Dance and Drama Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Dance and Drama

It has already been an exciting start to the Year for our Dance and Drama students. The Elective classes were provided with the opportunity to view some of the top HSC performances across the State from 2023. The students found this experience to be valuable for their own studies, feeling inspired and enthusiastic for the year ahead. We are very proud of one of our 2023 accelerated Dance students, Charlotte (C12), who was one of the few students selected to perform her Major Study Dance Work at the Friday program of ‘Callback’. An outstanding achievement. 

Elective Drama – ‘OnSTAGE’ Excursion Saturday 10 February – Reflection by Revelle (C12) 

Pittwater House Senior Drama students were lucky enough to attend the prestigious show of "OnSTAGE". On Stage is an accumulation of all the best HSC Drama performances both in groups and individuals. It is always a thrilling experience and it especially helps our Year 11 and 12 students to know what the markers are looking for when they complete their HSC. 

The show that we went to was packed with variety, singing, dancing and drama all rolled into one. It was even more evidence that drama isn't just about acting on a stage or behind a camera, it shows that it is a form of expression and art. 

With the show being in two halves, by the intermission everyone was buzzing with excitement and had all too much to say about what we had seen at the amazing show. 

By the time we had our next lessons, I don't think our teachers could get a word in! Class was filled with picking out the favourite pieces and watching for things that could have been improved upon. 

Overall, On STAGE is a wonderful experience that allows everyone to feel a little like an HSC marker. And maybe next year some of Pittwater House's own Year 12s might be 'On Stage'....

Elective Dance – ‘Callback’ Excursion Thursday 15 February – Reflection by Year 11 HSC Dance Class

Last Thursday night, the Years 9 to 11 Elective Dance students were fortunate enough to go and watch HSC ‘Callback’ performances.

We found it a very valuable experience as we were able to watch and analyse all the different components of the HSC Dance course. This made us realise that although there is some hard work to be put in, the results presented on the night demonstrated that everything that we are working towards is achievable. It has been helpful to unpack and discuss the different works performed during our Dance lessons, as this will help prepare our own dance works. 

We thoroughly enjoyed watching a variety of different works and are grateful for the experience to help us navigate the Stage 6 Dance course. 

Dance and Drama - Junior School Term 1

What’s happening in the weekly Dance and/or Drama classes in Junior School for Term 1? 

Kindergarten Dance: Students learn basic movement skills, through specific exercises, routines, and strategies.

Year 1 Dance: Students learn basic anatomy of the human body through movement skills.

Year 2 Dance: Students continue to work on body and movement skills through dance technique with a greater focus on correct placement.

Year 3 Dance: Students work on developing body skills and technique through locomotor movement combinations.

Year 4 Dance: Students learn about taking care of the body through the importance of warm up/cool down and how to avoid injury in dance class.

Year 5 Dance rotations in Performing Arts: Students Observe and learn about dance and dance styles within musicals They experience and explore characteristics of various dance styles through appreciation of the historical development and technique classes.

Year 5 Drama rotations in Performing Arts: Students participate in a range of practical workshops to develop improvisation skills and promote the ability to communicate meaningful characters, roles, or situations. They will engage in script reading and performing which aim to build self-confidence.

Year 6 Dance rotations in Performing Arts: Students study Dance on film, Street Dance and Musical Theatre styles, capturing choreography and movement for film. Students work collaboratively with peers and teachers to develop and perform meaningful movements to communicate a character or theme in stage performances.  

Year 6 Drama rotations in Performing Arts: Students learn about developing creative narratives through the medium of film or stage. They will learn about developing characters and script reading which they will implement into performances.