The Arts Unit

Published in Print July 2025 order now!

By Danielle Brown
 
For families looking to expand their child’s dance education beyond the studio or classroom, the NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensembles program, led by The Arts Unit, is one of the most dynamic, inclusive, and professionally relevant opportunities available.
 
On May 22–23, the program, designed by the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit, held its first major workshop of the year at Tanya Pearson Academy in St Leonards. The two-day intensive brought together some of NSW’s most promising public school dancers. More than just a training event, this workshop was a window into the transformative potential of artistic mentorship and state-wide creative collaboration.
 
The State Dance Ensembles program offers an intensive model designed to provide students from across regional and metropolitan NSW the opportunity to audition and train under industry professionals. Unlike weekly studio-based programs, this model is structured around four workshop periods across the year, each with a distinct focus.
 
The May workshop was the first of four, focusing on technique development, improvisation, and style-based training. Students were led by a variety of professional tutors who introduced them to new genres, movement vocabularies, and choreographic tasks. The purpose: to explore, expand, and lay the foundations for creative collaboration.
 
The highlight of this workshop for many was contemporary class with Angela Hamilton, renowned Sydney-based choreographer and founder of Twisted Element. Known for her immersive and experimental approach to dance theatre, Hamilton brings not only international experience but a clear, intentional method of working with young dancers.
 

“Every exercise built gradually,” Hamilton said. “With clear attention to safe dance practices.”

She offered anatomical cues throughout, helping dancers stay present, grounded, and injury-aware.

 
The movement vocabulary she introduced was rich and challenging — grounded floor-work, deep lunges, and fluid transitions that demanded presence and coordination. Each phrase was broken down, rehearsed, and then performed with intention.
 
Angela’s class was a perfect balance of technique and artistry — a glimpse into the kind of rigour that defines the State Ensembles program.
 
“I don’t really separate technique and creativity — they inform and elevate each other,” she explained. “Even within technical work, I encourage presence, energy, and intention… Whether we’re learning a phrase or improvising, the focus is on being fully present, integrated, and embodied.”
 
She continued: “More than anything, I want students to leave with a stronger sense of who they are, both as dancers and as humans. The ensemble experience is about more than just dancing well; it’s about building confidence, learning to collaborate, developing creative independence, and discovering the power of your unique voice.”
 
In a neighbouring studio, Corey Podbereski, a professional performer and Arts Unit alumnus, led an energising session that left the room buzzing. His own dance journey began in public school through The Arts Unit — making his return as a teacher especially meaningful.
 
“Being in this full circle moment is incredibly meaningful,” he shared. “It’s both humbling and heartwarming. To now be teaching students that are part of the ensemble that started my dance journey feels like a great reminder of growth, purpose, and the impact teachers can have.”
 
His sessions were fast-paced, challenging, and encouraging — showing students how passion and perseverance can shape a career.
 

The May intensive is just the beginning. The State Dance Ensembles program continues across three more major workshops:
Workshop 2 (28 July – 1 August): Ensemble groups work with a single choreographer to begin developing works for performance at the NSW public schools State Dance Festival.
Workshop 3 (17–18 September): Technical rehearsals and refinement ahead of the Festival.
Workshop 4 (October/November): Final rehearsals and repertoire preparation for Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena.

 
Each workshop builds on the last, creating a layered, process-driven experience that prepares students for live performance — not just technically, but artistically and emotionally.
 
What makes this program exceptional is its reach. It is not limited to students with access to elite facilities or capital city studios. Students from public schools all over NSW — rural and regional included — are encouraged to audition and participate. The result is a diverse, statewide ensemble built on inclusion, equity, and excellence.
 
“The Arts Unit’s Ensembles Programs are genuinely special,” said Hamilton. 
 

“Students are given the chance to train with professional industry artists, access performance opportunities beyond what many schools or studios can offer, and be part of a community that truly values artistic development.”

 
The NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensembles program is not just a training initiative — it’s a creative ecosystem that cultivates strong dancers, strong thinkers, and strong collaborators. With guidance from top-tier mentors like Angela Hamilton and Corey Podbereski, students are empowered to take ownership of their artistry and imagine a future in which they are not just dancers — but creators and leaders.
 
This is The Arts Unit at its finest: building access, inspiring excellence, and shaping the next generation of Australian dance.