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School Program

At Meridian Dance Centre, we believe in the power of dance as an art form that can be used to shape the individual’s understanding of self and their world. Developing a strong awareness and appreciation for the meaning and value underpinning the study of dance as a personal and cultural form of communication produces holistic individuals that are self-aware, self-regulated, respectful and empathetic. Ballroom Dancing is the medium by which we develop these qualities.

Thus, in direct correlation with the NSW Creative Arts K – 6 Syllabus, we have devised a 10 week programme of dance that can be adapted for the needs of your primary school students. As professional and experienced dance practitioners, we understand the ‘critical role of the teacher in providing learning experiences that are suited to the students’ abilities and developmental needs and interests’(Creative Arts K-6, p.5). It is the aim of our in-school residency programme to provide ‘regular learning experiences that are thoughtfully planned, sequenced and related’ (Creative Arts K-6, p.5), to optimise interest and integrity for students and teachers as a trained professional delivers the programme on a weekly basis.

Dance, as an art form, ‘employs a kind of symbol system or language’ (Creative Arts K-6, p.6). The benefit of using our programme lies in the specialised knowledge of the teachers at Meridian Dance Centre, who are trained to explicitly engage with the metalanguage of Ballroom Dancing for effective substantive communication. Students participating in our programme will develop knowledge, skills and understanding through performance and appreciation of three dances: Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, and Jive.

These dances have been selected for their unique use of the elements of dance (action, dynamics, time, space, relationships and structure) and their differing contexts. The Waltz originated in 17th Century Vienna and employs a unique ¾ timing; the Cha Cha Cha originates in 1950s Cuba with a unique rhythmical pattern; and the Jive is a lively European dance developed during World War II, largely influenced by the American Jitterbug. All three dances offer students the opportunity to engage with the performance and appreciation of various dance elements and contexts as they develop bodily competence and confidence through safe dance practice.

Our programme of dance is designed specifically for students in Stage 3, but can be easily adapted to suit younger students.
What other people say about our School Dance program:

I am a teacher at Grays Point Public School and I have had the pleasure of working with Natalia Danilova for 5 years. She was appointed to work with my Year 5 Ballroom Dancing Group each year, teaching them 4 dances over a period of 15 weeks. The program culminated each year with a spectacular finale at the State Sports Centre at Homebush, where we competed with up to 26 other Sydney Region Schools. We have been fortunate to have been highly successful at these performances and the credit must be given to Natalia for the emphasis which she places on technique.

Natalia is a talented and professional dancer and has performed at an extremely high level of competition. As a teacher, she imparts her knowledge to the students in a clear and understandable manner. Each year, beginning with a new group of 15 couples, she patiently works with all students, catering to all ability levels, making each session fun and active and also developing each dance in a straightforward and progressive manner.
Natalia loves dancing and this comes across in the passionate manner in which she teaches. She also wants the children to enjoy what they are doing, by creating well structured lessons which are highly engaging and appealing.

Natalia talks to the students in an encouraging and respectful manner and is always supportive and nurturing in her approach, acknowledging all student efforts.
I am very pleased to be able to acknowledge Natalia as a teacher who is highly professional and accomplished in this area of dance. She has been an absolute pleasure to work with at my school and my students have thoroughly enjoyed being taught by her.

Margaret Tasker, Teacher, Grays Point Public School