FULL-TIME training is one of the most exciting transitions in dance students’ lives. It is a step that that they have likely been working towards and looking forward to for a long time. But sometimes the dream of dancing all day, every day, compared with the reality – especially over the course of a year or three – can feel like very different things. So, how to cope with those natural dips and doubts along the way?
Performance counseller Philippa Ziegenhardt sees a lot of students through the challenges of full-time training: “When dancers move to a full-time institution they often become a small fish in a big pond and can get a little freaked out,” she says. “Suddenly there are a lot of people who are really good and dancers start to wonder are they good enough.”
Don’t compare
When a student’s confidence is shaken, their motivation can be shaken too. Zeigenhardt says it is really important that dancers have realistic expectations and are careful about comparing themselves to other students. For example, it is unrealistic for a first year full-timer to compare themselves to a dancer in their second year. Different students will have had different experiences of lifestyle changes and challenges, such as moving away from home, family and friends, all of which can affect performance.
Zeigenhardt advises students to take a term to two just to settle into their new environment. “Often there’s a new syllabus and a new vocabulary. There are new teachers and new friends. Sometimes a new country, culture and language. With all the things dancers are taking on and taking in, it’s important they pace themselves.”
Create realistic goals
Along with creating realistic expectations, it’s important dancers set themselves realistic goals which are achievable and motivating. Prior to undertaking full-time training, many students will have worked towards competitions and eisteddfods or exams, or all three. Without these external challenges, they now have to set their own goals, often for the first time. Ziegenhardt suggests they start by asking themselves: “What do I want to work on this week or this month?” She has provided a great goal setting worksheet for Dance Australia readers available on the DA website.
But goals should not be set in stone. It’s essential for dancers to reassess them regularly, says Ziegenhardt, and check out whether their achievements are matching their expectations. “If they feel they are not reaching their expectations and their motivation is dipping, they can ask themselves, ‘what is a realistic goal for me now?’ It might be just breathing through the classes is enough,” she says.
Keep a journal
A dancer’s improvement and motivation will naturally fluctuate. There is no straight trajectory upwards nor perfect alignment of ambition and timeline. Keeping a journal is a great way to monitor the ups and downs, says Ziegenhardt. Journaling can help students identify patterns in their mood – it might be that a particular class, a step, a time of day or time of the month has an impact on self-esteem and motivation. The more aware dancers become of their bodies, their feelings and their triggers, the better prepared they’ll be.
Be open to change
During the full-time training years, some students realise that what they thought they wanted at the beginning of their journey has changed. For young dancers, it can be difficult to let go of old and out-dated dreams, especially if they have grown up believing in a particular hierarchy of dance styles.
“Often in dance training, we think ballet is at the top,” says Ziegenhardt. “We think it is the best thing to aim for. Sometimes during full-time training, you re-evaluate that. You might wonder if that is what you really want or what you are truly cut out for.” Ultimately, dancers have to find a path that is sustainable for them.
Zeigenhardt says this realization is like a snake shedding its skin. Full-time dance training opens a door to new classes, styles, people and ideas. This is the time for dancers to start to become the person and artist they want to be, so best to try and embrace shifts and changes with an open heart and mind.
Build healthy habits
Exhaustion is another factor that affects students during full-time dance training. Depression and a low mojo can simply be the result of a poor diet and lack of sleep. That’s why it is imperative dancers feed themselves well and get plenty of rest. This can be difficult when young people find themselves living on their own for the first time. Dancers have to learn to manage their time responsibly so that they can prepare food, eat unhurriedly, and get to bed at a reasonable hour. These things have to become as much a part of their daily routine as their dance training. And they are really good habits to build for the rest of their lives!
Finally, there’s dance overload. Yes, this is can happen! While it’s wonderful to be submerged in dance all day long, it can narrow a dancer’s perspective on life. Try and maintain a broad social network. “Keep up with old school friends,” advises Ziegenhardt. “They can anchor you and help you to lead a full and rich life outside of dancing. And just have some fun too.” It’s all about balance.
Ziegenhardt implores dancers to practise speaking up. These days many schools have a network of experts for their dancers to call upon, from sports psychologists and counsellers to physiotherapists, dietitians and mentors. It can be hard when feeling unmotivated to seek help, but that’s when dancers need to summon all their courage and speak up.
“We think we are bad if we are unmotivated. It’s an unusual feeling for a dancer. It can make you worried. But dips are perfectly normal,” says Ziegenhardt. Full-time dance training is intense. And wonderful. To get the most out of it, young dancers need to give themselves the time and space to grow.
See Philippa Ziegenhardt discuss the balance between self-criticism and self-love with Emma Sandall on our website.
Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts
420 Brunswick Street FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006
P: 07 3569 5869
COURSES
10606NAT Diploma of Performing Arts 10607NAT Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts 10192NAT Certificate II in Performing Arts in schools program 10293NAT Certificate IV in Performing Arts
Academy of Dance and Musical Theatre
1/433 Wondall Road TINGALPA QLD 4173
P: 0416 247 220
E: lyn@thetheatrefactory.com.au and lyn@admt.com.au
W: www.thetheatrefactory.com.auand www.admt.com.au
COURSES
CUA50113 Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance). CUA50213 Diploma of Musical Theatre. CUA40313 Certificate IV Dance Teaching and Management.
CUA30113 Certificate III in Dance CUA40113 Certificate IV in Dance.
Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA)
4/85 O’Riordan Street
ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015
P: 02 9310 3111
AMPA offers the only performance-based dance degree in NSW and caters for dancers with advanced training in at least one genre. Our practical classes in ballet, contemporary & jazz are supported by studies in Choreography, Production, Body Science, Dance History & Performance Psychology with electives available in Acro, Partnering, Singing, Drama and Musicianship. Graduates from this course have been successful in securing positions in Dance and Music Theatre companies, Performing Arts administration and television productions. Some choose to travel the world as professional dancers on cruise ships and in theme parks, while others have chosen to pursue further study in Production, Teaching & Choreography. Each student is carefully nurtured and advised so that every dancer is successful in reaching their full potential in the area that best suits their skills and interests. If dance is your career choice then this is the course for you.
COURSES
• Undergraduate Certificate in Dance.
• Associate Degree of Dance.
• Bachelor of Dance.
Practical dance classes per week: Practical classes are taught by industry professionals and highly qualified teachers who are specialists in their field. Students are allocated to classes specific to their level and are trained in a variety of genres in order to maximise their career options. Additional classes are provided according to the student’s chosen genre of specialisation.
Pre-requisites/entry requirements: In order to be accepted into the course students should demonstrate an advanced level of skill in their genre of choice. If under 21 years of age, applicants must have completed their high school education or equivalent. Graduates of Certificate & Diploma dance programs who are interested in upgrading their qualification are encouraged to apply and gain access to this very valuable tertiary qualification. Main teachers: To view the dance faculty bios go to: https://www.ampa.edu.au/index.php/aboutampa/our-people. Audition date: Audition is by appointment.
ACPA - Australian Company of Performing Arts
37 Walsh Street THEBARTON SA 5031
P: 08 8352 7860
COURSES
Performing Arts High School
Cert III in Dance
Cert IV in Dance
Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management
Alegria Dance
108 Bourke Street WOOLLOOMOOLOO NSW 2011
P: 02 9358 2677 Hilary Kaplan- 0414 337 624 Archibald McKenzie- 0411 707 419
Alegria successfully prepares full-time students for professional careers in classical and contemporary dance. In recent years, all Alegria graduates have been placed in prestigious company schools and companies in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Europe, and Asia. Only students judged to be capable of a future professional career in dance are accepted on the full-time course. The maximum number of students on the course is 18.
They are trained in a strong, pure classical ballet technique, as well as in contemporary, jazz and Spanish classical, regional and flamenco styles. Students are nurtured and coached to find and develop their own personality as dancers and as whole human beings.
Alegria also offers two one-year part-time teacher’s courses (Intermediate and Advanced Teachers).
COURSES
Many full-time students complete their academic schooling by distance education. Alegria encourages them to study diligently and allows time off when required around examinations and major assignments. Alegria students regularly top their class in academic subjects. Main subjects: Practical – Classical ballet technique (open class), repertoire, pas de deux, RAD, Cecchetti, Spanish Dance Society syllabi, contemporary and jazz. Theory – Dance history, dance music, sports psychology, and analysis and composition.
Practical dance classes per week: Classical ballet technique 13.5 hours; coaching 3 hours; repertoire 2.5 hours; pas de deux 1.5 hours; RAD 4.5 hours; Cecchetti 3 hours; spanish dancing 1 hour; contemporary 4.5 hours; jazz 1.5 hours. Contact hours per day: Average daily 6-7 contact hours (Monday to Saturday). Pre-requisites/entry requirements: In consultation with Alegria’s main ballet and contemporary teachers, the principals consider whether applicants have a realistic prospect of a professional career in classical or contemporary dance. Main teachers: Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie (principals), Adrian Burnett, Joshua Consandine, Catherine Goss, Damien Grima, Cass Eipper, Christine Keith, Penny Martin, Paul Saliba Guest Teachers - Juliette Barton, Fabio Lo Giudice, Jessica Hesketh, Angela Hamilton, Daniel Savetta, Simonne Smiles. Audition date: Auditions are by appointment. The applicant will usually attend one or two days full-time, take part in a holiday school, or forward a DVD. Applications are accepted all year round, with major intakes in February and August. Audition requirements: Students auditioning need to supply their personal details, that is, their height, age, levels achieved in classical dancing and other dance genres. The audition is by appointment and the criterion for admission is the view of the principals that the student is capable of achieving a career in professional dance. Fees: Available on application. Scholarships or subsidies: Available, based on need and merit.
Possible career options: We have successfully placed all graduates in reputable classical and contemporary company schools or help them attain professional traineeships both nationally and internationally.
Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy
9/46 Smith Street SOUTHPORT QLD 4215
P: 07 5591 7027
The Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy (ABDA) offers elite training in classical ballet, providing talented dance students with the necessary coaching and performance experience to pursue a career in Classical Ballet or Contemporary Dance. All students are trained in the Vaganova method of classical ballet, renowned for its strength, placement, artistry, and harmonious coordination of the body. ABDA offers a range of specialised training programs from an in-house Tiny Tots Program and After-School Junior Elite Programs to a Half-Day Program for 12-13 year olds and a comprehensive Full-Time Program for students from 14 years.
The careful training and nurturing of each child to achieve their individual goals is paramount at ABDA.
ABDA graduates have been accepted into prestigious ballet and contemporary schools all around the world, including: the Royal Ballet School London, John Cranko Ballet School Stuttgart, San Francisco Ballet School, Junior Company of the Kirov Academy of Ballet Washington DC, Joffrey Studio Company, Dutch National Ballet Academy, Tanzakademie Zurich, Australian Ballet School, New Zealand School of Dance, Rambert Ballet School, London Contemporary Ballet School, School of Contemporary Dancers Winnipeg, École Superieure de Danse de Marseille France, Royal Conservatory of the Hague, San Francisco Ballet School, Rudra Bejart Ballet School Lausanne, Palucca University of Dance Dresden, European School of Ballet and Royal Ballet School of Antwerp.
COURSES
Full-Time Program: designed for talented and dedicated students from 13 years of age. Within 2-3 years, these dancers are given the extensive training and preparation required to join a renowned classical or contemporary dance institution overseas. Full-time students gain a CUA30113 Certificate III in Dance, and/or CUA40113 Certificate IV in Dance in partnership with Empowerdance RTO 40397. Half-Day Program: for 12-13 year
