Alegria Dance

Address
108 Bourke Street
WOOLLOOMOOLOO
NSW 2011

Phone
02 9358 2677 0414 337 624 (Hilary Kaplan) 0411 707 419 (Archibald McKenzie)

Alegria Dance: (L-R) - Cecchetti Medal Awards NSW, Clare Haley - Winner Gold Section, Oscar Taggart - Winner Silver Section, Emma Hawkins - Runner-up Gold Section.

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, Penny Martin, Shelley Moore, Georgette Sofatzis.

Guest Teachers - Daniel Savetta, Simonne Smiles, Joshua Freedman, Victor Zarallo Munoz, Kerrie Smith, Matthew Slattery.

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.