SCOPE: Sport and Dance working together on an integrated holistic approach to the career development of elite dance artists in Australia

Helliwell, Kay B. App Sci (Human Movement & Psychology), Australian Sports Commission, Canberra, ACT, Australia; and Waser, John Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education, Health and Physical Education, Australian Sports Commission, Canberra, ACT, Australia; 

In a world first, the Australian Council of the Arts and Australian Sports Commission, with support and contribution from Ausdance, have combined resources to deliver personal and professional development services to Australia?s elite dance artists.  

The program philosophy promotes a balanced and integrated approach to the career of professional dancers and choreographers through a process of informed decision making and planning.  The program will ensure dance artists proactively participate in and effectively manage their own career, education and personal development needs.  The successful exploration and integration of performance and career aspirations will support the development of a personal plan that both encapsulates and transcends dance.  This diversification of self-esteem to areas beyond artistic ability takes into consideration the dance artist within a system, recognising the influences of society, the work environment and family.  The underlying motivation of the program is that sound professional development supports the artist, enhancing their current performance and success as well as providing a positive, sustainable future.

This National program has attracted much attention and support from the sector, management and artistic directors of major Australian dance companies.  The program will assist the dance sector develop a plan to recycle the knowledge of dance artists and create human capital for the sector through successful expansion, diversification and or transition to alternative careers contributing to dance. Facilitating the development and integration of career and education action plans alongside performing and, assisting dance to build a culture that encourages contribution back to the sector, will ensure lifelong positive dance experiences for Australian dance artists.