Youth Ensemble

2023 Youth Ensemble Applications are now closed.

2023 Youth Ensemble Applications are now closed.

For any late applications, please email Justine Turner, Learning Manager at [email protected] 

“Youth Ensemble is shaping the contemporary dance artists of tomorrow”

– Rafael Bonachela
Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company

Do you have the passion, drive and curiosity to explore contemporary dance further? Youth Ensemble is an extension program which works in conjunction with regular studio training to provide dancers with a sense of creative expression, technical development and the opportunity to learn contemporary repertoire from industry specialists.

Delivered throughout terms 1, 2 and 3, the Youth Ensemble is for dancers at an intermediate to advanced level ages 12-15 and 15-18, culminating in a formal performance in our Neilson Studio performance space.

Aiming to challenge, extend and nurture future contemporary dancers, the Youth Ensemble dancers have the opportunity to further develop their contemporary and allied dance techniques, create and explore their own movement, and learn and rehearse contemporary dance choreography in a professional context.

Informed by Sydney Dance Company’s innovative approach to dance education, this program will offer young dancers insights into their identity as an artist, what the world of professional contemporary dance is like and a chance to further develop as a dancer. The Youth Ensemble also supports those studying HSC Dance in school.

Involvement in the Sydney Dance Company Youth Ensemble is by audition only. Auditionees can be enrolled in secondary school while training at a local dance studio or a full-time dance institution. It is recommended applicants are participating in a minimum of 3 hours a week of dance training outside of the Sydney Dance Company Youth Ensemble. Successful auditionees will be required to enrol in the full program for 2023 (three terms, commencing 5 February 2023).

Auditions for Youth Ensemble will be on 22 January 2023. Please sign up to the eNews to receive information about future programs.

“Youth Ensemble was a refreshing, passionate and inclusive experience, which has enabled my young dancer to dream again after so much disruption.” Youth Ensemble parent

Technique: Sydney Dance Company Youth Ensemble dancers will be extended through the development of contemporary dance techniques. Focus is placed on exposing dancers to a wide variety of contemporary dance techniques often used in a professional contemporary dance context.

Conditioning: To enable dancers to challenge themselves, the ensemble will build strength, flexibility and control through tailored conditioning programs, drawing from yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique and applied movement and behaviour principles.

Improvisation: Youth Ensemble dancers will explore their own unique movement style and be challenged to experiment and push the boundaries of movement. Dancers will be guided through improvisation task work, a key element in contemporary dance, and encouraged to explore a variety of movement qualities.

Choreography: Through creative task work and improvisation, Youth Ensemble dancers will have the opportunity to develop their own movement phrases. Dancers will also work with teachers and choreographers to create and develop pieces which will be rehearsed and presented at an informal showing in the studio at the completion of the program.

Artistry: Through all aspects of the Youth Ensemble program dancers will be encouraged to explore their own identity as an artist. They will be challenged to self-reflect, explore their creativity and develop maturity as a dancer and an artist.

Sydney Dance Company teachers and choreographers are experienced dancers and teachers. Our industry-experienced teachers will nurture and challenge each young person to achieve their best possible outcome. With industry experience and a passion for teaching, they provide support and guidance to all students. All our teaching staff have a valid Working With Children Check.

Weekly Youth Ensemble sessions will be held at Sydney Dance Company studios, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road WALSH BAY.

Times

02 9258 4843
[email protected]

CREATIVE & ACTIVE KIDS

Sydney Dance Company is a Creative Kids and Active Kids provider!

If you’re a parent, guardian or carer, you can claim a 2023 Creative Kids voucher and a 2023 Active Kids voucher towards the cost of our Youth Ensemble for successful applicants. Find out more here.