The International Summer School (ISS) at The McDonald College has announced its 18th annual summer program, set to run from Monday 13 January to Friday 17 January 17, 2025. This popular event continues to draw dance students from Australia and overseas, offering a unique opportunity to work with top names in the dance industry.
For the past 18 years, ISS has welcomed thousands of students, ages 7 to 20, to Sydney for a highly regarded summer intensive. This year, ISS2025 promises an exceptional experience with a diverse range of Australian and international dance masters.
Paul Boyd, Resident Choreographer and Academy Ballet Master, Queensland Ballet and returning faculty for ISS25, says, “It is a fantastic summer school because you get a variety of different teachers teaching different genres. What’s important to me is that we bring the students out of their comfort zone, we teach them new genres of dance, they learn different types of movement that they might not have been exposed to before, and that opens their horizons and enriches their experience of dance.”
This year’s faculty lineup also includes Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of The Royal Academy of Dance, London; Claire Calvert, First Soloist of The Royal Ballet, London; and Iohna Loots, former soloist at The Royal Ballet. They will also be joined by another returning expert Steve Rooks from Vassar College, New York.
“I’ve been lucky to have been invited to the International Summer School over several years now,” Rooks says. “And what has been really inspiring to see is the level of growth and excitement that happens from Monday when students first arrive to the Friday when we get ready to do the presentations.”
Participants will benefit from a comprehensive five-day program, which includes classes and workshops tailored to their age and skill level. The curriculum covers various dance genres and techniques, including:
- Classical Ballet
- Contemporary Dance
- Pointe Coaching
- Boys’ Coaching
- Repertoire
- Musical Theatre (Juniors)
- Broadway Jazz
- Acting for Ballet
- Strength and Conditioning
- Introduction to Gyrotonic® Method
Teacher Access Day: Dance teachers are invited to observe the ISS2025 program on Wednesday, 15 January. The day, priced at $45, includes observation of the Senior and Pre-Professional Program and a discussion with the visiting faculty.
Registration Information: Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged to secure a place in the program. For more information and to register, visit internationalsummerschool.com.au or contact 02 9752 0601.
The ISS2025 provides a valuable opportunity for dancers to advance their skills and connect with others in the dance community. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
For more information, visit www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au/open-to-all/international-summer-school.
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