Prominent Contemporary Dance Company SCIMM introduces their Pre-Professional Full-Time Training Course

SCIMM Dance Company performing ‘Paracosm’ - photographed by Elly Ford for Energetiks

The elaborate world of contemporary dance expands its career opportunities yet again. SCIMM Dance Company based in Naarm/Melbourne paves the way for budding performers by announcing their exciting new Pre-Professional Full-Time Training Course. After a decade of offering dance, Artistic Directors and co-founders Scott Pokorny and Timothy Barnes wish to add to their existing training programs by implementing a course directed towards prospective dancers. Read more on SCIMM’s approach and how you may become involved in the 2024 intake this July.

Having established two training programs; Nexus and Ascension, the company decided it was time to form a brand new course. The Pre-Professional, Full-Time Training Course is designed to help aspiring dancers build on dance knowledge and performance through a comprehensive physical training approach, receiving exposure both in the studio and the contemporary dance industry. Pushing choreographic boundaries by exploring their own concepts, this program equips students with networking opportunities to enable job openings as professional dancers, dance teachers or even as freelancers. With a strong focus on empowering and recognising peers from several backgrounds, SCIMM wish to acknowledge diversity across the art landscape whilst delving into varied styles of dance.

“We believe it strikes a balance between strong ballet and contemporary foundational techniques, while incorporating commercial elements to ensure our dancers possess a well-rounded skill set.”

— Scott & Tim, Artistic Directors

By actively ensuring all within the SCIMM community feel valued, the company promises dancers an experience of a lifetime where they can flourish in their artistic endeavours. Those familiar with the SCIMM team would be aware of the calibre brought by the dedicated co-ordinators; Andie Dashwood, Scott Pokorny and Tim Barnes as well as core faculty teachers like Brittany Page, Bailey Glen and Petros Treklis. Company members will also work with special guest choreographers. Creator of Metamuse Luca Dinardo, Align founder Sophie Holloway and Cruel Intentions choreographer Freya List have previously integrated technique and infused classes with dynamic movement sure to challenge and inspire dancers. Professional dancers of SCIMM Dance Company may also collaborate, coach and perform alongside students. By working with experts within the industry, SCIMM classes will provide first-hand experience and are therefore tailored towards students.

Since 2019, Energetiks have been sponsoring SCIMM and the advanced artistry shown in every performance evidently entices viewers as they embark on different journeys each season. By doing so, the choreography is not only modern and captivating, but highlights the dancers’ strengths. Most recently, the Platforms Youth Company performance, Play, was announced and is expected to convey the games children play through dance and will no doubt impress audiences. SCIMM have consistently received the highest praise on their Professional and Youth Company performances (including Senseless State, Aetherium, Desolate and Paracosm), promising this newly launched course will reach new heights and provide elite dancers a modern outlook on dance.

With an impressive abundance of alumni success including Cosima Ivy Torres-Sturt (now with Sydney Dance Company) and Jack Rowan (most recently cast in Miss Saigon and who also featured in our Limited Edition Azure Collection Campaign), graduates will feel prepared to enter the world of dance with an open mindset. Students will deliver their own interpretation of dance by displaying their individuality, and a fierce outlook on how they can leave their mark on the creative industry through technical training.

Key Course Details

The SCIMM. Dance Pre-Professional Course coordinated by Emmalee Meisels runs for a duration of a year with a second year diploma becoming available in 2025. After the completion of a (CUA40120*) Certificate IV in Dance, students will be capable of performing using a large scope of dance contexts. Commencing in February 2024, students will attend classes at Australian Academy of Dance. Comprising of numerous studios, this Malvern East location that can conveniently be reached via public transport features professional-grade flooring, mirrors, barres and even fantastic dressing rooms. Following rehearsals at the studios, students will be fortunate enough to showcase their work ethic by participating in their mid and end of year performance, before completing the course in December 2024.

Half and BIPOC-specific scholarships are on offer, although, SCIMM advises that students read the guidelines before applying. To enter, candidates must first submit an application, attend an audition and then an interview. Applications can be completed online and include a fee, resume and headshot.

Discover more on the SCIMM website.

Auditions: Friday 7th July 2023, 12:30pm at Australian Academy of Dance

Zoom Auditions: Thursday 6th July 2023 (for international and interstate applicants only)

*CUA40120 Certificate IV in Dance is a nationally recognised training product. SCIMM provide recruitment, training and assessment delivery services on behalf of ATOD (Registered Training Organisation #31624) in the delivery of this course.