Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16 to 26 with a passion for dance, culture and the performing arts now have until Friday 23 October to apply to join NAISDA Dance College in 2021 – Australia’s only dance and performing arts training organisation specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Due to the significant disruption of COVID-19 this year, as well as students’ present focus on HSC preparations, NAISDA has extended its online application deadline by five weeks to ensure no-one misses out.
For the first time in its 44-year history, this year’s auditions are being held completely online to meet the needs of communities, young people and their families during the pandemic.
Kim Walker, NAISDA CEO, says that the virtual audition experience has been designed to be as accessible as possible, with instruction videos, easy-to-learn exercises and Zoom classes all part of the process allowing auditionees to practice and submit an audition at their own pace.
“We’ve been keeping in touch with applicants over the last few weeks and listening to what they’ve been telling us. We know that the approaching exam period can be a very busy and stressful time. By extending the application deadline, we hope to take a bit of the pressure off and give students more time to apply,” explained Mr Walker.
At the core of NAISDA’s training and development is its Cultural Residency program. NAISDA is the only training organisation in Australia to offer Developing Artists the unique opportunity to engage in cultural and artistic practice and dialogue through immersion On Country with a series of on-campus and remote residencies.
“Our Cultural Residency program is something very special and unique to NAISDA. The experiences and connections made through the residency program stay with our students for life. We are extremely privileged to be welcomed into communities to share song, dance and culture and learn first-hand from Cultural Tutors, Elders and knowledge holders,” explained NAISDA Head of Dance, Deon Hastie.
“Studying at NAISDA is an opportunity to learn from leading trainers and choreographers who will encourage you to challenge yourself and expand your skills in preparation for a professional career in the cultural and creative industries,” he continued.
From its campus on Darkinjung Country on the New South Wales Central Coast, NAISDA is a Registered Training Organisation offering fulltime, nationally-accredited qualifications. The organisation sits at the forefront of cultural and creative performing arts training, which is reflected in NAISDA’s impressive student completion rate of 84% – more than double the national average.
Many of the College’s alumni have gone on to successful national and international careers in the dance industry, including Bangarra Dance Theatre and careers across television, film, theatre, music, community and education sectors.
Applications to audition close on 23 October 2020 with online auditions continuing until 30 October 2020.
Eligible applicants should visit www.naisda.com.au/audition-for-naisda to apply.
For enquiries regarding the audition process, please contact the NAISDA Audition Team on (toll free) 1800 117 116 or email auditions@naisda.com.au.