School Profile - Opportunities - Dance

As one of the Creative and Performing Arts at Davidson, there is an extensive program of curricular and extra curricular dance. The focus of these programs is the concept of dance as art, whereby the performer attempts to communicate ideas, images or emotions to an audience.

Students study dance in both non-elective (Years 7/8) and elective classes (Years 9 to 12). Students receive recognition for achievement in these studies at both School Certificate and Higher School Certificate levels, as with other elective subjects.

The extra-curricular program is based on the work of year-based ensembles, which are the subject of an audition process and rehearse after school and on weekends. Davidson Dance Ensembles first began performing in the 1980s and have continued a tradition of extra-curricular performance in modern/contemporary and theatrical dance, which is underpinned by the principles of the dance curriculum. The students in the ensembles range from Year 7 to Year 12.

The Ensemble’s aims include:

• to provide a wide variety of performance opportunities for talented students in dance

• to develop dance skills and an appreciation for dance as a performing art.

• to represent the performing arts of Davidson High School at the highest level possible

• to produce a variety of dance work

• to develop students’ facility in contemporary dance technique and choreographic processes

• to strive for excellence, foster teamwork, personal skills and self-satisfaction

A further extension of the ensembles’ involvement is the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. This incorporates other non-ensemble students, elaborate production design and stage crew in a performance that can involve up to 120 students. Rock Eisteddfod Challenge is a huge collaborative undertaking on behalf of students, parents and teachers in a five month process, outside of class time.