Tayla Lordan (CSTD Jason Winters

Contemporary Syllabus Specialist)

Contemporary dance is immensely enjoyable to teach as it relies on strong classical technique and combines many elements of movement.  As well as being expressive, it offers the opportunity to explore different movement qualities and variations within the body.  Jason Winters' contemporary syllabus allow us to teach the foundations of contemporary dance needed to progress in more complex performance-based combinations. The warm-up in this syllabus is a full-body preparation for the class.  Incorporating such foundations as contractions, use of breath rebounds from the floor and so on. The curriculum has different choreographic pieces which expose students to different ways of moving, and it also encourages improvisational techniques.

I have been teaching this syllabus and using the content in my classes for the past six years.

Elle Hart (Artistic Director 'Innate' a youth contemporary dance company)

I love teaching contemporary as you have the freedom to move in any way that feels right and so I believe it is one of the most expressive ways to communicate a feeling or story. While we are in a time of the 'Instagram Dance video' dancers and choreographers often stick to styles that are popular to 'get noticed' and to be successful, which leaves us a bit stagnate, and I would love to see more young people carving their path. Building from a strong foundation of technique, I endeavour to create a platform for young dancers to find their voice, their style and explore their strengths & unique ideas. I believe it is important to give dancers time and space to develop individually. It grows a strong sense of self and confidence which then leads to longevity in an industry that tests the faith we have in ourselves.

Many styles fall under the 'Contemporary Dance' umbrella, and I have a real passion for experimenting with it all in my classes and with Innate Dance Company.

Ela Cartmell

Seniors/Opens Teacher/Choreographer

Over the years of teaching, I have grown a strong passion for Contemporary choreography and dancing. This facet of dance has such a wide variety of styles and techniques that being able to explore and express through this art form is a gift in itself. I encourage all students to feel they are in a safe space in the studio and can truly be themselves while working on their artistry and technique. The stories that I create through routines and productions are on very realistic and common themes or situations that happen throughout our everyday lives. I find this activates a creative spark and connection to the performance of the choreography.

Contemporary is excellent for growth and can give a dancer the extensive training and experience that can help improve within all styles of dance. It motivates me to continually work hard with this style so I can then share my knowledge to the next generation of upcoming dancers.

Martika Mc Gown - Kayli Bell - Zali Woodford - India Rundle - Sophia Gougoulas

These students will be performing as part of the 2019  Innate Contemporary Dance Company's production of Head vs Heart.  Miss Elle - Choreographer/Artistic Director.

Martika Mc Gown (left) and Sophia Gougoulas (right)

Have successfully auditioned for the 2019 Locreado Contemporary  Dance Company Performance Season.

Georgie Taylor

In 2018 Georgie was awarded the highest mark in Queensland for the Jason Winters Level 4 CSTD Contemporary Exam.  

Georgie is the 2nd student to have been successful in gaining this accolade, Connor Nantes received this award in 2016.

Zara Ibrahim

Zara was chosen out of over 200 young students to perform with the Royal Ballet's 2017 Contemporary production of "Wolf Works".

 Meghan Hansen 

In 2016 Meghan competed in the Youth American Grande Prix (New York)  where she performed a contemporary item "Sarjevo" choreographed my Ela Cartmell.

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