Local dancers come together for ‘All In’ performance
The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) and Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre have partnered to present All In – a boundary-breaking dance experience that brings professional artists and local dance communities together on stage.
All In is an immersive experience from Western Sydney based Dance Makers Collective, which aims to break down the barrier between performers and audiences and invites the community to be part of the show. Director Miranda Wheen said the performance explores dance across professional and amateur dance communities.
“For all the creatives involved in the show, and there are many, there is a mutual vision to extend our artistic and cultural practices beyond just ourselves and into a broader participatory space.”
With one show in Harvey, and two in Bunbury, there will be plenty of opportunity for dance fans to experience performances from local groups, and if the mood is right, join in themselves.
Following its premiere at Sydney Festival in 2025, All In has been adapted into a bespoke production for each location on its national tour, made alongside local artists in each community.
The South West productions are set to be a cultural exchange, featuring performances from Dance Makers Collective, Harvey Filipino Community Dancers, and Manea Senior College ATAR Dancers. They will be joined by indigenous groups Keniny Dance Academy, performing in Bunbury, and Korijekup Yorgas performing in Harvey.
Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre Manager David Marshall said he is looking forward to seeing a diverse range of dance groups from across the district come together.
“It’s great to be able to involve a diverse group of local community organisations and individuals in this All In performance, as well as team up with our friends at BREC for a really fun experience.”
To localise the show, Dance Makers Collective visited the South West to recreate the show with the local groups, host workshops, and interview members of the groups to incorporate their voices in the audio of the upcoming shows.
Dance Makers Collective General Manager Carl Sciberras said All In is a chance for regional audiences to not only watch a professional dance work but also join in and make it their own.
“This work brings together all the best things about dance.”
“It has incredible performance by both touring and local dancers from a broad range of ages and dance forms, excellent music, and the chance to get on the dancefloor and experience the joy as well. What’s so special about this work is the heart and generosity of the local community who play a crucial role in making it a truly unique experience.”
BREC Executive Director Fiona de Garis said All In is a joyful celebration of dance, community and connection.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre to bring All In to Bunbury-Geographe. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent in our region, with local dancers performing alongside a nationally acclaimed contemporary dance company in a production that invites audiences to become part of the experience. It’s impossible not to leave feeling uplifted.”
All In will be performed in Harvey on 16 September, and in Bunbury on 19 September. Tickets are available through harvey.wa.gov.au, and bunburyentertainment.com.