Dancer Izzac Carroll; Photo by Peter Greig.
Applications for Sydney Dance Company’s 2017 Pre-Professional Year are now open and the company has one question for aspiring professional dancers: are you ready?
‘Sydney Dance Company will be looking for dancers between the ages of 18 and 24 that show commitment in exploring the many aspects of contemporary dance,’ said Course Director Linda Gamblin.
‘It will become evident during the audition and interviewing process as to which dancers will be at this committed level – whether the pre-professional student is a high school leaver or a university graduate, all students will be chosen for their readiness to deepen their understanding of who they are as a dance artist.’
Download the Course Prospectus
Dancer Chris Mifsud​; Image: Gez Xavier Mansfield Photography.
This challenging and rigorous program is a *nationally recognised qualification that aims to develop students’ practical skills, while also encouraging their individual growth as artists. Each student is encouraged to explore the art form and the endless possibilities of contemporary dance during the 12 month course.
The course expands on the training students have already undergone in order to embrace and develop the individuality and uniqueness of each dancer and to raise the calibre of their performance as artists.
‘To evolve as dancers and artists, we must develop a deep understanding of our individual bodies and how they move while realising technique is just the beginning. Ultimately to have the freedom to perform as an artist, we must let go of the formed body and look within to understand why we move,’ said Gamblin.
Students will have the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most renowned choreographers and dance educators, including Company dancers and Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela. At the end of the year there will also be an opportunity for a major performance.
Course Components include
- Contemporary Dance technique
- Classical Ballet technique
- Improvisation and collaborative task work
- Choreographic skills development
- Performance opportunities
- Sydney Dance Company repertoire
- Workshops with international choreographers
- Career planning
- Yoga and Pilates
- Anatomy, nutrition and injury prevention
Dancer Caitlin Stejska​l; Image: Gez Xavier Mansfield Photography.
The course is held at the Sydney Dance Company Studios located in the Walsh Bay arts precinct. Alongside the members of Sydney Dance Company, students will learn about their craft in a professional environment, where creative endeavours are focussed on the highest standards in contemporary dance making and dance performance.
Applications must be submitted through the Sydney Dance Company website and need to include links to two videos, one Contemporary and one Classical Ballet. Each video should showcase the applicant’s technical strengths, lines and extensions.
Many alumni have gone on to have successful careers in a range of companies, including Sydney Dance Company itself where three full contracted Dancers and seven Associate Artists have completed the program since its inception in 2014.
Students who are made the offer of a Pre-Professional Year place by Sydney Dance Company are also eligible to apply for a limited number of scholarships to offset the tuition fee. This is a means-tested and competitive application process and more information will be available on the Sydney Dance Company website prior to the auditions.
Applications close 7 August 2016. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an ‘invitation only’ audition on 4 September 2016 at Sydney Dance Company Studios.
Find out more and apply online: https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/sdcppy17
*Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year delivers a nationally recognised qualification, CUA50113 Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) through an auspice arrangement with Australian Teachers of Dancing Limited (RTO 31624). As an approved course, you may be eligible to apply for Abstudy, Austudy or Youth Allowance.
