Dance Education, Choreography and WAAPA Pathways
Designed specifically for VETDSS Dance teachers in Perth, this full-day Professional Learning experience brings together practical teaching strategies, creative exploration, choreography, performance and industry insights.
The morning will be led by Sara (Sal) Barnes, providing teachers with practical and engaging approaches to developing students’ technical, performance and choreographic skills. The focus is on purposeful practice, creative exploration and strategies that can be taken directly back into the VET Dance classroom.
The afternoon takes teachers inside WAAPA for a unique opportunity to experience the training environment, see emerging dancers in performance and gain valuable insights into tertiary dance pathways. Hear directly from WAAPA about courses, auditions, applications, student expectations and the skills required to progress into further dance training and the broader dance industry.
The day is designed to help teachers strengthen their industry knowledge, enhance classroom practice and better prepare students for future study and career opportunities in dance.
The program supports units across CUA20120 Certificate II in Dance, CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance and CUA30220 Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events, with a focus on technique, performance, choreography, improvisation, artistic expression and safe dance practices.
Morning tea and lunch are provided.
Places are strictly limited.
All attendees will receive a Professional Learning Certificate of Attendance, contributing to your ongoing VET Dance industry currency and professional learning requirements.
Please note, payment for this event can be made by credit card, or you can request an invoice for your Accounts Department by selecting “Invoice” at checkout.
Invoices can only be paid by bank transfer and cannot be paid by credit card.
Agenda
- 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Arrival and Registration
Arrive at Kings Street Arts Centre for registration, enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, and connect with fellow VET educators before the day begins.
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Teaching Dance Through Purposeful Practice & Developing Choreography Skills Through Exploration
Workshop 1 - A practical workshop exploring how to develop dance theory knowledge through technique classes and movement activities. Learn strategies to connect theory with practical skill development and performance. Workshop 2 - A practical workshop exploring how to develop students’ choreography skills through creative movement activities. Learn strategies to build confidence in generating, developing and refining movement ideas.
- 12:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Inside WAAPA: Pathways, Practice & Industry
An afternoon of professional learning at WAAPA focused on dance education, student pathways and industry preparation. The session includes a 1st Year Dance Showing, featuring ballet and contemporary performances, followed by a presentation and Q&A covering WAAPA programs, study pathways, applications, auditions and the skills required for students pursuing further dance training. The afternoon concludes with a guided WAAPA campus tour, providing teachers with an insight into the facilities, training environment and opportunities available to emerging dancers.
Session Facilitator

Sara (Sal) Barnes
Sara (Sal) Barnes brings extensive experience in dance education and a practical, student-focused approach to teaching dance. Her professional learning sessions focus on helping educators develop students’ technical skills, performance confidence, creative thinking and choreographic abilities through purposeful practice and movement exploration. Sal’s approach provides practical strategies that VET Dance teachers can adapt directly into their own classes, helping bridge the gap between dance theory, technique, creativity and performance while creating engaging learning experiences for students.
Involved Organisations

King Street Arts Centre
The Kings Street Arts Centre is a home for arts and cultural organisations representing a blend of youth, regional, community and professional arts activity and practice.

Edith Cowan University / WAAPA
CRICOS Provider No. 00279B | RTO Code 4756 | Edith Cowan University (ECU) is one of Australia’s and the world’s best young universities. We have more than 30,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. We also welcome over 6,000 international students annually, originating from more than 100 countries.

Oh Hey WA
Oh Hey WA was founded in 2014 by 23-year-old Adie, who discovered her love for walking tours while backpacking through Europe. Inspired by the joy of exploring new places, she decided to bring that same sense of discovery to her hometown of Perth. So, despite just finishing a mechanical engineering degree, she swapped gears and launched her own tour company.
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