BALLET: Singleton Public School students embraced the opportunity to work with The Australian Ballet’s dance education ensemble. Pictured (l-r) are students Callum Christian, Chloe Justen, Mick Taylor and Annaliese Kirsten with educators Hannah Beer and Chris Ead and school principal David Crowe.
THERE was a reason why Singleton students were flying through the air in graceful exhibitions of physical movement this week.
They were inspired by The Australian Ballet who brought their Out There schools program to Singleton Public School and St Catherine’s Catholic College.
Dance educators Hannah Beer, Christopher Ead, Alexander McKinnon and Abigail Oliveiro lead students through a series of fun and interactive workshops designed to foster movement skills, promote fitness and encourage artistic expression.
It is all about a new experience and students were lapping up the opportunity to learn from the experts.
Singleton Public School student Callum Christian appreciated the different aspects of dance and liked the thought of how it would build up his strength and flexibility for all sports.
He was one among hundreds of local students exposed to ballet for the first time.
Tour manager Donna Cusack said the program was trialed for six weeks back in 2006 before the trial was extended and this year the ensemble will visit more than 80 primary schools and reach over 8000 children in metropolitan and regional areas nationally.
Ms Cusack often sits, mesmerized by the expression on students faces as they listen and copy the movements.
“I see a delightful combination of enthusiasm and concentration and I like the inclusion aspect, there is no cost and every child can take part,” Ms Cusack said.
“There is the physical exercise and creative expression, next time the students see the work ballet they will have experienced it,” she said.
“I get enjoyment watching a child who may have had a preconceived idea that they will not enjoy themselves and then to see them flying out of the room and in the playground grinning from ear to ear, that’s satisfying.”