2009 Regional Dance Ensemble

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 NSW Public Schools Regional Dance Ensemble. Participating students are given the opportunity to perform throughout the school year, including participation in the 2009 State Dance Festival, the Schools Spectacular, and other high profile events.

 

The NSWPS State Dance Companies and Ensembles are selected through audition each year. Students are invited to audition from around the state. The NSW Public Schools Regional Dance Ensemble began in 2005 and has now become an established ensemble operated by The Arts Unit. The group is made up of talented students for whom the tyranny of distance precludes them from participating in the Sydney based weekly rehearsals.  This year the program may expand to include a Junior Regional Ensemble for students from Years 6 to 8.

Eligibility

The regional ensembles are open to students from Years 6 to 12 who are from areas further than Newcastle, Mt Victoria and Nowra. Students rehearse and have dance works created for them during weekend workshops held in Sydney. The students should be high quality performers and dance technicians. It is vital that this ensemble achieves excellence at a rate comparable to the other ensembles within the program.  Attendance at all rehearsals is compulsory.

Application Process

• Using the link below, download and complete the Application Form.
• 2009 Regional Dance Ensemble Application Form [.pdf 30 KB]
• Prepare an audition video with two works. Students need to be videoed performing two contrasting solo dance items that are not less than one minute in length. The items do not need to be finished works but they do need to display a range of skills that will provide the panel with the opportunity to identify the student's ability. Students need to perform on the video in form fitting dance wear but not in a costume. It is not the choreography that will be assessed but more the technical ability and performance quality of the student.
• Forward your video and application form to your Regional Arts Coordinator (see list below) by Wednesday 25 March 2009.
• Videos will be viewed by the NSW Public Schools Ensembles team.
• Students and their schools will be advised of the outcome of their application.

Performance Opportunities

Students will be invited to perform at the State Dance Festival and School Spectacular. The students will be asked to attend approximately one weekend workshops per term in order to learn new works that will be commissioned specifically for the group. These pieces will then be performed as a part of the State Dance Festival and School Spectacular.

Ensemble Fees

Students will need to pay the costs for travel and accommodation. The Company and Ensemble membership fee will be waived due to the high cost of travel for students but students will need to pay for the costume levy, $100 per semester which is due on Monday 4 May 2009.

Regional Arts Coordinators

Western NSW Region

Dianne Reichelt

Phone: 6883 6328

Email: dianne.reichelt@det.nsw.edu.au

 

Riverina Region

Diana Alexander

Phone: 6937 3814

Email: diana.alexander@det.nsw.edu.au

 

North Coast Region

Peter Piaud

Phone: 6670 2312

Email: peter.piaud@det.nsw.edu.au

 

New England Region

Di Hall

Phone: 6755 5063

Email: di.c.hall@det.nsw.edu.au

 

Illawarra and South East Region

Sonia Ashford

Phone: 4224 9236

Email: sonia.ashford@det.nsw.edu.au

 

Hunter/Central Coast Region

Lyn Cook

Phone: 4924 9994

Email: lyn.cook2@det.nsw.edu.au

Further Information

Should you have any further enquiries regarding the Regional Dance Ensemble please contact Sue Rix, Acting Dance Coordinator at The Arts Unit on 02 8512 1177.