New Moves

challenge is the maintenance of their physical strength and stamina, and a disciplined approach to dealing with any injuries as they arise.”

Did you know senior Academic Dance students are sharpening their mathematical abilities, solving problems, manipulating abstract ideas, and testing and evaluating solutions around time, rhythm, area, and volume each time they choreograph a dance?

Wenona introduced the subject for Years 9 to 11 at the beginning of 2022, with the first cohort of around seven students undertaking their HSC examinations in 2023. The NESA curriculum incorporates three main areas: Performance, Composition and Appreciation, culminating in a Major Work.

At the helm is the Head of Dance Mr Peter Fares, who graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and has performed with companies from across Australia and the world. He says no one should underestimate the challenging curriculum.

“The students also need to learn to collaborate really skilfully and communicate well, because a high-level verbal presentation forms part of the final HSC exam,” he says. “Another

“Academic Dance is an open space to explore abstract movements and create dances and phrases with your own brain,” says Year 11 student Matilda Keegan. “It is this freedom that I love the most, along with the ability to publicly showcase your own work.”

Wenona Academic Dance students from Years 9 to 11 unveiled their progress at their inaugural production UNITE at the Independent Theatre on October 17.

Three of the six performances were student-devised and covered current themes such as refugees, Indigenous experiences, cancel culture and narcissism.