Chance to dance

By Bridget Cook
A CRANBOURNE dance school is helping to equip its students with the tools that could see them break into the professional dance world.
Contemporary Independent Dance (CID) started its inaugural ‘Excellence Program’ this year for those students who wanted to go above and beyond the regular dance lessons.
CID Director Nicole Jacobsson, who designed the course, said the program aimed to create ‘thinking dancers’.
“The program was designed to further educate and nurture students, from the age of nine to 18, who aspire to not only become the best dancer they can be, but to also prepare them and educate them on what paths are available for young dancers in the full-time and professional dance world,” she said.
“I want to enhance the physical skill level of each student and educate young suburban dancers on what is available on a higher level.”
The students take part in a weekly technique class designed to enhance their individual strength, flexibility and overall performance skills in the classical and contemporary genres.
The program also includes a curriculum which consists of two set tasks per term focusing on things including competition preparation, and creating healthy dancers both physically and mentally.
As part of the program, the class visited the Victorian College of The Arts Secondary School, The Australian Ballet Centre and The National Theatre Ballet School this month for an excursion.
“Students got an insidelook at dancers from all institutions taking class in classical ballet, body conditioning, acrobatics and even saw the Australian Ballet Company in preparation for their up coming tour,” Ms Jacobsson said.
She said due to the program’s success, she hopes to offer a junior and senior excellence class next year.
For more information visit www.independentdance.com.au