The relationship between Canberra's QL2 and the Bangkok Dance Academy has continued with a triumphant tour of nine dancers to Thailand. The 'Toe’s on the Edge' group performed to crowds of over 300 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khoen Khen.

While in Thailand the dancers collaborated with other dancers and choreographers from the Academy to create a performance that included work from both countries. Chloe Chignell, one of the young dancers said of BDA,

“They were incredible, they went above and beyond to ensure we were all getting the most out of every single moment. They took us touring around Thailand and showed us so many interesting and beautiful places, people, and FOOD!”

The ensemble was accompanied by choreographer Adam Wheeler (Artistic Director 2ndToe Dance Collective) and QL2 Artistic Director Ruth Osborne, as well as parents Merrillee and Steve Chignell who kept everyone safe and reported on the progress of the tour. The dancers attended many cultural sites and performed in a variety of settings including for the local media,

“They had a couple of rehearsals and then some were mic’d up and then the cameramen came in and they did another rehearsal. It was a funky set with some great graphic backgrounds and cool lighting. The director then did another run through and after the kids found out that it was a take! They did it very well. We were told after that he is like the Rove of Thailand!

Eliza Sanders, one of the ensemble has been settling back into life post-tour and reflecting on her experiences,

“The moments that stick out most for me from the tour was the performances, they were all very different and challenging but it was incredibly exciting to be performing in a different country and the audiences seamed to really appreciate what we were doing.”

There will be an opportunity to see some of Toe’s on the Edge as part of “Identify, QL2’s major project this year. Most of the dancers who toured will be part of the project, with others having to go back to their studies in different parts of the country.

Identify will focus on the ways in which young people identify themselves and will be on at The Q in August.

For further info contact QL2 Centre for Youth Dance Inc