2024 NAISDA audition/applications process launched

The applications and auditions process for students keen to join NAISDA Dance College, Australia’s leading national arts training organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in 2024 are has been launched.

NAISDA – formerly the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association – has enjoyed a rich history of nurturing and shaping the careers of renowned First Nations performers for nearly 50 years.

It has provided a unique pathway to further study and offered Australia’s only nationally accredited dance and performing arts qualifications specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“We believe arts education is the most powerful way to change the world,” NAISDA CEO Kim Walker said.

“NAISDA is shaped by the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities across Australia.

“It’s their performances, works, steps and sounds that power Australia’s creative economy and shape the future of Australia’s performing arts industry,” Mr Walker said.

“We understand that coming to NAISDA may be the first experience away from home for many students, therefore, we build a secure, holistic community around them, to help ease anxiety and remove barriers to training.”

“As we open our application and audition process for our 2024 intake, we invite educators, mentors, friends and family to help us discover the next generation of First Nations dance artists.

“If you know a talented First Nations person who is 16 years or older and lives and breathes dance, culture, and creativity, encourage them to take a step towards their dreams by applying to study at NAISDA today.”

Successful applicants will be invited to NAISDA for onsite auditions from 3 to 5 October.

For auditionees who live 90 minutes or more from the college, ABSTUDY assistance is available to cover travel costs and NAISDA provides accommodation and meals during the audition period with the support of ABSTUDY.

To apply, First Nations applicants aged 16 and over should visit www.naisda.com. au/apply and submit their application before 21 August 2023.

For any enquiries, please contact NAISDA on auditions@naisda.com.au or 1800 117 116 (toll free).

Meet NAISDA Diploma Student Harlisha!

Harlisha Newie-Joe is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from the Goemu and Wagadagam tribe.

She spent most of her life growing up in Weipa on Algnith Country and lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales, on Darkinjung Country.

Harlisha started training at NAISDA in 2020 and is in her fourth year of studies.

She has trained with various industry professionals including Deon Hastie, Jasmin Sheppard, Alfred Taahi and Nicola Sabatino, and has performed with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2021 – 2023 with Jannawi Dance Clan.

Harlisha Newie-Joe.

Pics H photography by Lisa Haymes.

Harlisha worked with Jo Clancy on a Youth Dance Festival Film with her group Wagana, directed by the dance filmmaker Sue Healy.

In 2023 Harlisha participated in a weeklong collaborative creative workshop with NIDA and the Arts8 intensive weekend which sees two students from each of the Arts8 training organisations undertaking workshops within each other’s creative practice.