Dance the day away at Royal Academy of Dance’s Dance Fest 23

Students from all genres and methods of training have something extra special to look forward to this summer: the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia’s annual summer dance programme, Dance Fest 23! 

The five-day workshop, to be held 9 – 13 January 2023, at Adelaide’s AC Arts, will include classes in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and tap, and is open to dancers aged seven to adult. 

“Rebranded in 2021, Dance Fest 23 is an all-inclusive summer workshop to get those bodies ready for your classes in 2023!” says Lia Cox, RAD regional manager SA, WA and NT. “We have collated the absolute best faculty, both locally and interstate, who regularly work with young dancers to help them achieve their best, learn new skills and, most importantly, have fun!”

That all-star faculty includes Melissa McCabe (classical and repertoire), Daniel Jaber (contemporary), David Placentino (hip hop), Rosanna Dobré (tap), Maddie McArthur (jazz) and Jayson Smart (lyrical).  

“The RAD prides itself in the network of incredible faculty and tutors we have on our roster,” Cox explains. “I have great relationships with our 2023 faculty, and look for a team that are experienced in teaching and mentoring young people, who will foster their development with creative technical skills, as well as making it an enjoyable experience. Remembering this is a fun summer school – an opportunity to try new styles, with new teachers and learn new skills! So our super experienced faculty are the perfect team.”

Cox and the RAD team have taken a lot of care to develop streams to give dancers the best opportunity to learn by age and ability. Students at Dance Fest are placed in coloured groups: Green (ages seven to nine), Purple (ages 10-12), Red (intermediate group for ages 13-14) and Blue (advanced level for ages 15 and up). 

In addition, Dance Fest offers dancers the chance to explore multiple genres or to stick to one track. Dancers can choose to select a One Day pass for all genres or just select One Genre and attend that style class each day. Or dancers can select the Full Week for all genres or a Full Week Classical Stream. 

“In this day, being a versatile dancer is so important, especially for those who wish to make a career out of it,” Cox says. “So, Dance Fest gives dancers a taste of each major genre. Who knows? It might spark a new love for tap you didn’t know you had!” 

Classes will be a combination of technique plus choreography, another important element of training for those aspiring to be professionals. Classes will put together group pieces to showcase to the other levels on the final day of Dance Fest.

“In order to do the choreography, you need to know the technique, but a class full of technique isn’t always the most exciting, especially in your summer holidays,” Cox says. “So, we make sure dancers are learning, plus putting that learning into practice with some cool routines!”

This year’s Dance Fest is sure to inspire dancers and bring the community together. “I hope dancers not only learn new skills in genres and styles they may not have tried before, but also hone skills in genres they love and make new friends along the way. I’m really looking forward to seeing the happy, smiling faces of dancers again after the last two years of Covid have put a damper on previous events. Come along for a great five days of dance. Pick your adventure, whether it’s the full week, one day or one genre. You are going to love it!”

Dance Fest 23 will be held 9 – 13 January 2023 in Adelaide. For more information and to book now, visit au.royalacademyofdance.org/event/dance-fest-23-summer-workshop.

By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.