Growing up in regional WA, the opportunity to perform alongside professional dancers would’ve been a dream for Nadia Priolo. Now, after relocating to Perth in 2018 to study a Bachelor of Dance (Honours), the award-winning artist is making that dream a reality for the next generation, with her newest choreographic work Shifting Ground premiering on the very ground she grew up on in Geraldton.
Led by Nadia and fellow WAAPA graduate Jessica Pettitt, with assistance from mentor and producer Brooke Leeder, Shifting Ground is a brand-new ensemble dance piece made up of young local dancers from Geraldton and Dongara aged 11 to 17.
“The idea for the project came from me wanting to create something for young Geraldton dancers to be part of. Something that would challenge them, inspire them, and open up possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves,” Nadia says.
Shifting Ground is a lively celebration of change and the excitement and challenges it can bring, that blends the stories, movements, and sounds of young dancers from the region.
“There’s nothing like this in Geraldton, so that’s where the title Shifting Ground comes from,” Nadia explains. “We’re creating a shift, sparking change, and hopefully paving the way for more opportunities like this in the future. It also references me shifting away from Geraldton to pursue a career in dance, and returning as a working artist, breaking new ground.”
The creative process for the work involved workshops back in May with local high schools and dance schools that prepared the cast for further workshops in June. At the time of writing, the team are currently in their July intensive rehearsals where they have been piecing the work together – layering sections, refining ideas and “allowing space for things to shift and evolve”, as Nadia says.
It’s clear that Nadia and Jessica have created a space for the young artists they’re working with to discover their own artistry, and they’ve been encouraged to do so.
“Jess and I have choreographed sections of the work, and we have also been setting creative tasks for the dancers to contribute their own ideas and movement,” Nadia explains. “It has been inspiring watching what the young dancers have created… [they] are truly incredible and have grown so much in a short amount of time. They are bringing real depth, commitment and creativity to the work.”
Through the process, the young artists have also had the chance to work with another Geraldton local, Dane Yates – Shifting Ground’s sound designer. Dane has been composing an original score in response to their movement, as opposed to a pre-existing track. This has been an entirely new experience for the dancers, and one that Nadia says has strengthened their sense of ownership and connection to the work; a connection she also hopes is felt by the audience.
“I hope the performance sparks a feeling of community pride and leaves audiences feeling hopeful about the future of dance in the region. Shifting Ground is not just a dance work – it’s a reflection of the strength and potential within our local youth.
“We’ve woven in references that are unique to Geraldton, like the iconic leaning tree you pass on the drive into town. We’ve also had the young dancers creating material in response to the local landscape, so that the work reflects the environment they have grown up in.”
As for the importance of arts opportunities and experiences like this within regional communities, Nadia couldn’t be more passionate, noting, “For young dancers, it expands their understanding of what dance can be, beyond competitions or classes, and gives them a glimpse into professional practice. It builds confidence, encourages creativity, and helps them feel part of something bigger. For audiences, it’s a chance to experience high-quality, original work created and performed right here in their own community. It sparks curiosity, pride, and a stronger connection to the arts.”
And to any other artists out there considering extending their artistic practice to the regions and to young people, Nadia says go for it.
“The energy, openness, and potential are incredibly rewarding to work with. I have found the experience to be deeply enriching for both the young dancers and the artists involved.”
We’re confident that the audience will feel the same.
Shifting Ground by Nadia Priolo & Dancers premieres at Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton, on Saturday 19 July at 7.00pm. Book now via the Queens Park Theatre website.
