Our Gifted and Talented contemporary dance program is designed to equip a student with the skills, techniques, creative abilities and academic achievements required to transition into a wide range of university or tertiary training courses.
Our lower school program (Year 7 to 9) provides students with up to 6 hours of training through an integrated program which is delivered during school curriculum time and after school.
Year 10 students participate in a preparatory course for Years 11 and 12. Students in Year 11 and 12 may select ATAR Dance, which provides theoretical and practical extension leading to a tertiary rank, and/or CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance: Contemporary, a predominantly practical course delivered over two years.
Contemporary students who would like to pursue dance at a tertiary level are able to access additional practical classes. These can be negotiated on an individual basis.
Apply for the Gifted and Talented Dance Program here.
Entry into tertiary institutions, including the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Ballet and Contemporary dance courses requires a very high level of technical proficiency and creative ability in both genres. The College provides the support necessary to ensure students are competitive at this level.
Lower School Program Years 7, 8 and 9
Our contemporary dance program is designed to build on your child’s natural ability and focus on developing their dance technique. Students learn to develop and interpret choreography, perform and reflect on dance.
The dance course encourages students to be independent learners and creative thinkers while they develop skills and knowledge across a range of dance styles.
This program provides students with up to six hours of training through an integrated program delivered during school curriculum time and after school. The program is designed to provide extension in contemporary dance.
The contemporary dance course is divided into the following areas:
- Making: dance skills and techniques, improvisation, choreographic processes, performance presentation and safe dance practices.
- Responding: Dance terminology, reflective processes, feature forms and genres of dance, and dance in context.
Years 10, 11 and 12
Students in Year 10 participate in a preparatory course for Years 11 and 12. In Years 11 and 12 students are offered a course leading to Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirements through the Dance ATAR course and/or CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance: Contemporary.
The course has been designed for students who wish to pursue studies in dance at a tertiary level, to continue studying in the vocational area, or to develop skills for their own enjoyment. The flexibility of the course allows students to use the units of study towards university entrance.
Our Contemporary Dance Extension Program in Years 10, 11 and 12 provides students with six to eight hours of extended practical and academic opportunities to ensure they are well prepared for industry practices or ATAR examinations.
Performances
Performance is an integral part of the contemporary dance course and forms part of the assessment schedule for each year group. Performances provide students with opportunities to develop as a dancer. These performances are identified at the beginning of the year and a calendar of dates will be provided to each student.
Students may be invited to participate in additional or extra performance opportunities throughout their time at the college. All rehearsals and performance requirements will be provided to the students so they can plan their schedules.
Extension & Acceleration
Technical development
- Contemporary and ballet classes.
- Spanish classes (Years 9 and 10).
- Other genres.
Dance intensive/residency
- Arts residency opportunity to work intensively with artists on creative development.
Choreography
- Creative and production classes.
Project and performance program
- Performance in professional settings.
- Extended season (multiple performances).
- Performance seasons – large and small ensembles.
- Student choreography performance.
Reflection
- Ongoing reflective practice and self-evaluation.
Professional artists
- Performances.
- Extra ballet and contemporary classes.
- Workshops.
Please note: This presents an example of what is offered as part of the program.
Dress Requirements
Girls Contemporary – Year 7 to 9
- Navy blue school leotard (Energetiks style AL 11)
- Black footless tights (contemporary)
- Navy blue shorts (from Uniform Shop)
- Pink tights (convertible – ballet class)
- Pink ballet shoes (canvas split sole)
- Spanish shoes (Years 9 and 10)
Boys Contemporary – Years 7 to 9
- Navy blue tights
- White leotards, bonds t-shirt or singlet
- Black tights (Years 10 to 12)
- Navy blue shorts (from Uniform Shop)
- White ballet shoes (canvas split sole)
- Spanish shoes (Years 9 and 10)
In winter students may also wear crossover, navy blue long sleeve fitted t-shirts, leotards, navy/black leggings or track pants (stretch fabric)
- Cross over – AX01 in navy
- L/S leotard- Block LO459 Parla in navy
- L/A Merino Wool top MCW/MAW04 in navy or candy
Professional Artists
All Gifted and Talented dance students have the opportunity to work with professional artists, choreographers, teachers and performers. The course involves mentors and professionals sharing their expertise, from pure classical ballet to cutting-edge contemporary dance. The skills obtained from workshops, classes and rehearsals are invaluable and instrumental to the development of students in the dance program.
These tutors and guest artists are of the highest calibre, have professional industry experience and are current dance practitioners. These tutors are supported by highly expert college dance staff with national and international performance and teaching backgrounds.