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Pre-Professional Year 2020 Prospectus “The transformation I’ve experienced this year has been incredible. I feel excited and confident to take on more.”

Telea Jensen Pre-Professional Year 2019 Contents 2 About Sydney Dance Company 3

About Sydney Dance Company 03 Message from Rafael Bonachela 04 Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company About Sydney Dance Company’s 05 Pre-Professional Year Linda Gamblin 06 Course Director

Omer Backley-Astrachan Course Coordinator Course Details 07 Sydney Dance Company is a national and international Sydney Dance Company has its origins in a group touring Company and has appeared on the great founded in 1969 by dancer Suzanne Musitz. Focus Areas and Term Dates 08 dance stages of the world, from Sydney Opera House Soon known as The Dance Company (NSW), from in Australia, to The Joyce Theatre in New York, 1975–1976 the Company was directed by Dutch Shanghai Grand Theatre and Théâtre National de la choreographer Jaap Flier, before the appointment of Accreditation 09 Danse Chaillot, Paris. Australian choreographer in 1976.

Sydney Dance Company is a not-for-profit organisation Sydney Dance Company has been led since 2009 Course Fees 11 and is funded by the Australia Council for the Arts by Spanish-born Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela. and Create NSW. Actively creating and touring new The Pre-Professional Year course was launched in work under the Artistic Directorship of Rafael 2014. Now in its seventh year, the course continues Training Team 12 Bonachela, the Company maintains an ensemble of to provide pre-professional dancers opportunities to 17 exceptional dancers. Programs of dance include train intensively with Australia’s leading choreographers works by Bonachela and by guest choreographers and teachers, as well as pivotal international guest Alumni 13 including Antony Hamilton, Alexander Ekman, Gideon artists, in a world-class professional environment. Obarzanek, Melanie Lane and Gabrielle Nankivell as well as collaborations with the Australian Chamber Attributes of a Pre-Professional Dancer 16 Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and with composers 48nord and Ezio Bosso. How to Apply 17

@SydneyDanceCo Photo by Erik Sawaya. Dancers: Nicholas Caldwell, Eugenie English, Lillian Grant, Brielle sydneydancecompany.com ↑ De Thomasis, Charlotte Hoppe-Smith, Taite Williams & Jacinta Janik Message from Rafael Bonachela 4 About Sydney Dance Company’s 5 Artistic Director, Pre-Professional Year Sydney Dance Company

Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year with industry leaders engaging with the course provides exceptional training for the next generation provides a unique opportunity for aspiring professional through workshops, masterclasses, choreographic of contemporary dance professionals. As one of the dancers aged 18 years and over to experience full- developments, artist talks and live performances. most recognised and respected contemporary dance time training with Sydney Dance Company. Driven This allows for an extraordinary opportunity to companies in Australia, it’s wonderful to be able to by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Sydney Dance network with prominent members of the performing connect with young dancers and provide invaluable Company is at the forefront of contemporary dance arts industry. training, knowledge and professional experience so in Australia and internationally. Being amongst this aspiring dance artists can launch fruitful careers in the professional environment on a daily basis provides Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year offers performing arts industry. the pre-professional dancers with invaluable insights CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite into the life of a professional dancer while gaining Performance) over two years, and CUA50113 Diploma As a dancer and choreographer, I know how important a wider, well-informed perspective of the industry. of Dance (Elite Performance) if completing one it is to have the best training opportunities available year. Both nationally recognised qualifications are in order to reach your career goals. Sydney Dance The Pre-Professional Year is designed to encompass delivered through an auspice arrangement with the Company is proud to be at the forefront of Australian the full scope of professional dance training and Australian Teachers of Dance Limited (RTO 31624). dance and the Pre-Professional Year will allow you to focuses on advanced technical skills and somatic develop your skills to the highest artistic and technical practices while highlighting collaboration, inclusivity “ Creating an environment that allows dancers to develop standards alongside our professional company. and empowerment through every aspect of the course. an understanding of their own individuality and creative Sydney Dance Company’s artistic staff will guide you expression, within the wider community, is intrinsic to throughout the year supported by an outstanding The dancers train as an ensemble and work with the education outcomes of Sydney Dance Company. team of choreographers and educators. Their diverse over 35 national and international contemporary With high support the creative voice is heard.” expertise and teaching methods will encourage you choreographers, dance artists and educators each to discover your own direction as an artist. year. These exceptional industry specialists share Linda Gamblin their knowledge and skills in a co-creative environment Head of Training, Sydney Dance Company I’m looking forward to working with the dancers of and offer their expertise and unique movement Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year in philosophies abundantly. This rich exchange places 2020 as they develop into exceptional professionals. the program at the heart of the global dance community Photo by Jhuny-Boy Borja Whether it’s as performers, choreographers, teachers ↓ Dancer: Claire Abaijah-Griffin or creatives there are endless possibilities and we can’t wait to explore them with you.

“ With sophisticated technique, authentic movement and a strong sense of the artist within, Pre-Professional Year graduates are brave and generous when working within the contemporary dance industry.”

Rafael Bonachela Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company

“ I have been so fortunate to be involved with dance companies worldwide for over 30 years. It is so important for a young dancer to develop the skills necessary for a successful career within an immersive ‘company environment’. Sydney Dance Company’s Pre- Professional Year is a unique experience in Australia.”

Darcey Bussell DBE Patron, Sydney Dance Company

Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director. ↗ Photo by Pedro Greig Linda Gamblin Omer Backley-Astrachan 6 Course Details 7 Head Of Training Course Coordinator

“ I am eager to mentor young people through the “ I am inspired to be working with the next generation Pre-Professional Year Dancers exploration of dance while encouraging personal and of dance professionals as they emerge into the world Ranging from 18–24 years the Pre-Professional Year professional development. I am passionate about of dance. It’s important for me to encourage young dancers are a blend of high school leavers, full-time uncovering the spirit of a group environment, allowing artists to explore their own voice, and then use it loud dance students, university graduates and everyone in space to strengthen their authentic and confident self. and clear, taking an active role in the world in which between. The deliberate spectrum of age cultivates Only then does technical brilliance transpire.” we live. I see it as my purpose to guide young dancers respect, mindfulness, maturity and the acceptance as they embark on their professional careers feeling of a variety of diverse back stories. This reflects the Linda Gamblin (nee Ridgway) trained with the Royal inspired, empowered and curious.” industry and emulates a company-like environment. Ballet School in and went on to perform principal roles in ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Omer Backley-Astrachan is a NSW-based dancer Learning Environment Coppelia, Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardee, and Beauty and choreographer. Originally from Israel, Omer With over 35 national and international industry and the Beast while working with The Australian has worked extensively overseas with an array of Linda Gamblin, Head of Training specialists each year, analytical and critical thinking Ballet, The Royal Ballet London, National Ballet of choreographers and dance companies such as is developed to process and manifest the wealth Portugal and Sydney Dance Company. Kamea Dance Company, Kibbutz Contemporary of knowledge, ideas and expertise. The 1–3 week Dance Company 2, Idan Cohen Dance Company, duration of each workshop or choreographic Linda has worked with contemporary choreographers Jerusalem Dance Theatre, Jerusalem Ballet, Maya development expands technical skills and the self- such as Michael Clarke, Meryl Tankard and Graeme Levi, and Rotem Tashach. leadership required in a co-creative working space. Murphy and has performed works by Jiri Kylian, Maurice The focus on collaboration nourishes inclusivity Bejart and Jerome Robbins. Her career has seen her In 2014 Omer relocated to Australia where he based within the group and strengthens the efficacy of the travel extensively throughout the world with highly himself as an independent artist. He has worked individual. Being introduced to a variety of creative successful tours to Europe, UK, Asia, USSR and the and collaborated with Australian and international processes and teaching styles cultivates emotional United States. artists such as Kay Armstrong, Dean Walsh, Marina intelligence, maturity and technical precision. Abramović and Nick Cave. In 2018 Omer was appointed In 1989 Linda represented Australia competing in Course Coordinator for Sydney Dance Company’s Sydney Dance Company instigates and reinforces the VI International Ballet Competition at the Bolshoi Pre-Professional Year where he mentors and guides Omer Backley-Astrachan, mental and emotional wellness daily with all Theatre in Moscow, winning the Moscow Music the next generation of dance creatives in Australia. Course Coordinator employees and students. Support and coaching is Magazine Award for most popular dancer. Linda was offered in building resilience and a strong self-care also the recipient of Australia’s Young Achievers As an artist in residence Omer’s choreographic works regime allowing for a professional and inclusive Award, Arts Category for her dancing (1989). have materialised through the support of various working and learning environment. All fulltime students arts organisations such as Bundanon Trust, BrandX, and fulltime employees have access to Sydney As well as an extensive professional career as a dancer, FORM Dance Projects and Catapult Dance. His Dance Company’s Employment Assistance Program Linda is a passionate dance educator. Through works have performed in venues and festivals both in Balance, where qualified psychological counselling studying and teaching Pilates mid-career, she Australia and overseas such as Carriageworks, PACT, and coaching can be accessed free of charge. developed a keen interest in the body and attained Sydney Fringe Festival, Fringe World Festival, Suzanne her Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology Dellal Centre, Tel Aviv Summer Dance Festival, The Course Accreditation whilst teaching Pilates in the UK. She has since Lock-Up Gallery Newcastle and Bondi Pavilion. Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year offers further developed her knowledge with courses and two nationally recognised training qualifications* workshops on the muscular and skeletal systems and An established educator with over 10 years of through a specialised curriculum tailored to global biomechanics. Together, with continued professional experience, Omer teaches pre-professional and industry standards. These qualifications will provide development on mindfulness, mental health, self- professional dancers delivering masterclasses and you with essential tools for an ongoing sustainable care and resilience, this knowledge has become an repertoire workshops in festivals and academic career in dance. integral part of Linda’s teaching practice. institutions such as The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (Jerusalem), Chung-Ang University Pre-Professional Year dancers will complete CUA50113 (Seoul), Viva Dança Festival (Salvador Bahia), Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) over the course Contact Festival (Singapore) and now within Sydney of one year, and CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year. Dance (Elite Performance) if continuing for 2 years. Dancers will also receive Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year Certificate of Graduation. * Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year offers CUA50113Diploma of Dance (Elite Diploma and Advanced Diploma dancers work together Performance) and CUA60113 Advanced in a shared learning environment. With a maximum Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) through of 26 dancers each year, the Pre-Professional Year Linda holds the qualifications Diploma of Dance Teaching and an auspice arrangement with the Australian dancers learn together through a holistic training and Management (CUA50313), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Omer holds the qualifications Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110), First Aid Certificate and Mental Health First Aid Certificate. (CUA40110), First Aid Certificate and Mental Health First Aid Certificate. Teachers of Dance Limited (RTO 31624). assessment framework, made up of five key focus areas. Focus Areas and Term Dates 8 A ccreditation 9

Focus Areas All focus areas are delivered through highly practical Diploma of Dance Advanced Diploma of Dance sessions with a typical day including morning (Elite Performance) CUA50113 (Elite Performance) CUA60113 I – Industry: Investigating current trends and industry technique classes (yoga, ballet, contemporary Delivered over one year Delivered over two years infrastructure will focus the dancer on becoming job- technique, Pilates), guest workshops (improvisation ready by implementing a critical and entrepreneurial techniques, repertoire) and choreographic development. CUAWHS401 Apply movement and behavioural BSBCRT402 Collaborate in a creative process approach in shaping the future of dance. principles to physical conditioning Term Dates 2020 CUACHR601 Create choreography for stage and II – Technique: Cultivating sceptical and empirical CUACHR501 Create and perform complex screen enquiry into a variety of contemporary and classical Term 1 3 Feb – 9 April (10 weeks) dance pieces techniques will develop a deeper understanding of how CUADAN508 Develop expertise in allied awareness drives sophisticated, deliberate movement. Term 2 27 April – 3 July (10 weeks) CUACHR403 Develop choreography skills contemporary dance techniques

III – Conditioning: Personal and physical development, Term 3 20 July – 25 Sept (10 weeks) CUADAN508 Develop expertise in allied CUAPPR502 Develop own sustainable professional self-efficacy and resilience are brought to the contemporary dance techniques practice forefront of training. This focus area includes injury Term 4 12 Oct – 18 Dec (9 weeks) prevention, applied anatomy and physiology, along CUAPPR502 Develop own sustainable professional CUAWHS602 Develop techniques for maintaining with nutrition and wellbeing. practice resilience in a competitive environment

IV – Choreography: Exploring creative-play, CUAIND401 Extend expertise in specialist creative CUADAN610 Extend allied contemporary dance choreographic skills, and scored and structured fields techniques at a professional level improvisation, will enhance leadership skills to work in a professional co-creative collaborative environment. CUADAN402 Improvise advanced dance sequences CUADAN604 Extend ballet performance skills to a Studio showings of works-in-progress occur regularly professional level throughout the year. CUAWHS403 Incorporate movement anatomy and nutrition principles into skill CUADAN603 Extend ballet technique to a V – Performance: Developing rehearsal and development professional level performance processes and protocols will enable the dancer to produce professional outcomes. CUAWHS501 Maintain a high level of fitness for CUADAN608 Extend contemporary dance perfor- Redefining success and achievement will deepen performance mance skills to a professional level understanding of what it means to be a contemporary performer. 2020 will conclude with a season of CUAPRF503 Prepare for performance in a CUADAN607 Extend contemporary dance technique commissioned choreographic works and Sydney competitive environment to a professional level Dance Company repertoire at Carriageworks, Sydney. Photo by Erik Sawaya ↓ Dancer: Isaac Clarke CUADAN502 Refine ballet performance skills CUAWHS501 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance CUADAN501 Refine ballet technique CUAMPF602 Manage stagecraft aspects of CUARES501 Refine conceptual understanding of performances dance CUADAN601 Perform dance repertoire at a CUADAN505 Refine contemporary dance technique professional level

CUADAN507 Refine dance partnering technique CUADAN605 Perform pas de deux at a professional level CUAPRF501 Refine performance technique CUARES501 Refine conceptual understanding of CUAFIM501 Source funding for projects dance

CUADAN507 Refine dance partnering technique * Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year offers CUA50113 Diploma of Dance CUARES601 Research and apply concepts of live (Elite Performance) and CUA60113 Advanced performance practice Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) through an auspice arrangement with the Australian CUAFIM501 Source funding for projects Teachers of Dance Limited (RTO 31624). “ The Pre-Professional Year is like a metamorphosis. It enables the artist10 Course Fees 11 to strip back to a beginner's mind and, in the process, exposes a vulnerability and channel for their individual voice.”

Allie Graham Pre-Professional Year Graduate 2016

Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year course fee is $14,750.00 (no GST is charged) per year of training. Once accepted you will be required to confirm your position within 21 days of receiving the letter of offer.

Schedule of fees as follows:

Deposit at acceptance. (Non-refundable) $1500

Enrolment Fee. (Non-refundable) 7 January 2020 $1250

Term 1 (Instalment) 31 January 2020 $1500

Term 1 (Instalment) 28 February 2020 $1500

Term 2 (Instalment) 24 April 2020 $1500

Term 2 (Instalment) 22 May 2020 $1500

Term 3 (Instalment) 17 July 2020 $1500

Term 3 (Instalment) 14 August 2020 $1500

Term 4 (Instalment) 9 October 2020 $1500

Term 4 (Instalment) 6 November 2020 $1500

Total $14,750

From January 2020 until course completion, all Pre- Professional Year dancers are offered complimentary membership to attend Sydney Dance Company’s adult open classes in a variety of dance styles free of charge.

Scholarship opportunities Sydney Dance Company offers a limited number of scholarships thanks to generous support provided by private donors. Dancers who are eligible can apply for a scholarship for financial assistance towards their fees. This is a means-tested, competitive application process for those who have accepted the offer to attend Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year. Photo by Erik Sawaya ← Dancer: Maddison Weiley Training Team 12 Alumni 13

Training Team Guest Teachers/Choreographers in 2019 Alumni Sydney Dance Company celebrates our Linda Gamblin Head of Training Adelina Larson Alejandro Rolandi Pre-Professional Year graduates entering the industry including ballet, conditioning, Andrew Batt-Rawden Carl Sciberras in a broad spectrum of employment. Our aim is to mentoring and coaching Cloe Fournier Dean Walsh empower young dancers as they embark on their Fiona Jopp Josh Mu own unique journey, be it within the realm of Omer Backley Course Coordinator Juliette Barton Kay Armstrong contemporary dance or outside of it. Sydney Dance -Astrachan including improvisation, Lauren Langlois Leah Marojevic Company’s Pre-Professional Year alumni have gained and choreographic skills Lee Serle Lee-Anne Litton employment with the following contemporary dance and methodologies Marnie Palomares Melissa Toogood companies, productions and independent directors: Petros Treklis Richard Cilli Charmene Yap Rehearsal Associate Sam Young-Wright Shane Carroll Australian Dance Theatre (Adelaide) including contemporary Sue Healey Thomas Bradley Ballet Junior De Geneve (Geneva, Switzerland) dance technique and Sydney Victoria Chiu Zachary Lopez Bangarra Dance Theatre (Sydney) Dance Company Repertoire, Chunky Move () mentoring and coaching Cirque du Soleil (Montreal, Canada) Crystal Pite/Kidd Pivot performances (Perth) Jolie Brook Yoga and somatic mentoring International Guest Artists in 2019 with STRUT DANCE Dance North (Townsville) Ingrid Shaw Pilates and injury Alvin Rangel-Alverado Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company (Frankfurt, Germany) rehabilitation coaching Company Dancer from Crystal Pite / Kidd Pivot DV8 Lloyd Newson (London, England) Company Dancer from Hofesh Shechter Company Eileen Kramer (Sydney) Dr Sallie Grey Psychology and counselling Idan Cohen Expressions Dance Company (Brisbane) Kristin Alleyne Force Majeure (Sydney) Kate Weir Nutrition and wellness Sade Alleyne Fresco Dance Company (Tel Aviv, Israel) Pepa Ubera ITDansa (, Spain) Tamas Moricz Ivan Perez (Heidelberg, Germany) When in residence, Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Vangelis Legakis Kristina Chan (Sydney) Rehearsal Director Chris Aubrey and members of Martin del Amo (Sydney) Sydney Dance Company’s professional ensemble deliver Moulin Rouge (Paris, France) classes, workshops and repertoire. Pre-Professional Narelle Benjamin (Sydney) Year dancers are scheduled on a roster system to Ochre Dance Company (Perth) attend morning classes with the professional ensemble Omer Backley-Astrachan (Sydney) when they are in residence. Opera Australia (Sydney) Poetic Disaster Club (Den Hague, Netherlands) Punchdrunk Maxine Doyle (International) Sara Black (Sydney) Shaun Parker & Company (Sydney) Stephanie Lake Company (Melbourne) Strut Dance (Perth) Sydney Dance Company (Sydney) Sydney Experimental Arts Ensemble (Sydney) The Farm (Gold Coast) Theo Clinkard & Company (Brighton, England) Wayne McGregor Dance Company (London, England) West Side Story (, USA)

Next page: Photo by Gez Xavier Mansfield Photo by Gez Xavier Mansfield ↓ Dancer: Jacinta Janik & Charlotte Hoppe-Smith ↗ Dancer: Holli Di Nardo & Alex Borg “ Sydney Dance Company's 14 Pre-Professional Year encouraged me15 to develop an intrinsic, self-reflexive attitude. A disposition that has given me the necessary tools to evolve as an artist–and a person–every day.”

Maxine Carlisle Pre-Professional Year Graduate 2016 Attributes of a 16 How to Apply 17 Pre-Professional Dancer

An interest in developing into forward-thinking Enthusiasm to collaborate with a diverse peer group The first round of Pre-Professional Year auditions will Privacy Settings creative individuals with increased practical skills and as part of a creative process. be an online application process that includes a Please comprehend the privacy settings of the techniques. video submission. Successful first round applicants video-sharing medium you choose. Sydney Dance An interest to develop further knowledge, skills, will be invited to a second round in-person audition Company does not have control or authority over Dedication to the process of refining technique,self- technical abilities and problem-solving techniques . at Sydney Dance Company Studios, 385 Wattle Street, these mediums. Settings can be changed so that efficacy and efficiency. Ultimo, NSW, 2007 on Monday 16 September 2019 videos can be viewed with a private link only. Cultural and contextual awareness. between 9am and 6pm. Commitment, motivation and passion in relation Alternatively, audition video footage can be uploaded to the arts, entertainment and related industries and to Commitment to articulate and communicate ideas Audition Requirements to a USB and sent via post to: the study of contemporary dance. clearly. Sydney Dance Company encourages applications 2020 Pre-Professional Year from diverse backgrounds with different experiences Sydney Dance Company Eagerness to explore collaborative processes and in dance training. All applicants applying must be GPO Box 1598 choreographic developments. turning at least 18 years in the year of enrolment Sydney NSW 2001 and demonstrate competency in classical and Willingness to work creatively and imaginatively. Photo by Pedro Greig contemporary dance technique. It is recommended ↓ Dancer: Aidan Daley applicants be competent in written and spoken Location English however support and adjustment to learning Sydney Dance Company Studios can be offered. 385 Wattle Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007

Applications Open: Monday 1 July 2019 BROADWAY INT. WENTWORTH SHOPPING GRAMMAR PARK All applications must be submitted online via our CENTRE SCHOOL website: sydneydancecompany.com/2020-pre- SYDNEY DANCE professional-year-applications/ B KELLY ST COMPANY STUDIOS WILLIAM HENRY ST

UNI OF NOTRE Application Fee DAME $55.00 - paid with submission of application form B TAFE through the Sydney Dance Company website WATTLE ST CENTRAL STATION L Applications Close: Monday 2 September 2019 UTS HARRIS ST Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents only.

Video Footage Video footage is required for the first-round If further advice or information is required, please audition and needs to be submitted via the online don’t hesitate to get in touch. fulltime@ application form. Please include 2× video links sydneydancecompany.com or call (02) 9258 4804 in the online application form; one contemporary dance and one classical ballet. Each video should showcase technical strengths, knowledge and sense of creative interest.

Please ensure:

• The video is clear and watchable. This video can be taken using your smartphone and does not need to be edited to a professional standard. • Form-fitting rehearsal attire. • The video is of a solo performance and not Sydney Dance Company is supported by: as a group.

The videos are best viewed via YouTube or Vimeo. Avoid using file sharing links (Dropbox / Google Drive Sydney Dance Company is assisted by the Australian Government / One Drive) if possible as these can delay viewing. through the Australia Council, its arts funding advisory body. Front cover photo by Erik Sawaya Dancer: Telea Jensen All information in this prospectus is subject to change without notice.