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Contemporary Dance

Notable alumni

  • Richard Cilli
  • Scott Elstermann
  • Scott Ewen
  • Mitch Harvey
  • Jenni Large
  • Tara Jade Samaya
  • Charmene Yap
  • Jack Ziesing

WAAPA offers contemporary dance students a holistic approach to dance training in its three-year Bachelor of Arts (Dance) degree. Physical skills, with an emphasis on choreography and creative practice, are underpinned by academic studies and research skills that provide social, cultural and historical perspectives.

Primary physical studies include contemporary dance, ballet, performance, repertoire, choreography and secondment with electives in yoga, tumbling, acting, aerial, cultural dance and somatic studies. Additional studies include dance history, dance criticism, arts administration, and music.

Students perform in two major performance seasons each year, working with Australian and international choreographers. Students are also offered a range of international programs for semester-long exchange, study abroad or performance, and can apply for short-term industry placements with major Australian dance companies.

Through rigorous performance and intensive classroom practice, this intensive, challenging degree course encourages students to pursue professional careers as dancers, choreographers, educators, researchers or administrators.

Courses offered

These course pages detail entry requirements, fee and interview information. You can also apply from these pages.

Postgraduate study

The Bachelor of Arts (Dance) is a prerequisite for postgraduate study including WAAPA’s unique Honours program as part of LINK Dance Company; Masters programs in performance research; and the Graduate Diploma of Education. Find out more here.

Audition and interview documents

More information

The Coordinator for Contemporary Dance is Mr Justin Rutzou.

To view all Performance staff, please visit the WAAPA Staff listing web page.

For domestic student enquiries please go to Future Students.
For international student enquiries please go to International Students.

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