At a time when contemporary dance is both honouring tradition and daring to explore new artistic realms, UNLID Dance Theatre has emerged as a beacon of innovation in Melbourne’s performing arts scene. Founded by Jennifer Fleenor-O’Brien, this dynamic company is reshaping what it means to be a global dance collective, blending rigorous technical foundations with an approach that celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity. With an impressive background performing internationally with companies like Ireland’s CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience that enriches every UNLID performance and workshop.
In this interview, Jennifer shares the inspirations behind UNLID, and the journey that recently took the company to the World Dance Alliance’s Singapore International Dance Festival and Conference (SIDFC), making them the only Australian company to perform at the prestigious event. From creating groundbreaking works like F5, exploring modernity and tradition, to upcoming projects that bridge Melbourne’s dance community with international stages, Jennifer offers an inside look at the artistry and ambition that define UNLID. Join us as we dive into the story behind UNLID Dance, a company redefining contemporary dance with every performance.
Ausdance VIC: Tell us a little bit about UNLID and how it came about.
Jennifer Fleenor-O’Brien: UNLID Dance Theatre is dedicated to redefining contemporary dance through a global lens. Our philosophy respects modern dance traditions while continuously exploring new creative possibilities. Founding UNLID has been a vision of mine for a long time, and I feel that now is the perfect time to bring it to life.
My goal is to create a collaborative space that nurtures artistic growth and celebrates Melbourne’s exceptional dance talent. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to our Executive Director, Lee Harrison, and the incredible support from Arnold Street Studio, where we’re a company in residence.
I bring to UNLID my experiences as a dancer and choreographer across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. I’ve had the privilege of working with Ireland’s CoisCéim Dance Theatre, and my choreographic work has been presented globally. My teaching background also includes lectures at prestigious institutions like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Trinity College Dublin, which enriches our commitment to excellence in dance education and performance.
Ultimately, my mission is to create opportunities for exceptional dancers to thrive within our community.
AV: What makes your company unique?
JFB: UNLID stands out for our global perspective on dance and our commitment to connecting with the human experience. We blend the modern dance technique of José Limón with a focus on developing versatile, expressive dancers who are engaged as artists.
My approach as Artistic Director is deeply informed by my experiences as a dancer in New York and Europe. By combining rigorous technical training with rich artistic traditions, we cultivate dancers with a wide technical range and a unique creative voice. This also allows our dancers to actively participate in creating new works, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
AV: Who are young dancers today? Are you seeing more diversity in the students and dancers who come to UNLID?
JFB: Young dancers today are navigating a dynamic landscape with diverse choices shaping their identities and creative goals. Many are eager to explore a wide range of possibilities to express their creativity. At UNLID, we’re seeing a growing diversity among our dancers, who are seeking both professional development and a sense of belonging. Our approach supports their growth beyond the dance studio, encouraging them to connect with their true selves in a constant flow of information. This holistic perspective creates engaged, healthy dancers with a wealth of talent to share.
AV: You were the only Australian company invited to the World Dance Alliance Singapore International Dance Festival. How did that feel?
JFB: Being the only Australian company invited to the Singapore International Dance Festival was an incredible honour. It validates our vision for UNLID Dance Theatre and has helped us build our standing in the international dance community.
Knowing that our work resonates with a global audience and contributes to a meaningful dialogue in dance is essential to me as a choreographer. This opportunity reinforces our goal of producing work that transcends cultural boundaries and connects with audiences worldwide.
AV: What about this opportunity sparked your interest?
JFB: The theme of “Modernity and Tradition” resonated with F5, a piece we’re developing that explores heritage and contemporary experience. This alignment was a perfect opportunity for us to build meaningful connections with artists in the Asia-Pacific region. The Singapore International Dance Festival allowed us to engage in insightful discussions within the World Dance Alliance’s vibrant community.
AV: How would you describe your experience at SIDFC in three words?
JFB: Nourishing. Unifying. Inspiring.
AV: Do you have any favourite moments from the festival?
JFB: There were so many highlights, but the evening performances were especially memorable. They showcased a rich tapestry of cultures and artistic voices, celebrating our shared creativity. Receiving thoughtful feedback from peers and new friends was fantastic. The festival’s focus on both academia and performance made it a brilliant opportunity for meaningful discussions about the future of dance research.
AV: How was the experience of getting your company overseas? Would you do it again?
JFB: Once we received the invitation, we knew we couldn’t pass it up. We organised fundraising through the Australian Cultural Fund, and the support from our community was incredible. WDA Singapore also provided exceptional guidance that streamlined our travel.
We’d absolutely do it again and are already looking forward to the Hong Kong Festival in 2025!
AV: Finally, what’s next for UNLID?
JFB: We’re excited for our upcoming professional workshop, ‘Introduction to UNLID’, on December 4–6. This workshop will allow artists to explore the company, my vision, and our technical training over three exhilarating days. Artists who share our passion for blending dance, culture and creativity are invited to join us. Book before 30 November for a discount!
Two of our dancers, Bridget Lyte and Mollie Harrison, just wrapped work on Ground
Effect Glide, a screendance collaboration with Breaking Ballerina Productions that I
choreographed. This project allowed us to further explore our artistic journey into film, blending movement and visual storytelling in a dynamic way that captures the essence of our dance practice.
At the end of January, we’re hosting a ‘Summer Soiree’ featuring a 3-day intensive, followed by an in-studio showing of ‘F5’ at our home base in Arnold Street Studio. This event offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience ‘F5’ up close before it heads to the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Looking ahead to our 2025 season, we’ll continue to strengthen our connections within the Kingston community in Melbourne’s southeast and we’re exploring future
exchanges with CoisCéim Dance Theatre in Ireland, opening doors for new collaborative growth and artistry.
It’s going to be an exciting year!
