Inclusive Arts Exchange
The pair spend a minimum of two weeks together per year which thus far has resulted in a solo choreographed by Chris in collaboration with Kyle titled Lionheart that has been presented in three states including at the Youth Dance Festival. They have also co-created and directed a dance film titled Common Colours in collaboration with videographer Robert Crispe featuring Chris Dyke as the solo performer. Common Colours premiered at the Bold Contemporary Dance Festival in 2018 and has gone on to be screened in multiple contexts including at the National Film and Sound Archive as part of I Dance II in 2023.
In 2018 Dancenorth engaged Chris in a professional capacity to perform as part of the International Day for People with Disability. In 2021 Chris was offered a No Show residency and created his first work on a professional ensemble, and in 2023 Chris choreographed and premiered a new work titled Touch as part of Dancenorth’s Tomorrow Makers 6 program.
In 2024 Chris embarked on his most ambitious project yet, a major commission for Dancenorth that saw him step into the role of director, choreographer and performer in a new full-length work titled Lighting the Dark featuring the Dancenorth Ensemble. Lighting the Dark premiered locally at the Townsville Civic Centre in June 2024, and had its world premiere at Brisbane Festival in September.
In 2025, Chris and the Dancenorth Ensemble are hitting the road to deliver two adapted performances of Lighting the Dark for schools in Gimuy (Cairns) and Yuwi Country (Mackay), whilst also facilitating dance workshops across QLD as part of our annual Regional Workshop Tour.
Lighting the Dark is set to tour nationally in 2026. To learn more about the work, and stay up to date with tour information, visit Lighting the Dark.
‘I'm eternally grateful to Kyle and the ensemble dancers. I'm over the moon to have engaged in this exhilarating annual residency over the last 6 years...it's been an incredible opportunity, way beyond my wildest of dreams. BIG thanks to all at Dancenorth for sharing and awesomeness!’Chris Dyke
‘Friendship is an unfolding process of mutual exchange, dialogue, presence, guidance, energy and trust. Chris and I gently oscillate between the roles of both mentor and mentee, each stepping forward to support and nurture the creative practice and life of one another in profound and transformational ways.In the studio Chris agitates, percolates, considers, and questions, his contributions extend from the micro to the macro, and the subtlety of his awareness never ceases to amaze.Chris is an artist in the truest sense, with ever-expanding sensitivity and perception, both of the work, and the space, as well as those around him. Chris is a beacon of love, positivity, and unconditional generosity, his presence and friendship has been the most remarkable gift.’Kyle Page
