Redlands Dance Academy Scholarship Program

By Danielle Brown

published in print: September 2024

The Redlands Dance Academy, nestled within the prestigious Redlands School in Cremorne, NSW, offers an unparalleled scholarship program designed to blend academic studies with elite ballet training. The Year 7 2026 Dance Scholarship, one of the most coveted opportunities for young dancers in Australia, provides a comprehensive pathway for students to pursue their passion for dance while receiving a first-class education.

A Gateway to Elite Training: The Masterclass and Audition Process

The journey towards securing a scholarship at the Redlands Dance Academy begins with a meticulously designed application and audition process, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated holistically.

Within the application process, students are required to submit both their academic and dance results, along with a specific set of images that demonstrate their technical proficiency. In addition to these materials, applicants must complete an ACER test, which includes extended response in Written Expression and multiple-choice questions in Humanities and Mathematics, designed to provide the School with a snapshot of the student’s current academic standard. This comprehensive approach ensures that Redlands Dance Academy can consider both the artistic talent and academic capabilities of each candidate.

Aspiring dancers are then invited to attend a Masterclass in early February, offering a sneak peek into the academy’s teaching style and philosophy. Running from 10am to 1pm, the Masterclass is not only a chance to meet the Academy’s esteemed faculty but also to engage directly with the Head of Academy, Ms Gilly Revie.

Gilly emphasises the importance of this initial interaction, affirming, “The Masterclass allows candidates to familiarise themselves with our environment, reducing the anxiety that often accompanies auditions. We want them to feel comfortable and confident in their audition, so they can truly showcase their abilities.”

Following the Masterclass, the Audition Process begins. It starts with a personal warm-up, followed by a one-hour ballet class. After a brief intermission, students participate in a contemporary dance class, a deliberate inclusion by Gilly Revie. “We decided to include contemporary because it often reveals a different side of the dancer,” Gilly explains. “Some students move more freely and confidently in contemporary, and it allows us to see their versatility.”

The final stage of the Audition involves a small group of candidates being selected for an interview, where Gilly delves into their motivations, aspirations, and personal connection to dance. “The interview process is invaluable,” she notes. “It provides insights into their character and helps us determine if they will thrive in our unique environment.”

A Scholarship of Exceptional Value

The Redlands Dance Academy Scholarship is one of the most significant scholarships available in the country, covering the entire Secondary School fees from Year 7 to Year 12. With tuition fees starting at around $39,000 per annum, the scholarship offers an extraordinary opportunity for talented dancers to receive both academic and artistic education and opportunities at a premier institution.

The academic schedule at Redlands runs from 8.20am to 3.20pm, five days a week. Within this framework, dance is seamlessly integrated, within either the HSC or IB Dance curriculum. Students also participate in a dance-for-sport program, replacing traditional sports classes with dance, ensuring that their training is consistent and focused.

Beyond the school day, students opt for additional dance modules, which can add up to 20 hours of training per week. While these modules are not included in the scholarship, they provide an opportunity for students to further refine their skills. “The dance modules are tailored to each student’s needs and goals,” Gilly explains. “They are designed to build on the foundation established during the school day, offering specialised training that is crucial for those aspiring to professional careers.”

Gilly also underscores the importance of ballet as the cornerstone of the academy’s training. “Ballet is the base of all dance,” she says. “It provides a deep understanding of the body, teaching dancers how to move with strength, grace, and precision. Regardless of the genre they wish to pursue, this understanding is essential.”

Holistic Development: Balancing Academics and Dance

One of the key attractions of the Redlands Dance Academy Scholarship is its emphasis on holistic development. The program is designed to produce both technically proficient dancers and well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of life beyond dance. “We are committed to ensuring our students are not just dancers, but also educated, articulate individuals,” Gilly explains.

This commitment to balance is evident in the academy’s approach to scheduling. The School is acutely aware of the pressures that come with balancing a demanding academic program with intensive dance training. “Student wellbeing and support is exceptionally important”

Gilly says. “If students are juggling a full school schedule with four hours of dance every night, there could be the potential for burn out.” We work closely with each student to create and support a schedule that allows for study, family time, and rest.”

The academy’s emphasis on academic excellence is a point of pride for Gilly. She believes that the rigorous academic program at Redlands enhances the students’ growth as dancers. “The academic education they receive here impacts their dance training in profound ways. They come into the classroom with a higher level of understanding and focus, which allows them to grasp complex concepts more quickly.”

Gilly also stresses the importance of maintaining consistency in training, particularly for younger students. She encourages students to commit exclusively to Redlands during their formative years to avoid confusion that can arise from receiving mixed instructions. “Understanding the nuances of how the body works can be challenging enough,” she explains. “Receiving conflicting instructions on something as subtle as how to hold an arm in second position can become a daily battle for a young dancer. Our goal is to provide a consistent, cohesive training experience that supports their long-term development.”

Preparing for the Future: Beyond Ballet

While the Redlands Dance Academy is rooted in classical ballet training, the program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the performing arts. “We’re not just training ballet dancers,” Gilly emphasises. “We’re teaching them how to dance in every sense of the word. If they only learn what to do—focusing on the shape of a movement rather than understanding how to create that shape—they won’t be able to transfer those skills to other genres or situations. Our goal is to equip them with a deep, transferable understanding of dance.”

The Academy’s approach to dance education is reflected in the academy’s performance schedule. Students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents, from half-yearly and end-of-year performances to solo showcases and competitions. “Performing regularly is crucial for their development,” she says. “It builds their confidence and helps them understand how to connect with an audience.”

The dance scholarship also includes at least one private lesson per week, allowing for personalised attention and further refinement of technique. “These private lessons are invaluable,” Gilly notes. “They provide an opportunity to address individual challenges and work on specific areas that need improvement.”

The Final Selection: A Rigorous Decision-Making Process

After the auditions are complete, Gilly faces the challenging task of recommending the final scholarship applicants for interview with the School’s Principal.

“It’s never easy,” she admits. “We have so many talented students applying, and each brings something unique to the table.” Gilly takes a holistic approach to her recommendations, considering not just technical ability but also the candidates’ character, motivation, and fit with the academy’s culture.

In cases where multiple exceptionally talented students apply, Gilly may recommend a split of the scholarship. “It’s important to recognise and reward talent wherever we find it,” she says. “We want to ensure that every deserving student has the opportunity to benefit from our program.”

Gilly also encourages students with multiple talents, both in dance and academics, to apply for other scholarships offered by Redlands School. ” We offer a range of scholarships – academic, merit/all-rounder, music and means-tested,” she explains. “If a student excels in more than one area, it’s definitely worth exploring all available opportunities.”

A Foundation for Lifelong Success

The Redlands Dance Academy Scholarship program is more than just a ticket to place for an elite ballet education. It is a comprehensive program that nurtures and supports both the mind and the body, preparing students for a successful career in the performing arts and beyond. As Gilly Revie eloquently puts it, “We’re not just training dancers; we’re shaping individuals who will carry the lessons they’ve learned here throughout their lives, whether they pursue a career in dance or any other field.”

The academy’s unique blend of academic excellence, rigorous dance training and holistic development and support ensures that students leave Redlands not just as exceptional dancers but as well-rounded, articulate individuals ready to take on the world. With its commitment to fostering both artistic and academic success, the Redlands Dance Academy Scholarship remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after opportunities for young dancers in Australia.