Listen @ The Arts Unit – Meet the 2023 dance tutors
Curious about what it's like to be in one of our ensembles? Interested in uncovering the keys to successful auditions, gaining insights into HSC preparation, and exploring diverse dance pathways? Tune in for captivating interviews with industry partners, tutors, ambassadors, and alumni. They unfold stories, share knowledge, and provide valuable insights into the vibrant world of dance.
In this series, we meet the 2023 NSW public school weekly dance ensemble tutors, who share their perspectives on the dance industry and their experiences to inspire dance students.
Angela Hamilton
Duration: 24:59
In this episode, we chatted with Angela Hamilton, tutor for the 2023 NSW Public Schools Senior Dance Ensemble. The hosts, Madi and Duke, are both students of the NSW Public School Senior Dance Ensemble.
Angela completed her tertiary dance training with Brent Street Studios, the National Theatre Ballet School and Ev & Bow. Angela has a wealth of experience as a performer and choreographer, having worked across Australia, Europe, the UK and the USA. She founded ‘Twisted Element’, an immersive and interactive dance theatre company and 'Wild Hearts Youth Dance Company’.
This is a chance to learn more about Angela’s experience in the industry and what it’s like working with the fabulous NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in to this episode.
Anouska Gammon
Duration: 23:12
In this episode, the hosts, Chloe and Emma, spoke with NSW Public Schools Senior State Dance Ensemble tutor Anouska Gammon.
Anouska has had extensive experience and involvement in the performing arts industry for over 30 years. After completing a Diploma at Brent Street Performing Arts and a double degree in Dance and Drama Education at the University of NSW, Anouska has continued to pursue her love for the performing arts through teaching and choreographing in various institutions throughout NSW.
After many years in Sydney, Anouska relocated to Byron Bay with her family, where she co-founded and directs Bangalow Theatre Company and BANG! Academy of Performing Arts. Anouska currently lectures at Southern Cross University in Performing Arts Education and hopes to share and inspire more creativity into the region.
This is a chance to learn more about Anouska’s involvement in the dance industry and her experience working with the NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensemble over the past 9 years. Thanks for tuning in.
Charlotte Twitchell
Duration: 16:46
In this episode, we chatted with Charlotte Twitchell, tutor for the 2023 NSW Public Schools Primary Dance Ensemble. The hosts, Summer and Evie, are both students of the NSW Public Schools Primary Dance Ensemble.
In 2016, Charlotte moved from Pennsylvania, USA, to Australia. Charlotte is an experienced performer, choreographer and teacher and currently works as a pilates instructor, choreographer and, for the past 3 years, as a tutor with the NSW Public School Primary Dance Ensemble. Charlotte attended Indiana University, completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, majoring in Dance and is currently studying a Bachelor of Clinical Science at Macquarie University. Through her teaching, Charlotte aims to provide awareness and confidence in students’ own artistry and movement.
During this episode, we learn more about Charlotte’s experience in the dance industry and what it’s like working with the NSW Public Schools Primary Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in.
Evie Morris
Duration: 26:53
In this episode, we chatted with Evie Morris, tutor for the 2023 NSW Public Schools Junior Dance Ensemble. The hosts, Ava and Charlotte, are both students of the NSW Public Schools Junior Dance Ensemble.
Evie is a contemporary dancer and choreographer with a wealth of experience on stage and screen. Her freelance performance work includes ongoing contracts with Opera Australia alongside music videos with notable Australian artists and film work as a choreographer and director. She was also a choreographer for the 2022 Schools Spectacular, working with the Featured Contemporary Dance Ensemble. Her work now centres around education with a Bachelor of Dance, certification in Pilates instruction and most recently, a degree achieving a Masters in Arts Education focusing on Higher Education and pre-professional training.
This episode gives us a chance to learn more about Evie’s experience in the industry and what it’s like working with the NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in.
Jade Webber
Duration: 17:25
In this episode, Zahra chats with NSW Public Schools Junior State Dance Ensemble tutor Jade Webber.
Born in Newcastle, Jade has been involved in the creative and performing arts for over 25 years. She is a primary teacher working in the Hunter Region and has successfully owned and operated a performing arts studio for 10 years. Jade has choreographed for major productions, opening ceremonies and many events during her career. Teaching and sharing her passion for the performing arts is her dream job; she loves being able to pass on knowledge of composition and performance to inspire the young dancers of today!
This is a chance to learn more about Jade’s experience in the dance industry and what it’s like working with the NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in.
Lee Johnston
Duration: 13:55
In this episode, Thomas chats with NSW Public Schools Senior State Dance Ensemble tutor Lee Johnston.
Lee trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. In 2004, she joined National Dance Company Wales after dancing with LINK Dance Company (Australia). As a choreographer, creative producer and rehearsal director, Lee has worked with international and Australian dance companies. Lee has performed throughout the UK, Europe, China, Cuba and India.
Lee has a Masters in Management (Arts and Cultural) from the University of South Australia and currently works at the Marion Street Theatre for Young People.
This is a chance to learn more about Lee’s experience in the dance industry and what it’s like working with the NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensemble. Thanks for listening.
Lexy Panetta
Duration: 22:24
In this episode, we chatted with Lexy Panetta, tutor for the 2023 NSW Public Schools Senior Dance Ensemble. The hosts, Bethany and Mikayla, are both students of the NSW Public School Senior Dance Ensemble.
Lexy is a Sydney-based dancer, choreographer and educator with a strong interest in choreographic research, writing, film and education. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts, Dance and Education, an Honours Degree in Dance Studies, and most recently completed her Masters in Philosophy, higher degree research in Creative Practice. She has performed and choreographed live works and film projects across Australia and overseas and has worked in the dance sector for organisations such as Ausdance, Sydney Dance Company and the Department of Education. Lexy is the Learning Associate for Sydney Dance Company and currently works as an academic at the Australian College of Physical Education, lecturing in their Education and Dance degrees.
This is a chance to learn more about Lexy’s experience in the industry and what it’s like working with the NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in to this episode.
Pete Evans
Duration: 25:39
In this episode, we chatted with Pete Evans, tutor for the 2023 NSW Public Schools Primary Dance Ensemble. The hosts, Milla and Eloise, are both students of the NSW Public Schools Primary Dance Ensemble.
Pete is in high demand as a teacher and choreographer across Australia due to his unique athletic style of dance. Pete has worked extensively with the world-renowned company Opera Australia, performing as a seasonal dancer and actor. Pete's commitment to being a dependable and well-rounded performer has helped him cultivate a career spanning many facets of the dance industry. He prides himself on the opportunities he has earned as well as the creatives he has worked with.
This is a chance to learn more about Pete’s experience in the industry and what it’s like working with the fabulous NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in to this episode.
Millie Slennett
Duration: 14:22
In this episode, we chatted with Millie Slennett, tutor for the 2023 NSW Public Schools Junior Dance Ensemble. The hosts, Arielle and Aishi, are both students of the NSW Public Schools Junior Senior Dance Ensemble.
Millie is a professional dancer/freelance choreographer/creative director/adjudicator and host of The Dance Pod podcast. She currently travels around Australia teaching workshops, choreographing for various companies and studios and adjudicating. Millie is a touring teaching artist at Sydney Dance Company, and you may have recently spotted Millie on season one of The Traitors Australia for Channel Ten.
This is a chance to learn more about Millie’s experience in the industry and what it’s like working with the NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble. Thanks for tuning in to this episode.
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The views expressed in the Listen @ The Arts Unit podcast series are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily represent the views of the NSW Department of Education.