Teacher Training 2027 Prospectus
Contents About Sydney Dance Company
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Message from Head of Training
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Our Studios
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About Teacher Training
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Schedule of Fees
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Module Overview
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Accreditation
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Meet the Training Team
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Application Process
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Cover image by Wendell Teodoro.
About Sydney Dance Company Sydney Dance Company is at the forefront of contemporary dance, pioneering and continually evolving the artform. Under the Artistic Directorship of Rafael Bonachela since 2009, the Company has built an international reputation that reflects contemporary Australia on a global stage. Its full-time Ensmeble, performs a diverse repertoire, featuring works by Bonachela alongside guest choreographers such as Stephen Page, Jacopo Godani, Melanie Lane, Alexander Ekman, Gideon Obarzanek, Marina Mascarell, Antony Hamilton, Gabrielle Nankivell and Cheng Tsung-lung. The Company collaborates widely with partners including Australian String Quartet, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, as well as composers Bryce Dessner, Nick Wales, Clark, 48nord and the late Ezio Bosso.
In 2014 Sydney Dance Company launched its Pre-Professional Year (PPY), a full-time training program for aspiring professional dance artists, providing world-class training in an unparalleled environment. Since then, Sydney Dance Company’s training programs have expanded to include PPY, Teacher Training, Accredited Short Courses, Professional Intensives, Youth Ensembles and other professional training designed to develop dance technique, performance, choreography and teaching practices. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863), Sydney Dance Company delivers nationally recognised qualifications alongside a broader portfolio of professional dance programs.
“Each movement in dance is a reflection of the beauty of impermanence, a fleeting conversation between the dancer and the dance. To educate in such an art form is, in itself, an art form.” Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director 3
Message from Head of Training Linda Gamblin Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training invites us to reimagine the art of teaching dance. More than a program, it is a collective commitment to shaping a culture of education that embraces not only the physical, but also the mental, emotional and intuitive layers of training and performance. Over many years of leading pre-professional education, grounded in collective learning, we have gained a deep understanding of what truly supports meaningful development, what can hinder it and the nuanced approaches diverse learners need. I believe technique is not simply something we learn, but something we embody through curiosity, practice, reflection and experience. Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training explores these layers of learning beyond physical skill and aesthetics, challenging us to consider how we communicate, develop and embody knowledge through practice. At the heart of this learning is the relationship between student and teacher, a collaborative exchange built on trust, inquiry and shared responsibility for learning and growth. These insights continue to shape dance education, placing greater emphasis on inclusive practices and prioritising the health and vitality of both dancer and teacher. Through lived experience, we can redefine what it means to educate with integrity and shape environments that are responsive, rigorous and safe.
“Dance is a visceral language, transcending words to forge profound connections with our audiences and peers. It is this multifaceted beauty that we aim to preserve and pass on to every student.” Linda Gamblin, Head of Training
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Our Studios
Sydney Dance Company is situated on the lands and over the waters of the Gadigal. Since 1986 the Wharf Studios in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct have been home to generations of renowned dancers and the foundation of performances that have brought world-wide acclaim.
Our state-of-the-art studios and facilities provide myriad opportunities to delve into dance, performance, training and wellness. In addition to five studios, Sydney Dance Company has a fully equipped Conditioning Studio and a 79-seat black-box studio theatre for regular performance and industry networking opportunities. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dancers have been taught in our studios.
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About Teacher Training Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training offers aspiring and experienced dance educators a comprehensive pathway to refine their teaching skills and professional practice. Whether you are a dance professional transitioning from a performance career, a dance student aspiring to teach, or an experienced teacher looking to refine your craft, Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training offers a unique opportunity to master the art of movement and dance pedagogy. Through foundational principles and advanced teaching strategies, you will explore engaging and effective approaches to dance education that foster personal agency, creative expression, and a deep connection to movement potential. Emphasising embodied teaching practices, Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training ensures every teacher creates dance classes, workshops, and learning experiences that embraces a holistic understanding of dance as a skill and an art form.
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“By sharing insights and methods, we collectively shift paradigms and build on values that shape and enhance our approaches to teaching and learning.” Lexy Panetta, Learning Associate
Training Delivery and Dates
Term 1, 2027
Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training is a part-time program delivered over 12 months, with the option to extend to 18 months. Blending theoretical study with practical experience, the program includes weekly lectures offered in person or online, alongside four immersive one-week intensives held at our world-class studios in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct in Sydney.
22 – 26 January: Practical Intensive • Dance Pedagogy #1 • Embodied Anatomy
With biannual intakes in January and July, you can choose a start date that best suits your schedule, ensuring flexibility to balance study with work and other commitments.
12 –16 April: Practical Intensive • Choreographic Practice
Practical Intensives Delivered in our Walsh Bay Arts Precinct studios Sydney, these five-day intensives (9:30am – 5:00pm) are an opportunity to come together in person to participate in interactive learning, reflect on best teaching practices and collaborate with peers and faculty.
Weekly Lectures Weekly theory sessions run for eight Tuesday mornings (10:30am – 12:00pm) each NSW school term, offered face-toface in our meeting rooms or virtually for added flexibility. The lecture portion of each session is recorded for those unable to attend at the scheduled time. Viewing of these recordings are available through the Learning Management System for one month only.
2 February - 23 March: Tuesday Lectures • Dance Pedagogy #1 Term 2, 2027
27 April - 15 June: Tuesday Lectures • Safe Spaces for Children & Young People • Inclusive Performing Arts Culture Term 3, 2027 5 - 9 July: Practical Intensive • Dance Pedagogy #2 27 July - 14 September: Tuesday Lectures • Dance Pedagogy #2 • Design a Dance Program Term 4, 2027 27 Sep - 1 Oct: Practical Intensive • Movement Mastery 12 Oct – 30 Nov: Tuesday Lectures • Investigating Business Opportunities • Self-Compassion & Resilience *Please note dates are subject to change.
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Schedule of Fees Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training fee is $6,990.00 (GST free). Upon acceptance, you will be required to confirm your position within seven days of receiving your letter of offer by paying the enrolment fee.
Enrolment Fee
Upon acceptance
$990
Term 1, Instalment
8 January 2027
$1,500
Term 2, Instalment
29 March 2027
$1,500
Term 3, Instalment
21 June 2027
$1,500
Term 4, Instalment
13 September 2027
$1,500
Included Extras As a part-time student in Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training program, we encourage you to engage with a range of activities to enrich your experience. To support your learning and professional development, we offer the following additions: • Complimentary access to Classes On Demand • Complimentary 10-Class Pack to expand your training in a variety of dance styles within Sydney Dance Company’s Open Dance Class program (valued at $225) • Discounts to classes and merchandise, as well as Sydney Dance Company performances during special promotions 8
Upon completion of Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training, you will gain access to a 30% discount on all Accredited Short Courses to assist you in staying up to date with your dance teaching and professional development. This engagement supports dance teachers and industry leaders in consistently revisiting and exploring teaching practices while staying connected as a community. These opportunities allow us to reflect on our growth, embrace updated knowledge, and continue driving meaningful change in our industry. We will also advertise free events from time to time to connect and inspire, so stay in touch!
Module Overview Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training is built around nine core modules, each carefully designed to provide in-depth exploration of key teaching principles. The flexible structure of the delivery allows you to balance your studies alongside other commitments.
Module Overview Module 1 (Practical and Theoretical)
Dance Pedagogy
Guided by experienced dance teachers, industry specialists and academic researchers, this module combines practical application with theoretical exploration to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel as a dance educator. Core areas include learning styles and theories, cognitive processes, cueing, instruction and feedback, and the evolving role of the teacher. Through lectures and collaborative workshops, you will examine, debate and reflect on impactful philosophies and approaches for delivering impactful dance programs, while collectively exploring effective language for guiding efficient movement.
Module 2 (Practical and Theoretical)
Design a Dance Program Designing impactful dance programs for diverse learner groups builds on the foundations of Module 1, and explores how to set clear expectations, respond to varied student needs and ensure appropriate resources and assessment strategies are in place. This module emphasises rigorous teaching protocols, inclusive approaches and alignment with different learning styles and philosophies. By the end of the module you will have created three comprehensive dance programs that integrate structured planning and evaluation methods to support ongoing growth for all learners.
Module 3 (Practical)
Movement Mastery
Movement Mastery is an exploration of diverse movement techniques and body awareness philosophies, led by expert educators, choreographers and movement specialists. Across this one-week intensive, you will engage in improvisation, somatic self-observation, functional anatomy, kinaesthetic principles and mindful movement practices, cultivating a deeper understanding of deliberate action in motion. By expanding your awareness of how you move, you will gain valuable insight, confidence and clarity to enrich your personal teaching practice.
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Module 4 (Practical and Theoretical)
Embodied Anatomy
Working from a biomechanical perspective ensures that all bodies, regardless of their anatomical structure, can achieve optimal proficiency in dance technique. This inclusive method emphasises that every dancer can succeed by working with their own unique physicality and athleticism. Through understanding how the body moves most efficiently, you will learn how to guide dance students to advance their technique and reduce the risk of injury, leading to greater confidence and longevity in their dance practice. This approach will empower your students to unlock greater freedom of movement and alignment and become self-directed in their progress. Module 5 (Practical and Theoretical)
Choreographic Practice
This specialised intensive will give you a diverse range of tools, techniques, methods, and processes to enhance your dance-making skills and choreographic practice. Guided by influential choreographers and educators, you will develop strategies through creative development activities and taskbased approaches to generating movement. This workshop and lecture series supports the growth of your artistic voice, providing both inspiration and practical skills to create thoughtful dance phrases for your classes and choreographic projects. It also equips you to bring creative ideas to life and work efficiently under pressure. Module 6 (Practical and Theoretical)
Self-Compassion & Resilience
As teachers we understand the importance of leading by example. How can we care for others if we don’t first care for ourselves? This module explores the vital role of selfcompassion in building resilience by fostering emotional intelligence and adaptability. Through guided reflection, both practical and theoretical, you will gain tools to maintain a well-balanced life. By broadening our awareness of the connections between mind, thought, and action, and considering how these impact health and happiness, personal and professional success becomes attainable and sustainable. With this mindset, your effectiveness as educators and role models will be enhanced, enabling you to better support the growth and well-being of your students.
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Module Overview Module 7 (Theoretical)
Inclusive Performing Arts Culture Designed to cultivate a respectful and inclusive culture in both dance teaching and the broader performing arts workplaces, we will explore strategies for fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected and supported, regardless of their background, identity or ability. Key topics include inclusive teaching methods, embracing diversity in the dance studio and implementing respectful workplace practices. Through discussions, case studies and practical exercises, you will gain the tools to build a culture that promotes creativity, collaboration and mutual respect across all areas of the performing arts industry.
Module 8 (Theoretical)
Safe Spaces for Children & Young People This module focuses on creating safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for children and young people to thrive in dance and performing arts settings. We will explore best practices for establishing physical and emotional safety, ensuring young learners feel valued, respected, and protected. Key topics include developing a safeguarding policy, building inclusive spaces, setting clear boundaries and fostering positive relationships that promote trust, resilience and well-being. Through discussions and practical strategies, this module will equip you as a teacher and leader, with the tools to create environments where children and young people can flourish both artistically and personally.
Module 9 (Theoretical)
Investigating Business Opportunities This module explores creative business opportunities within the dance and performing arts sector, focusing on sustainable models that balance artistic integrity with financial viability. Together, we develop entrepreneurial thinking as we research and design business plans aligned with your goals, values and objectives. Through market research, critical analysis and strategic planning, you’ll challenge industry assumptions, establish your unique selling point and develop a comprehensive business case.
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Accreditation Upon successful completion of Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training, the nationally recognised qualification CUA40320 Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management will be awarded. Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863).
CUAWHS411
Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning
CUAWHS413
Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development
CUADTM413
Apply safe dance teaching methods
CUADTM405
Teach basic contemporary dance technique
CUADTM431
Design and conduct dance learning program
CUADTM441
CUACHR412
Create short dance pieces
Plan and conduct assessment activities for dance
BSBESB401
CUADTM421
Teach basic dance techniques
Research and develop business plans
BSBTWK301
CUAWHS405
Provide a safe performing arts environment for children
Use inclusive work practices
HLTAID011
Provide first aid*
CUADTM412
Promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of children in performing arts
CUAMWB401
Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries
*The unit of competency HLTAID011 Provide First Aid must be completed externally through an accredited provider. Sydney Dance Company does not deliver this unit. The CUA40320 Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management cannot be awarded until this requirement is fulfilled.
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Meet the Training Team “Students learn as much from who the teacher is, as they do from what the teacher teaches.” Linda Gamblin, Head of Training
Link to Bios
Linda Gamblin Head of Training
Juliette Barton Training Associate
Omer Backley-Astrachan Pre-Professional Year Program Manager
Sam Dashwood Head of Open Programs & Learning
Eugénie English Training Coordinator
Felicity McGee Conditioning Studio Manager
Lexy Panetta Learning Associate
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Application Process Sydney Dance Company welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds with a variety of dance training experiences. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and demonstrate competency in their chosen dance genre or style, with a curiosity about teaching dance. A foundation in classical or contemporary dance technique is required, as is proficiency in written and spoken English. Support and learning adjustments can be provided as needed to ensure an inclusive learning environment. Eligibility • Demonstrated competency in your chosen dance genre or style at a Certificate IV level of dance training or equivalent. • Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or an appropriate residency visa that allows you to reside and study in Australia for the duration of the program. Sydney Dance Company cannot arrange student visas. Applications must be submitted via our website. Applicants are required to include at least one video link in the online application form, along with a brief description of their dance background and interest in dance teaching. Preferred Video Submission
Inclusivity and Support for Participants
• 1 x contemporary dance or ballet technique • 1 x own choice of style (Sydney Dance Company encourages applicants to include videos of cultural dance styles if relevant to their application).
Sydney Dance Company is committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports participants of all abilities. We welcome individuals with disabilities and provide tailored support, including accessible learning spaces, flexible assessment options, technology support and individualised learning plans. By working closely with each participant to address specific needs, we ensure that everyone can fully engage in the program and thrive in their teaching journey.
If you require any support or adjustments to complete your application, please contact: Eugénie English (she/her) Training Coordinator training@sydneydancecompany.com +61 2 9258 4886
Link to Apply 15
Join the Conversation training@sydneydancecompany.com @sydneydanceco.training sydneydancecompany.com Photography Ben Symons Daniel Boud Wendell Levi Teodoro
All information in this prospectus is subject to change without notice.