Contemporary
Queensland College of Dance Pre-Professional Contemporary Program is a full-time extensive dance program ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in Contemporary Dance and/or Choreography.
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QCD’s unique contemporary course focuses heavily on industry relevant training with a strong emphasis on the creative process. Student’s training will include a diverse range of Contemporary techniques, Improvisation skills, Task work, Partnering, Mat/floor work, Ballet, Jazz, Performance Coaching, Physical Conditioning, Anatomy & Nutrition and Performance Psychology.
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Along with many performance opportunities throughout the year, students will also have the opportunity to collaborate and perform with the unique youth contemporary company, Merge Dance Theatre. Working in this environment will provide each student with the invaluable experience of preparing and training for industry placements, and national and International competition.
Course
Duration
Qualification
Contemporary
1 or 2 years (full-time)
CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
Entry Requirements
Live or Video Audition demonstrating competence in at least one dance style equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 4 or above
1ST YEAR PROGRAM
CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) CUAWHS413: Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development CUADAN519: Refine pointe work techniques (females) CUADAN517: Refine dance partnering techniques CUAMUP511: Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles CUAWHS412: Participate in gym and resistance training for performances CUAWHS411: Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning (males) CUADAN513: Perform repertoire for corps de ballet CUAPPR512: Develop own sustainable professional practice CUAPRF513: Prepare for performances in a competitive environment CUADAN518: Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques CUADAN512: Refine ballet performance skills CUADAN531: Refine dance techniques CUADAN432: Improvise advanced dance sequences CUAPRF511: Refine performance techniques CUADAN515: Refine contemporary dance techniques CUADAN511: Refine ballet techniques CUADAN512: Refine ballet performance skills CUAWHS511: Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
2ND YEAR PROGRAM
CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) CUADAN610: Extend allied contemporary dance techniques at a professional level CUAIND601: Work professionally in the creative arts industry CUADAN602: Perform advanced classical ballet technique CUADAN508: Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques CUAPRF501: Refine performance techniques CUAWHS501: Maintain a high level of fitness for performance CUADAN501: Refine ballet techniques CUADAN502: Refine ballet performance skills CUADAN505: Refine contemporary dance techniques CUADAN601: Perform Dance Repertoire at a Professional Level CUADAN603: Extend Ballet Technique to a Professional Level CUADAN604: Extend ballet performance skills to a professional level CUADAN607: Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional level CUADAN608: Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level CUAPPR502: Develop own sustainable professional practice CUAWHS602: Develop techniques for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment CUAWHS601: Apply advanced gym and weight training to ballet CUADAN618: Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
Pre-Professional Contemporary Faculty
Welcome from Deanna Castellana
– Head of Pre-Professional Contemporary
The Contemporary Program at QCD is a space for exploration, innovation, and artistry. We encourage our dancers to push boundaries — physically, creatively, and emotionally — while developing the technical foundations that underpin contemporary performance. Through collaboration, creative process, and guided mentorship, students discover their unique voice as artists and storytellers. Lonii Garnons-Williams – Contemporary Sheriden Newman – Contemporary Monique Mangano – Contemporary Tracey Carrodus - Contemporary Rep Yue-Shi (Tony) – Contemporary Jake McLarnon – Contemporary Amelia Waller – Contemporary Jacob Watton – Contemporary Brittney Boucher – Lyrical Karen Donovan – Ballet Victor Smith – Ballet Montanna Stoneman – Aerial Kate Carey – Pilates Adrian Burke – Strength and Conditioning Chanthalah Webster-Tight - Physiotherapist Lee-Anne Ebert – Dressmaker
Student Success
