excited!

The Evolution of Dance

Simone, having been a part of revolutionary creative teams like The Phantom Of The Opera, ensures the workshop remains fresh, relevant, and avant-garde. She sees her travels and international collaborations as a continuous source of inspiration. Every new face, talent, passion, and emerging star she encounters across the globe enriches her teachings.

The dance world is ever-evolving. Having been a part of new creative teams, like the one for ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, how do you keep the content of such workshops fresh, relevant, and ahead of the curve?

The back catalogue of not only the works I have had the pleasure to work on creatively, but the vast encyclopaedia that runs before me, currently Andrew Lloyd Webber’s International Tour of Love Never Dies in the UK followed by New York to remount Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY for a North American Tour, is the never ending source of how and why I continue to conduct these workshops. New faces, new talent, new passion, new stars of the future. I am very fortunate to have my work take me away to all parts of the Globe – varied shows, creative teams and artists. I bring this knowledge back with me and share it with each dancer before me in the room..

Carving the Path Forward with Showreels

On the topic of providing participants with high-resolution footage for their showreels, Simone considers it a fantastic opportunity for them to shine. “They will be given invaluable guidance, insight, and creative direction to be captured in their best light,” she assured.

Charting the Future of Dance

Simone views the future of dance with optimism and excitement. “The future of dance is not only exciting but endless – especially when an understanding and appreciation of such an art form is meticulously honed and finessed, explored, guided, and supported. All of which The Artists Lab prides itself on,” she elaborates. While the journey in dance isn’t quick or painless, Simone emphasises that workshops like ‘Dance Advanced’ play a crucial role in shaping this journey. “With expert tutoring, support, encouragement, and teaching, The Artists Lab’s Dance Advanced is certain to steer you in the correct direction from the people that know.”

In her concluding thoughts, Simone envisions a bright future for the dance community, with workshops like ‘Dance Advanced’ playing a pivotal role in shaping the dance luminaries of tomorrow.

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The Artist Lab: Dance Advanced

Date:  October 27 – 29 2023
Venue:  3 Danks Studio, Sydney