This Google site is a one-stop space for all information, details and expectations for the Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble. Details will be updated regularly so be sure to check back for updates!
Embedded Files
Join the Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble – Take your dancing to the next level!
Join the Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble – Take your dancing to the next level!
Are you a passionate and skilled dancer in Years 7 to 12 looking for an opportunity to push your technique, creativity, and performance skills to the next level?
The Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble is back for its second year, following an incredible debut in 2024, where the ensemble was selected to perform at the prestigious State Dance Festival!
The Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble is designed for dedicated young performers from NSW public schools who want to refine their technique, expand their artistic expression, and collaborate with like-minded dancers.
This is more than just a dance group - it’s an elite performance experience where students will be immersed in high-level choreography, professional rehearsal settings, and the creative process behind building a standout dance work.
Why Join the Ensemble?
Why Join the Ensemble?
⭐ Advanced Training & Technique Development: Learn from specialist choreographers and educators who will push your technical and expressive abilities beyond what is typically offered in a school setting. You’ll refine your skills in musicality, dynamics, spatial awareness, and performance artistry.
⭐ Collaboration with like-minded dancers: Meet and work with other talented young dancers from diverse schools and backgrounds. This ensemble fosters teamwork, trust, and shared creativity - key qualities of any successful performer.
⭐ Performances: Experience the excitement of performing in a high-calibre production at the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival - with the opportunity to audition for the State Dance Festival, one of the most prestigious dance showcases in NSW.
⭐ Increased confidence and stage presence: Learn how to captivate an audience through your performance. Gain confidence in expressing yourself through movement, mastering stagecraft, and working as part of an ensemble to create a powerful and engaging performance.
⭐ Preparation for future opportunities: This ensemble is the perfect stepping stone for students considering future dance studies or professional performance opportunities. The skills and experiences gained will set dancers apart as they continue their artistic journey.
If you are ready to challenge yourself, grow as a dancer, and be part of something extraordinary, apply now to audition for the Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble!
Enquiries
Enquiries
Please contact Sue Dawson - Arts Coordination Officer should you have any further questions or concerns:
E: susan.i.dawson@det.nsw.edu.au
P: 0402 992 897
Important information and how to get involved
Important information and how to get involved
How to apply
How to apply
Interested students must have a parent or carer complete the Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble application form by Friday 21 February 2025 (Term 1, Week 4).
After applications close, school principals will be contacted to endorse the participation of nominated students.
All applicants will be invited to attend the audition rehearsal on Tuesday 11 March (Term 1 Week 7) from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at Ulladulla High School.
Following this rehearsal, the choreographers will nominate students for selection into the 2025 Ensemble.
Only selected ensemble members will be required to attend all subsequent rehearsals and performances.
Students will be notified of their selection by Friday 14 March 2025 (Term 1 Week 7).
Cost
Cost
A participation fee of $100 is required for each student selected into the Ensemble. This fee will cover tuition, ensemble t-shirt and costume.
Students only attending the first rehearsal will not be required to make a payment.
Schools will be notified of their selected students and will issue an invoice to parents for the $100 participation levy. Please do not make a payment to your school before receiving this invoice
Payment will be due by Friday 16 May 2025 (Term 2 Week 3).
Students may also be asked to supply accessories to go with their costume.
Workshop rehearsal dates
Workshop rehearsal dates
Ensemble members must be available for all of the following workshop rehearsal days:
Monday 5 May (Term 2 Week 2) - 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (2-day comprehensive workshop) - Ulladulla HS
Tuesday 6 May (Term 2 Week 2) - 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (2-day comprehensive workshop) - Ulladulla HS
Friday 6 June (Term 2 Week 6) - 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (final rehearsal) - Ulladulla HS
Monday 30 June (Term 2 Week 10) - 9:30 am to 2:00 pm - rehearsal at Bay Pavilion
Students must commit to the Ensemble and attend all scheduled rehearsals for the entire length of time.
Students will be supervised by Department of Education staff at all times.
What to wear to auditions and rehearsals
What to wear to auditions and rehearsals
Students should wear either dancewear (leotard and shorts) or their school sports uniform to all rehearsals. Bare midriffs and tops with large logos are not permitted. Dancers may wear jazz shoes or dance barefoot as preferred.
Far South Coast Dance Festival - Goulburn Showcase
Far South Coast Dance Festival - Goulburn Showcase
Students in the Ensemble will also need to be available to perform at the Far South Coast Dance Festival - on Wednesday 2 July (Term 2 Week 10) at the Yuin Theatre - Bay Pavilions.
Ensemble members may also perform with their school in a school item at the festival if applicable.
Choreographers
Choreographers
Successful applicants will have the incredible opportunity to work with two renowned professional choreographers, Virginia Ferris and Christine Gillett, to create an original dance work.
Gin and Chris are highly accomplished artistic directors, choreographers, specialized tutors, and adjudicators with dance careers spanning both Australian and international stages. Their expertise and passion for dance education have shaped countless performers, and they bring a wealth of knowledge to the ensemble.
We are thrilled to have Gin and Chris on board in 2025 and know that all students will gain invaluable skills and inspiration from working with choreographers of this calibre. This is a unique opportunity for young dancers to learn, grow, and refine their artistry under industry leaders.
State Dance Festival
State Dance Festival
The Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble will submit a nomination to perform at the State Dance Festival, held at the Seymour Centre in Term 3 Week 9 (15 to 19 September 2025). If selected, the ensemble will perform on one night of the festival, representing the incredible talent and dedication of dancers from across Regional and Rural South and West.
The State Dance Festival brings together the best student ensembles from across the state to perform in a professionally produced showcase. This is an extraordinary opportunity for our young regional dancers to:
Perform on a professional stage in front of a state-wide audience
Represent and celebrate regional and rural excellence in dance
Connect with top student performers from across NSW
Be part of a high-calibre festival known for its artistic and technical excellence
Being selected for the State Dance Festival is a remarkable achievement, providing dancers with invaluable experience, confidence, and exposure. The Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble will be proud to stand alongside some of the best young performers in the state, showcasing the power of regional and rural talent.
If selected, an additional rehearsal will be scheduled in the lead-up to the festival.
Third-party content attributions
Third-party content attributions
Photography by Hatch Media.
Far South Coast Secondary Dance Ensemble
artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-program/far-south-coast-secondary-dance-ensemble
Far South Coast Dance Festival
artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-programs/far-south-coast-dance-festival
The Arts Unit
artsunit.nsw.edu.au
Produced by The Arts Unit © State of New South Wales (Department of Education), 2025.The copyright material published on this website is subject to the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), and is owned by the NSW Department of Education or, where indicated, by a party other than the NSW Department of Education.
[WARNING]Some of this material may have been copied [and communicated to you] in accordance with the statutory licence in section 113P of the Copyright Act. Any further reproduction or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act.
Page updated
Report abuse