NAISDA Dance College is appealing to Central Coast families to participate in the NAISDA Homestay Program, where they will have an opportunity to host a NAISDA student (known as a Developing Artist) and welcome them into their home while they study at the College in 2018.
Based in Kariong, NAISDA has a proud tradition of producing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and is the country’s elite Indigenous dance training college.
Each year, talented young men and women travel from regional cities and remote communities around Australia to study at NAISDA, in a bid to launch a career in the performing arts.
While NAISDA provides on-campus accommodation for some of its older Developing Artists, those aged under 18 are required to stay with a host family to ensure they receive much needed support and guidance while living away from home for the first time.
“Our Developing Artists travel from all over the country to study at NAISDA full-time, which can take a huge emotional toll – particularly on many of the younger dancers who suddenly find themselves in an unfamiliar location with no family or friends nearby,” said NAISDA’s Head of Support, Royston Prasad.
“They rely on local families participating in NAISDA’s Homestay Program to host them as they undertake their studies.
“Not only does this provide them with a warm and welcoming home environment as they settle into their studies at NAISDA, it also connects them to a support network here on the Coast.
“What results is usually a fantastic experience for the Developing Artist and host family alike. “We are lucky to have a loyal network of Homestay families who come back to us year after year because they have such a great experience supporting our young Developing Artists and learning about new cultures along the way.
“More importantly, our Developing Artists are extremely grateful for the generosity of our Homestay families as, without their support, they would not be able to study at NAISDA and work toward achieving their dreams,” added Mr Prasad.
NAISDA is currently seeking expressions of interest from local families who are interested in welcoming a young Developing Artist into their home in 2018.
The organisation has a comprehensive accreditation process in place that ensures a positive experience for families and Developing Artists alike.
Selected families will be provided with support payments as well as continued assistance from NAISDA staff.
Central Coast families can express their interest in joining the Homestay Program by contacting NAISDA directly.
Source:
Media release, Oct 26
Alison Orren, Brilliant Logic