Dance Australia – June-July 2017

37

JUNE / JULY 20 17 | W W W.DANCEAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

WHAT THE SCHOOLS SAY

Conlan College

Susan Anderssen, executive director

Course: Full time training

How long will the audition
class be? Will it be a full
class?
We invite students to spend a
whole day with us to
audition. That allows the students to settle in to
the day and to relax their nerves. The day will
consist of a variety of classes.

At what level are the classes pitched?
Approximately RAD Intermediate level, although
this will depend on the class being run. We also
try to mix it up a bit and to challenge students.

Will I need my pointe shoes?
Female students will need their pointe shoes.

Will exercises be demonstrated on both sides?
We usually demonstrate exercises on one side
only. A vital part of having a career in dance is
the ability to pick up choreography so it is up to
the student to show that they have the
beginning of that skill.

Will I be asked to perform solo?
No.

Is it ok to ask questions to clarify
understanding?
Absolutely!

Is it ok to ask for something to be
demonstrated again?
Yes, if you don't understand what is required,
please feel free to ask for it to be shown to you
again by raising your hand.

If I am capable of doing something harder than
has been set in an exercise, should I do it? Or
should I stick to what has been requested?
We caution students against this as we generally
find that students who push themselves too hard
do so without the required technique. It is very
important to remember that f linging yourself
around three times does not equal a triple
pirouette. We would much prefer a perfectly
executed single or double that is beautifully held
up at the end to show what you are capable of.

Will I choose where I stand or will we be
allocated positions?
We will tell you where to stand and this will
depend on the class being taken at the time. We

have lovely big studios and students do not need

to elbow their way forward in order to be seen.

What should I do if I get asked to do something

Ihaven’tyetlearned?

We encourage you to raise your hand and let

us know. We are very happy to adjust the

exercise to suit. It needs to be remembered that

we are auditioning for students, not

professionals. We know you have a lot to learn,

or else you would not need us!

WillIneedtodoimprovise?

We have classes on improvisation and if you

attend an audition on a day that includes those

classes, you will be expected to participate to

the best of your ability. Again, please remember

that we do not expect you to be perfect!

Will I need to learn repertoire?

No.

Ed5International

Elena De Cinque, director/principal

Course: 10149NAT Advanced Diploma of

Performing Arts

Am I expected to be warmed up before class,

or will the class include warm-up?

You will be expected to be warmed up before

you begin your class. You will be given the

opportunity to do this?

How many classes will be included in the

audition? Will these be full classes?

We cover the following disciplines: classical

ballet, tap, commercial jazz and musical

theatre. They are not full classes.

At what level are the classes pitched?

For all disciplines we commence with the

fundamental techniques and then progress to

intermediate and advanced level. This allows

everyone to have the chance to demonstrate

their ability.

Will exercises be demonstrated on both sides

or one side only?

Generally demonstrated only on the right but

asked to do left at times.

Will I be asked to perform solo during the

audition class?

The song and monologue will be performed

solo, but only in front of the three directors.

Is it ok to ask questions to clarify

understanding?

Yes, only when the teacher and/or panel directs

it is question time.

Is it ok to ask for something to be

demonstrated again?

Of course, we allow for this to occur.

If I am capable of doing something harder

than has been set in an exercise, should

I do it? Or should I stick to what has been

asked for?

We will be very clear with what we would like to

see. Keep in mind following instructions in the

industry is highly regarded.

Will I choose where I stand or will we be

allocated positions?

On the day students will be registered and

receive a number to assist the teachers.

However, the panel is made up of the directors

who will know the auditionees by name and

place you where to stand in the room.

What should I do if I get asked to do something

I haven’t learned how to do yet?

Not an issue, simply communicate. We always

make this experience as comfortable and

Director William

Forsythe with ED5

Fulltime students.