Aim:
The Ignite Dance Academy was introduced at Shailer Park SHS in January 2015. Since its inception, the purpose of dance academy has been to provide selected Shailer Park students with industry-standard technical training and performance opportunities. The program is an extension of the learning experiences offered in curriculum dance, and acts as a bridge between high school and tertiary dance tuition. Students who exit the dance academy at the end of year 12 are highly prepared for both tertiary and pre-professional pathways.
Our vision is to provide a platform for young people to experience and produce dance in a meaningful way. Students' goals and wellbeing are nurtured in a safe, supportive environment that allows them to pursue and achieve excellence – individually and within a team.
The Ignite Dance Academy operates as a school-based extra-curricular program that mimics aspects of private studio training, to give students a rich, well-rounded experience of dance. Not only do students develop their technical skills, expressive skills, and dance knowledge, they also gain attributes such as confidence, a sense of purpose, and the ability to work in a team.
Overview:
The Ignite Dance Academy targets skilled dancers who:
- Are genuinely passionate about dance
- Possess a strong drive to learn and improve
- Demonstrate dedication, self-motivation, and discipline
- Value collaboration and teamwork
- Take initiative and have an eye for detail
- Demonstrate Shailer Park SHS's 4Rs both in and out of the classroom
Our academy is comprised of two ensembles, with students distributed on the basis of age and ability. Within each ensemble, dancers are exposed to technical training and industry-standard choreography in a range of genres and styles. These include, but are not limited to, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, and tap.
Opportunities within the Ignite Dance Academy:
- Our program provides students with a range of opportunities that enrich their understanding and love of dance. These include:
- Industry-standard tuition and workshops, delivered by a range of specialty artists
- Performance opportunities including:
- Creative Generation – State Schools on Stage
- Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge (BPAC)
- DanceLife Unite National Dance Championships
- Beenleigh Quota International Dance Competition
- Gold Coast Eisteddfod
- Shailer Park SHS Showcase
- Shailer Park SHS Academic Awards Evening
- Parade Performances
- Other community-based and public performances
- A trip to Sydney to compete at the DanceLife Unite nationals (if students qualify)
- Student Choreography Challenge
- Leadership opportunities
Entry Conditions:
To be considered for a position in the Ignite Dance Academy, students must:
- Have prior training in one or more styles of dance
- Choose curriculum dance as an elective
- Hold an attendance record above 95%
- Commit to achieving Excellent or Very Good for behaviour and effort across all subjects
- Commit to paying both school and Dance Academy levies in full by Week 9 of Term 1
Academy Levy:
All Ignite Dance Academy students are required to pay a levy of $375 to cover the following expenses:
- Tuition, choreography, and workshops with industry professionals
- Eisteddfod/competition entry fees and competitor passes
- Transport to and from most events
- Participation in the Student Choreography Challenge
- Costume hire (covers some, not all, costumes)
- Costume bag hire
- Audio purchase and editing
Levies do not include:
- Ignite Dance Academy uniform
- Participation in Creative Generation – State Schools on Stage
- Individually purchased costume items
- Additional expenses related to the Student Choreography Challenge (costumes, props, audio, etc.)
- Stockings and footwear
- Hair and make-up items
- All expenses related to Nationals (DanceLife Unite) in Sydney
To keep up-to-date with all academy-related information and events, students and their parents/carers must join our Team App – Ignite Dance Academy Shailer Park.
For further information, please contact Ignite Dance Academy Director.