About Dance

Dance offers a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere where students are prepared for the demands and challenges of careers in dance. The department develops strong technicians and is dedicated to the creative and artistic growth of each student. The emphasis is on performance, choreographic practice and research so that graduates might become performers, choreographers, collaborators, teachers and artistic leaders in local, national and international dance communities. Dance attracts highly motivated, disciplined and creative dancers who are interested in shaping the future of the profession.

Objectives

Dance aims to be:

  • at the forefront of development in dance training, education, research, choreography and performance; and
  • recognised as an international centre of excellence in dance training.

These aims are achieved by:

  • educating and training exceptional dance artists for diverse professional careers in dance;
  • fostering creativity and innovation and the capacity for critical analysis in dance practice;
  • supporting collaborative and interdisciplinary arts practice; and
  • enhancing partnerships with national and international education, arts and cultural organisations to maximise opportunities for extended learning and inter-cultural exchange.
Studios
Situated in the arts precinct in the heart of Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, Dance boasts an intimate studio-theatre and 5 superb studios, designed and purpose built to facilitate the training of young dance artists in ballet, contemporary dance and choreography. In addition there are video editing suites and seminar rooms for theoretical studies such as Anatomy, Music, Dance Analysis and Performance Management.
Staff
Staff at Dance include eminent teachers and practising artists in contemporary dance and ballet who have worked with a diversity of dance companies including The Australian Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Tasdance, Dance North, London Festival Ballet, Rambert Dance Theatre, and Nederlands Dans Theater. Specialist teachers, guest lecturers, visiting choreographers and associations with a range of professional dance companies keep students in contact with the wider dance and performing arts sector.
Students
The student population of the Faculty of the VCA and Music is approximately 1000. A mix of local, national and international students ensures a lively campus experience. Dance numbers between 70 and 80 students, and attracts culturally diverse and highly motivated groups of young artists to its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. They choose the Faculty of the VCA and Music because of its reputation for excellence.