The same conditions apply to the second event that caters for boys in the 11 and under age group.

Another change worth noting is that The Australian Ballet may at its discretion offer two one- year scholarships covering tuition and academic costs to entrants in the Robert & Elizabeth Albert Junior Classical Ballet Scholarship who nominate to study at ABS. This incentive was previously offered to finalists in the major McDonald’s Ballet Scholarships.

The Dance of the Champions, introduced in 2008 as part of the Sydney Eisteddfod’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, will be repeated this year.  The date has been set for Sunday September 27th and, once again, a selection of prize-winning groups will pit their skills in a spectacular dance-off for $10,000 in prize money and the audience vote. The previous winner is not eligible to compete.  Last year this event was a complete sell-out, so to avoid disappointment, book early.

As usual, the Challenge program includes sections for troupes and solo performers of all ages in every style of dance from classical ballet to hip hop. Entries close on March 16th. The Syllabus may be viewed online and you can enter through the Sydney Eisteddfod website.  www.sydneyeisteddfod.com.au

Western Sydney Dance Action appoints new director!
The board of Western Sydney Dance Action has appointed Olivia Ansell as their new director.
Olivia Ansell’s involvement over the past decade, as a producer, director, choreographer, teacher and performer, demonstrates her diversity and versatility within the NSW arts sector, making her a valuable asset to an organisation such as Western Sydney Dance Action. Sydney based and a graduate of Queensland University of Technology’s Academy of the Arts, her recent experience includes producing the inaugural season of Short Sweet+Dance 2007, launching the Fast+Fresh Dance series for WSDA in 2008, directing Short Sweet+Dance 2009 and producing, directing and choreographing a range of events and dance activities for companies, organizations and institutions such as Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s Kids in the Park, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Dreamworld Themepark, College of Fine Arts UNSW,The McDonald College, Luna Park and the Conservatorium of Music and more.

Western Sydney Dance Action is a not-for-profit organisation that develops and nurtures the cultural fabric of dance in Western Sydney and beyond. The WSDA mission is to provide support and mentorship across it’s four core areas-Dance Development, Artist Support, Education and Audience Development.

Olivia Ansell, said,  “I am looking forward to consolidating and expanding upon the achievements of WSDA to date, maintaining the nurturing and unwavering support of Riverside Theatres Parramatta as well as projecting a new, self sustainable vision and pathway for WSDA to move in to its next generation of dance development.”

By supporting the development of both new and established work, cultivating exchange between fellow emerging and established independent practitioners, strengthening Western Sydney Dance Action’s relationships between established artists and organizations, and pursuing opportunities that enhance dance education and community participation –Ms Ansell believes she can further expand western Sydney’s reputation as a centre for excellence in dance facilitation.

The 2009 program shall deliver an exciting partnership with Kay Armstrong’s youth dance company, YouMove, which ais taking permanent part-time residency at the Connect Arcade.  YouMove will be presented as part of the annual Dance Bite series staged at Riverside Theatres, and plans to feature their work at neighbouring arts centres, various community events, showings and educational workshops.

The Space Performing Arts School offering Certificate II in Dance – on Saturdays!
The Space Performing Arts School in Prahran is offering in 2009 VCE VET Certificate II in Dance, Saturdays 1pm-5pm. Open to 15yrs and above including Mature aged, (students in Year 11 & 12 can contribute it to their VCE or VCAL). The total programme cost is $2700.
Contact: info@thespace.com.au www.thespace.com.au

Short Sweet+ Dance 2009
Following a sell-out premiere season, Short Sweet+Dance returns in February/March 2009!
The season, which runs 24 February to 14 March 2009, will showcase the work of over thirty professional choreographers and feature many established and emerging performing artists.

Short Sweet+Dance is part of the ever expanding Short+Sweet family. The festival provides a much-needed platform for choreographers and dancers to experiment with new ideas and movement - an opportunity that can unearth emerging talent as well as create new audiences for dance.
Short Sweet+Dance 2009
Seymour Centre Downstairs Theatre
Corner of City Rd and Cleveland St Chippendale
SS+D week 1: 24-28 February
SS+D week 2: 3-7 March
SS+D week 3: 10-14 March
Season schedule: Tues-Sat 8pm, Sat 4pm
Tickets: $28/$23 concession
SS+D Wildcard week 1: Sat 28 Feb 2pm $25/$22
SS+D Wildcard week 2: Sat 7 March 2pm $25/$22
For tickets phone Seymour Centre Box Office 02 9351 7940 www.seymourcentre.com.au
www.shortandsweet.org