DSA Preparation Workshop
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About The Workshop
Warm invitation to sign up for the 2024 MAY – AQ Dance – Direct School Admission (DSA) Workshop!
As per popular request and to enable AQ Dance Students with the skills to prepare for their DSA applications, this DSA Workshop has been organised exclusively for our Grade 5 & Grade 6 Students (11 & 12 year olds).
Beyond Technical skills, this workshop will also emphasis on developing resilience, confidence and positive mindset. This will ensure readiness for the potential challenges of the DSA process.
Learn the skills that can help you with your Direct School Admission applications. Join the AQ Dance’s Exclusive Direct School Admission Workshop!
If your child is passionate about dance and hopes to secure a spot in her desired secondary school through Direct School Admission (DSA), AQ Dance offers our tailor-made Direct School Admission Workshop, designed to elevate your child’s chances of success.
AQ Dance’s specialized workshop offers a comprehensive course structure that will not only polish your child’s dance audition techniques but also sharpen her portfolio writing and interview skills. The AQ Dance DSA Workshop comprises of:
**Expert Guidance in Dance Audition Techniques:** Our guest instructors, renowned professionals with years of experience, will provide personalized coaching to refine your child’s dance skills, helping her with the audition process. This will include dance audition technique and skills, basic contemporary dance and improvisation techniques.
**Mastering the Art of Portfolio Writing:** A compelling portfolio can set your child apart. Our workshop includes dedicated sessions on crafting an impactful portfolio that showcases their achievements, aspirations, and the essence of their artistic journey. This is a must have skill for school and job applications.
**Ace the Interview:** The interview process can be daunting. Our expert guest faculty will equip your child with the confidence and skills needed to navigate through interviews, making a lasting impression on the admission panels.
**Holistic Preparation:** Beyond technical skills, our workshop emphasizes developing resilience, confidence, and a positive mindset, ensuring your child is fully prepared for the challenges of the DSA process.
Closing date for sign up is 15 April 2024.
3 Days Workshop:
01 May (Wed – Public holiday) – 03 May (Fri)
9am – 1:30pm: Portfolio Writing & Interview skills, Personal Statement
(30 mins break in between)
2pm – 3:30pm: Basic Contemporary technique & Improvisation skills
4pm – 5pm: Turns Technique
4pm – 5:30pm: Dance Audition & Competition Technique Class
4pm – 5:30pm: Dance Conditioning for Strength, Flexibility & Extensions
5:30pm – 7pm: Dance Audition & Competition Technique Class
VENUE: AQ DANCE ACADEMY - EAST COAST
Workshop Faculty
Gwen Lim
Portfolio Writing | Personal Branding | Interview Skills
Kent embarked on his dance journey with formal training in classical ballet and contemporary dance at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet and Quezon City Ballet in the Philippines. Achieving an Honours Plus in his CSTD Classical Ballet Exam, Kent showcased his talent internationally by securing the Grand Champion title in two Ensemble categories at the 13th Asia Pacific Dance Competition in Thailand and receiving an Honourable Mention in a Solo category. He continued his winning streak at the 14th edition of the competition in Hong Kong, again taking home the Grand Champion title in an Ensemble category.
In 2012, Kent’s dedication to dance led him to join the Philippine Ballet Theatre, a prestigious resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His excellence in dance was further recognized in 2014 when he received a Distinction grade in the UKA Contemporary Dance Examination. Expanding his expertise, Kent became a licensed Zumba instructor in 2015, shortly before moving to the UK to join The London Ballet Company’s Associate Program.
Returning to Manila in 2016, Kent was a finalist in the WifiBody.PH Choreographer’s Competition for Contemporary Dance and expanded his skill set with TRX Suspension Training Certification. He continued to hone his craft through intensive workshops in the Composition and Movement Analysis Program, culminating in Levels 4-5 Certification by 2019.
Kent’s commitment to dance education was solidified in 2020 upon completing the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies, earning him RAD Registered Teaching Status. Currently, Kent is a revered classical ballet teacher, coach, and choreographer at Studio Elevé, Brunei, where he prepares students for RAD Examinations, competitions, and performances, marking a distinguished career built on passion, international accolades, and continuous learning.
Suzanne Arrigo
Dance Audition | Competition Techniques | Strength & Flexibility Conditioning
Suzanne Arrigo’s distinguished ballet career began in Perth, Western Australia, under Norma Atkinson’s tutelage, where she achieved her RAD Advanced 2 Examination and earned a scholarship with the West Australian Ballet.
After gaining international experience as a dancer, Suzanne returned to Perth to forge a notable teaching career, achieving the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certification and Diploma with Distinction. Her leadership qualities shone through as Treasurer and Chairperson of the RAD WA Advisory Panel, where she was instrumental in organizing Perth’s esteemed annual “Dance Festival.”
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Suzanne has dedicated herself to nurturing students’ talents across Australia, leading workshops and intensives with a focus on sharing her deep knowledge of ballet. Since 2003, as an RAD Examiner, she has assessed candidates both nationally and internationally, further contributing to the ballet community.
In 2018, Suzanne founded the “Advanced Ballet Training” program, aimed at providing intensive training for dedicated ballet students in Western Australia, in collaboration with dance professionals. Currently, Suzanne operates a successful coaching business in Perth, offering personalized coaching to ballet students, conducting examinations worldwide, and pursuing her personal passion for shoe shopping, embodying a lifelong commitment to ballet education and excellence.
Ken Garcia
Contemporary Technique | Improvisation Skills
Kent embarked on his dance journey with formal training in classical ballet and contemporary dance at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet and Quezon City Ballet in the Philippines. Achieving an Honours Plus in his CSTD Classical Ballet Exam, Kent showcased his talent internationally by securing the Grand Champion title in two Ensemble categories at the 13th Asia Pacific Dance Competition in Thailand and receiving an Honourable Mention in a Solo category. He continued his winning streak at the 14th edition of the competition in Hong Kong, again taking home the Grand Champion title in an Ensemble category.
In 2012, Kent’s dedication to dance led him to join the Philippine Ballet Theatre, a prestigious resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His excellence in dance was further recognized in 2014 when he received a Distinction grade in the UKA Contemporary Dance Examination. Expanding his expertise, Kent became a licensed Zumba instructor in 2015, shortly before moving to the UK to join The London Ballet Company’s Associate Program.
Returning to Manila in 2016, Kent was a finalist in the WifiBody.PH Choreographer’s Competition for Contemporary Dance and expanded his skill set with TRX Suspension Training Certification. He continued to hone his craft through intensive workshops in the Composition and Movement Analysis Program, culminating in Levels 4-5 Certification by 2019.
Kent’s commitment to dance education was solidified in 2020 upon completing the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies, earning him RAD Registered Teaching Status. Currently, Kent is a revered classical ballet teacher, coach, and choreographer at Studio Elevé, Brunei, where he prepares students for RAD Examinations, competitions, and performances, marking a distinguished career built on passion, international accolades, and continuous learning.
** SIGN UP BY 15 APR 2024 **
Recommended Age: 11 – 12 Years Old (Academic School Primary 5 & 6)
AQ Students Workshop Fees: $580 (NETT per Student)
Previous Year 2023 Workshop Participants As Refresher: $290 (NETT per Student – Discounted)