WEBSITE
www.edta.org.au
PRESIDENT
Leonie Stone
HISTORY
EDTA Inc is dedicated to the promotion of dance and theatre arts in the Asia Pacific Rim. Uniquely Australian in origin, it offers children through to adults an all-encompassing training system where all theatre arts can be combined and studied.
EDTA was founded in 1974 and in 2003 the association was incorporated and registered as a not-for-profit association to allow further growth and artistic development. EDTA has new and exciting syllabus in all facets, choreographed by talented and professional people, who are committed to continued development.
STYLES/GENRE
Classical ballet, modern contemporary, lyrical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, speech and drama, European (Polish, Hungarian, Russian), Spanish and Highland.
GRADING/MARKING SYSTEM
The training incorporates precision and fine technique with the artistic finish demanded by professionals. Graded examinations from beginners to major levels, graduations and teaching qualifications are available in all facets. Students receive a certificate, report and medal for their participation.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
Teaching qualifications are available in all styles; teachers must have attained Members Technique & Diploma to be a qualified teacher. Associate Technique & Diploma are Assistant Teacher qualifications.
EDTA also welcomes new members & recognises qualifications gained from other dance organisations. The Association provides continuing opportunities for teachers through refresher courses and seminars.
COMPETITIONS/AWARDS
EDTA Classical Ballet Awards, Troupe/Solo/Duo & Choreography Competitions, Speech & Drama Festivals.
Vicki Davis
M.E.D.T.A. Licentiate Senior Teacher Examiner & Adjudicator Senior Teacher 49 Yrs Teaching Dance.
What do you enjoy about your job?
One of the greatest rewards of teaching is seeing the progress of your students. From when students understand a difficult concept, to helping children learn a new skill, seeing a child’s eyes light up after grasping a new piece of knowledge is priceless. Teaching is a carer to be proud of. I love to be able to nurture the talent in every child. To help them express their passion of dance and performance based on a solid foundation of dance technique. Every child deserves to experience the love of dance and performing. Teaching students from beginners to professionals is a most gratifying process. You build lifetime friendships with both students and their families. I love teaching because I can see how dance contributes to a child’s development and confidence. Dance builds personal character and develops life skills that children will always use. Students who dance also develop lifelong friends who Dance from an early age and these friendships are priceless. The parents also have special friendships with other students parents and families.
Another special part of my job is when I start teaching children of past students. On my 40th Year of teaching I had 5 members of the one family dancing in the Concert also a lot of Mums and children dancing on stage at the same time. It was so rewarding watching them dance. Such a special time and building memories for a lifetime.
Have examinations/assessments changed over the years and what is different now?
Yes, examinations have changed over the years. The solid foundation of dance technique is always the basis of the examination syllabus. This never changes but with time we have upgraded all syllabus – our Jazz Syllabus has a set syllabus, but we can add the current music to our combinations. This is very popular with the children/adults as they can dance to the modern music they love.
Dance styles have changed through history but dance itself remains one of the most expressive physical art forms. During Covid Examinations continued through using technology – by recording the examinations and sending them in for reporting on the recorded exam. Also, by Zoom. This was a great step forward as we were able to keep Dancing throughout all our restrictions during Covid.
What drew you to this syllabus/organisation?
I was looking for a syllabus that provided all facets of dance under the one banner. EDTA offers Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern/Contemporary, Lyrical Ballet, Drama, European, Spanish, Highland, and Stagecraft Musical Theatre. As I taught this syllabus, I found how the basic technique was strong and I loved teaching it and the children loved dancing and you could see how the levels were choreographed to develop the children’s strengths and linked from level to level to improve the child’s ability and technique. This Dance Syllabus provides a solid foundation of dance technique from a young age through to professional dance level. EDTA syllabus ensures that dancers learn exercises, combinations and dances that are appropriate to their skill level. I was very proud to be made an Examiner of this syllabus EDTA and have just been awarded a Life Member of the Society, which was a special honour.
The high standard we wish for EDTA is achieved by the quality of teachers we have in our membership. The teaching profession is a very valued one and with the help of each other we keep the standards of EDTA at a high level.
Principles of EDTA:
E ETHICS
D DISCIPLINE
T TEACHER
A ART