The Australian Ballet presents over 130 Education events, which include a new programme Out There – The Australian Ballet in schools. This in-schools programme is a significant development in The Australian Ballet’s evolving Education Programme, piloted in partnership with Arts Victoria. Since late 2006, nearly 8,000 children have had the Out There experience of kinetic workshops, demonstrations and discussion groups for middle, upper primary and lower secondary school students ranging from 10 to 15 years.

Out There gives children an awareness of dance in a positive, exciting and participatory way and encourages participants to be alert, fit and imaginative, stimulating expressive exploration in dance. The Out There programme design was informed by an inquiry that probed the priorities and possibilities of dance as a complementary subject in the overall school curriculum. Particular attention is given to the relationship between dance learning and the aims of other subjects included in curriculum.

Where does Out There happen?
Currently, Out There prioritises schools in regional cities and towns in Victoria. In 2007 the Out There ensemble visited schools in Swan Hill, Sea Lake, Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Allansford, Koroit, Grassmere, Sale, Bairnsdale and several Melbourne schools. In addition to teaching and presenting in Victoria, a pilot programme was presented in Sydney; Campbelltown, Holsworthy, Narellan and Katoomba. Out There will continue its work in 2008 in metropolitan and regional schools. It is anticipated that Victorian regions will include Echuca/Shepparton, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Moe, Morwell, and Traralgon. The Australian Ballet is looking to expand the programme and welcomes inquiries about Out There from other schools in Victoria and other states and territories.

Who delivers Out There?
Out There presenters are chosen on the basis of their interest in teaching and communicating with young people and teachers in a school context. They are dancers with classical ballet training and experienced in working in several dance styles. To ensure the presenters can confidently deliver our Out There programme, they engage in an intensive four-week professional development programme which includes an array of topics including teaching methodology, creating and demonstrating various dance styles, classroom communication and assessment procedures.

How can I get involved?
We hope that Out There will become a permanent fi xture in our Education Programme from 2009 onwards, and that will reach an ever-expanding audience around the country. This will be reliant on continuing support from Governments, and philanthropic individuals and institutions. At present, while we continue to refine the programme, schools are invited to host Out There sessions, and participate in the evaluation and development process, free of charge. If your school would like to be considered in 2008 – or if you would like more general information about Out There – please contact Helen Cameron on the address below.

For further information
Helen Cameron
Education Consultant
The Australian Ballet
2 Kavanagh Street
Southbank Vic 3006
Email: helencam@australianballet.com.au
Phone: 03 9669 2734