NAISDA Dance College

Address
Mt Penang Parklands
KARIONG CENTRAL COAST
NSW

Phone
02 4340 3100/1800 117 116

With a nearly 50-year history, NAISDA is the only organisation in Australia delivering dance and performing arts training specifically for First Nations people aged 16 and above. Actively sought by international/national dance and performing arts companies, NAISDA graduates transition into high-profile careers in dance, music, theatre, TV/film, arts management, community and education.

NAISDA is a unique organisation of inspired creative and cultural learning that sits at the forefront of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts training and career development in Australia. As a First Nations-governed registered training organisation (RTO) we empower First Nations young people to fulfill their personal and career ambitions through dance training, cultural connection and lifelong learning.

Our mission focuses on excellence and innovation in performing arts education, skills development and career pathways. We are the only First Nations member in the ARTS8 – the Federal Government’s national collective of Australia’s eight leading performing arts training organisations. Our distinctive education model has exceptionally strong outcomes, guided by the core values of empowerment, agency and self-determination. Our curriculum is the only one of its kind, exclusively developed, written and delivered by NAISDA. Spanning Certificate III to Advanced Diploma fulltime accredited qualifications, our curriculum offers critical knowledge and cultural connection for the growth and autonomy of our young men and women.

We began in 1976 evolving into the birthplace of both Australian Contemporary Indigenous Dance and the renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre. The NAISDA cohort consists of students from remote, regional and urban communities across Indigenous Australia who relocate to the campus for full time study.

NAISDA offers purpose-designed dance studios, world class training and learning spaces. Our dance studios have sprung floors, ballet barres and mirrors, a high- level truss for physical theatre training and high-quality sound systems. Other training spaces include dedicated pilates studio; IT and Mac labs for music composition and film editing and production; a creative incubator space with raked seating, theatre lighting and facilities; student common spaces with recreation and kitchen facilities. Nhangara Barayi is our purpose-specific outdoor dancing ground and living learning space within the grounds of the NAISDA campus. This culturally-welcoming space is used for cultural dance and repertoire classes as well as a unique venue for community gatherings, workshops and performances.

NAISDA offers two types of accommodation for students: Onsite accommodation – eight cottages offering share accommodation located within the campus precinct are available for students 18 years and over. These are heavily subsidised by NAISDA to ensure affordability. Homestay accommodation for students under 18 and those who require additional support are accommodated with accredited, locally based Homestay parents. Homestay accommodation is subsidised by NAISDA.

Courses

Next year NAISDA will be delivering the following fulltime courses:

10988NAT Certificate III in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

11051NAT Certificate IV in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

11052NAT Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

10841NAT Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Candidacy for NAISDA courses are assessed though an online application process and during an onsite audition period held at NAISDA on Darkinjung Country, Kariong, New South Wales in October. Please ensure you have checked course criteria available at www.naisda.com.au. If you have any questions about which course is right for you, contact us on 1800 117 116, 0473 437 784 or auditions@naisda.com.au

Main subjects: Training includes units in Cultural Dance, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Choreography, Physical Theatre, Music Production and Dancefilm.

In addition to the focus on developing technical skills and knowledge, the NAISDA curriculum includes a unique Cultural Residency Program, along with live performance and production experience in professional theatres and industry placements with national arts companies.

Practical dance classes per week: Cultural learning and knowledge are at the forefront of NAISDA training. We work in partnership with our Cultural Tutors and Elders to provide opportunities for our students to connect with Country, community and culture through our Cultural Residency and Cultural Repertoire programs. Students are immersed in learning on Country in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout their training at NAISDA. These experiences enable a grounding that deepens students’ understanding of cultural practice, dance techniques and the creative world.

Contact hours per day: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm.

Call: 1800 117 116 (toll-free) or 02 4340 3100

Mobile or Text: 0473 437 784

Email: auditions@naisda.com.au

Naisda.com.au

Pre-requisites/entry requirements: 10988NAT Certificate III in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This course is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people between 16 and 26 years of age who may have some or no dance or cultural training but have a passion for dance and culture.

11051NAT Certificate IV in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This course is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people between 16 and 26 years of age, with prior dance or cultural training and a passion for dance and culture.

11052NAT Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This course is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people between 16 and 26 years of age who have extensive professional dance experience and have a passion for dance and culture.

10841NAT Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Advanced Diploma is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists entering their final 18 months of study before progressing to a professional dance career; or for artists already practising within the industry wishing to upskill their professional practice.

Main teachers: NAISDA’s curriculum is delivered by qualified trainers comprising former principal dancers, respected choreographers and cultural tutors from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Audition date: Key Dates:

Onsite auditions at NAISDA: 8–10 October 2024

Successful auditionees contacted with Study Offers: December 2024

Term One commences: 29 January 2025

Audition requirements: Applications to study at NAISDA in 2025 are through an online application process. Visit naisda.com.au/apply, read the Course Information Pack and submit your online application form.

Successful candidates will be invited to a three-day onsite audition at NAISDA on Darkinjung Country, Kariong, New South Wales from 8 to 10 October 2024.

This will help us get to know you better and it’s also a great opportunity for you to meet our trainers, find out more about us and explore the campus. If you know you are unable to attend the NAISDA audition dates, submit your application online and contact us immediately 1800 117 116 or email auditions@naisda.com.au

Auditions Travel Support: ABSTUDY assistance available for those eligible living over 90 minutes away. You can apply to Centrelink for ABSTUDY funding for your audition related travel and living costs. NAISDA provides accommodation and meals during auditions.

Following auditions, NAISDA’s review panel will meet and all auditionees will be contacted. Successful auditionees will receive an offer to study at NAISDA in 2025.

Fees: NAISDA’s training is subsidised by the Federal Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and through the NSW Department of Education (Smart and Skilled) for eligible students.

There are associated NAISDA costs that students and their families need to consider including uniforms, travel, personal items, food and accommodation.

If you are offered a place at NAISDA and meet ABSTUDY eligibility, the program can cover or assist with study fees, travel during studies at NAISDA as well as accommodation and living expenses.

Scholarships or subsidies: If you are offered a place at NAISDA and meet ABSTUDY eligibility, the program can cover or assist with your study fees, travel during your studies at NAISDA as well as accommodation and living expenses.

A range of scholarships, bursaries and support is available through the generous support of NAISDA’s partner supporters and foundations.

They include:

The Joanne Harris Scholarship Fund

The William Rubensohn Foundation NAISDA Scholarship

The Zonta Scholarship

Possible career options: NAISDA has a proud tradition of producing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and creative artists, performers and leaders since 1976.

NAISDA graduates are actively sought by many of Australia’s national dance and performing arts organisations. Graduates transition into high-profile and rewarding careers in a wide range of sectors including dance, music, theatre, film, arts management, community and education.