Page 2 - DANCE Guide 2022

2022 SyllabuS Guide
AUSTRALIA has an extensive number of syllabus organisations (see our guide). Some syllabus organisations are steeped
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
in traditions that span hundreds of years, such as Vaganova, Cecchetti and the Royal Academy of Dance
(RAD). Each of these organisations has a proud heritage that goes
back to the very earliest days of dance as an artform. They have
tapped into the richness and wisdom of these historical origins to shape dance training in Australia. Other syllabus organisations are proudly local, with curriculum that was developed here, such as Australian Dance Vision and Tapatak Oz.
Over the years, syllabus organisations have evolved and embraced developments in technique, “safe dance” practice and new technology. Never have the benefits of belonging to a syllabus organisation for dance studios, teachers and students been more keenly felt than over the past couple of years when shutdowns required dance teachers and students to embrace new ways of operating. Digital concerts, competitions, exams and resources are just a few examples of the ways syllabus organisations have supported teachers and students.
In recent years a new breed of dance teaching organisation has developed, taking advantage of modern technology to supply tools and advice on-line. Today, syllabus organisations provide a wide range of services and opportunities to both dance teachers and students. Some of the services provided for teachers and studio owners include the provision of collaboration and connection opportunities, professional development training, workshops, accredited courses, business-management support and compliance assistance. For students, the range of benefits include nationally and internationally recognised standards and exams, competitions, summer schools and clear career pathways.
In recent years there has been a big increase in early-entry or toddler dance syllabi. Some of the most recent are:
Kinderballet is aimed at preschool level, originally for children between the ages of two and five years. These
programs have been extended to children aged from 18 months to 10 years old and are designed
by an ex-Royal Academy of Dance examiner to capture the
attention of the students through imagination, creative movement and
music specifically targeted to this age group. Programs include Cherubs Classes (for students aged between 1.5 and 2.5 years); Mummy and Me Classes (for 2 to 3.5 year olds); Tots Classes (3.5 to 5 years); Next Steps Classes (5 to 7 years); Aspirants Classes (8 to 10 years) and Jumping Jack Classes (4 to 6 years).
Ready Set Dance is another more recent dance syllabus targeted towards young dancers. The program, developed in 2014, is now taught in over 250 locations around Australia and New Zealand covering jazz, tap,
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Michelle Dursun
examines some of the newer offerings in dance teaching organisations.
PHOTO: MATT EDWARDS