Dance Education, Choreography and WAAPA Pathways
Designed specifically for VET-in-Schools dance trainers, this full-day professional learning program combines practical teaching strategies, creative exploration, choreography, performance and industry insight.
The morning session, led by Sara (Sal) Barnes, focuses on approaches for developing students' technical, performance and choreographic skills. Through purposeful practice and hands-on activities, trainers will leave with strategies they can apply directly in their VET dance classrooms.
In the afternoon, trainers will go inside WAAPA for a rare look at its training environment, including the opportunity to see emerging dancers in performance. WAAPA will share insights into tertiary dance pathways, covering courses, auditions, applications, student expectations and the skills students need to progress into further training and the broader dance industry.
Across the day, teachers will strengthen their industry knowledge, build on their classroom practice and be better equipped to prepare students for future study and careers in dance.
The program supports units across the following qualifications, with a focus on technique, performance, choreography, improvisation, artistic expression and safe dance practice:
CUA20120 Certificate II in Dance
CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance
CUA30220 Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events
Event details
Morning tea and lunch are provided, and places are strictly limited.
All attendees will receive a Professional Learning Certificate of Attendance, which can contribute to your VET dance industry currency and professional learning requirements.
Payment can be made by credit card, or you can request an invoice for your accounts department by selecting "Invoice" at checkout. Please note that invoices can only be paid by bank transfer, not 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 performance, education and a student-focused approach to teaching. Her professional learning sessions help educators develop students' technical skills, performance confidence, creative thinking and choreographic ability through purposeful practice and movement exploration. Sal offers practical strategies that VET dance trainers can take straight into their own classes. Her sessions connect theory, technique, creativity and performance, helping teachers create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for their students.
Event Partners

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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