Talking About Training: PPY Alumni Hannah Joseph

Tell us a bit about yourself and your history of dance training.
My name is Hannah Joseph and I grew up in Coffs Harbour, I started dance classes at age 4. Growing up, I trained in all styles of dance and participated in local eisteddfods, but became particularly interested in contemporary dance when I moved to Sydney in 2018. Since moving to Sydney, I have partaken in Sydney Dance Company’s affiliate program with McDonald College, extension program Youth Ensemble and full-time training in Pre-Professional Year.

 

What was your first introduction to Sydney Dance Company?
I was first introduced to Sydney Dance Company when I was attending the McDonald College and the affiliate program was announced between the school and company. I investigated the company and decided the opportunity was too good to miss!

I joined the program in its inaugural year in 2019. The program allowed me to train every afternoon, alongside completing my academic studies to attain my HSC – something I would not have been able to achieve without the supportive environment that was provided from both Sydney Dance Company and the McDonald College. I was also provided the opportunity to intermittently be immersed in a professional dance space at Sydney Dance Company.

 

 

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  McDonald College showcase, 2020. Image by Winkipop Media.

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  PPY23 Revealed at Carriageworks. Image by Wendell Teodoro.

 

When did you join Sydney Dance Company’s Youth Ensemble and what was this training like?
I joined Youth Ensemble in 2020. I enjoyed this program as I was exposed to a wider range of dance styles and training techniques. As the workshops were 3 hours in duration, the extended length allowed me to delve deeper into what the guest choreographers were sharing. I was also able to dance with new people, which was an opportunity I was not afforded in my regular training. Youth Ensemble prepared me for my full-time training in Pre-Professional Year as I was introduced to many new choreographers over these extended workshops.

Youth Ensemble’s schedule follows the same format as Pre-Professional Year of morning classes and afternoon workshops led by industry professionals. I was challenged through improvisation, repertoire and technique. The environment allowed me to soak in as much information from as many people as possible, allowing me to enrich my own practice and how I can create movement and understand myself better.

 

What led you to audition for Pre-Professional Year?
I was craving more of what I had been exposed to in my time in the McDonald College Contemporary Stream and Youth Ensemble. I wanted to continue the exploration that I had begun, further widen my knowledge, understanding and ability of contemporary dance while following my dream of a dance performance career.

 

What surprised you about the course?
I was surprised how much it was a journey of constant discovery of how multifaceted dance is, I was constantly redefining my relationship with dance. I discovered that there was no definitive answer to dance and that there is always more to learn and explore. I loved the holistic approach towards training that was provided, focusing on the strength of both the mind and body in relation to dance.

 

Do you have any final reflections about your training journey with Sydney Dance Company?
I was so lucky to be exposed to so much and have so many different opportunities to learn through my training years. The training of Youth ensemble and McDonald College married well together, and this naturally flows through to PPY as you mature and grow both as a person and dancer. It was a privilege to be able to work with such a variety of highly skilled professionals who were so willing to share their knowledge. I think the more you are exposed to the better, as you can take what you need and leave what you don’t want.

As I graduated PPY I felt well equipped to take on the world of dance, knowing the endless pathways that could be discovered.