Meet the staff
Anna Smith, Undergraduate Coordinator and Lecturer in Dance
Anna Smith is a practicing choreographer, educator and community artist, with a Master of Choreography from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). As associate researcher on two multi-organisational projects funded by ARC Linkage Grants (1999–2002) she created two major works, both of which were awarded Green Room Awards (1999 and 2001) for Choreography.
Anna’s diverse experience and continued practice has extended across the higher education and professional arts sectors, teaching at institutions throughout Australia and overseas, including regular work as a guest teacher, choreographer and rehearsal director for Tasdance, and as personal dance coach to a Canadian Olympic Figure Skating pair.
In 2019, Anna collaborated with University of Melbourne Professor Mark Pollard, on an interactive sound and movement installation as part of the Four Directions season for first and second-year dance students.
“One of my favourite things is when the Dance students are introduced to Interactive Composition students to create art together in Choreography class,” says Anna. “They push the boundaries of how dance and sound cohabit the space, they gain insights into each other’s disciplines and participate in lively discussion about their artform. Ultimately, lasting collaborative relationships are formed.”
Anna’s works have been presented in Canada, USA, France, Malaysia, Indonesia and China as well as throughout Australia.
“I am excited by space,” she says. “Space to think, to research, to make, to educate and collaborate. Both student and teacher alike work within this fruitful environment that is the Faculty of Fine Art and Music.
Our small dance cohort supports each other in the spirit of community.
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