Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

Hi everyone
My sister is hoping to study for a degree in dancing at Melbourne university.
She dances classical ballet, contemporary, modern and jazz.
My question is after her qualification would she be able to stay in Australia and work as a dancer. I am guessing her best bet would be a 457 visa if she can find a job with a dance company. Anybody have any insight into whether dance companies hire international dancers? If she did get a 457 is there any route to a permanent visa over time?
Thanks in advance
Lynette

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

I recommend she talks to Miss Lou Lou at Glittery Tapping wonderland.

www.glitterytappingwonderland.com

She is a very experienced dancer and runs three dance schools, employing lots of teachers. She may well be able to give some advice.

BB

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

I have no idea about the practicalities of dancing in Australia. :p

However dancer is currently on the ENSOL and the 457 approved occupations lists. This means that currently the occupation is one that is eligible for both permanent and temporary employer sponsorship. It is not eligible for independent skilled migration.

Note that the ENSOL / 457 lists could change before your sister has completed her course and there may or may not be any transitional arrangements.

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

I've studied the fine detail via the medium of popular television and can conclude that as a dancer your chances of making it big are greatly enhanced if you're also hugely overweight and a fine cook. Then you can star on the next HUGE reality TV show:

"Australias fattest dancing chef"

A surefire hit.


(Sorry no serious advice available :p)

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

Here's a link to the employment section of the Australian Ballet (currently showing they have no positions available) http://www.australianballet.com.au/main.taf?p=5,6,1. Your sister should probably zap them an email, they are based in Melbourne. Dance is pretty competitive in Australia and a lot of Australian girls leave Australia to go dance overseas. The Australian Ballet auditions kids all over Australian from the age of 9 and those that are successful go to Melbourne on school holidays for classes. This means they have a huge locally trained pool of dancers to choose from.

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

I was also going to recommend Miss Lou Lou but dear say its another dancer:D



perhaps even profession:ohmy:

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

Yeah I think its one of those things that if you are fantastic you can go anywhere, if not you are going nowhere.

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

I suppose this is true, you have to be really good to get anywhere. My wife is jaw-droppingly amazing - and has toured with companies but she reckons she is average. She does critique many of the dancers she sees on TV.

I think some dancers end up teaching or going into splinter professions or sports related disciplines - and indeed, have that to fall back on.

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

Thanks everyone!

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

I saw an excellent programme on SBS last night about the Australian Dance Theater (based in Adeliaide) and one of the dancers on there was a girl from Swindon (she is on their current list of dancers - Kialea). So they must have some form of sponsorship programme.
Here is the website.
http://www.adt.org.au/

Re: Dancing as a career in Australia?
 

Well she would be classed as good;)

A day before arriving in Australia to join ADT, Kialea won the highly prestigious National Critic Circle's Award for Best Modern Female Dancer 2007 (UK) for her performance of Harmonica Breakdown with Phoenix Dance Theatre.