The Dance Academy at NVSHS is a selective Junior Secondary pathway (Years 7-9) designed for students who demonstrate strong movement ability, commitment and a passion for performance and creative expression.
Recently reintroduced, the program marks an exciting new chapter for Dance at NVSHS, building culture of excellence, creativity, and collaboration within the Arts. It aims to develop confident, expressive, and technically capable young dancers through a supportive and challenging learning environment.
The program provides a rigorous and enriched curriculum for students seeking to extend their technical skills, choreographic practice, and understanding of dance as both an arts form and a means of communication. Students engage in a range of styles and approaches, developing their physical control, performance quality, and ability to create and respond to dance.
This program is ideal for students who have prior experience or a strong interest in movement and performance, and who are ready to commit to a focused and structured pathway that supports both artistic and personal growth.
Our Extended Curriculum
A key point of difference at NVSHS is that Dance Excellence operates as a full-year subject across Years 7–9, allowing students to engage in sustained and meaningful development throughout the year.
This extended contact time enables students to engage deeply in:
- Technical skill development across a range of dance styles
- Choreography and creative movement practices
- Performance quality, expression, and stagecraft
- Dance appreciation and analysis
- Collaborative ensemble work and group performance
Students benefit from a program that draws on teacher expertise across a range of styles and genres of dance, and foundational technique, ensuring a balanced and high-quality learning experience. This breadth supports both technical growth and creative exploration.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through:
- Workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals
- Excursions to live performances
- Performance opportunities at school and community events
- Involvement in eisteddfod competitions
These immersive experiences foster confidence, resilience, and artistic maturity, while strengthening students' connection to the wider dance community.
Program Requirements
Students in the Dance Academy are expected to demonstrate dedication and commitment both in and beyond the classroom.
Program requirements include:
- Active and consistent participation in all practical Dance lessons
- Commitment to rehearsals and performance preparation
- Participation in school Dance Troupes and performance opportunities where applicable
- Ongoing development of physical conditioning, technique, and safe dance practices
- Demonstrating appropriate behaviour and always upholding a positive standard of representation of the school
- Payment of the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) fee associated with the course
Performance and rehearsal processes are essential components of the program, ensuring students develop technical proficiency, expressive capability, and collaborative rehearsal practices. Students are also encouraged to engage in dance experiences beyond the classroom to further enrich their learning and growth as performers.
Pathways and Long-Term Benefits
The Dance Academy provides a strong foundation for senior studies including:
- General and Applied Dance (Years 10–12)
- Connections to Industry programs
The program establishes a clear pathway into senior Dance studies, with students pursuing fulltime training through external dance studios, and some extending into tertiary opportunities in dance, performing arts, and related fields.
Importantly, the benefits of Dance Academy extend beyond performance pathways. Students develop highly transferable skills including:
- Creative and critical thinking
- Physical awareness and discipline
- Collaboration and leadership
- Resilience, confidence, and time management
- Complex problem solving
Graduates of the program are well equipped to pursue a wide range of pathways, including the creative industries, education, health and fitness, and other professional fields.
Selection Process
Entry into the Dance Academy is competitive and based on a combination of:
• Demonstrated movement ability and performance potential
• Physical coordination, musicality, and expressive capacity
• Learning attitude, commitment, and willingness to grow
Audition Requirements
All applicants must complete an audition.
Applicants will be required to:
- Present a short solo (approximately 1 minute) in style of their choice (pre-recorded)
- Learn and perform a short, taught dance combination to demonstrate coordination, technique and performance quality
- Participate in simple movement and improvisation tasks to demonstrate creativity and responsiveness
- Present a copy of their most recent school report card
Prior dance experience is beneficial but not essential. Students with a strong interest in movement and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit a Narangba Valley State High School Enrolment Application. You must indicate your intention to apply for a Program of Excellence (POE) on the enrolment form.
Step 2: Complete the Program of Excellence (POE) Application Form (link provided following enrolment enquiry).
Step 3: Submit your audition recording and attend a scheduled live audition session as directed.
Successful applicants will be notified following the audition process.
Dance Program of Excellence Team
Guided by passionate educators with a strong commitment to dance education, our Dance Program of Excellence provides a supportive and inspiring environment for students to grow as performers and creators.
Through a balance of technical training, creative exploration, and performance opportunities, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, refine their skills, and develop confidence in their artistic voice. The program fosters a culture of collaboration, dedication, and pride, empowering students to achieve excellence both within Dance and beyond.
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Ms Caitlin Friis
Dance Academy Teacher
Dance Troupe Coach
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Caitlin Friis is a passionate dance educator at NVSHS, bringing over 9 years of teaching experience to the Dance Academy. Holding a Bachelor of Creative Industries in Dance and Drama, Caitlin combines strong academic knowledge with a lifelong love of dance, having danced since the age of three.
With a deep connection to the dance industry, Caitlin is committed to creating authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. She is particularly passionate about embedding real-world industry connections into the curriculum, providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop their technical and choreographic skills, perform, and showcase their work to the wider community.
Caitlin has a strong passion for Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Hip Hop, and is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment that nurtures students' confidence, creativity, and technical development.
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