Josephine Weise on her time in Pre-Professional Year 2014

I actually sent in a video application as I was attending other auditions on the same day in QLD. I remember getting a call from Linda Gamblin when she told me I successfully gained a position and that she thought I would benefit greatly from the course.

 

Each 9am-4pm day is deliciously packed and structured in a way to nurture yet challenge you, expand your understanding of the mind/body power and refine your physicality. It starts with a morning conditioning class for an hour and a half (either ballet/contemporary/yoga/pilates). Then the rest of the day would consist of rehearsals, study or workshops with mentors, dancers, choreographers and makers from a variety of creative backgrounds.

Josephine in PPY14 Revealed. Photo by Pedro Greig.

To apply a beginner’s mind to each day and to keep open to new possibilities and challenging ideas/concepts.

 

You’re representing so much more of yourself than just the dancer- showing who you are as a person as well as your physical ability is just as important in an audition. Other factors such as teamwork skills, nature, body/spacial/emotional awareness, communication skills, creativity and versatility, resilience and perseverance are being considered too.

Josephie in rehearsals for ‘ab [intra]’. Photo by Pedro Greig.

It’s given me the tools and the network I need to enter confidently into the professional industry and the opportunity to understand myself better by providing a safe environment to challenge my identity and perceptions. The family of support established by Linda I feel, is ongoing and ever present, which is truly special to have such a passionate and dedicated mentor like that.

 

 

After one year as a Trainee and another three years as a Company member with Sydney Dance Company, I’m now working with Expressions Dance Company in Brisbane with director Amy Hollingsworth. Although this transition from Sydney Dance Company to Expressions is new, it has a familiar connection. Amy was my rehearsal director when I toured with Sydney Dance Company as a Trainee during my Pre-Professional Year so it’s a rather lovely and welcoming coincidence to be working together again.

Tickets for PPY19 Revealed are now on sale!