Aboriginal Dance Company – application
Dates
Applications closing: Fri 2 May 2025
The Aboriginal Dance Company is an audition-based dance ensemble for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who excel in contemporary Indigenous dance. The Company is a partnership between the NSW Department of Education Arts Unit and Bangarra Dance Theatre.
In previous years, the Company has performed at the State Dance Festival, in the Schools Spectacular and at a number of other high-profile events. Students selected for the company will experience new and exciting opportunities to perform in 2025.
Please read the 2025 information package before considering your application.
NSWPS Aboriginal Dance Company - Information book (DOCX 2.08 MB)
Audition process
To apply, students must complete the application form and upload the following 4 components:
1. Video of audition choreography
- Students will need to record themselves performing the audition choreography. This should be shot in landscape with the student applying performing and visible from head to toe. Groups are not encouraged as students are hard to identify. Multiple applications from schools are accepted.
- Students will need to follow the instructions in the video to create 4 counts of 8 to be performed before or after the audition choreography.
- Students will need to select their own music to performance the movement to that is at a fast tempo.
2. Video of interview
- A filmed 1 minute Viva Voce (short speech) introducing themselves, their school, their mob, their dance experience, why they would like to be part of the Aboriginal Dance Company and what they hope to do in the future.
3. Application endorsement
- All applications must download and complete the following application endorsement form to provide parent / guardian permission, as well as, a teacher reference and principal endorsement.
4. Headshot photograph
- A school photo or similar is accepted.
Application endorsement form
All applications must download and complete the following application endorsement form to provide parent/guardian permission, as well as, a teacher reference and principal endorsement.
The completed form should be uploaded in the audition elements sections of this online application to be considered. If you are unable to upload the completed application endorsement form at the time of submission please email it as soon as possible to [email protected].
Audition support resources
What happens next
The audition panel will review the applications after the closing date. Parents and students will be emailed about the outcome of the audition by Term 2, Week 6, Monday 2 June 2025.
Company rehearsals
- Term 3, Week 7 – Monday 1 September to Friday 5 September at Bangarra Dance Theatre Studios, Dawes Point
- Term 3, Week 9 – Monday 15 September to Thursday 18 September at Sydney Dance Company Studios, Dawes Point
- Term 4, Week 4 – Monday 10 November to Friday 14 November at Bangarra Dance Theatre Studios, Dawes Point
- Term 4, Week 7 – Monday 24 November to Wednesday 26 November at Fairfield RSL, Fairfield
- Term 4, Week 7 – Wednesday 26 November to Thursday 27 November at Qudos Bank Arena
Performance commitments
- State Dance Festival at Seymour Centre, Chippendale – Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September
- Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena – Friday 28 November and Saturday 29 November
- with the potential for additional opportunities throughout the year as they arise
All Arts Units programs are inclusive. If your students require support to participate in the Aboriginal Dance Company, please email [email protected] so we can assist.