NAISDA Dance College is seeking its next intake of standout dance and performing arts students and invites First Nations applicants aged 16-26 with a passion for dance and culture to apply online.
Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, said this is a unique opportunity to train at Australia’s only national arts training organisation specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“Our tailor-made courses include units in Cultural Dance, Contemporary, Urban, Hip Hop, Ballet, Choreography, Physical Theatre, Dancefilm – along with a unique Cultural Residency Program and live performance and production experience in professional theatres throughout the year,” Hastie said.
“As well as developing technical skills and knowledge, NAISDA learning is rich in cultural practice and creation.
“We work in partnership with our Communities, Elders and Cultural Leaders to honour their spirit of place and cultural protocols.”
Students train fulltime at NAISDA’s onsite campus on Darkinjung Land at Kariong.
Hastie said the college alleviates any anxiety students may have of adjusting to a new environment by building a secure, holistic community around them.
“Our responsibility is to support each young person and their development,” he said.
“This is a significant time in their lives and our students need to feel safe, supported and part of a community.
“We equally want to give parents peace of mind.
“Therefore, our training is underpinned by a unique supportive learning environment which focuses on maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing, includes culturally safe, on-site accommodation – or a Homestay program for under 18s – as well as NAISDA Support Officers to assist, guide and mentor students.
“NAISDA training is also subsidised for eligible students.”
Following a short online application, NAISDA CEO, Kim Walker, said the College would host two onsite audition weeks later in the year for potential students.
“Our auditions are a valuable opportunity to get a sense of what being part of NAISDA is about,” Walker said.
Eligible auditionees can apply to ABSTUDY to fund travel and living expenses to attend either one of the two auditions.
Source:
Media release, Apr 24
NAISDA