Anne O’Keeffe - About Me

Anne O’Keeffe is a Melbourne-based teacher, choreographer and performer, with a Bachelor of Education in Dance, Drama and Literature (Deakin University, 1983), a Graduate Diploma of Choreography (Victorian College of the Arts, 1997) and a Master of Choreography (VCA, 2009). She has worked as a freelance artist for 21 years, performing, choreographing and directing work for the Victorian Arts Centre, Australian Choreographic Centre, Dancehouse and numerous theatre groups and community events. In 1998 Anne founded Sirensong Dance and Theatre. As Artistic Director, Anne choreographed and performed in Walk on Water (1999/00), her solo work Sex and Death (2002/03) and Song of Longing (2008), as part of her Masters degree. 

Anne has taught movement-based improvisation since 1983, inspired by Skinner Releasing Technique, Al Wunder, Stephanie Skura, Eva Karzag and Min Tanaka. She has taught improvisation at the National Theatre Drama School and Ballarat University and currently teaches First and Second year Dance students at Victorian College of the Arts. Anne has performed as an improviser at  Movement Research, (Judson Church, New York), Rushing for the Sloth (Sydney), Precipice (Canberra) and Cracking it Open, Conundrum and the Little Con (Melbourne). She also curated and performed in the Women’s Night (1998-02) and Out of the Ordinary (2004-06). In 2009, Anne achieved a Master of Choreography, exploring presence and the creative process. 

Anne’s passion for improvisation led her to initiate the ALCHEMY dance improvisation classes, which she has been teaching and developing since 2001. Held at Dancehouse, Cecil Street Studio and other independent dance studios in Melbourne, the Alchemy classes lead participants through a process of discovering, exploring and expanding movement vocabulary, whilst making deep connections with inner life. Anne’s teaching emphasizes integration and liberation of the self through conscious embodiment, and she provides a warm, generous space where movement can be explored deeply and joyfully. She is passionate in her commitment to supporting students in their creative unfolding.

Inspired by Skinner Releasing Technique, Yoga and Buddhism, Alchemy aims to explore the interface between improvisation and spiritual practice through the embodiment and awareness of the present moment.

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Photography by Romeo Viglino