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Booting the tutu: teachers and dance in the classroom

Ralph Buck (National Institute for Creative Arts and Industries, University of Auckland) focuses on how we might develop sustainable dance education practice in the primary school classroom. He emphasises the importance of changing perceptions about dance in terms of the associations with femininity, ability, performance, mastery of skill and elitism.

Safe Dance ® practice

These Safe Dance ® practice guidelines include how to set up a safe learning environment, what makes a practice or performance venue safe, the importance of cater for physical different bodies and abilities, how movements might impact on the body, and simple injury prevention and management strategies.

Effective dance teaching methods

A checklist of skills, knowledge, considerations and practices that form the basis of good teaching methodology. Some are generic and apply to good teachers of any discipline, while others are specific to dance and artistic instruction.

Australian guidelines for teaching dance

The Australian guidelines for teaching dance outlines codes of ethical and professional behaviour and emphasises the importance of safe dance practice and teaching methodology.

We designed it to help dance teachers and students by providing minimum standards, and by suggesting ways teachers can maintain or upgrade their teaching skills. Parents can use the Guidelines  to help choose a dancing school or group for their children.

Fusion of Australian contemporary dance and Mobius Kiryuho

This paper discusses the exploration of cultural diversity and the creation of common ground and understanding through choreographic practice in a cross-cultural, international collaboration between Mirramu Dance Company (Australia) and Kyoko Sato from the Mobius Kiryuho Institute (Japan). The paper explores the differences and the similarities discovered in each of our culturally specific movement practices, during the creative process of a dance production, Silk, and discusses how these discoveries influenced the choreographic content of the performance.

Ausdance National statement to the Senate Inquiry into the National Cultural Policy

Ausdance National was invited to present at the Senate Inquiry into the National Cultural Policy in July.

Dr Cathy Adamek (Ausdance National Vice-President and Director, Ausdance ACT) attended with Michelle Silby (Director, Ausdance Victoria), presenting a two-minute response drawn from Ausdance National's submission. The response included subsequent consultation by Julie Englefield (Director, Ausdance Qld) and a review of the government's Revive policy with Jacob Williams (President, Ausdance National).

International Young Choreographers Project 2024

Applications from emerging Australian choreographers are now being called for this international opportunity.

The IYCP has been providing young choreographers with this invaluable artistic and cultural experience since 1999.

Closing date is 16 December 2023.

Panpapanpalya 2018

This publication of 16 papers with authors from 9 countries provides a snapshot representation of themes from the joint dance congress broadly embracing dance, gathering, generations, learning. The papers range from the beginnings of dance in the early years through the different stages of school and to further education – and beyond through the lifespan to the joys and challenges of dancing in later years with lived experiences that bring changing bodies, new insights and wisdom.

Asia–Pacific Channels

Asia–Pacific Channels is the bi-annual newsletter of the World Dance Alliance (WDA), published by Ausdance National in collaboration with MyDance Alliance in Malaysia. It profiles dance events and activities from WDA members throughout the Asia–Pacific region.

Annual General Meeting update

Ausdance National held its Annual General Meeting on Monday 26 June via Zoom.

The Acting Chair, Cathy Adamek, presented the Ausdance National 2022 Annual Report, and the audited accounts were presented by Treasurer Sebastien Ananian-Cooper.

Ausdance National is in a period of review and transition at present, and we thank Ausdance network members and others for their contribution and input to this process with consultant Tony Grybowski.

As a result of this review, the AN board has decided to maintain the organisation to undertake a limited number of activities within limited financial resources and by optimising the skills of its small Board of Directors.

Second Ocean Dance Festival, 22–24 November 2023

Under the umbrella of the World Dance Alliance–Asia Pacific (WDA–AP), the Second Ocean Dance Festival (ODF) is being organised at Cox’s Bazaar in Southern Bangladesh by Nrityajog, a conglomeration of 40 dance organisations of Bangladesh, from November 22 to 24, 2023.

The Second ODF will include the Annual General Meeting of WDA–AP, and will host keynote speeches, academic seminars, workshops, performances and lecture demonstrations by participants from all over the Asia Pacific region.

Notice of 2023 Annual General Meeting

The Ausdance National 2023 Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday 26 June 2023 at 6pm AEST.

The AGM will update members on the progress of work currently being undertaken by Ausdance National to clarify its role, purpose and scale of activities. 

Recommendations arising from the Safe Dance IV research project

In professional dance, as with all physical and athletic endeavours, there will always be a realistic expectation of some musculoskeletal complaints. The information gathered through the Safe Dance research studies develops a better understanding of the changing profile of professional dancers in Australia and their experience of injury. The findings can be used to assist in the tailoring and evaluation of evidence based injury prevention initiatives with the long-term goal of safely sustaining dancers in their professional dance careers for as long as they choose.

Dance insurance

Designed to meet the insurance needs of dance instructors, studios, professional dancers, independent artists and companies—Ausdance and Aon have developed a comprehensive dance insurance package endorsed by the Australian Dance Council.

2023 International Dance Day Message

In 1982 the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute founded International Dance Day to be celebrated every year on 29 April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), choreographer and creator of modern ballet.

Every year a message from an outstanding dance artist is circulated throughout the world. This year's IDD Message is by Chinese dancer and choreographer YANG Liping, China.

Vale Valda Craig

Valda Craig was a national honorary life member of Ausdance and a leading dance curriculum advocate and teacher during the 1980s and 90s, having taught dance from kindergarten to tertiary level training. As a former National Vice-President of Ausdance, Valda also presented a vision for the future which was always convincing and exciting.

The 2022 Federal Budget – responses & resources

The Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered Labor’s first federal Budget in nine years this week.

While the Budget itself was generally well received, there has been speculation that the release of a new national cultural policy may trigger additional funding for the sector.

Shirley McKechnie AO – choreography

Shirley McKechnie AO was an early choreographer of Australian contemporary works, largely influenced by her Bodenwieser training alongside greats such as Johanna Kolm (later Exiner), Margaret Lasica and Daisy Purnitzer, and where improvisation and choreography were central.

Vale Shirley McKechnie AO

We record with great sadness the passing of Professor Shirley McKechnie AO, one of Ausdance’s founders and perhaps the most influential artist and educator in Australia’s recent history.

Shirley’s passion for dance, her unwavering faith in the ability and potential of young artists and educators, and her understanding of the core values of dance, made her one of our greatest and most articulate advocates and mentors. Her life was marked by generosity, intellectual rigour and support for artists across the whole dance spectrum.

Tertiary Dance Council federal election statement

The Tertiary Dance Council of Australia (TDCA) is comprised of academic members from Australian higher educational institutions that offer programs in Dance and Dance Education. It is chaired by Associate Professor Peter Cook, Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Southern Queensland.

This national body has identified the absence of a national cultural policy that is inclusive of all art forms, their benefits and accessibility, and the impact of arts education and training on the lives of all Australians.

During the recent pandemic lockdowns, society turned to the arts which pivoted their practice for online audiences, and for aesthetic and well-being contingencies. The arts need to be recognised and celebrated for their capacity to nurture, develop and reinvigorate research for the benefit of the wider society.

Ausdance National Board – 2022 call for nominations

Ausdance National calls for nominations to fill several board vacancies on the National Council at the Annual General Meeting.

The AGM will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 28 June 2022 at 12.30pm AEST.

Nominees must be Ausdance members. Nominations must be made by email to the National President, Lizzie Vilmanis, by Friday 27 May 2022 via the nomination form, and signed by a nominator and a seconder, each of whom are members of the association.

Australian Dance Awards reviewed

The Board of Ausdance National advises that a review will be conducted to re-evaluate the Australian Dance Awards. This places the current Awards program on hold until the evaluation has been completed. 

The review will consider the relevance of the Awards in today’s world, and their impact and value in serving the national dance community and the mission and vision of Ausdance National, including their accessibility, their inclusivity and their viability. 

Australian Dance Week

The Ausdance network celebrates and promotes dance in all its forms every year during Australian Dance Week (ADW).

2022 International Dance Day Message

The Covid-19 catastrophe has stopped life as we so freely knew it and being amidst this tragedy makes us rethink the meaning of ‘dance’ and ‘dancers’. In the distant past, dance was a primal means of expression and communication through gestures, becoming performance art that moved the soul and inspired the audience.

It is a momentary art that is difficult to restore to its original form once completed because it’s created with the entire body and soul. Dance is made of ephemeral moments, which destines dancers to be on the move forever. Yet, Covid-19 has restricted and even blocked the art of dance in its original form.
 

Tertiary Dance Council responds to political interference in ARC grant programs

The Tertiary Dance Council of Australia (TDCA) has identified serious concerns about the Federal Government’s re-prioritisation of research funds resulting in ministerial intervention and the enacting of veto powers in relation to the Australia Research Council’s Discovery Grants and Linkage programs.

This political interference is reflected in the narrowing of research priorities towards manufacturing and commercial interests.

2021 – the Ausdance National year in review

It's been a difficult and challenging year for the Australian dance community, and at Ausdance National we've been very aware of those companies, independent artists and community groups that have suffered so much in some parts of the country. Cancellations, loss of jobs and disruption to practice have created enormous challenges for half the country, with the other half – although protected from Covid-19 – has suffered from isolation and disruption of a different kind.

In June Ausdance National elected a new strong and committed working board that has continuedt to deliver on national representation for dance in several ways.

Towards a safer and more inclusive dance industry

Safety, inclusion and mobilisation at the intersection of diversity requires urgent action. 

We believe change is a collective movement and everyone has their part to play in creating the inclusive, accessible and safe dance industry this country deserves.

Get Active Kids Voucher Program, Victoria


The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families in Victoria get their kids involved in organised sport and recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms and equipment. Eligible children may be able to receive up to $200 each.

Congratulations to Australian Dance Awards winners!

Congratulations to Australian Dance Award winners, announced online on Tuesday 8 December, spanning achievements across 2018 and 2019 in twelve categories. They celebrate the rich diversity and uniqueness of dance in Australia with national companies, performers and collaborating artists, dedicated studio, school and tertiary teachers, regional and remote artists, independents and astounding youth and community dance groups.

Australian Dance Awards – Lifetime Achievement announced for 2019 & 2020

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honour Australian dance people who have made outstanding contributions to the profession, raising the profile and prestige of dance in Australia for more than 40 years.

The 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Janet Karin OAM, and the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Jill Sykes AM.

The presentation of the Australian Dance Awards is a highlight of the Australian dance calendar, bringing together all sectors of the dance industry to celebrate the best and brightest of all forms and cultures of dance.

The Australian Dance Awards return!

Ausdance has pleasure in announcing the return of the Australian Dance Awards for the first time since 2018.

The Australian Dance Awards celebrate the rich diversity and uniqueness of dance in Australia with national companies, performers and collaborating artists, dedicated studio, school and tertiary teachers, regional and remote artists, independents and astounding youth and community dance groups.  

Joining the dots in dance education, training and practice to make meaningful dance policy

What do the Covid-affected dance studio sector and the tertiary dance training sectors have in common? Where do they fit into the Australian dance ecology? Why are they not included in arts policy and funding strategies? And why are they not recognised as integral to the wider dance industry by politicians and policy makers?

These are some of the questions discussed recently in a meeting between Greens Arts spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson Young and Ausdance National VP Julie Dyson at Parliament House in Canberra.

Business and employment survey – COVID-19 government assistance

Ausdance National is surveying the dance sector to measure the effectiveness of government assistance during the Covid-19 crisis.

The responses collected will provide dance sector-specific data to identify gaps in the current provision of COVID-19 related assistance from the government for Australian dance industry workers and businesses. These gaps (backed up by evidence) can then be brought to the attention of local, state and federal Government bodies to lobby for changes to existing schemes, and for future support packages that more effectively support the dance sector.

$250m Arts Funding Package: Ausdance responds

Ausdance National recognises that whole-of-economy support and assistance measures are necessary to restart Australia’s economy and secure sustainability for the future.

The association welcomes the $250m arts, entertainment and screen industry package announced by the Prime Minister last week. Financial investment to stimulate and support businesses in the dance sector is necessary to restart activities and build their long-term sustainability.

For dance businesses with access to the resources provided through this support package, it will assist in saving jobs and driving job creation as the sector rebuilds from the impact of COVID-19. 

However, Ausdance National and its professional network across the nation have identified that further tailored support measures are needed to enable the full scope of dance businesses to return to work, and to do so efficiently.

Ausdance National welcomes $250m arts, entertainment and screen industry package

Ausdance National welcomes the $250m arts, entertainment and screen industry package announced by the Prime Minister last week.

Of this, $110m of seed and sustainability funding will be available to the arts, including dance, visual arts, First Nations arts, music, literature and theatre ‘for important and successful companies, large and small’.

However, Ausdance National has major concerns about the significant number of casual, freelance dance workers who are still without any safety net.

Dance education & training: Australia’s dance teaching excellence

An open letter to the National Cabinet

Ausdance National and the State/Territory Ausdance Network respectfully bring to your attention the qualifications status of dance studio teachers and their businesses across Australia.

The perception that dance studio teachers are not qualified is inaccurate – 96% of dancers and choreographers have received recognised formal training and 86% of dancers and choreographers supplement this with private training (An Economic Study of Professional Artists in Australia published by the Australia Council in 2017). Dancers at their peak are as highly trained and nuanced in their physical capabilities as elite athletes.

Ausdance offers the following information to assist the National Cabinet to understand the high quality of dance teaching that takes place in our communities, including First Nations teachers and choreographers.

Ausdance submission to Senate Select Committee on COVID-19

The dance industry’s loss of all self-generated income, and its inability to survive long months of shut-down and the road to recovery, is of major concern. The small businesses that are dance studios and small dance companies are in the thousands, and we have been contacted by many who do not qualify for JobKeeper or JobSeeker and are struggling to understand and implement the confusing regulations around returning to studio teaching and rehearsing. Dance has been confused with gyms, boot camps, fitness studios etc., leaving teachers without clear direction about the future of their arts businesses.

The provision of an arts-specific funding package would be an opportunity for the Government to show cultural leadership and a recognition of the ways in which the arts (including dance) could be part of the solution, leading healing and reconnection of communities in the COVID-19 recovery phase, including those facing mental health issues.

People stay physically and mentally well by dancing and moving. The significant role played by dance in communities through dance education, dance for Parkinson’s programs, dance and movement for the elderly and the widespread health and wellbeing programs offered by professional dance artists across the country, must not be under-estimated.

Return to dance: Principles and framework for restarting dance activities post-Covid-19

This document provides guidelines for practising dance safely whilst meeting the required health and safety guidelines in a new post-Covid environment. It applies to all members of the dance community: dancers, teachers, studio owners, companies and organisations.

The guidelines directly reference the Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment developed by the Australian Institute of Sport. The Ausdance guidelines have received the endorsement of Dr David Hughes, Chief Medical Officer, Australian Institute of Sport Medical Director, Australian Olympic Team, Tokyo 2020.

Return To Dance: Principles and framework for restarting dance activities post-Covid-19

This document provides guidelines for practising dance safely whilst meeting the required health and safety guidelines in a new post-Covid environment. It applies to all members of the dance community: dancers, teachers, studio owners, companies and organisations.

The guidelines directly reference the Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment developed by the Australian Institute of Sport. The Ausdance guidelines have received the endorsement of Dr David Hughes, Chief Medical Officer, Australian Institute of Sport Medical Director, Australian Olympic Team, Tokyo 2020.

From the Vault – an Australian dance retrospective

This project highlights the work of some of Australia's most innovative choreographers, and demonstrates what has been lost over the last two decades as funding for dance diminishes.

We begin with some of those who have been awarded an Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance since 2003.

In coming weeks we'll also profile choreographers from other dance sectors, including First Nations dance, youth dance practice, small companies & projects, dance & disability and community dance. We also hope to include some of the Australian pieces commissioned by the larger companies in recent years.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Zmf_nu_VUdrYwWcGUcMKw/videos

Celebrating Australian dance in 2020 – a call to arms

In response to this year’s International Dance Day Message from Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, Ausdance National will promote the legacy of dance creation in this country by initiating a new digital platform called From the Vault – a retrospective of Australian dance. The project will profile the diversity of Australian dance that has moved and inspired audiences and participants for two decades, but whose creators will be unable to continue their ground-breaking work if Australian dance continues to be drastically under-funded. We will be linking this project to a national advocacy campaign highlighting the value of dance across all sectors.

How do you value dance? Why should it be supported? Do you value humanity? Why would you support that? Take the time to share these questions (and your ideas) with your local Member of Parliament and State/Territory senators, and emphasise the importance in investing in an arts-led recovery by empowering artists to fully participate in the way forward. Our guide The politics of dance – an action plan will help you to take action and to make your voices heard where it matters – in the parliaments of Australia.

2020 Ausdance National board—call for nominations

In accordance with the Constitution, Ausdance National calls for nominations to fill a maximum of eight board vacancies. As Ausdance National's interim board members were elected at a Special General Meeting on 4 December 2019 (rather than at an AGM), all positions are now declared vacant at the Annual General Meeting to be held via Zoom on 28 June at 12.30 pm.

2020 International Dance Day message

This year the Dance Committee of the ITI has selected Gregory Vuyani MAQOMA, South African dancer, actor, choreographer and dance educator

Message for International Dance Day, 29 April 2020.

'It was during an interview I had recently that I had to think deeply about dance: what does it mean to me? In my response, I had to look into my journey, and I realised that it was all about purpose – each day presents a new challenge that needs to be confronted, and it is through dance that I try to make sense of the world.'

Arts industry-specific funding package & Australia Council funding

An arts industry-specific stimulus package must be implemented as soon as possible to redress our industry’s loss of all self-generated income and to assist its ability to survive long months of shut-down and the road to recovery. As the Australia Council is the Federal Government’s own peak arts funding and advisory body, we call for its funding to be doubled in the October Budget to increase its capacity to respond to the very different arts landscape that will emerge from the current crisis..

Ausdance National calls for a significant increase in the Australia Council’s budget

Following the recent announcement by the Australia Council of its four-year funding grants, Ausdance National is pleased to note that eight dance companies have been successful, providing them with some surety for the next four years. Five other dance companies have received transitional funding for a year, but now hang by a thread, their losses merely delayed as they face an unsustainable extension of life. Many other applicants did not make it into final considerations.

That the Australia Council was forced to spread available funding so thinly demonstrates the extremely serious diminution of vital dance infrastructure in this country, evidence that more arts funding is required if dance is to remain a viable industry within the wider cultural sector.

Have you completed Ausdance’s COVID-19 dance survey?

At a time when the dance industry is facing some of its biggest challenges in history, Ausdance is collating vital information from dance professionals, businesses, educators and organisations to feed into a national COVID-19 impact study by Australia Council for the Arts.

The Ausdance COVID-19 dance survey is about everyone working in dance, and it’s inclusive of every genre and sector within the industry – choreographers, companies, teachers, studios, academics, community dance artists, company managers and administrators.

Online delivery of dance classes and tutorials

Due to COVID-19 and changed circumstances in studios, schools and community, many dance providers have chosen to move their classes online. Here is a guide to keeping people connected, moving and staying positive in challenging times. However, teaching online presents a new set of practical, legal and pedagogical considerations. This resource looks at these three areas and provides some ideas and suggestions. It has been prepared by Dr Katrina Rank, Director of Education and Life Long Learning at Ausdance Victoria.

Creative industry letter to the Prime Minister, ministers and lord mayors on COVID-19 action

Ausdance has joined other peak arts organisations in signing a letter to the Prime Minister, ministers and lord mayors, noting that 'At this most debilitating time in Australia’s cultural life, our creative, cultural and entertainment industries require urgent support to ensure that jobs and infrastructure survive to inspire Australians through this crisis – and well beyond.'

Ausdance working with you – COVID-19 update

We are very aware of the enormity of the impact of COVID-19 on the dance sector as artists, teachers, choreographers and company directors. We assure you that we are working with our colleagues across the arts sector to bring you the best information, but most importantly, to be a voice for dance at all political levels.

Ausdance calls for government stimulus to include arts workers

Any businesses that practice in the arts sector, be they for-profit or not-for-profit, big, small or individual, must be included in the upcoming economic stimulus package. In the dance sector there are studios, performance companies and individuals who have had their work lost or diminished to the point of closing down. Any government stimulus for business must include arts workers, and take account of issues such as rent and mortgage assistance, freezing of utility bills, and rapid responses by Centrelink, including the abandonment of waiting times.  

Notice For Special General Meeting

Notice is given that a Special General Meeting of the members of Australian Dance Council – Ausdance Incorporated (Registration No. A1694) will be held on Wednesday 4th December 2019 at 11am EDST via Video/Teleconference.

Ausdance National announces its closure

Ausdance National regrettably announces it will be winding up the association. The impact of shrinking government funding for the organisation, has resulted in dwindling reserves and severely limited resources. Despite significant fundraising efforts and organisational restructuring, Australia’s national advocate for the dance sector could not secure sustainable financial support.

2019 Budget

Ausdance National responds to the  2019 Budget - Small steps for the arts but we need big leaps

Ausdance National 2019 AGM

The 2019 Annual General Meeting for Ausdance National will be held on Friday 15 March 2019 from 10.00 – 11.30 am at The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre, Level 6, 2 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne VIC.

2019 Australian Dance Awards cancelled

​Ausdance National regrettably announces the cancellation of the 2019 Australian Dance Awards.

Shrinking government funding for Ausdance National has resulted in reduced staffing and financial reserves that has led to this decision.

2018 year in review—Ausdance National

In 2018 our annual program focused on sector advocacy, professional development for dance artists and celebrating excellence in Australian dance.

Thank you to our members, partners and supporters across Australia who contributed to the success of our 2018 program.

Here are the highlights.

Creative Ageing Forum pack

On Monday 29 October, Ausdance NSW held the ‘Creative Ageing Forum’. We consulted with our sector and brought together a cross-section of academics, producers and program providers to discuss their current practice and the challenges working within this rapidly growing sector of the Australian population.

2019 National Dance Forum

The NDF is the most significant platform for dialogue across the Australian contemporary dance sector. Dancers, makers, researchers, writers, directors, producers, advocates and educators participate in discussions about the inherent concerns and realities affecting current professional practice in Australia.

Ausdance membership—career support to help you succeed

When you join Ausdance, you'll be supported by people who understand your career pathway and are here to help you succeed.

You'll get access to a package of benefits to help you work smarter, not harder.

You know how to move, which is why your Ausdance membership is transferable to any other Ausdance across Australia.

So what are you waiting for? Join your Ausdance today.

Lewis Major receives Keith Bain Choreographic Travel Fellowship

At the 21st Australian Dance Awards in September this year, Ausdance National awarded the Keith Bain Choreographic Travel Fellowship to Lewis Major. The fellowship provides financial assistance for an emerging choreographer to travel internationally with the sole purpose of developing and extending their choreographic practice.

2018 Australian Dance Awards winners

The annual Australian Dance Awards recognise and honour professional Australian dance artists who have made an outstanding contribution to Australian dance. The Australian Dance Awards are produced by the Australian Dance Council—Ausdance National. Presented by Ausdance National and Harlequin Floors, the 2018 Australian Dance Awards were presented on Saturday 8 September at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Congratulations to the winners and the shortlisted nominees! And the winners are....

Foxtel Arts is a 2018 Australian Dance Awards sponsor!

Ausdance National is pleased to announce Foxtel Arts as a 2018 sponsor of the Australian Dance Awards. A first-time supporter of the Australian Dance Awards, Foxtel Arts have created an inspiring 30-second CTV for the Awards and have sponsored the award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media.

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