A radical changing of the guard in South Australian dance was announced today, as Leigh Warren will hand the reins of his acclaimed company to young dance and choreography star Daniel Jaber.
Jaber is Leigh Warren Dance’s resident choreographer from today and will replace Warren as the company’s artistic director next year. Jaber, a former Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) dancer, was the first non-Garry Stewart ADT choreographer since 1999 with his acclaimed Nought (2013). Of his appointment, Jaber said that, like Warren, he has developed a career in Adelaide to “help future generations of dancers and audiences”. “Leigh and I are different people with different backgrounds so there will obviously be a contrast in the subject matter and themes in future LWD work but I believe there will also be a strong sense of continuity as well,” Jaber said in a press release. “My work will be informed by the same dance literacy, dance styles and dance technique foundation I’ve always admired Leigh’s work.” Warren, the former ADT Artistic Director (1987-92) who started Leigh Warren Dance in 1993, said he is thrilled with the appointment. “I’m proud to say that since we began Leigh Warren Dance we have constantly evolved, entertained and challenged our audience so I see the appointment of Daniel as an extension of LWD’s vision and another exciting part of the journey for our audience,” he said in a press release. “The future of LWD and indeed dance in Adelaide is in excellent hands with Daniel’s energy, talent and determination to nurture the next generation of Adelaide’s dancers.” lwd.com.au
