Kariong based dance college, NAISDA, is encouraging students aged 16 to 26 to virtually submit applications for its 2021 intake, a first in the college’s 44 year-long history.
NAISDA is Australia’s leading dance and performing arts training organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, delivering accredited training programs that are rich in cultural learning and practice.
The Advanced Diploma course that begins in February is accepting regional and national applications and includes units in Cultural Dance; Cultural Knowledge; Contemporary; Urban; Hip Hop; Ballet; Choreography; Physical Theatre; Dance film; and Music Composition.
The new process abides by all COVID restrictions, allowing applicants to complete instruction videos, exercises, and auditions from home.
NAISDA Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, said the program would also offer Zoom dance classes, as well as interactive Q&A sessions.
“We know our usual onsite auditions provide a valuable opportunity for students to get a sense of what being part of NAISDA is about,” Hastie said.
“We’ve tried to use the online experience to connect in other ways, so we can get to know each other better.
“While the Zoom classes won’t form part of the audition assessment, it’s a great opportunity to meet our trainers and get a feel for what classes, and a day at NAISDA, are really like.
“We have four exciting online dance exercises to share, including Cultural Dance, Ballet, Urban and Contemporary Indigenous Dance Technique.
“The whole process is interactive, supportive and fun.”
In 2007, NAISDA moved to Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong, establishing a mix of purpose-built spaces and facilities on Darkinjung land.
NAISDA offers four nationally accredited courses, from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma with units in Cultural Dance, Cultural Knowledge, Contemporary, Urban, Hip Hop, Ballet, Choreography, Physical Theatre, Dance film and Music Composition.
Applications to audition close on September 18, 2020, and online auditions close on October 2.
Visit www.naisda.com.au/audition-for-naisda to apply.
NAISDA media statement August 24, 2020