We offer two Gifted and Talented dance programs at the college: Ballet and Contemporary.
About the Ballet program
Your child will be extended in this challenging and innovative classical ballet program, where highly expert staff and tutors teach technique, choreography and performance. Students also develop skills and an understanding of other dance styles including contemporary and Spanish dancing. They develop choreography, interpret the choreography of others, rehearse and perform.
About the Contemporary Dance program
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 program focuses on developing student understanding of a range of dance genres including contemporary, classical ballet and Spanish.
About both programs
Performance is an important aspect of both program and students present their work to a variety of audiences. They are given the opportunity to work with guest artists from industry, attend dance performances and take part in excursions to develop a critical understanding of the Arts.
Both our ballet and contemporary dance programs provide students with a firm foundation for pursuing a career in ballet/dance. Current courses include preparation for upper school ballet or dance courses of study, school endorsed programs and tertiary entrance.
Additional classes are provided for vocational ballet and dance students. Exceptional students are invited to audition for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Certificate II in Dance course, which may provide a direct link to future studies at WAAPA. Students may also be selected for the Project Company, a small group of ballet and dance students with vocational aspirations working with professional artists in industry.
The program is designed to enrich, extend and accelerate your child's learning.
Selection process
Selection of students is through workshop, interview and school reports. Students sit the Selective Entrance Test coordinated by the Department of Education. Arts selection is not based on this test, but is used to develop an appropriate academic curriculum.
Selection criteria:
Ballet aptitude demonstrated through:
- originality and creativity of ideas and use of elements of dance: body, shape, time and energy
- flow of movement
- capacity to devise creativity in classical styles and conventions
- responsiveness to music
- capacity to analyse set ballet tasks and respond to ideas and instructions with imagination, cooperation and openness.
Contemporary Dance aptitude demonstrated through:
- originality and creativity of ideas and use of elements of dance: body, shape, time and energy
- flow of movement
- capacity to sequence and retain dance phases
- responsiveness to music
- capacity to analyse set tasks and respond to ideas and instructions with imagination, cooperation and openness.
Academic and other achievement as indicated through school reports and interview.
Click here to find out how to apply for the Gifted and Talented Dance (ballet) program.