SYDNEY Dance Company held two free dance workshops on Thursday ahead of the company’s Frame of Mind performance at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre next week.
A creative workshop at Mount Gambier High School and a technique class at MJ Dance Studio presented an opportunity for local dancers to learn from world-class teaching artists.
Former Mount Gambier local Cooper Terry, now in his second year with the company, returned to his home town to assist during the workshops.
Mr Terry studied dance at MJ Dance Studio and Mount Gambier High School and said it was surreal to lead the school’s year 9 dance students.
“I actually went to school at Tenison, but I studied dance at Mount High and graduated with dance as part of my curriculum,” Mr Terry told The Border Watch.
“Only a couple of years ago I was in that same class doing the Sydney Dance Company workshop.
“Two of the dancers who led that workshop spoke to me afterward and suggested I audition to do the pre-professional program with the company.”
After completing his pre-professional year in 2016, the company offered Mr Terry an opportunity to stay on for a second year.
With aspirations to join the ensemble he said the experience was invaluable.
“There are so many talented dancers within the company and if a space becomes available it really depends what they are after for the ensemble,” he said.
“Even if I don’t end up in the Sydney Dance Company ensemble there are hundreds of companies not only all over Australia but world wide
“I now have this experience working within the dance company which will give me an edge in auditions.”
Mr Terry said the previous workshops had inspired him as a young dancer.
“We don’t often visit or tour down here so it’s a really amazing opportunity for the students,” he said.
“It was really nice to be back in that room – there was still a photo of me on the wall which was quite funny.”
Mount Gambier High School dance teacher Samara Greer said she aimed to expose her students to all genres of dance.
“I try to be really inclusive and teach contemporary, ballet, hip hop, tap dancing – I try to expose the students to as much dance as I possibly can,” she said.
“Our dance program is open to all schools, for students in years 9 to 12 – we have three students from Tenison taking our dance classes at the moment.
“Today’s workshop is really pushing students out of their comfort zone and it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from some of the best dancers in the country.”
The Sydney Dance Company will hit the stage at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre for one night only on August 2.
The critically acclaimed Frame of Mind will also feature Wildebeest, the smash hit from South Australian choreographer Gabrielle Nankivell.
