Primary school students participating in an Out There workshop. Photo Fiona Howat
Schools Education Program
Incursions – Workshops and Demonstrations
One of The Australian Ballet’s core aims is to ensure that young Australians are given the opportunity to participate in and to value dance as a form of learning, artistic expression, recreational activity and entertainment.
Kinetic and expressive learning is central to a child’s positive development and one of the major components of our Education Program is Out There – The Australian Ballet in schools.
This innovative incursion program was devised for The Australian Ballet by leading Dance Educator Helen Cameron. Since the initial pilot phase in 2006, over 30,000 children have participated in the kinetic workshops, demonstrations and discussion forums.
Partnership presentations for schools
In recent years we have been steadily developing relationships with major organisations such as the Bundanon Trust, Penrith Performing Visual Arts, Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Ipswich Gallery and the National Gallery of Victoria. The programs are led by members of The Australian Ballet’s Dance Education Ensemble and the respective organisations' Education/Outreach Officers.
These valuable collaborations give Primary school students a cross-arts experience with a particular focus on visual and kinetic literacy. All the programs feature a variety of interactive and participatory exercises for the school students to enjoy within the host venues.
Equity and Access
Through the generosity of The Ian Potter Foundation, The Australian Ballet is able to offer a select number of schools in NSW, South Australia and Victoria the Out There - The Australian Ballet in schools program free of charge.