Image credit: Olivia Wikner, O&J Wikner Photography

SPIDERS OF PARADISE at CMAG

Spiders of Paradise is an opportunity for Quantum Leap dancers to create a short work in response to the exhibition of the same name, by internationally renowned artist, Maria Fernanda Cardosa, on show soon at Canberra Museum and Gallery.  

With choreographers from Quantum Leap, young people will develop and rehearse a performance in the exhibition during regular evening classes, in preparation for a public performance at CMAG.  

KEY DATES: 

  • Rehearsals – 3 x Wednesdays: 3, 10, 17 June 2026 – 5:00pm-7:30pm, CMAG 

  • Final rehearsal – Friday 19 June 2026, 5:00pm-7:00pm, CMAG 

  • Performance – Saturday 20 June 2026, 12:00pm-4:00pm, CMAG 

Dancers must be fully available for the rehearsal and performance schedule as listed.

THE OPPORTUNITY

PROCESS: The performance we create will be inspired by the exhibition. Dancers will collaborate with professional choreographers and one another to develop a 20-minute performance, which will include improvisation and set choreography. We will rehearse at CMAG, after hours, to prepare our performance.  

PERFORMANCE: Our performance will take place in a dedicated area, within a live exhibition space at CMAG. This is a different experience to performing in a theatre, where the conditions are controlled and can be reasonably anticipated. An exhibition space is active, light and can be noisy as members of the public wander through.  

SELECTION CRITERIA 

This is a unique opportunity to create an original dance work in response to an exhibition, and perform the work within a public exhibition space. 

This opportunity has unique challenges. To be eligible for selection, dancers must be able to: 

  1. Respond thoughtfully to artwork to create movement ideas individually and collaboratively. 

  1. Commit fully to the choreography (including improvisation) in performance. 

  1. Focus on their performance without being distracted. 

  1. Navigate unexpected elements with confidence. 

Professional choreographers will support the young artists to develop these skills, but proven ability to focus without distraction and problem-solve spontaneously is necessary. 

SELECTION PROCESS 

The deadline to apply for this opportunity is 10 April 2026. 

Applications will be reviewed and outcomes determined by Quantum Leap staff. 

We will contact all applicants to advise the result of their application no later than Tuesday 21 April 2026. 

Submit an application