The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach Program, in partnership with the City of Casey, has developed two special online programs to help keep kids active and creative at home this school holidays.
Facilitated and delivered digitally by Bunjil Place, the two workshop programs are designed for all levels of experience.
The first school-holiday program runs from 27 to 30 September and provides options for children from pre-school to Grade 3 to focus on storytelling through dance, and students from Grade 4 through to high school to learn the tools used for creating a dance.
Students in all age groups can expect to take part in energetic warm-ups, learn about the body, move, create, learn and have fun while exploring movements and characters from the stories of The Australian Ballet.
The free workshops are delivered by dance educators from The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach team and no dance experience is required.
The second workshop program is aimed at dance students aged 12+, who are invited to join an exclusive creative dance workshop, based on a new condensed version of Romeo and Juliet, on 28 September.
This workshop is designed for students with some previous dance experience, but options for all levels will be provided.
Participants can expect a contemporary ballet warm-up, after which they’ll learn some sections from the performance, do some creative tasks and take part in a short Q+A. There are 50 places available.
The two school-holiday workshops have been designed in line with The Australian Ballet’s STEAMDANCE education program, which has transitioned since the beginning of the pandemic to an online offering that supports community groups across Australia.
STEAMDANCE explores science, technology, engineering, arts and maths through dance, and works in partnership with teachers to select engaging themes for students.
“The City of Casey values the role that art plays in the community and the long-term partnership between The Australian Ballet and Bunjil Place is a key part of delivering meaningful art programs that keeps our community strong and connected,” said City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff.
“The development and delivery of the digital workshop program will be well received by local dancers that have had limited opportunities to participate in ballet classes during the pandemic.”
The Australian Ballet’s Education and Outreach Program Manager, Jasmin Dwyer, said: “It’s important for us to get as many young people as possible learning through movement, and we want to ensure that the magic of dance inspires and reaches children in communities around Australia.
“We’re so pleased to be able to partner with the City of Casey to deliver these programs online and connect with students directly, especially during these times.”
For more information and to book tickets, please visit the Bunjil Place website: www.bunjilplace.com.au
