APATA Podcast

Rachel Brennan, Director, IMEB; Speech and Drama Educator; Adjudicator and Examinator A.IMEB, L.IMED, F.IMEB Rachel is a highly qualified and passionate educator in the field of Speech and Drama. Beginning as a student at age 5, her dedication to performance and communication grew with her extensive experience in eisteddfods, stage shows and showcases. Achieving her qualification in 2003, Rachel has been teaching speech and drama for 19 years. She currently is the director of a highly successful private studio, and is also the principal Speech and Drama Educator at Meriden School for Girls in Strathfield, Sydney. Rachel is currently a Director of the International Music Education Body (IMEB), as well as a syllabus consultant and senior examiner for speech and drama. She has been examining for 9 years, and has extensive adjudicating experience. Rachel is enthusiastic and deeply committed to developing communication and performance skills and gifts in students. Her mission is to ‘encourage and develop confident and creative communicators, in any environment.' To contact Rachel and learn more about the opportunities with IMEB please visit www.imeb.com.au Enjoy!

Suzuki Teacher Emma Louise Pursey has over 25 years experience in the Suzuki Method of Actor Training and has adapted it into her Integrated Actor Training approach to encourage more natural alignments of the body, focusing on safe technique and longevity of practice. She trained for ten years with Frank Theatre under John Nobbs and Jacqui Carroll as well as masterclasses with Okubo Noriaki (Suzuki Company of Toga), Ichiro Nakayama (SCOT) and Ellen Lauren (SITI). ​Emma is a core faculty member at 16th Street Actors Studio and also teaches at The National Theatre. ​She has been an industry guest at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, Film & Television Studio International, and NICA. Access this Podcast episode's transcript pdf HERE. Read this article about Emma Louise Pursey's career. Mentions: Oz Frank, Salome - 1997 , Jacqui Carroll, John Nobbs Suzuki Tadashi - Suzuki Company of Toga Brides of Frank: Caroline Dunphy, Lisa O'Neill, Leah Shelton & Neridah Waters. 16th Street Actors Studio: Kim Krejus, Ian Rickson, Iain Sinclair Jackie Ryan - We'll Show the World Expo '88 The National Theatre: Dr Jo Loth One Star Lounge and Gallery Heide Museum of Modern Art: Joy Hester, Barbara Blackman

APATA PODCAST FLASHBACK Celebrating conversations with educators and industry we take a look back at our very first episode with former Queensland Ballet Principal Artist Natalie Hammond who went on to choreography, adjudicating and now teaching ballet to all ages with Brisbane's 2ballerinas. Born in Coonabarabran, Natalie began her dance training on the Gold Coast where she was a Star Dust Junior studying tap, jazz and musical theatre. In 1994 Natalie graduated from the Australian Ballet School with Honours and whilst studying at the school, Natalie was a silver medallist at the Asia Pacific Ballet Competition in Japan and a bronze medallist at the Adeline Genee Awards in London. In 1995, Natalie joined the Queensland Ballet and won critical acclaim for a variety of principal roles. These included Tough Girl in Antony Tudors “Echoing of Trumpets”, Lilac Fairy in “The Sleeping Beauty”, Myrtha, Queen of the Willis in “Giselle”, Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker” and Helena in “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. She was also a member of the company during their highly successful coast-to-coast tour of the United States. From the World Dance Company and Expressions Contemporary Dance Company to guest teaching and adjudicating Natalie now enjoys teaching all ages from tiny tots to seniors with 2ballerinas. Access this episode's PDF Transcript For more visit Natalie's Episode Page 2ballerinas www.apata.com.au

What an absolute joy to chat with Daniel Assetta! The well-known Australian theatre triple threat, choreographer and coach recently packed up his kit bag making moves to the Big Apple where he has just made his American stage debut in the New York City Centre Encores! production of The Light in the Piazza. Prior to this, he played 'Samuel Seabury' in the original Australian company of Hamilton and performed the role of 'Tony' in West Side Story to rave reviews across Australia, New Zealand and Germany including at the iconic Sydney Opera House & Berlin Opera House. Daniel's other Australian theatre credits include 'Al Deluca' in A Chorus Line; ‘Elder Young' in the original Australian company of The Book of Mormon; ‘The Rum Tum Tugger' in the Australian/New Zealand tour of CATS; the 10th Anniversary Australasian tour of Wicked; ‘The Ziegfeld Tenor' in Funny Girl; ‘Luke' in the world premiere of The Gathering; Follies in Concert; and Curtains. A graduate of ED5INTERNATIONAL, who first found his feet with GY Dance, both under the tutelage of William A Forsythe (Co-Director of ED5), Daniel Assetta sheds light on transitioning to America and opening the door on the next chapter in his career. In this APATA Podcast episode our host Yolande Smith and Daniel discuss: The impact of Daniel's formative training years. The business-side of a creative career. Managing and maintaining a professional public profile. Self-care. Mentorship. The work involved in taking your career, and life, overseas. Basically Daniel gives you the lowdown on the professional foundations that have prepared him for conquering each new step with confidence and a smile! A great listen for students and teachers and those looking to a career in the creative and performing arts. Daniel will make his MUNY debut as 'A-Rab' in West Side Story this month. Best of luck Daniel and thank you for joining us! Access PDF Transcript The Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association ⁠www.apata.com.au⁠ ⁠linktr.ee/apatamedia⁠ ⁠Daniel's APATA Studio News Article⁠ Daniel Assetta www.danielassetta.com Instagram: @dassetta Youtube: @dassetta1 Mentions ED5INTERNATIONAL William A Forsythe Elena De Cinque Siblingship: A musical ‘how-to' guide for surviving life, parents, and sharing the limelight. GY Dance

At South West Music Regional Conservatorium, our vision is to inspire and enrich lives through music. Our purpose is to provide leadership, resources and expertise to ensure that every person has the opportunity to make, learn and appreciate music. From young and enthusiastic music teachers billeting with local families every fortnight in the 1980s. To what is now an integral and vibrant permanent part of Deniliquin and its surrounds. As Head of Music, Paul Young has joined a dedicated team that nurtures and supports students in music education. SW Music provides plenty of community performance opportunities and real world experience for their passionate pupils. "What's the point of learning an instrument and practicing and then not performing? They've done all this practice and have reached this standard where they can get up on stage and perform. If we weren't organising in-house concerts and performances at assemblies, at schools, and directly liaising with community members to get our kids out there they wouldn't be performing. And to me performing is an integral part of music. " Paul has extensive experience as a pianist, musical director and educator. He has previously held positions including Staff Accompanist/Performance Coach at Knox Grammar and Redlands, Acting Head of Keyboard and Staff Accompanist at The Scots College, Head of Music Performance at McDonald College of Performing Arts and Head of Performing Arts at Calvary Christian College. So great to chat with Paul Young and learn more about South West Music and the essential services of our regional conservatoriums! Read the article: https://www.apata.com.au/news-article/apata-member-spotlight-sw-music-with-paul-young/ Access the Pdf transcript: https://www.apata.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/APATA-PODCAST-TRANSCRIPT-Paul-Young-SWMusic.pdf www.apata.com www.swmusic.org.au

APATA Managing Director Yolande Smith and pioneer specialist in the psychology of the performing artist Elma Linz Kanefield sit down to discuss performance potential, the theme of Kanefield's new book Hamlet's Mirror: Reaching Your Performance Potential Onstage and Off. With 40 years experience counselling performing arts students and artists Kanefield understands what makes performers tick. She has dedicated her life's practice to building better understanding around hard-wiring of the performer and just what it takes to definite your own version of success.  "I want the performers with whom I work to gain a conscious awareness of the effect that both their psychological histories and their chosen life as artists have on who they are and how they perform in life, particularly on stage," Kanefield states in Hamlet's Mirror. "I trust them to find that voice within that moves them to fulfil their special performance potential and create a lifetime of sustainable, successful and authentic performances on and off stage."  About Elma Elma Linz Kanefield, LCSW, CPC, succumbed to debilitating stage fright as a young performer which left her voice… silent. However, rather than remain devastated and at the effect of her fear, she transformed her fright into her life's calling and became a specialist in the psychology of the performing artist. So passionate was Elma about addressing the special personal and professional needs, challenges and possibilities of performing artists that she relocated in 1980 from the Midwest to New York City to open the only Psychotherapeutic private practice exclusive to performers. For the last four decades Elma has been healing and empowering artists at all ages and stages of their lives and careers. Hamlet's Mirror, Reaching Your Performance Potential Onstage and Off Hamlet's Mirror looks at the stories and experiences of hundreds of performing artists to explain what prevents some from reaching their performance potential and what empowers others to realise it. Kanefield introduces four Performer Personality Profiles: Problem-Ridden, Pugnacious, Promising and Potential-Realised. These personalities reveal and clarify how performing artists move through professional and personal challenges to become the best they can be as people and as performers. You are invited to hold Hamlet's mirror to see how the wisdom and insight that these performers gained can help you too reach your performance potential. Read More: ⁠https://www.apata.com.au/studio-news/⁠ www.elmalinzkanefield.com Contact Elma via: www.elmalinzkanefield.com/contact Buy Hamlet's Mirror BOOKTOPIA OR AMAZON.AU Access Elma Linz Kanefield's podcast transcript pdf ⁠HERE⁠

Head of Performing Arts for South Australia's Pulteney Grammar School, Jonathon Rice BA, Grad Dip Ed, MBA, speaks with APATA's Yolande Smith in this episode of the APATA podcast. 2022 saw Pulteney Grammar School win the APATA National Performing Arts School of the Year Award and Jonathon reflects on the dogged determination of his school community to embolden students with a broad range of learning opportunities, including their award-winning performing arts offerings. "We are a contemporary, traditional, liberal, co-educational school in a private setting, but we also are becoming very good in the sense of providing a broad opportunity for our students to be involved and engaged with performing arts. And that's really exciting." Pulteney Grammar School is the second oldest school in the country celebrating their 175-year-old history in 2022 and is following a strategic direction that will see it last many more years into the future. Jonathon is passionate about performing arts education and developing programs that engage young people with music, drama or dance, so these students can find their tribe and explore all the amazing opportunities the performing arts offers young people in our 21st century world. Educated in the South Australian public education system holding a scholarship to Woodville High School Special Music Program as a trumpeter being taught by several significant teachers including Standish Roberts (then principal trumpet ASO), Jennifer Rosevear and Jonathon Draper. He studied music performance at the then South Australian College of Advanced Education in Adelaide (1981 – 1983) and once again greatly benefited from a world class education from teachers like Bob Hower, Stephen Wittington, Hal Hall and Brain Chatterton among others. He then taught in Queensland for 2 years (Cairns in 1984 and Brisbane in 1985), before returning to Adelaide to complete his Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary Music) in 1986. After several years in country SA then 7 years in Special Education (Townsend School for Vision Impaired), he then moved into the Catholic then independent school systems in both Victoria (Director of Music at Ballarat and Clarendon College) and South Australia (Director of Music at St Aloysius College Adelaide). Along Jonathon's professional journey he has owned and operated two hotels and became general manager of a significant hospitality business in 2011 including creating and operating a live jazz music venue. Read transcript HERE Read more about Jonathon Rice and Pulteney Grammar HERE Watch the 2022 APATA Award Presentation for Pulteney Grammar HERE www.pulteney.sa.edu.au Facebook: @pulteney Episode page on apata.com Member Spotlight article

About This Episode: We were absolutely delighted to have acclaimed contemporary circus director, producer, and performer Natano Fa'anana join us for the APATA Award presentations for performing arts student of the year so we relished the chance to share Natano's journey as an artist and maker with you! Drawing inspiration from his Samoan roots Natano has carved a unique path that has achieved national and international recognition through his work as a multi-faceted artist for a string of renowned companies. He earned his stripes as an ensemble member with award winning Meanjin company Polytoxic (2007 – 2012) , co- founded Briefs Factory International in 2008 with brother and fellow performer/director Fez Fa'anana and brother-in-law Mark Winmil. Going on to co-found, direct, produce and perform with internationally acclaimed contemporary company, Casus Creations. It was here Natano solidified his place on the international stage through works such Knee Deep, Driftwood, You & I, Chasing Smoke and Aunties Fiafia. Natano was Director and co-producer, for Chasing Smoke, Australia's first all indigenous contemporary circus show which was nominated for a Matilda award and took home the Green Room Award 2017 for Best Circus and Physical Theatre. Currently Natano is producer at Moogahlin Performing Arts company which solely and specifically produces and supports First Nations work. Independently Natano has a string of awards both as a performer and director. Significantly winning two Matilda Awards for We Live Here in the categories for Best Circus and Physical Theatre Show and Best Director, in conjunction with co-director Bridget Boyle. Based on the stories of parents, siblings, and guests of Hummingbird House, Queensland's only youth hospice, We Live Here explores themes of resilience, chaos, and the beauty of a moment shared. Created by a team of highly skilled young circus performers. Adding to his folio Natano was awarded the prestigious Sidney Myer Fellowship 2019 acknowledging his contribution to Humanities through the Arts. In 2020 Natano became a recipient for The Churchill Fellowship to further research diversification of the theatre industry through cultural protocol and practise. In 2021 Natano was a Senior Producer at YIRRAMBOI Festival. Occurring biannually YIRRAMBOI is a First Nations lead and focused arts festival based in Melbourne. Today Natano juggles all of the above as a director in the ever-shifting landscape of contemporary arts and advocates for change by creating pathways for the next generation of cultural arts practitioners. Taking the time, where possible, to connect with remote communities across Australia and beyond and communities like ours here at APATA. Access Pdf Transcript HERE Visit Natano's Podcast Page HERE www.apata.com.au Reach out to Natano Fa'anana Casus Creations website: casuscreations.com natano@casus.com.au

As we open entries for the 2023 APATA National Awards Program we welcome the chance to speak with this year's APATA Performing Arts Teacher of the Year – Amanda Waddell – Head of Faculty for the Arts at John Paul College, Daisy Hill, QLD. With a twenty-two-year career teaching the performing arts, Amanda understands the benefits of arts-based learning. Her journey began as a dance student with Broadway dreams, falling in love with the art of teaching, and now leading the arts program at her former alma mater John Paul College. Amanda's story weaves itself into the very fabric of APATA educators who love the performing arts and have found themselves thriving, guiding young people through their learning journeys. A strong advocate for the arts in her schools past and present, Amanda is not shy about standing up for the programs and curriculum that her students care about. Her passions for teaching and arts education advocacy are deeply intertwined. The day she hangs up her teacher hat, you can bet we'll see her lending a voice to the cause of having performing arts recognised as a vital part of our schools. For Amanda, life is one big performing arts lesson, and she is continually inspired to learn and connect to the world through the arts. We welcome Amanda to our cohort of APATA Award Alumni and celebrate her ongoing journey as a teacher and leader in performing arts education. Access Amanda Waddell's APATA Podcast Transcript: HERE Mentions: John Paul College - www.jpc.qld.edu.au Amanda Waddell – 2022 APATA Winner Article Watch Amanda's Award Presentation: Presented by Michael Sterzinger, Executive Director of Camerata – Queensland's Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Managing Producer, Angela Loh: Watch Amanda's Presentation HERE 2023 APATA Award entries are Now Open: Learn more APATA: Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association – apata.com.au Linktree: linktr.ee/apatamedia APATA Facebook @APATAMedia APATA Instagram @apatamedia APATA LinkedIn @apata

About this episode Amy Tinning shares just how Branches Performing Arts literally branches out across the outback by bringing dance education to students in regional, rural and remote communities. Along with her fellow teacher Tammy Gordon the pair cover a combined total of 2,000km every fortnight. That is 300 students across seven towns. Hughenden, Richmond, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Winton, Longreach and Barcaldine. Basically they teach a whopping 84 scheduled classes, and 80 private coaching sessions, to students in the Northern Territory, Outback Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Distance Dance Significantly Amy first began delivering Distance Dance, Branches' online classes, well before Covid forced us all to transition to remote learning. Subsequently Branches' Distance Dance and has been a leader in the way they have supported students and families unable to attend in-person dance classes due to pure logistics. But distance and dance has always gone hand-in-hand for Amy. As a rural kid who begged her parents to let her attend dance classes Amy inevitably sees no geographical barriers when it comes to learning dance. Creating Community Branches Performing Arts is deeply rooted in connecting dance with kids and their communities, and we are in absolute awe of their dedication to helping outback dancers' dreams come true. Indeed that is part of the reason behind Amy branching out with her Co Stars Dance Company based in Mt Isa. In this way Amy and Tammy are able to provide developing young artists with professional level performance experience and exposure to high quality dance training and artistic processes. The team attend comps, perform at various events and are able to experience the magic of performance, Amy's first love. Please enjoy this conversation with Branches Performing Arts Founder, Amy Tinning. Visit www.apata.com.au for more. Mentions: Branches Performing Arts Website: https://branchesperformingarts.dance Facebook:@branchesperformingarts Instagram: @branches.performingarts Distance Dance classes online Co Stars Dance Company Dirty Feet Outback Dance Festival WAAPA LINK Dance Company View PDF Transcript

If you want to know where writing, and a love of writing and the performing arts can take you then check out our convo with Dan Nixon.Dan, Alyssa Smedley and Bryony McLachlan head Pirate Size Productions, a children's television production company creating innovative narratives for television bringing imagined worlds and characters to life.Writing for the screen is committed collaborative journey. Which is something that Dan thrives on.Building relationships and telling stories that are bold, adventurous and that audiences fall in love with fuel the tight knit team at Pirate Size Productions working with such production companies as the Australian Children's Television Foundation, Sesame Studios, ABC Education/ABC Me, Starburns Industries, Pūkeko Pictures, Universal Kids, Screen Australia and R U OK? Day.In an effort to provide innovative, and fun filled creative writing courses and workshops for children and adults Dan also created the Melbourne Young Writers Studio. Their programs are aimed at equipping and inspiring young writers with the skills they need to get writing and to develop their storytelling. While for adults it is a place for emerging writers to hone their craft.There are some great tips in this conversation such as the four main ingredients of a good story and the all important Pitch Bible, which would make a great assignment or project idea for students.Enjoy Dan Nixon and our host Yolande Smith exploring the potential of writing and the arts!MentionsTranscript pdf available via www.apata.com.auPirate Size ProductionsWebsite: www.piratesizeproductions.comInstagram: @piratesizeproductionsFacebook: @piratesizeproductionsTwitter: @PirateSizeLinkedIn: @piratesizeproductionsMelbourne Young Writers StudioWebsite: www.mywritersstudio.com.auFacebook: @mywritersstudioInstagram: @mywritersstudioMYWS - Schools Program Guide 2022 - pdfOtherBlue Zoo AnimationPaddington BearPip and PosyStarburns IndustriesKids Screen ConferenceStranger Things (Montauk) Pitch Bible - pdf

This episode is hosted by APATA Ambassador Angela Loh, Managing Producer for Camerata, Queensland's Chamber Orchestra in conversation with Eva Spata from Sydney Catholic Schools.Eva works with a dynamic team in strategic direction and implementation for creative and performing arts across the 150 schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools network.Overcoming the challenge of 2020 and 2021 Sydney Catholic Schools was able to introduce a number of "firsts" last year.The first Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod.The first full time performing arts cohort at the newly dedicated performing arts facility at Burwood.Rolling out of the ambitious Amadeus Music Education Program after a successful pilot, which will eventually see over 30,000 students learning a musical instrument by the beginning of 2024.The digital production of Fame Jr the Musical with 40 students cast from 25 schools2022 will welcome the massive School of Rock Arena Spectacular with 4000 student participants from across their system of primary and secondary schools, the continuation of the Eisteddfod and Amadeus programming, growing the fulltime performing arts stream and of course creating performance opportunities for their students across Sydney.But wait, there's more!Along with these incredible educational innovations Eva is a versatile performer across many genres and has vast experience as a director, a producer, and a musical director.We learn Eva's own journey in the performing arts from her early years to high school, inspiring her to earn a Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Education at the University of New South Wales, and a Master's in Educational Leadership.From Eva's mentors and experiences to her hopes for the future of performing arts education in Australia please enjoy this chat between Angela Loh and Eva Spata celebrating performing arts education.Mentions:www.apata.com.auwww.camerata.net.auTranscript can be found HERESydney Catholic SchoolsWebsite: sydcatholicschools.nsw.edu.auFacebook: @sydcatholicschoolsInstagram: @sydcatholicschoolsSydney Catholic Schools EisteddfodAmadeus Music ProgramSouthern Cross Catholic College - Burwood campusViVa! Performing Arts ProgramCaPAFame Jr The MusicalSCS School of Rock Arena Spectacular October 2022Fusion Vocal Group

Creative Play Puppets has sourced and supplied puppets to Australian puppeteers, schools, teachers, libraries, organisations, specialists and families for over a decade. Travelling near and far (in those heady Covid-free days) to find puppets for all wants and needs Creative Play Puppet's inventory begins with the smallest of finger puppets and nursery rhyme families, glove puppets, marionettes, storybook themes and animals galore, to three-headed dragons, magic trees, and of course their fabulous range of Silly Puppets, whose soft mouth operation can be infused all kinds of emotions making them a hit with educators and therapists alike.We hope this chat with Noel inspires you in your exploration of puppet play.Creative Play Puppets: www.creativeplaypuppets.com.auFacebook: @creativeplaypuppetsContact: info@creativeplaypuppets.com.auMentionsAustralian Performing Arts Teachers Association (APATA)The Nuremberg International Toy Fair / SpielwarenmesseJeff's Shed (Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre)Silly Puppets – Creative Play PuppetsJeffy (recommended for 18 and over)Social Emotional Wellbeing Framework Education AustraliaBenefits of Puppet Play50 Years of Sesame StreetDarci Lynne

Welcome to 2022 and we are back on the mic with Jackson Hughesman, winner of the 2021 APATA Performing Arts Student of the Year Award.Jackson is heading into year twelve at St Patricks College, QLD and we thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up to talk about what winning the APATA award meant to him, and what he hopes to achieve this year.While 2022 has hardly begun Jackson has already played the role of Tevye in Brisbane Junior Theatre's January production of Fiddler on the Roof, with lots more to come.Balancing schoolwork, training, rehearsals, and school captaincy we wanted to share Jackson's perspective as a performing arts student looking at the road ahead. His hopes and dreams, and the realities of studying for a career in the arts during Covid.A fun chat with a bright young man who represents the future of performing arts in this country.A transcript of this podcast is available via https://bit.ly/APATAPodcastwithJackson

From audio theatre experiences to analogue treasure hunts Threshold's indoor adventures have brought the delight and wonder of theatre to thousands of homes around the globe,encouraging deeper connection and helping people find the poetic & playful moments in life's milestones.This episode we speak with award-winning playwright, dramaturg and producer Tahli Corin, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Threshold (in partnership with Sarah Lockwood, Creative Producer for Drop Bear Theatre) and Zoë Barry. Cellist, composer, performance maker and educator, and part of the larger collaborative ensemble responsible for Threshold's lockdown hit, Mountain Goat Mountain.From Kyneton, Victoria Tahli and Zoë share their journeys from early music lessons to performance makers and you will seriously want to sit down with a cuppa and enjoy because the way the move through the world and the richness of how they explore is beautiful to listen to.As Tahli says, "This industry is about relationships, life is about relationships, who you're traveling with and how they build you up and support you along the way. It can be difficult, so find and surround yourself with good people who can build you up and help you to do whatever it is you want to achieve."Head to the article - At the Threshold on APATA.com.au to learn more.

Meet Elena Lambrinos, dance educator and dance researcher.BA in Sociology and Gender Studies.Masters in Cultural Studies exploring dance at the intersection of style, identity and belonging.PhD in the Sociology of education exploring children's dance classes.Do you know what it feels like to want to be a part of something so bad, to want to learn and be amongst this thing you love, only to be let down at every turn. This was Lambrinos' experience with dance class, and it wasn't just a one-time thing."I always wanted to dance and always loved dancing, singing & acting. I tried dance so many times as a kid. As a little 4year old, again at 8,9 & 10 and again at 12 & 13. I tried so many places. I wanted to dance, and I kept getting drawn back into it, but I never really felt like I belonged. I never felt like it was something I could be successful at, or even felt that I was being acknowledged or valued."Now as Founder and Director of Dance Domain in Sydney's Inner West and Disrupt Dance, Elena is on a mission to inspire dance educators to think about "Dance Done Different"."Those experiences I had as a child where I didn't feel like I belonged, I didn't feel like I was part of something, that dance kept pushing me away. All of those experiences crystalised into the point where instead of thinking I was the problem, I started thinking...maybe how we do dance is the problem..."At Dance Domain Elena offers inspiring and uplifting classes for students of all ages that boost confidence, promote diversity, and instil a lifelong love of learning. The studio played a large role in her PhD and led her to found Disrupt Dance delivering research-backed training for forward thinking dance educators.This year's Disrupt Dance Summit is all about amplifying voices that are disrupting the status quo and who are making changes for the better, expanding our notion of ‘safe dance practice '.Read the Disrupt Dance Summit Article in APATA Studio News for more details (Virtual Conference 3 September AEST - tickets $57 individual or $97 for a group)DanceDomain.com.au offers online classes and in-person (pending current 2021 Covid lockdown restrictions)DisruptDance.com Professional Development courses and the Disrupt Dance Summit info.Keep up to date with the latest presenters and summit news via Facebook @disruptdance and Instagram @disruptdance

This episode we speak with Dr Kristy Seymour, founder and head trainer at Circus Stars on the Gold Coast.Founded in 2013 it was the very first circus school in the world to be dedicated to children on the autism spectrum. Circus Stars classes are inclusive, creative, risky and challenging all in a fun and supportive gentle environment and in 2017 Circus Stars was awarded an Autism Queensland Creative Futures Recognition award. Inspired by Dr Reg Bolton's theory of the 5 key elements of why circus works for children, the Circus Stars Program aims to help young people have fun, learn to take safe risks, build trust in teamwork, encourage individuality, and explore working hard on their skills.Working her way up from a 19 year old drama and physical theatre student to a professional circus artist, Kristy has worked and trained with Flipside Circus, CIRCA & Vulcana Circus and now also lectures at Griffith University and Griffith College on the Gold Coast.Dr Seymour has worked tirelessly to create the academic research to prove the Circus Stars method to the clinical and autism communities to the point where her work has been added to Cirque du Soleil's social development department, Cirque du Monde and is now a recommended and reputable program for families and also practitioners looking to expand their own practice by attending the annual Circus Stars' Professional Development Series.What we love about Kristy and her work with Circus Stars is that her own love of circus - the rebellious, adventurous spirit of circus - embodies everything that she does and infuses her belief that children of all abilities, but especially autism, should have access to the skills, risk and freedom that circus provides.The Circus Stars Professional Development Series - July 25 & 31, 2021. CLICK HERE for detailsFor more information on Kristy's work and research visit www.apata.com.au or www.circusstarsasd.com

Adam Loxley founded Wakakirri in 1992 and today it is Australia's largest performing arts event for schools. Adam is joined by Wakakirri Marketing Manager, Mignon Green, in a conversation led by Francesca Veitch to discuss ongoing changes in the performing arts education landscape today. Whether it's a lack of enthusiasm from students who have missed a year of performing arts opportunities or a lack of resources in a school community, all performing arts teachers are facing new and unexpected challenges as we move towards the future. Learn how Wakakirri's programs can not only boost the performance opportunities for any school in Australia but also boost the internal capabilities of your school's performing arts team for years to come.In this episode, the participants reference a few resources for teachers. You can find Wakakirri's Curriculum Guide here, tips for creating a respectful reconciliation Story-Dance here and a video case study on the school discussed during the episode here as well as the full version of their Story-Dance ‘403' here.If you would like to register for Wakakirri Video 2021 visit here and if you would like to receive more information about joining their Live 2022 season or anything else, please email info@wakakirri.com.

Meet Chantelle Bruinsma - CEO & Founder of Studio Expansion.At 19 Chantelle opened her first performing arts studio - Born To Perform - while studying a Bachelor of Music/Music Education.With little business smarts the studio was tipped to fail, but a sabbatical digging deep into the intricacies of studio leadership saw Chantelle relaunch her studio business model and reach some incredible goals.· 6 studios· 1000 students· 34 educators· A systemised, scalable businessNow Chantelle makes it her business to guide studios in reaching their own unique vision of success. It is the little tweaks to your business model, while maintaining your own studio values and culture that excites Chantelle and her team.“Studio owners work so hard every day of their life. They give their blood, sweat, tears, they sacrifice their time, their health, their relationship with family…they give so much to their studio because of what it needs.And what I've learnt is that it's actually in the design- the architecture of the business model that huge changes can happen. If we just do things a little differently (not the essence of what the studio‘s about) but how things are designed…magic can happen and that's what I've devoted the last ten years of my life to do.”· Listen to the Podcast· Evaluate your studio· and If you believe you're ready to amplify your uniqueness...· Reach out to Chantelle at Studio Expansion

Meet Glory St GermainFounder and creator of the Ultimate Music Theory programs and the Global Healing Power of Music Summit.Coming from a family of entertainers it was a given that Glory and her siblings would learn music as naturally as learning to walk and talk.Glory understands however that not everyone has that kind of introduction to music.When she first started teaching young children, she found the resources quite challenging for them. So, she became an author, writing a program for learning music through all stages, no matter what style - be it classical, jazz, pop etc.Once evolving to speaking and delivering her program to teachers all around the world common questions kept popping up:· How do you teach music theory?· How can we generate income from teaching?· How do we communicate effectively and understand our student's learning style?Helping people to teach music theory effectively was the lightbulb moment for Glory. Here is where she incorporated Neuro Linguistic Programing [NLP] into her education.NLP = Understanding how people think and how you need to communicate to get the results you need.There are 3 types of learners.1. Visual2. Auditory3. KinestheticWhen you engage in these three modalities as a teacher your students will learn faster.“If a student can't learn from the way you teach, maybe you should teach the way the child learns.”Glory has some great giveaways to download and share with our listeners. Please head to Glory St Germain's podcast page at APATA.com.au to download.

Sometimes all you need is that one piece of golden advice to keep you moving forward. That advice can get you out of your comfort zone, make you see things from a different perspective and empower you to never give up.Conversations had between friends and colleagues can open a door you may have assumed was closed.Meet Fran Hannaway, Set Designer for Iceworks Design in Brisbane and dance enthusiast."My goal has always been design...I love that so much. I just needed some practical runs on the board with understanding how sets are built and understanding how they're used. I already had the understanding as a performer, on the performance side of things, but understanding how they're used backstage and the function of how they're used in a theatre right through to knowledge of how they're built as well. It allows you to be a better designer. If you are armed with that intel you can use it to your advantage in your design rather than getting all the way through the design process and then finding out that its not actually practically possible due to budget, time or touring etc.""What are those things that make you say, this is it? If I could do this for the rest of my life, I want to be involved in this. Start talking about it with people, let everyone know. Everything that has happened to me has come from a conversation." Boom. You've just been Franned!!

It was while working as an acting teacher and scouring scripts for relevant content her students could relate to, that Talia Rowley realised that maybe if you want something done you have to do it yourself. Meet Talia Rowley, Founder and Chief Writer of Script & Scribe Creations delivering Australian scripts for Australian kids with themes and language we can all relate to.Talia had tried it all when it came to extra-curricular activities but her mum was adamant that she just needed to find that one thing, that spark that would ignite the amazing fire she had inside her. What was that one thing? Acting of course.Taking classes at the Australian School of Performing Arts, Film and Television (ASPAFTV) Talia instantly found that fire. Graduating with a Bachelor of Film and Screen from Griffith University and a Diploma in Screen Acting from Screenwise Talia's journey then came full circle, returning to her first acting school as a teacher.Writing hundreds of scripts for her students to utilise in the classroom Talia unknowingly setting her off on her future path and what would lead to Script and Scribe Creations which launched October 2020.“For young people here in Australia doing courses and acting there was no material that was relevant for what they were facing here and the kind of challenges they were experiencing even in terms of the rhythm in which we speak. The challenge was finding stuff that was challenging and age appropriate and relevant to different age groups and being able to provide all of that in a one stop shop that teachers, parents and students knew would be exactly what they needed. It took a while but that's where it started, from just wanting to provide that resource."Talia also has a team or young writers helping her build the Script & Scribe catalogue. Her energy and passion for what they do is evident and for teachers and students heading back to the studio and school wanting to learn more check out http://scriptandscribecreations.com.au/

Meet pioneering Pasifika female hip hop artist MC Trey.Of Fijian and Samoan heritage, Trey grew up in Fiji moving to Sydney's Western Suburbs at thirteen. Introduced to hip hop music and culture through movies like Beatstreet and Breakdance in her island home, it was at parties in Sydney that she experienced rap in a more personal way. The more she listened, the more Trey realised that rap was an outlet, a way of sharing stories and being able to stand up as Pasifika person and represent.A hip hop play performance at a juvenile detention centre lit the fire for a future working with kids, teaching them how to write and express themselves. Studying social work has enabled her to move into advocacy and working with government agencies while running programs that connect youth with their individual cultures while navigating Australian society.MC Trey believes it is important to find out young people's stories and empower and encourage them to share and add to the Australian landscape, allowing kids to be part of the process as they have a lot of the answers to the problems of today.Facebook: @MC.TREY.SYDYoutube: Treymuzik

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander [viewers, listeners, readers] are advised that the following article and podcast contains names and stories of people who have passed.Heralding from the Kombumerri [Gold Coast/Southport/Nerang] and Ngughi [Moreton Island] regions, Candace Kruger has always been surrounded by those who have taught her to lead by example. Her family has played an integral role in the Kombumerri region, her father stepping out of teaching to work in Aboriginal child welfare and ATSIC, leading communities in the Torres Strait and Roma and helping the Kombumerri people in establishing themselves as corporations.With 26 years as a music educator, choirmaster and currently Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives for Beenleigh High School, Candace is also the Director of the Yugambeh Youth Choir, teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children language and culture with song.While still in university Candace was approached by elders Patricia O'Connor and Ysola Best to go out on country and collect songs, language and memories from the regions' elders. The task became the book, Yugambeh Talga- Music Traditions of the Yugambeh People and was the catalyst for a life now dedicated to piecing together the narratives and recollections of her people. And earning the title of Yugambeh Songwoman. A role they say was hers all along.Singing Indigenous Language Alive is Candace's current PhD work, focusing on the permissions and protocols for how she has worked on country with her elders and community. With hopes that her template will inspire others to do the work for their own language regions on their own country and can be adapted and replicated in a way that works for them and their communities.“If we publish Aboriginal music - do we have permission from elders? Do we know the narrative? Do we know the storyline? Have we got it right? Are you following the correct protocols and is the community happy? Are there Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people actually learning those songs, not just non-Aboriginal people? When we sing a song alive is it being sung by the Aboriginal people that live in that region as well as being sung in schools. That's really important. That's that connection to your identity and the connection to the language and the land.”Candace along with Indigenous Ethnomusicologist Lann Levinge and Isobella Kruger have composed the song for the 2021 AMEB Online Orchestra – Morning Star and Evening Star. The very first song Candace collected from Lottie Eaton at the start of her Songwoman journey, which has now found it's true place to shine.

Meet Heimana Tahiata.Co-Founder and Co-Director of Heilani Polynesian School of Arts and Heilani Productions.From travelling the globe with Polynesian performance groups, Heimana Tahiata with his wife and fellow directors Leilani Tahiata and Fati & Waiana Tagata hhave spent the past eleven years bringing a touch of home to the Maori and Pacifika communities around Brisbane and the Gold Coast.the Heilani Polynesian School of Arts draws from the combined heritage and knowledge of their seasoned directors making them well versed to teach classes in Maori, Samoan, The Cook Islands and Tongan, as well as Tahitian and Hawaiian performance.The launch of their new Heilani website "where you will be able to join us from anywhere in the world for Pacific Dance, Fitness, Music, Arts/Crafts, Costume Making, etc!" adds a new dimension to their business with cultural dance lessons, breakdowns and new content added weekly, discussion forums and more, this is your chance to find out about your own Pacific heritage or learn something new!Heimana, grew up surrounded by culture and the performing arts. His mother was a member of the showband, 'The Maori Volcanics' and his father, one of Tahiti's best dancers. It wasn't until looking back at his life globetrotting with his parents surrounded by Polynesian performers and entertainers that he realised the incredible impact these showfolk had on him. He learnt by example how to be a professional performer and how your connection to culture can create a life in the arts. "That is what I want arts people to know. For us, what we do is more than just an artform. It goes so much deeper because you're talking about a people and a culture not just a dance. People can learn a modern dance and have no connect. With our people and with our artforms there is a connection because that art is actually a part of who we are and that is just as important as the artform and that's the difference and what makes us different from others!"Website: www.heilani.comFacebook: @heilaniproductionsInstagram: @heilaniproductions

Meet Richard Fabb· Creative Director of LiveLab, the commercial production arm of Griffith Film School, Griffith University, Brisbane.· BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-winning producer.· Richard has produced a range of broadcast programs for ITN, Channel 4, CNN, RTE, ABC, SBS, Channel Seven, Channel Ten and The Comedy Channel.· Graduated with an Honours Degree in Drama, specialising in Film & Television from the University of Bristol.Creative Director of Livelab & Senior Lecturer at Griffith Film School. The BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-winning producer speaks with Jason Raft, from JLX Productions and Iceworks Design, about his journey into the world of Film and Television.From the early inspiration of having ‘The Omen' filmed in his hometown, to using his 26 years of broadcast experience to bring practical, industry-driven education to his students in Australia's only university-based, commercial, production studio - LiveLab.Richard shares his schooling and pathway into Broadcast Journalism and beyond, his mentors and teachers along the way and how his own experiences forged his teaching philosophy.What does it take for students to make it in today's industry during this time of disruption? What does industry want? And how building a network and making connections to industry while you are in school can make all the difference when it comes to starting your career.

Meet Jonny NgPrincipal Second Violin and Education Manager, Camerata – Queensland's Chamber OrchestraPianist in Ensemble Entourage for Musica Viva In SchoolsUpper strings and piano teacher at St Margaret's Anglican Girls SchoolTutor for the Queensland Youth OrchestraCo-Founder, Music Lab Education StudioMusic Director, Hong Kong Pops OrchestraGuest Conductor, Hong Kong Saxophone Ensemble & Polytechnic University OrchestraArtistic Director, Hong Kong Festival Orchestra..Jonny Ng's passion for music began when he was chosen for his school's strings program and from there he was hooked. Learning violin, viola and piano, Jonny would go on to play with the Queensland and Australian Youth Orchestras and, after gaining a Pharmacy degree on the way to medical school, music took over and thank goodness for us and Camerata - Queensland's Chamber Orchestra. Speaking with Angela Loh, Camerata's Managing Producer, Jonny takes us through his musical journey from those early days of inspiration to his current experience as an educator and professional artist...“Thinking back on those early years, music really was my first love and it grew into a true passion of mine…I vividly remember my 1st year in Queensland Youth Orchestra, when I was fifteen, and that whole first year was filled with the kind of goose-bumps or spine tingles you get when you listen to or play music. And that really had a huge impact on me.”..With music being the driving force of Jonny's passion for education he finds that passion resonating with his fellow Camerata artists, who have almost 300 years of teaching experience between them. Being able to take that experience to regional towns and communities who do not have that resource is a special part of Jonny's work. “At Camerata we're committed to furthering the opportunities for music students & teachers throughout Queensland with a real focus on the communities that we visit through our annual touring program.”..Jonny has a light in him that you'll hear in his voice and as a teacher and musician that light shines through. He believes in the value of educators, especially those in the performing arts. "Sometimes I think the biggest challenge we face as teachers is the value that society puts on what we do. As you know in a past life I used to be a pharmacist, so scientific evidence is really important to me. Now there's almost 3 decades of research into the massive benefits of learning a musical instrument and brain development...I find music teachers really struggle with schools and parents believing that music is simply just a leisure activity ...but it isn't, it simply isn't...It's a beautiful art form in itself and it gives us the ability to connect with people, it gives us greater empathy and sensitivity to emotions and it unleashes creativity."

As a professional performer in the Music Theatre industry, Will has been on stage and in the rehearsal room for 20 years working the national and international touring circuit on productions including - A Chorus Line, West Side Story, The King and I, The Lion King, Aladdin and In The Heights...After an incredible career there came a point when things needed to change. “Living out of a suitcase and chopping and changing, missing birthdays and weddings etc, this isn't an easy road and I was aware of that. After 20 years of being in the business I realised that I was not that person anymore.”..Transitioning to Psychology and integrating his own experiences in performing arts, Will taps into the performer psyche and empathises on a whole other level. “The lived experience of being a performer is so valuable and my own experience with mental health has armoured me for what it is I do today.”..Will has developed a range of mental health services that target the needs of Australian performers. One of which is the Teachers Mental Health Tool Kit. With so many teachers being the sounding board for their students it helps to give them strategies and language to do the best by themselves and their students. "It goes back to how I wish teachers had understood me while I was going through my professional development. I had a lot of battles.".."You won't always have an applause or someone telling you're doing a fantastic job and patting you on the back. Sometimes you just have to do it for yourself."

Meet Francis Italiano, Founder and Co-Artistic Director of West Australia's Sensorium Theatre. .Francis was always being taken to a show of some sort by his mum, but it was a switched-on English teacher who introduced ‘Frankie' to literature, theatre and poetry turning him into an admitted high school drama dag. Frankie would tell his teacher Val years later, that the stone she cast in his life had rippled beyond himself and into the work he now does with Sensorium..With a background in community cultural development in the Arts, Frankie is used to ‘presenting theatre to people who might not have encountered it before'.When serendipity stepped in to inspire Frankie and Co-Artistic Director of Sensorium, wife Michelle Hovane, set off on a journey that has led them to creating Australia's leading multi-sensory theatre for children with disabilities..‘There is an impulse…to share stories that is integral to [the] development of humankind and the continuation of cultures'. .Michelle and Francis are dedicated to bringing the thrill of live performance to special needs and inclusive audiences and subsequently their parents, teachers, and carers through the artform of immersive, interactive and participatory theatre..Winners of the APATA 2020 Social Change Maker Award and the Australian Access Award for Best Not-for-Profit/Community Digital App, Sensorium was fortunate to secure organisational funding well before COVID-19 and as such they may forge ahead with projects addressing the change in delivery of their intimate work and further develop their online presence while they wait for a return to touring next year..‘I'm grateful that we [have been] able to forge our way into the cultural landscape … the fact that we've kind of stuck to our guns and are now at a point where people not only accept what we do but support it and encourage it and we're getting kids into theatre who hadn't accessed that before… that's great!...it's lucky in life to be doing what we love doing.'.www.apata.com.au www.sensoriumtheatre.com.au

Meet Sally Andrew.Director of Radiance Academy Toowoomba, our 2020 APATA Performing Arts Private Studio of the Year award winner. Sally, a mother of 3, has raised a family and built a thriving business and community of fun and learning through her passion for dance.From an early age there was only one thing Sally wanted to be...a professional ballerina. Throwing herself into ballet from the age of 4, Sally soon became an avid consumer of everything dance. Whatever class was running, she was there.When the ballet career she had dreamt of didn't come to fruition Sally left dance and entered the business world, but the call to dance was always there. She couldn't leave ballet. It was in her blood. "I just went a different path...when I was a little girl I wanted to 'be' the ballerina. I didn't realise how much fun it would be helping to create little ballerinas...it's pretty amazing."Running an inclusive and family-focused studio based on excellence Sally believes in finding balance and value among the different syllabus on offer for Australian dancers. With dancers ranging in age from 18 months to 80+, Sally and the Radiance Team champion their ethos that dance is for everyone."I think I tumbled...into teaching and tumbled into where I am now. It wasn't in my big picture, but I'm absolutely loving it. I've tumbled into my destiny."www.radianceacademytoowoomba.com

Meet Jason Raft!.Wonderful opportunity to sit down and chat technical and design with Jason Raft, Owner, JLX Productions and Iceworks Design..As owner and Director JLX Productions, a technical solutions business, and Iceworks Design which designs, builds and delivers sets across multiple platforms, Jason has had a long relationship with the performing arts..Deciding early on that back stage was where he belonged, Jason has carved a career for himself in the performing arts as a lighting designer and technical director and has managed to create two businesses around his ethos that “If you work in the entertainment industry it should be just as entertaining for you, as it is for the audience you work for!”.Like APATA, Jason has a passion for seeing that the next generation is better prepared to enter the arts industry and for him that means the world of production and production design. “When we're looking for technicians, we are looking for the person, not the skill.” The right attitude can get you far. .Iceworks Design implemented the annual Emerging Designers program when the university graduates approaching them for work experience had little to no understanding of production design. Seeing a need for real, in-house experience from pre-concept to build, the program asks those applying for ‘out of the box' thinking by first sending in “Who am I ?' resumes. “it was amazing, the way they portrayed themselves when we gave them the freedom to talk ..without criteria.” .What industry and the next generation need from each other. “Given the right direction, given the right opportunity, this industry will thrive. We've got to put aside what we thought was the right way to do things and start to engage in a different way.".JLX Productions is a technical solutions company for the arts and event industries. At its core JLX is a solutions business providing their clients with a unique skill set to navigate through the myriad of production environments to design, manage and deliver successful projects. The team works collaboratively across all production disciplines and with a strong network of suppliers to ensure the team is fully equipped to take on any challenge..JLX provides a full suite of pre-production services from technical direction to administration, build operational systems for venues to run efficiently, provide design, drafting and pre-visualisation services for event concepts to assist in their practical delivery, and manage and operate onsite across stage and site management, lighting, sound and vision..Check out JLX Productions at www.jlx.com.au.The Iceworks Design team design, build and deliver sets for television, theatre and the broader event industry. From a thought bubble to construction drawings the design team can provide creative design services for every stage of a project. Whether plugging into an existing project or delivering from scratch the team can provide concept work ups, 2D drafting, 3D rendering, graphic handling and designer liaison during construction to ensure the design is carried through to completion. The team have provided design services across a vast array of disciplines including; production design, branding, experiential, theatrical and exhibition..Check out Iceworks Design at www.iceworksdesign.com.Enjoy!.Website: www.apata.com.auEmail: hello@apata.com.auInstagram & Facebook: @apatamedia

Meet Angela Loh!Angela is the Managing Producer of Camerata – Queensland's Chamber Orchestra. The Camerata aims to empower artists, inspire audiences and enrich communities through music and it just so happens that Angela and Camerata's Education Manager and Principal Second Violinist, Jonny Ng, were doing just that this past week. Meeting with the communities ahead of Camerata's regional tour in June, fingers crossed. [recorded 20th March 2020, travel and mass gatherings shut down due to COVID-19 – 24th March 2020 all entertainment venues now closed]So where did this passion for the arts come from, where did it all begin? Well besides two creative parents, Angela had an exceptional music teacher who understood that the way to her musical heart was not through the AMEB but through the Beatles. Learning to read and play music in an environment that was fun and interesting and tailored to her needs Angela kept learning until the end of high school.From an industry-led education at QUT [Queensland University of Technology] in stage management and technical production, Angela was more that able to step into roles in the corporate sector, musical theatre and the opera learning valuable life lessons along the way.We learn the various roles Angela has had in her career in the performing arts and the mentors that played a big part in forming who she could and would be. With such a diverse background, no matter the role Angela has been able to step up to whatever challenge came along and now at the Camerata she finds herself in a passionate, community-minded, collaborative arts company that she truly loves.As we step into unprecedented times for the arts and entertainment industry, we discuss the future and resilience of the Arts industry and our hopes for the future.Website: www.apata.com.auEmail: hello@apata.com.auInstagram & Facebook: @apatamedia

Hello and welcome to the APATA Podcast [The Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association].It's an absolute pleasure to introduce our podcast to the community as we create conversations with industry leaders and thought provoking guests as they share their stories, journeys and lessons teaching and working in the performing arts.Our conversations are raw, there is error and a few giggles, and we thought initially to re-record and edit but decided to go with 'hang it' and load as is raw and human.Secondly with bloopers we felt that if we undertook a 'take-two' approach the conversation would alter and on playback thoroughly enjoyed the discussions we've recorded.Therefore we've gone for the warts and all recording on one take. Enjoy!Website: www.apata.com.auEmail: hello@apata.com.auInstagram & Facebook: @apatamedia