Year 11 students will be considered for an Assistant Dance Teaching (ADT) placement at Hunter School of the Performing Arts through audition that includes a video submission and a dance master class. Students should be aware that the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Dance Syllabus is based around a non-style specific system of dance, which is strongly based in the techniques of classical ballet and contemporary dance, and as such the dance master class will focus on these skills. Audition videos may be of any style of dance. Creative problem-solving tasks may be applied during the dance workshop to allow students to display their individual versatility. The ADT course is a Certificate III level, non-ATAR, 2-Unit NSW Board of Studies endorsed course.
Part 1: Video Submission
Students must create an instructional dance video as if it were going out to a group of students to view and learn. You will need to break down the choreography and perform the composition in its entirety at the end. The composition should be your own choreography and be a 32 count combination. The style of dance focused on is student choice (jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, classical ballet etc). Please consider the below points when devising and videoing your composition.
- Space - direction, levels, size, focus and pathways are aspects of space. Also consider the space you are working in and the space that potential viewers might be working in;
- Time - the aspect of time includes movement speed, accents, silences and rhythm. Consider this when creating your short combination. You might also like to slow sections down in your video to support the delivery;
- Dynamics - Force, weight, energy and movement qualities create light and shade within a dance. Depending on the genre of dance you have chosen, consider whether movements should be percussive, sustain or use a combination;
- Communication skills - use clear language to communicate information and express requirements of the choreography;
- Camera angles and editing techniques - consider different angles to help viewers learn your choreography;
- Target audience and Appropriate music; and
- Safe Dance Practice.
Students will be assessed on their:
- demonstrated dance and movement skills and ability to choreograph;
- physical, mental and creative potential in dance;
- demonstrated understanding and inclusion of the elements of dance;
- self-discipline, concentration, energy and focus;
- demonstrated safe dance practice; and
- genuine interest and commitment to dance.
Part 2: Group Master Class - Live
The group master class will be conducted by a panel chaired by at least two members of the Dance staff from Hunter School of the Performing Arts.
Students will participate in a dance class, which will include floor work, centre work and progressions. It will also involve learning and performing a short dance sequence, a short improvisation and a short composition. A prepared dance is not required and will not be included as part of the live audition process.
Students will be assessed through a variety of skills in the audition. These include:
- Demonstrated dance skills and physical, mental and creative potential in dance;
- Movement skills, physicality and imagination;
- Self-discipline, concentration, energy and focus, genuine interest and commitment;
- Ability to work independently and to work collaboratively in a group situation;
- Ability to improvise a short dance sequence in response to a variety of stimuli as an individual; and
- Ability to improvise a short dance sequence in response to a variety of stimuli as a group member.
Clothing
Students must wear comfortable dancewear, such as a plain-fitted leotard. Hair should be pulled back and performance make-up should not be worn. They should be prepared to work in bare feet. All auditions will occur on tarkett floors. Students should not audition in school uniform and should not wear jewellery during the audition.
Changes to process
Changes may occur to the audition process above dependent upon circumstances out of our control at the time of auditions. Changes could include, but are not limited to, video submission and/or online live components. If and when required, details of changes will be communicated to applicants.
Performing Arts Curriculum
If made an offer of placement at our school it is our understanding that you acknowledge and accept our performing arts curriculum.