Touch Compass founder Catherine Chappell set up NZ’s first integrated dance company (combining dancers with and without disability) 13 years ago. She talks about the new Triple Bill season and future plans.

“As a project-by-project funded company there’s always many peaks and troughs and you just have to get on and hold to the vision of a better, more enlightened society that accepts diverse artists.”

Triple Bill features a trilogy of works and is on from August 18-21 at Auckland’s Concert Chamber, THE EDGE.

Name and title: Catherine Chappell  - Artistic Director

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Between 9 – 11pm when it’s quiet at home.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Modern with clean lines and earthy colour palette.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

When ideas get pulled down off the shelf and finally look like they will happen. Also when a work finally looks like it is taking shape.                

How does your environment affect your work?

Greatly. For much of my time as Artistic Director I have worked out of my home. Recently we have opened an office for Touch Compass at the Wilson Centre in Takapuna. With a gorgeous outlook and great people to work with finally I have some separation although still have to do some work at home at night to keep up with the workload.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Probably tend to focus on the details a bit too much especially when a bit stressed. My general manager Karen Fraser Payne is good at seeing the big picture and so we work well together.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Do your homework, research, find out the right people to talk to who can help give advice when it’s needed. One more never lose your vision.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

There are too many to choose from. Lusi’s Eden and Lighthouse collaborating with Christian Penny were highly successful and enjoyable. I would say the new Triple Bill season is proving yet another step up for the company, it’s a real good mix of works that will really challenge and entertain audiences.

What was your founding vision when you established Touch Compass in 1997?

I didn’t have a vision I just started teaching integrated classes then decided to put on a show 18 months later. If I knew then what would be involved I not sure I would have even started.

How has it evolved since then?

It’s been an incredibly exciting and tumultuous journey that’s tested my tenacity and patience. As a project-by-project funded company there’s always many peaks and troughs and you just have to get on and hold to the vision of a better, more enlightened society that accepts diverse artists.

What are some of the current challenges and opportunities for Touch Compass?

We have this wonderful opportunity to develop our own performance studio. The challenge is to find the right partners to share the journey and enjoy the artistic outcomes.

Tell us a bit about Triple Bill.

It features two new works by internationally renowned choreographers Carol Brown and Jeremy Nelson and remount of the highly acclaimed Grotteschi by Suzanne Cowan. 75min dance performance that takes the Company to new heights.

What else does Touch Compass have planned for this year and the near future?

Ideally we’d like to tour Triple Bill nationally, expand our training programme for teaching integrated dance and deliver more community dance programmes. On the bigger picture we are working towards having our own studio up and running.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Seeing the new season take shape and watching the choreographers develop and shape the material into such different yet alluring works. 

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

This is my career and I love it so why would I go back and choose another one. Oh yes - perhaps one that made more money!

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The beach.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Sharing with my sister and son, when he inspires us to break into spontaneous dancing around the lounge.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A toy for my son.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Not so much advice but received a Watsu, sheer bliss and felt like I could really surrender, haven’t had one for years but the cellular memory is of the experience is still very strong. That reminds me I need one now!

What's great about today?

Triple Bill is about to explode onto the stage and it’s going to be amazing!

What’s your big idea for 2011?

Develop a sculptural aerial rig that can be erected in different locations and toured around NZ so that small and large centres get to see of our work.

Further information:

Triple Bill
18 – 21 August 2010, 7pm (Saturday matinee – 2pm)
Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE
Tickets: $35 - $25 (plus booking fees)
Bookings through THE EDGE - visit www.buytickets.co.nz or call 0800 BUYTICKETS