It’s been a whirlwind year for 2019 NAISDA Graduate Amy Flannery! In addition to creating an original work, teaching and performing, she has recently been announced as the first recruit for The Australian Ballet’s Dance Education Cadetship for First Nations artists.
We caught up with Amy to learn more about this new opportunity and find out what else she’s been up to since leaving NAISDA (hint: a lot!).
Tell us about your Cadetship with The Australian Ballet:
I have been accepted as a Dance Education Cadet with the Australian Ballet’s Dance Education Program in 2020. The 12-week cadetship is divided into two blocks; firstly, teacher training where I will have an opportunity to learn how The Australian Ballet teaches students and secondly, teaching.
As part of my role, I will be travelling to rural communities in Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria to teach dance education to rural students. As a born and raised country NSW girl, I am so excited to be given the chance to visit these communities.
Why did you decide to apply for this role?
I really liked that it’s not only helping me with developing my skills, but also giving back to areas that don’t normally have access to these types of opportunities. It’s a rare opportunity to gain valuable experience while helping these communities – a win-win!
I’m still processing that I’ve been lucky enough to be given this amazing opportunity, working with such a high profile company. Many people probably wouldn’t even be aware that a company like The Australian Ballet provides these kinds of outreach programs!
What else have you been up to since leaving NAISDA?
Earlier this year, I co-created an original dance work called Brutal with [fellow NAISDA alum] Neville Williams Boney which was commissioned by Central Coast youth theatre company Jopuka Productions. I’ve also started doing a Certificate in Screen and Media, focussing on animation, which has launched me back into full-time study.
Elsewhere, I’ve been working with a directing student at NIDA on her graduate show and have been teaching and working at The Art House.
We wish Amy the best of luck in her new role. You can learn more about The Australian Ballet’s dance education programs here: The Australian Ballet Learning and Development.