Michael Hodyl is a multifaceted artist who has made an indelible mark on the world of dance and performance. With a career spanning from 2018, Michael’s artistic journey has been characterized by a fearless exploration of creativity, pushing the boundaries of expression on both stage and screen.
Michael’s affiliation with the renowned Restless Dance Theatre began in 2014 and has been a transformative experience ever since. Collaborating with visionary directors like Michelle Ryan, Meryl Tankard, Antony Hamilton, and Sophie Hyde, Michael has brought to life a range of captivating productions, both for the stage and the silver screen. His portfolio includes remarkable works such as In the Balance, Touched, Intimate Space, Guttered, Exposed, Shifting Perspectives, Zizanie, Ecoute Pour Voir, and Rewards for the Tribe. These performances have not only captivated audiences locally but have also taken Michael on national and international tours with Restless.
In addition to his stage work, Michael’s talent shines through in various other mediums. His unforgettable solo performance in Australia Dance Theatre‘s World’s Smallest Stage production Ricky and Me left an indelible mark, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Furthermore, Michael made a memorable appearance in the ABC documentary, Art is Everywhere (2022), reaffirming the profound impact of art in our daily lives. Michael was also part of the Human Services SA’s latest campaign encouraging diversity, inclusion and accessibility ‘See Me For Me’ not my disability, all while cheekily declaring his love for pineapple on pizza.
The year 2022 proved to be a momentous one for Michael as he continued to push the boundaries of his craft. He wowed audiences at the Brisbane Festival and Sydney Festival with his performances in Guttered and Exposed, respectively, as part of the FRAME: A Biennial of Dance Festival. Michael also engaged in a unique collaboration titled Counterpoise with 29Dong and the Korean Music Project (Korean traditional music organisation), showcasing his ability to bridge cultures through the universal language of art.
As a testament to his artistic impact, Michael was featured in an ABC series, which spotlighted six short stories from across Australia, revealing how art intersects with the everyday lives of people. His contributions to the series underscored the profound role of art in fostering connections and meaningful dialogue.
The journey continues for Michael Hodyl in 2023 with a regional tour of Exposed to Mt Gambier and Renmark, as well as performances at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House, Theatre Royal Hobart, and Seoul, South Korea. His commitment to art’s transformative power remains unwavering, exemplified by his participation in Counterpoise at SIDance Seoul, and the world premiere of the Rewards for the Tribe Documentary at the Adelaide Film Festival.
In a world where art speaks volumes, Michael Hodyl’s creative voice resonates profoundly, pushing the boundaries of what dance and performance can achieve. His dedication to breaking down barriers and celebrating diversity through art is an inspiration to all.