The McDonald College has announced that it has joined forces with Sydney Dance Company to establish its inaugural Senior Contemporary Dance Program.
"The program open to students in from Years 10 - 12 wishing to develop into creative, forward-thinking contemporary dance artists. Guided by the ethos of SDC, The McDonald College will offer students the opportunity to develop advanced contemporary dance techniques and collaboration skills at the forefront of the industry.
“Currently, secondary dance students in NSW have no option to study elite contemporary dance training whilst remaining at school," says Maxine Kohler, Principal and Founding Member of The McDonald College,"and often they leave prematurely before finishing their studies in order to attend full-time dance training institutions. This program will allow students to continue their academic schooling whilst receiving world-class contemporary dance training, including obtaining their NSW Higher School Certificate.”
Students will develop their technical skills and artistry while working with choreographers and educators pioneering their artform. Students may come from a variety of diverse dance backgrounds and will train towards an elite contemporary dance career as an ensemble member of a fulltime dance company, an independent dancer, choreographer, director, dance educator, or an integral collaborator in any creative environment.
Skills learned across the three main focus areas of technique, creativity and performance, will support students’ development across all areas of contemporary dance. By exploring various improvisation skills and movement qualities, students will enhance their ability to collaborate in a co-creative environment becoming active creators in choreographic developments.
Students have the option to audition for SDC’s Pre-Professional Year upon completion of this program. They may also wish to pursue a number of pathway opportunities to further their training.
“SDC is thrilled to be collaborating with The McDonald College on this innovative program for young dancers. It gives me great pleasure to witness these dancers receiving the support and industry expertise required to transform into sophisticated artists,” commented SDC's Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela.
The McDonald College, based in North Strathfied in Sydney's west, is a performing arts secondary school which provides a balance of academic and performing arts studies.
Auditions for the 2019 Senior Contemporary Dance Program will be held on Friday 28 September 2018 at The McDonald College. Attending this audition will be artistic staff of SDC and The McDonald College.
Applications open from Tuesday, August 14, to Tuesday, September 25 .
More information: here.
Photo: Pedro Greig