NAISDA moves 2021 auditions for dance and performing arts online

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation NAISDA Dance College has moved this year’s auditions online to protect applicants, families and communities.

In 2022 NAISDA will be continuing to provide all four of its curriculum courses which are rich in cultural learning and practice and provide students with nationally-accredited qualifications.

NAISDA Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, said that ensuring prospective students’ safety in the challenging and evolving COVID-19 environment was a prime concern for the organisation and prompted the move to online auditions.

“Now more than ever we need to protect and support our First Nations communities, arts and performance sector,” said Deon.

“The Dance College is  COVID-safe and presents exciting opportunities for First Nations applicants aged 16 to 26 with a passion for dance and the performing arts to develop their career while staying connected to culture.

“As well as  adapting our audition process to ensure all applicants stay safe, the Dance College has a supportive learning environment program which includes physical, emotional and mental health wellbeing, to help them grow and create in the NAISDA environment.

“Importantly, our support services are underpinned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and wellbeing, and include open forums for communication and discussion such as Yarn Time. Our Developing Artist Support Officers work closely with students to provide support and guidance,” said Deon.

Students are also provided with culturally safe and appropriate accommodation, are connected to Country through a unique Cultural Residency Program and experience a range of cultural and creative learnings through opportunities formed in partnership with Elders, Cultural Tutors and visiting artists and performing arts organisations.

Additionally, language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) foundation skills support is available across all teaching at NAISDA.

For more than 45 years, NAISDA has been developing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, performers and cultural leaders from across Australia and has supported more than 800 developing artists, many of whom have been actively sought by Australia’s national dance and performing organisations. NAISDA graduates transition into high-profile and rewarding careers in dance, music, theatre, film, arts management, education and community.

“Our dance performance program is delivered by qualified trainers including former principal dancers, respected choreographers and cultural tutors from many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” said Deon. “We are very proud of our completion rate of 75% , which is much higher than the national average of 38% for equivalent vocational education and training courses.”

“We are here to help and support applicants throughout the whole audition process.”

NAISDA’s audition team is available for a yarn (toll free) Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 5pm on 1800 117 116, or by email at auditions@naisda.com.au.

Passionate and determined First Nations students thinking about their next step in the performing arts can find out more and apply online at www.naisda.com.au/audition-for-naisda

NAISDA applications close 1 November 2021.