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Professional Development
for Teachers

Ausdance WA’s
Dance Teacher PD Program:

Professional development and training for teachers of dance

Ausdance WA held a dynamic two-day professional development series featuring seven engaging dance workshops designed specifically for teachers in private studios, education settings, and independent practice.

Over the two days, we were joined by 30 participants, making it a wonderful event filled with connection, learning, networking, and dancing!

Participants enhanced their teaching techniques, explored innovative approaches, and connected with fellow educators who share a passion for teaching dance.

Each workshop focused on practical skills, creative inspiration, and effective classroom strategies, empowering educators to elevate their students’ learning experiences. It was an incredible opportunity to continue learning with experienced facilitators and specialised content.

WHEN

9am-4pm
Thursday 28 November and
Friday 29 November

WHERE

Studio 1
King Street Arts Centre
357-365 Murray Street, Perth WA

WHO

  • Private dance studio teachers
  • Independent practitioners
  • Teachers in schools with a curriculum focus
    (including ATAR, General and Cert level / VET)

Two Days, Seven Workshops

Seven professional development workshops across two days, led by experienced Perth dance artists, teachers and specialists.

Day 1: Expanding Perspectives

Consent and Intimacy – Protocols, Techniques, and Practices for Dance (2 Hours)

Facilitator: Molly Tipping, Tipping Motion
Explore essential links between school-based consent curriculum and industry protocols in this engaging workshop. Molly Tipping will guide participants through consent games, techniques, and practices tailored to today’s empowered and empathetic students. Discussions will cover key topics like consent culture, power dynamics, agency, accountability, touch titration, and choreographing intimacy. With a balance of theory, practice, and discussion, you’ll leave equipped with practical tools. Bring your questions, curiosity, a journal, and comfortable clothes.

Multisensory + Multimodal Communication for Inclusion (45 Minutes)

Facilitator: Michelle Hovane, Sensorium Theatre
This introductory workshop will cover multi-modal and multi-sensory communication techniques used by Sensorium Theatre to promote access and inclusion for children and young people with disabilities and neurodiversity. Michelle will share practical exercises and examples to demonstrate how these techniques are applied.

Dance for All – Inclusive Approaches (45 Minutes)

Facilitators: Julia Hales, Independent Artist and Laura Boynes, Independent Artist
Join Julia Hales and Laura Boynes as they lead a practical studio session focused on creating accessible and inclusive dance. Drawing from their own collaborative experiences, they will explore methodologies and approaches that encourage inclusivity in dance-making.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) for Dancers – Tools for Teachers (1.5 Hours)

Facilitator: Jacqui Claus, The Kids Research Institute Australia (formerly Telethon Kids Institute)
Using a research-backed framework from the Telethon Kids Institute, this workshop will guide dance teachers and studio directors through essential information about social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) in children and young people. You’ll gain insights into how SEWB ties into dance, explore strengths and areas for improvement in your studio, and discuss relevant themes like managing pressure, body image, and fostering positive peer connections.

Day 2: Focus on Curriculum

Strategies for Elevating Dance Vocabulary (1.5 Hours)

Facilitators: McKenzie Goldsmith, Willetton SHS and Amy Wiseman, Independent Artist
Designed for teachers in schools, this workshop will equip you with practical strategies to enhance dance literacy in the classroom. Gain valuable tools for your dance teacher toolkit, focusing on integrating literacy skills into dance education.

Tribal Dance Unit (1.5 Hours)

Facilitator: Narelle Codalonga, All Saints College
This workshop introduces a term-long Tribal Dance unit tailored for Year 7 students of all abilities. Participants will engage in technique exercises and creative tasks designed for inclusivity. Narelle will guide you through adaptable exercises while welcoming questions and suggestions for modifying tasks to suit diverse student needs.

Youth-Led Choreographic Practice (1.5 Hours)

Facilitator: Ella-Rose Trew, Independent Artist
Learn how to empower young people to take the lead in creating choreography that resonates with their experiences and contemporary contexts. This workshop will offer a collection of stimuli and starting points, along with simple, effective tasks to reduce your mental load while fostering meaningful student-driven creativity.

Flexible and Concession Pricing

At Ausdance WA, we believe that cost should never stand in the way of learning. If ticket prices are a concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re dedicated to finding a solution that works for you.

Contact Us

Dancers: Mia Beame and Safiya Karolia
Photographer: Christophe Canato