MIND BODY DANCE
MERGE is the ideal company for aspiring young dancers who are looking for challenging, explorative and technical work that will give them the knowledge and understanding of what is involved in the contemporary dance industry.
The vision for MERGE is to enhance and develop the artistic individuality in each dancer, challenging them to explore and create contemporary dance while collaborating with some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists.
MERGE aims to extend and engage young artists to be independent, creative and confident in their contemporary dance abilities with the goal of developing their performance skills to that of a professional standard.
AWARDS
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUTH DANCE
NOMINATION (Uninvited Guest)
AUSTRALIAN DANCE AWARDS 2017
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUTH DANCE
NOMINATION AND SHORT-LISTED (Dis/Connect)
AUSTRALIAN DANCE AWARDS 2018
‘ADJUDICATOR’S CHOICE’ AWARD 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
DEANNA CASTELLANA’S CHOREOGRAPHY
BRISBANE DANCE EISTEDDFOD
MEET THE TEAM
Under the expert guidance of specialised teachers, MERGE Dance Theatre works with many industry professionals, bringing the best of contemporary dance to our performers.
OUR MISSION
To educate and challenge young, aspiring dancers to become independent and professional contemporary dance artists.
To incorporate dance, choreographic skills, improvisation skills, collaboration work, partner work and acting skills into rehearsal and performance.
To create new and exciting work for the ambitious and contemporary driven young artist / choreographer.
To inspire and challenge audiences to understand and embrace the contemporary dance art form.
To create a bridge between dance schools and professional companies.
To bring together likeminded young dancers who are looking for challenging, explorative, and technical work that will give them the knowledge and understanding of what is involved in the contemporary dance industry.
MERGE DANCE THEATRE
Senior company
TRAINING + REHEARSALS
Rehearsals for MERGE take place on Saturdays at 4:30 – 7:30pm, Promenade Dance Studio, 26 Glentanna Street, Kedron.
Within this time, students will partake in contemporary training with Deanna Castellana and guest teachers from within the contemporary dance industry.
The program will also include developing choreographic skills and rehearsals for MERGE’s end of season production.
MERGE performers will be required for a one-week dance intensive in the first week of the September school holidays in preparation for the performance (Monday, 22nd September to Saturday 27th September). While dancers may not be required for all of this time, we ask that you keep this time aside until rehearsal schedule is released. Compulsory dress rehearsal will then fall on Monday 6th October (public holiday).
MERGE Dance Theatre’s end of season production will take place the weekend of 11th and 12th October.
END OF SEASON PRODUCTION
NEXT ROUND OF AUDITIONS
Auditions are open to dance students 14 years and over (age as at Jan 1st), with students meeting the minimum Ballet level requirement of Intermediate or equivalent.
Auditions will be held on:
Sunday, 23rd February
Registration at 12.30pm for a 1pm class
Promenade Dance Studio
26 Glentanna Street, Kedron
Can’t make the audition? Please send through any contemporary videos / class work / solo performance to deanna@mergedancetheatre.com.au to be considered for our 2024 company.
Please come dressed in appropriate Contemporary dance attire that shows clear body lines (no baggy clothing please).
To apply for an audition, click the link below and answer the questions provided. We will be in contact with you shortly after receiving your completed audition application.
Senior Company – all-inclusive cost $1500
- 3-hour weekly rehearsals from 4.30 – 7.30pm (commencing Saturday, 15th March)
- Dance Intensive week – Monday, 22nd September to Saturday, 27th September (attendance compulsory)
- Dress rehearsal – Monday 6th October (Public Holiday)
- Costume hire
- Professional headshot
- Merge memorabilia shirt
Fees are payable in 2 Instalments. First instalment due after first week of commencement of Senior Company rehearsals and second instalment due 7th July. Invoices will be sent to you via email.
Not Included:
- Compulsory Merge uniform jacket for all new company members – $50 (sized and ordered week 1 of rehearsals) – Payable by Cash
- Photos / video of performance
MERGE TRAINING PROGRAM
MERGE TRAINING PROGRAM is designed for students aged from 9 to 11 years (Junior) and for students aged from 12 to 14 years (Intermediate) to get a head start on the skills required to be part of the full company – MERGE DANCE THEATRE.
MERGE TRAINING PROGRAM is the ideal company for aspiring young dancers who are looking for challenging, explorative, and technical work that will give them the knowledge and understanding of what is involved in the contemporary dance industry.
The vision for MTP is to engage these dancers at a young age and give them a head start on the skills required in exploring choreography, collaborating with guest artists and being challenged outside their comfort zone. These skills will set them up to succeed in being independent and creative artists. MTP will accelerate the skills required for young artists to feel comfortable in the creation and exploration of contemporary dance in advance of full company work.
TRAINING + REHEARSALS
Junior 9–11 years
Rehearsals for MTP students aged 9–11 years (Junior) will take place on Sunday mornings from 9.00am – 11.00am commencing term 3 and running through to the beginning of term 4 at Promenade Dance Studio, 26 Glentanna Street, Kedron.
Intermediate 12–14 years
Rehearsals for MTP students aged 12–14 years (Intermediate) will take place on Saturday evenings from 5.00pm – 6.30pm commencing term 2 and running through to end of term 3 at Promenade Dance Studio, 26 Glentanna Street, Kedron.
Within this time, students will partake in contemporary training with Deanna Castellana (Artistic Director) and guest teachers from within the contemporary dance industry. The program will also include developing choreography and rehearsing for MERGE’s end of season production.
MERGE performers will be required for a one-week dance intensive in the first week of the September school holidays in preparation for the performance (Monday, 22nd September to Saturday, 27th September). While dancers may not be required for all of this time, we ask that you keep this time aside until rehearsal schedule is released. Compulsory dress rehearsal will then fall on Monday 6th October (public holiday).
MERGE Dance Theatre’s end of season production will take place the weekend of 11th & 12th October.
NEXT ROUND OF AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held on
Intermediate
– Sunday, 23rd March (9.00am registration for 9.30-11.00am class)
Junior
– Sunday, 15th June (9.30am registration for a 10.00-11.00am class)
Promenade Dance Studio
26 Glentanna St, Kedron
To apply for an audition, click the link below and answer the questions provided.
Please come dressed in appropriate Contemporary dance attire that shows clear body lines (no baggy clothing please).
We will be in contact with you shortly after receiving your completed audition application.
Missed our auditions?
Please contact deanna@mergedancetheatre.com.au
to organise an alternate audition.
Intermediate Training Program – all-inclusive cost $1000
- 1.5 hour weekly rehearsals from 5.00 – 6.30pm (commencing Saturday, 19th April)
- Dance Intensive week – Monday, 22nd to Saturday, 27th September (attendance compulsory)
- Dress rehearsal – Monday, 6th October (Public Holiday)
- Costume hire
- Professional headshot
- Merge memorabilia shirt
Fees are payable in 2 Instalments. First instalment due after first week of commencement of Intermediate Company rehearsals (Monday, 5th May) and second instalment due Monday, 14th July. Invoices will be sent to you via email.
Not Included:
- Compulsory Merge uniform jacket for all new company members – $50 (sized and ordered week 1 of rehearsals) – Payable by Cash
- Photos / video of performance
Junior Training Program – all-inclusive cost $500
- Weekly contemporary rehearsals from 9.00 – 11.00am (commencing Sunday, 20th July)
- Dance Intensive week – Monday, 22nd September to Saturday, 27th September (attendance compulsory)
- Dress rehearsal – Monday, 6th October (Public Holiday)
- Costume hire
- Professional headshot
- Merge memorabilia shirt
Fees are payable for Junior Company, Monday, 4th August. Invoices will be sent to you via email.
Not Included:
- Compulsory Merge uniform jacket for all new company members – $50 (sized and ordered week 1 of rehearsals) – Payable by Cash
- Photos / video of performance
LET’S TALK DANCE
Any questions? Just ask.
We’d love to discuss your transition to MERGE.
MERGE DANCE THEATRE IS A YOUTH CONTEMPORARY COMPANY AIMING TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN DANCE SCHOOLS AND PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES.
CALL
0412 579 080
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
info@mergedancetheatre.com.au
LOCATION
KEDRON, Queensland
Click here for directions
