Janet Vernon in "Black and Blue" (27/2/1988), Sydney Dance Company, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne. Choreographed by Louis Falco (USA).
After the Australian Dance Theatre, my next love was Graeme Murphy’s Sydney Dance Company. I was never their official photographer, being based in Melbourne, but every time they performed here I would ask their publicist, a lovely woman who’s name now sadly escapes me, and I guess with Graham’s or Janet’s blessing she would give me access to their rehearsals, and sometimes performances. Black and Blue, in which Janet danced a lead role, was just stunning. So powerfully danced it was almost brutal in its energy and explosive choreography. The boys were just so good leaping as if to KO their opponent. But something of the grit, power and gentler grace in Janet’s dancing has always touched me and been my favourite image from this ballet.
Janet was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1989 for Services to Dance. Since leaving the the Sydney Dance Company in 2007, they continue their creative collaboration. Notably, the choreography for Bruce Beresford’s 2009 film Mao’s Last Dancer, and Giselle for the Universal Ballet in South Korea scheduled for June 2016.
