LAKE DANCE
by Robyn Singleton and Cas Bukor
at The Outside Gallery
LAKE DANCE is a new exhibition at The Outside Gallery in Paine Reserve, Newport. It showcases Newport Lakes and Dance-focused photographs of artists Robyn Singleton and Cas Bukor.
This joint endeavour showcases, in digital imagery, the natural rustic bushland beauty and oasis of Newport Lakes and the joy and wellbeing experienced through exploring the lakes. Dance has been chosen to feature in this project due to the strong presence it has in the community.
About the art
Robyn Singleton and Cas Bukor met through the Williamstown Camera Club. This joint endeavour aims to capture and showcase in digital imagery the natural rustic bushland beauty and oasis of Newport Lakes and the joy and wellbeing experienced through exploring the lakes and nature trails. Dance has been chosen to feature in this project due to the strong presence it has in the community (from varying dance genre’s, to cultural dance, and social dance groups, incorporating varying age groups), the joy it represents, and the connection to time, place and space it provides, both physically and emotionally. This exhibition will run every night from August 2024 until January 2025.
About the artists
Self-directed photographer Robyn’s Singleton’s portfolio is predominantly based in portraits, sports and dance photography. She enjoys exploring the craft and creating raw and honest images through collaboration and connection with her subjects, and utilising both natural and artificial light sources. www.instagram.com/singleton.robyn/
Cas Bukor is a well-known photographer and local identity. Her main focus is landscapes of Williamstown and surrounds. These have been showcased in her annual calendars and postcards of Williamstown. Her work now includes the use of a drone, adding another dimension to her images. www.instagram.com/casbukor
About the dancers Find out more here
In Flight
Image by Cas Bukor
Maintaining the safety of the dancers whilst capturing motion on the stepping stones across Newport Lakes was always going to be a primary challenge for this project. We used the flowing lyrical dance costumes to create a sense of movement in this image. The fluidity of the material adds dimension and drama to the scene and draws the viewer’s eye to the dancers and their joy.
Elevated Retiré
Image by Robyn Singleton
The natural serenity of Newport Lakes is similarly reflected in the capturing of the ballet dancer in an elevated retiré position. The pink tutu succeeds in achieving colour harmony with the predominantly green background, with the two colours being complementary. The shallow depth of field of the image serves to ensure the focus of the image is limited to the dancer, her serene expression and the iconic stepping stones.
The Dancer’s Carriage
Image by Robyn Singleton
This photograph celebrates the poise and grace of the dancers from a perspective that is often not observed. The natural unity of the dancer’s carriage across the rustic stepping stones of Newport Lakes, combined with the flowing purple skirts, capture their gracefulness in movement from a viewpoint that is frequently overlooked. The artwork invites the viewer to witness the peacefulness and beauty in the image that is reflective of its natural environment.
Diversity in Dance
Image by Cas Bukor
A drone view of the Altona Sport Club Social Dance group. An active, fun and diverse community who enjoy the opportunity to share their love of dance. Captured in this photograph from high above, their joy in dance is evident. The image invites the viewer to celebrate the joy of dance and connection in this image.
Vietnamese Reflections
Image by Cas Bukor
Newport Lakes stepping stones from the viewpoint of a drone is a striking visual. With their stunning and colourful traditional Vietnamese dress (the Áo Dài) and the conical palm-leaf hat (Nón lá) featured, this image captures the beauty, cultural pride, and joy of the Vietnamese Arts and Culture group. The colourful reflections create a multi-dimensional image, which adds depth.
Colour and Contrast
Image by Cas Bukor
Situated on the iconic circular rock formation in the centre of the stepping stones, the ballroom dancers are an explosion of colour against the barren and bleak canvas of the winter background. Their joy is almost palatable in this image.
Fan Dance
Image by Robyn Singleton
The fans featured in this images form part of the traditional Vietnamese fan dance (Vũ Phiến). The vibrancy of their traditional costume provides colour contrast with the circular rock formation and background foliage, ensuring the focal point is maintained on the dancers and the flow of their costumes.
The Joy of Dance
Image by Robyn Singleton
Ballroom dance partners for 15 years, this couple embody and exude the joy of dance. From their refined ballroom dance attire to their formal dance pose, their connection and enjoyment of dance is clearly on display. Amidst the backdrop of Newport Lakes, they appear to glide gracefully in harmony with their environment and each other.
Siva Samoa
Image by Cas Bukor
The exuberant, dynamic, masculine energy and acrobatics displayed by the Samoan dancer also appears in many Samoan cultural and ceremonial dances. Here he is pictured freestyle dancing. Siva is the Samoan term for dance.
Samoan Holding a Nifo Oti
Image by Cas Bukor
The powerful warrior-like stance of the dancer in this image is symbolic of the power of storytelling in Samoan dance. The Nifo Oti is a hunting weapon from earlier times, now used as a fire knife for Samoan dancing, during which the performers set alight and twirl the weapon and showcase their acrobatics.
Samoan Culture and Dance
Image by Robyn Singleton
In Samoan culture, dance is used to share stories of culture and celebrate events. In this image, the Nifo Oti (a weapon used to hunt and fight in years gone by) is held aloft. The dancer is adorned in the traditional Samoan costume, consisting of the lavalava and tau vae. The lavalava is a traditional wraparound skirt made from finely woven fabric, featuring Samoan intricate patterns and bold colours. The tau vae can be worn around the legs or the waist and is made from dried out flax leaves from a coconut tree. The story is shared through the combination of dance and costume.