NAISDA unveils safe and easy online audition experience

NAISDA-Dance-College-photo-by-Lisa-HaymesWith applications to audition for NAISDA Dance College closing in just one month, prospective students are encouraged to jump online as Australia’s leading dance and performing arts training organisation, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, unveils its new virtual audition experience for 2021 hopefuls.

The new safe and easy online process is a first in NAISDA’s 44-year history. With students applying to NAISDA nationwide, it was designed to meet the needs of communities, young people and their families during COVID.

The new process also helps break down barriers. Easy-to-learn exercises and instruction videos mean prospective students can practice at their own pace and submit final audition pieces using just a mobile phone from the comfort of their homes.

“We have four exciting online dance exercises to share including Cultural Dance, Ballet, Urban and Contemporary Indigenous Dance Technique. The whole process is interactive, supportive and fun” said NAISDA Head of Dance, Deon Hastie.

“We know our usual onsite auditions provide a valuable opportunity for students to get a sense of what being part of NAISDA is about. We’ve tried to use the online experience to connect in other ways, so we can get to know each other better.”

NAISDA is also offering weekly live Zoom classes in various styles of dance, along with interactive Q&A sessions. “While the Zoom classes won’t form part of the audition assessment, it’s a great opportunity to meet our trainers and get a feel for what classes, and a day at NAISDA, are really like,” said Mr Hastie.

In another first, NAISDA is inviting online applications for its new 2021 Advanced Diploma course beginning next February. The latest addition to the NAISDA curriculum is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practising Artists aged 18 years or older with advanced training or experience within dance practice.

“The Advanced Diploma is a bespoke course acknowledging the importance of life-long learning and cultural practice and offering today’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists opportunities to retrain, enhance and diversify skills,” said NAISDA CEO Kim Walker.

From its campus on Darkinjung Land on the New South Wales Central Coast, NAISDA offers four nationally-accredited courses, from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma with units in Cultural Dance, Cultural Knowledge, Contemporary, Urban, Hip Hop, Ballet, Choreography, Physical Theatre, Dancefilm and Music Composition.

The College’s impressive student completion rate of 84% is over double the national average. Graduates are sought by national and international dance and performing arts organisations, with careers in dance, music, theatre, film, arts management, community and education.

Applications to audition close on 18 September. Online auditions continue until 2 October 2020. For more information, visit: www.naisda.com.au for details.

Image: NAISDA Dance College – photo by Lisa Haymes