Pre-Professional Year 2022

“During my two years in PPY not only did I discover the subject of dance but through dance the curation of life. I came to understand the comfort of true choice. To feel the fear of knowing control. I learnt not only how to direct my body but also to be directed by it. I was entranced by the art of true movement, the force of change, and from change – balance. From that place came a true gift, the gift of knowing others. I have never felt more grateful for my encounters. This course

• 26 PPY1 dancers (new)

• 28 PPY2 dancers (18 returning from PPY21)

• 43% of PPY dancers have engaged with Sydney Dance Company programs before joining the program

Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year offers two nationally recognised training qualifications through a specialised curriculum tailored to global industry standards. Successful applicants who have not yet completed diploma level tertiary education or higher join the first year of training and complete a CUA51520 Diploma Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). All graduating first-year dancers can progress to the second year of training to complete the • CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance).

Pre-Professional Year is a unique experience for aspiring professional dancers to approach full-time training alongside a resident dance company. A wide and multifaceted view of the dance industry is developed through training in the immersive professional environment of Sydney Dance Company. Encompassing a wide spectrum of industry-based dance practices, the PreProfessional Year dancers train as an ensemble and work with over forty choreographers, teachers and company affiliates each year. The expansive and highly curated program offers a diverse range of practices and movement philosophies, forging a direct link to the global contemporary dance community.

In 2022 we leveraged philanthropic support to provide three Pre-Professional Year 2021 graduates traineeship level employment contracts with Sydney Dance Company to continue to develop their careers within our own company of elite dancers. Further philanthropic support was given to four Pre-Professional Year students who received fee-paying scholarships to participate in the year-long program, which they would not have been able to afford otherwise. Two of these students had the chance to work with the ensemble for four weeks during their studies where they learned repertoire from Impermanence and ab [intra], gaining insight into professional practice, and deepening their engagement with Sydney Dance Company’s repertoire and creative processes. By the end of the year, one student had been offered a 12-month trainee contract with the ensemble.

In 2022 we piloted a Flexible Training program, with an initial intake of five students. The program allows dancers to train with Sydney Dance Company part-time, taking In-Studio classes, some Pre-Professional Year classes, conditioning pilates sessions and have the support and guidance from the training team. This helps us provide more accessible learning approaches and retain students who cannot commit to full-time training.