Ausdance ACT’s Move Up program is back

Ausdance ACT’s TQI-registered Move Up professional learning program provides an invaluable opportunity for regional dance teachers to network, exchange ideas and learn new approaches in a hands-on and engaging environment. The program returns this summer featuring outstanding industry leaders.

Set for 16 – 20 January 2017, the Move Up program moves to the Canberra Dance Theatre (at the corner of Barry Drive and Kingsley Street in Canberra City) from its previous venues of Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres in Braddon last year.

Here’s the program summary, according to Ausdance ACT:

Monday 16th January – with Dr. Katrina Rank (5 TQI hours)

Dr. Katrina Rank is a leading Australian educator and dance artist who designs and delivers specialist education and training programs. She will deliver an action-packed day that will start using basic Laban components to form a short group work in a fun, simple and creative manner. She’ll play with improvisation and creative movement to generate new material in response to Where the Wild Things Are.

Tuesday 17th January – Taster Day (5 TQI hours)

A range of cultural styles in a fun and dynamic environment – Bollywood with Liz Lea, Fan Dancing with Rachel Reid, Brazilian with Kirstie McMillan and Swing with the Canberra Swing Katz. Participants will be provided with a range of routines that can be taken back into the classroom, as well as resources supporting each style. 

Wednesday 18th January – with Olivia Fyfe & Kurt Phelan (5 TQI hours)

First, it’s back to the basics with Canberra-based artist Olivia Fyfe. This contemporary dance session will provide insight and ideas on how to teach students with little to no dancing ability and how to make the basics fun.

Kurt Phelan, one of Australia’s most exciting performers and choreographers, will also teach Musical Theatre this day. He recently shot to the spotlight playing the lead in the national tour of Dirty Dancing, the role made famous by Patrick Swayze. He earned the title of “Australia’s newest leading man” thanks to The Age.

Thursday 19th January with Charlie Bartley (5 TQI hours)

Take Jazz Funk and Hip-Hop with dancer and choreographer Charlie Bartley, who was the runner-up for season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance Australia and later a guest choreographer for the show. He’s performed in many musicals and appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. His sessions will break down the dynamics of choreography in regards to physicality and intention as well as focus on improvisation and spontaneity. They’ll seek to find new steps and adapt moves seen on videos and stage to make them your own.

Friday 20th January with Nerida Matthaei & Sue Healey

Enjoy Contemporary Dance with the artistic director of Phluxus2 Dance Collective, Nerida Matthaei. In this workshop, participants will learn repertoire from Matthaei’s latest work angel-monster and be lead through tasks relating to the creative process.

Also, award-winning choreographer and filmmaker Sue Healey will lead her workshop, The Duet between Camera and Dancer, that aims to awaken the senses to create, capture and shape movement for the camera and the screen.

To register, head to www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=249199. For queries, contact education.act@ausdance.org.au.

Image courtesy of Ausdance ACT.