DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK Presented by Ausdance WA, Act-Belong-Commit & School Sport WA June 25-29, 2018 Information Booklet Dance in Country Week 2017 - Performance Showcase in Studio 3 at the King Street Arts Centre (KSAC), Perth Image: Sophia Natale
CONTENTS WELCOME! 3 AUSDANCE WA CONTACT DETAILS 4 AUSDANCE WA OVERVIEW 5 DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK 2018 Aim Dance Content & Structure Healthy Competitive Environment 6-8 DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK 2018 GUIDELINES 9-10 Divisions Teams Dance Composition and Rehearsals Music Documentation & Photography Duty of Care Performance Adjudication Certificate of Participation DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK 2018 REQUIREMENTS 11 School Representatives List of teachers and students Release forms Uniforms Dance Workshops Evaluation & Feedback GUIDELINES FOR DANCE TEACHERS/SUPERVISORS DURING DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK 12 Role of Dance Teacher/Supervisor Professional Development for Dance Teacher/Supervisor JUDGING CRITERIA 13 Adjudication Session Team Assessment during Rehearsals CODE OF CONDUCT 14 Dance Students Teachers/Supervisors Audience & Spectators ACCOMMODATION 15 TRANSPORT & PARKING 15 VENUES 15 APPENDIX: RELEASE FORM 16
WELCOME! WELCOME to your guide for Dance in Country Week 2018! This booklet has been compiled to provide you as the teacher or dance team leader, with the information you need to best prepare for Dance in Country Week 2018. This booklet contains information on the Workshop Focussed Dance Program that we have delivered over the past five years with continued success. I encourage and highly recommend that you read this booklet thoroughly to familiarise yourself with program. This will ensure that your students have a fulfilling and fabulous dance experience as participants in Dance in Country Week 2018. If you have questions, please phone or email me at Ausdance WA (contact information on following page). Thank you for your cooperation and the Ausdance WA team looks forward to seeing you at Dance in Country Week 2018. AMY WISEMAN PROJECTS MANAGER AUSDANCE WA 3
AUSDANCE WA CONTACT DETAILS Staff Gabrielle Sullivan Director director.wa@ausdance.org.au Amy Wiseman Projects Manager po.wa@ausdance.org.au Katrina Italiano Marketing and Memberships Manager memberships.wa@ausdance.org.au Natalie Johnson Finance Manager finance.wa@ausdance.org.au Ausdance WA Perth Office ABN 51 194 816 993 Telephone: 08 9322 6101 Fax: 08 9322 6100 Email: wa@ausdance.org.au Web: Street Address www.ausdancewa.org.au 1 st floor, King Street Arts Centre 357 365 Murray Street Perth WA 6000 Postal Address: PO Box 7452 Cloisters Square WA 6850 4
AUSDANCE WA: OVERVIEW The Australian Dance Council Ausdance WA is a membership organisation that supports the Western Australian dance community, both professional and non- professional. Current Ausdance WA membership includes dance teachers (studio and school), community based dance artists and groups, young people, professional dancers, the state s major dance organisations and companies and other related organisations. Ausdance WA is part of a national network of state offices, with a national office based in Canberra. Governed by a Management Committee of eight members, Ausdance WA currently has three core staff members and its office is based at the King Street Art Centre in the Perth CBD. Ausdance WA s core operations are funded by the state government through Culture and the Arts WA, a division of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Lotterywest. Ausdance WA receives sponsorship from Healthway to promote the health message ACT BELONG COMMIT as well as small grants from government and non- government groups for projects to promote dance. Ausdance WA also earns income through membership fees and our Education Program workshops. Ausdance WA s purpose is to lead the development of the Western Australian dance sector, through advocacy, partnerships, information sharing and service provision, not limited to: Advocacy and Leadership projects such as Australian Dance Awards, the biennial MoveMe Festival, Oral History Project, Teacher Professional Learning a range of curriculum support and general PD workshops and opportunities provided to teachers in contexts including primary, secondary, studio and community contexts, Membership initiatives to support our members include the Ausdance WA website and Ausdance National websites, fortnightly email bulletin, discounted studio hire, comprehensive data base and access to resource library Events program Australian Dance Week, Regional Dance projects, Dance in Country Week, Monkeyfunk workshops and support for the Dance for Parkinson s program in WA. 5
DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK 2018 Ausdance WA in association with School Sport WA and Act- Belong- Commit present Dance in Country Week 2018 from Monday 25 to Friday 29 June 2018. Aim The key aims of Dance in Country Week are to provide regional young people with the opportunity to engage in dance development and physical activity with highly experienced dance artists; a safe learning environment that promotes team work and collaborative skill development; a healthy competitive environment where each team is challenged to achieve their personal best; the opportunity to expand their experience through working in professional dance venues (eg King Street Art Centre, West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, His Majesty s Theatre); the opportunity to develop greater awareness about the professional dance sector including training opportunities, dance companies and support organisations. Dance in Country Week 2018 offers regional dance teachers the opportunity to participate in the workshops for their professional development, as well as providing additional Professional Learning opportunities. Dance Content and Structure The workshop- focussed program has been a successfully implemented model for Dance in Country Week since 2013. The format allows students to learn a range of new skills and styles while gaining confidence in their progress across the week. The Dance in Country Week program will include contemporary technique and choreography as well as two cultural dance forms. These cultural dance forms will be confirmed in the lead up to Dance in Country Week. A professional performance of the chosen dance genres may also be presented in the workshops to provide students with an understanding of the chosen styles. This is an example of the Dance in Country Week schedule. A confirmed schedule will be sent once the school teams are allocated for each workshop. NB Please note the revised final performance time on Thursday afternoon. 9 am 10am 10.15am 11.30am 11.30am- 12.15pm 12.15pm 1.30pm 1:30pm 3:30pm Day 1 Warm Up Workshop 1 Break Workshop 2 Class Day 2 Warm Up Workshop 3 Break Rehearsals Scheduled Activities Class Day 3 Warm Up Workshop 4 Break Workshop 5 Scheduled Activities Class Day 4 Warm Up Class Workshop 6 Break Rehearsals Final Showing Performance Day 5 Schools free to watch Sports Finals at Stadium Performance at Closing Ceremony 6
Cumulative Assessment Each team will be required to participate in a warm up/body conditioning class and two workshops/rehearsal blocks on each of the first four days. On the afternoon of the fourth day the school teams will present the dances they have been learning throughout the week in a performance showing. Across the week the teams will also be assessed on their technique, ability and teamwork during the workshops. They will be awarded points by the dance tutors throughout the week for collaborating well, for taking risks and extending their movement comfort zones. The scores from all the workshops will then be tallied and put towards the score for final day showing. NB. As in previous years, students are not required to create a new dance work for presentation to an adjudication panel at the end of the week. The content of the showing will be the phrases the students have learnt and helped to generate during the classes taken throughout the week. Connecting with the Dance Sector To increase awareness and connection to Perth the dance sector, the dance program will be run at professional dance studios at the King Street Arts Centre in the Perth CBD, a hub of dance and arts organisations. Additional activities will be scheduled in the program to provide insight, awareness and a context for the dance sector in WA. Ausdance WA will also arrange an opportunity to tour a theatre or company, which in previous years have included the State Theatre Centre, West Australian Ballet Centre, West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the Art Gallery of WA / The Blue Room Theatre for a behind- the- scenes glimpse into these prestigious venues. NB. This will involve moving off- sight to explore a different venue, so additional permission will be necessary from students/parents. Teachers will be advised ahead of time on exact locations. Support for Teachers As well as providing regional teachers with the opportunity to watch or join in with the Dance in Country Week workshops, Ausdance WA will present two Professional Learning opportunities for teachers in 2018. Teacher PD - Debrief: an opportunity to meet Ausdance WA staff and fellow teachers to discuss relevant and current issues facing the dance sector in regional schools. A relevant guest speaker is also invited to cover topics of interest. Teacher PD - Practical Workshop: During the week, Ausdance WA will provide a workshop specifically aimed at teachers delivered by one of our highly skilled facilitators. This will provide a hands- on opportunity for teachers to increase skills and knowledge with a range of styles, improve sequencing and choreographic terminology and discuss motivation and challenges in the classroom. Health and Well- Being Discussion Ausdance WA will once again present this discussion to cover dancer s health and well being throughout the week and beyond. This will cover injury prevention, warm- up and cool down guidelines, nutrition and health advice and psychological support to ensure everyone s experience at Dance in Country Week is a safe and enjoyable one. 7
Healthy Competitive Environment Ausdance WA acknowledges that Dance in Country Week is a competitive event, and we have structured the week to promote a healthy competitive environment. Ausdance WA invites and encourages all teams to take on practices that characterise healthy competition. These practices include: doing one s best having fun learning new skills creating opportunity for growth working as a team positive participation putting in a strong and concerted effort striving to improve oneself supporting other teams ensuring that learning and developing are the central goals rather than winning. It has been demonstrated that students who embrace these practices will have a positive and rewarding experience, and if they happen to win, it s icing on the cake! Focus on having fun and enjoy the creative and learning process. Less focus on winning! Dance in Country Week 2017 Image: Sophia Natale The Country Week Dance experience is definitely one not to be missed and that goes for both students and teachers! The week is full on learning. Teachers have the opportunity to network,, share ideas and gain valuable support for their classroom teaching and learning programmes. Dance in Country Week rocks! Teacher, 2017 8
DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK 2018 GUIDELINES Divisions Due to a smaller number of schools nominating for Dance in Country Week in recent years there will only be one division in 2018. For Dance in Country Week 2018, Ausdance WA can cater up to a maximum of 10-15 schools or 110 students. Teams Each team can have a minimum of 6 members and a maximum of 10. If a school s team numbers are low, Ausdance WA will consider combining two school teams. In the event that the combined team is the overall winner of the dance program the points will be distributed equally to each school. If you are concerned about your team numbers, please contact Ausdance WA to discuss alternative options. Dance Rehearsals As mentioned, student teams are not required to create a new dance work to perform at the end of the week. The routines presented and learnt during the workshops will be the ones performed. This year due to feedback, rehearsals have been built into the schedule throughout the week. This should provide plenty of time and space to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the material. We discourage additional rehearsals / studio time to help to combat an already long and physical day. Music The artistic team in consultation with Ausdance WA will select the music for the classes, workshops and showing. Ausdance WA will provide a copy of the music to each team during Dance in Country Week. Video documentation and Photography Teams are permitted to video the final run of each routine only, during the workshop. Videoing of the workshops themselves is not permitted. Ausdance WA will engage a professional photographer to document the performance. Duty of Care Duty of care of the students remains with the teachers. Ausdance WA cannot take responsibility for students or teachers /supervisors valuables, or for students during breaks. 9
Showing The Performance Showing will be held on Thursday 28 June 2018 between 1:30pm and 3:30pm at a venue TBC. (Most likely Studio 3, King Street Arts Centre, Perth). Adjudication Workshops Dance Tutors will award points for the teams throughout the week during the workshops. Points will be awarded for the team s technique, ability, attitude and teamwork. Additionally, each team s ability to collaborate, take risks and extend their movement comfort zones will be assessed and scored. The Artistic Team Leader will assess teams general dance etiquette during the workshops. It includes no chewing gum, no food in studios, hair off the face, no chunky jewellery and wearing appropriate dance clothing. The points awarded during the workshops will be tallied and put towards the final score on the final day s showing. Showing A panel of adjudicators will be appointed to score the final showing which will include performances of each of the dance styles learned. More information about the adjudicators will be made available during Dance in Country Week 2018. Presentation of Winning Teams Only the first and second place winners, as well as the recipients of encouragement awards, will be announced at the presentation. School Sport WA will post the final rankings to schools following Country Week. Ausdance WA will also provide detailed feedback and scores to schools from tutors, artistic team leader and adjudicators after the event. Participation All students taking part in Dance in Country Week 2018 will receive a participation certificate and an Act- Belong- Commit Dance in Country Week T- shirt. Bollywood Finale, 2017 Image by Sophia Natale 10
DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK REQUIREMENTS School Representative Each school must provide a school representative who will attend each workshop and rehearsal. Ideally this should be a dance teacher, in order for them to make the most of their time. List of Students & Teachers Names Each school must provide Ausdance WA with a complete list of all participating students and teachers/supervisors for Dance in Country Week 2017 along with teachers/supervisors contact numbers. Release Forms Ausdance WA will take photographs during the workshops and final performance. It is essential that every student submit a signed release form from his/her parent/guardian that is submitted to Ausdance WA prior to the commencement of Dance in Country Week 2017. The Release Form is enclosed in this booklet. Please see Appendix. Uniforms Ausdance WA requests that school teams attending Dance in Country Week wear a uniform or common colour to be easily identified from other schools during the week. Dance Workshops Students will participate in six dance workshops throughout the week. Contemporary technique, choreographic practice and two other cultural dance styles. Teams are reminded that the Artistic Team Leader provided by Ausdance WA will be available to assist students with artistic matters. This person will be monitoring all teams in the workshops in order to maintain a fair and consistent event. Evaluation & Feedback Ausdance WA will follow up with an evaluation form to obtain feedback from the participating schools two weeks following the event. In order to gain information about the teachers attending and gauge relevant professional learning content, Ausdance WA also distributes a Teachers survey before the event. 11
GUIDELINES FOR DANCE TEACHERS/SUPERVISORS AT DANCE IN COUNTRY WEEK Ausdance WA has developed specific guidelines for the Dance Teachers/Supervisors involved in Dance in Country Week to allow for the varying levels of dance experience of staff and to ensure that each team is working under the same conditions for the week. In 2018, teams that do not adhere to these guidelines will be penalised. Role of Dance Teachers/Supervisor The role of the Dance Teacher/Supervisor during Dance in Country Week is that of an assistant. The dance team members (students) are responsible for making all artistic decisions. Dance Teachers/Supervisors are present during this process to assist in rehearsal management rather than artistic problem solving. Dance Teachers/Supervisors may assist teams with the following tasks: Operate music Assist to clean or polish choreography: o identify discrepancies in movement detail; o provide technical feedback on movement (point your feet there, soften landings from jumps); o identify count discrepancies; o identify messy spacing; and o assist dancers to find correct spacing for their positions Act as mediator in disputes/arguments amongst dancers Professional Development for Dance Teachers/Supervisors Ausdance WA recognises that Dance in Country Week is a great opportunity for professional development for dance teachers/supervisors. As mentioned, dance teachers/supervisors will be encouraged to participate in the Dance in Country Week workshops in all dance styles, including choreography. 12
Judging Criteria Assessment Each team will be adjudicated on: 1. Workshop Performance 2. Showcase Performance, and 3. Team Work Workshop Performance The workshop leaders will provide a score between 1 and 5 for each team on the following: (1=Limited, 2=Sound, 3=Good, 4=Very Good, 5=Excellent) Responsiveness to feedback Collaboration of group or duo / Attitude of individual Focus / Commitment Technique /Application of choreographic tools / elements /devices Each team has the potential to obtain a maximum score of 40. Showcase Performance An adjudication panel will deliberate on the performance of the dance styles covered during the workshop week. That is, contemporary / choreography and the two cultural dance styles. Each team will receive a score between 1 and 5 on the following: (1=Limited, 2=Sound, 3=Good, 4=Very Good, 5=Excellent) Performance Quality: Focus, Expression, Style and Presence Creativity: Innovation of good ideas / Fresh approach Each team has the potential to obtain a maximum score of 40. Team Work The Artistic Team Leader (employed by Ausdance WA) will assess each team on: team work displayed throughout the week in the lead up to the adjudicated performance; general dance etiquette which will be assessed by the Artistic Team Leader during rehearsals throughout the week. Each team will be provided a score out of 20. Overall, each team has the potential to obtain a score out of 100. 13
CODE OF CONDUCT For Dance Students Team Work: Students are encouraged to work as a team at all times Healthy Competition: Treat all team members and opponents fairly and respectfully Follow guidelines and requirements set by Ausdance WA Have fun! For Teachers/Supervisors Be a role model for students Encourage positive interaction amongst all students Create a positive environment for students Allow officials to conduct the event smoothly Follow guidelines and requirements set by Ausdance WA For Audience & Spectators Allow officials to conduct the event smoothly Demonstrate positive behaviour Respect the competing teams and their supporters Health and Well- being session Dance in Country Week 2017. Image: Amy Wiseman 14
UNIFORMS AND DANCE EQUIPMENT Students are encouraged to wear dance clothing that allows moving freely and comfortably. A school uniform or common colour is recommended to be identifiable Students may be required to work in both bare feet and sneakers/dance shoes Costumes are not a requirement for the showing Students / teachers are welcome to bring a yoga mat for the warm up/body conditioning class TRANSPORT & PARKING Transportation and parking at all venues is the responsibility of the school. Parking information/maps will be provided for parking at venues where required. VENUES Workshops Showing Tour King Street Arts Centre TBC Most likely King Street Art Centre TBC - Subiaco Arts Centre, State Theatre Centre, etc. King Street Arts Centre Dance studios 1, 2, & 3 Level 2, 357 365 Murray Street Perth WA 6000 (enter via Murray Street or Munster Lane off King Street.) 15
APPENDIX: RELEASE FORM CLEARANCE FORM FOR VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY OF PARTICIPANTS FOR USE BY AUSDANCE WA To be completed for each participant - due 15 June 2018 Dear Parent/Guardian, During the Dance in Country Week 2018 program presented by Ausdance WA, Act- Belong- Commit and School Sport WA, Ausdance WA will be taking photographs and video footage of the workshops and the final performance. The footage will be used to: promote the project on the internet on websites and social media networks associated with the project (including Ausdance WA, Healthway and School Sport WA). The school s name will be noted however individual student names will not be included on the internet; promote the project by publishing photographic images in news articles in the local newspapers, The West Australian, or other print and online media and social media networks; evaluate the project and conduct further research into developing the Dance in Country Week program. To proceed with this documentation, Ausdance WA requires that all parents/guardians give their permission for their child to be filmed/photographed. Please sign and return this form to your teacher by 15 June 2018 before you attend Dance in Country Week. Thank you. School: I give my consent for my child (child s full name) to be: 1. photographed and these images to be published on the internet to promote the Dance in Country Week project 2018 and no student names will be included. YES / NO 2. filmed during rehearsals and final performance and Ausdance WA and the school will be credited but no individual names will be published in association with this. YES / NO 3. photographed to promote the Dance in Country Week Project 2018 and images may be published in print, online media articles and social media networks (ie Facebook, Instagram) YES / NO Parent/Guardian s Signature Please print your name Date 16