Ausdance VIC to offer free Regional Industry Day for young dancers
Aspiring young dancers across Victoria will have the chance to step into the professional world of performing arts at Ausdance VIC’s upcoming Regional Industry Day, a free, hands-on career exploration event designed to connect students with industry professionals and ignite their creative futures.
Set for Wednesday 29 July from 1pm to 5pm at Geelong High School, the event invites government secondary schools to bring students passionate about dance for an inspiring afternoon of workshops, movement experiences, industry insights, and direct interaction with working artists.
Connecting young dancers with the possibilities of a career in the arts is at the heart of the program. Students will participate in practical workshops, showcase their learning, and engage in Q&A sessions that reveal real-world pathways in dance and the broader performing arts sector.
The day offers a dynamic schedule packed with valuable experiences. Students will arrive and check in from 1pm, followed by an Acknowledgement of Country at 1:30pm. Session 1 at 1:45pm features a Lyrical Workshop and a Contemporary Workshop, with showcases of the work at 2:45pm. Session 2 at 3pm includes a Corporate Mock Audition and a Tertiary/Theatre Mock Audition, followed by showcases at 4pm. The day concludes with a Q&A session with dance artists at 4:10pm and wraps up at 5pm.
Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with experienced professional artists and facilitators, build creativity, confidence, and movement skills, explore contemporary dance practices and fresh performance approaches, gain insight into further training options and diverse career pathways, and connect with like-minded aspiring young artists. The program is ideal for students currently studying dance or those simply curious about pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Leading the workshops are two accomplished Melbourne-based dance professionals. Leah Hamlet is a multi-disciplinary dancer, educator, and creative with more than 15 years in dance education and a decade of professional industry experience. Her performance credits include live theatre, television, and film work with Channel Nine, Melbourne Storm, the TV Week Logie Awards, and artists such as Sheppard, Dustin Tebbutt, and Anthony Callea. Known for her supportive coaching style and focus on sustainable excellence, Leah is excited to share her extensive knowledge with the next generation of dancers.
Toby McKnight is a dance artist whose practice emphasises creativity, collaboration, and community. Originally from Lutruwita/Tasmania, Toby has performed with Stompin Youth Dance Company, QL2, Yellow Wheel, and at RISING Festival. Passionate about making dance accessible to all, Toby explores how movement can connect communities and respond to the world around us. Students will experience his Contemporary workshop during the day.
The Regional Industry Day is free for Victorian Government school students and staff. Teachers are encouraged to bring their students for this unique opportunity to experience the dance industry firsthand. Registrations are essential.
To register your school or express interest, please email programming@ausdancevic.org.au.
Image courtesy Ausdance VIC