Q&A with Deputy Principal Darren Ellis: BIDC Prix
17th November 2022
Deputy Principal of Rambert School, Darren Ellis, recently returned from Brisbane after teaching and judging the BIDC Prix. We caught up with him for a deep dive into his trip.
Q – Tell us about your week in Australia, Darren.
A – My recent trip to Brisbane to teach and be on the panel of the International Contemporary Dance Prix was a fantastic opportunity to connect with some extremely talented young dancers from all over Australia and New Zealand. The week comprised of workshops and classes taught by guest teachers from around the globe and culminated in the students performing two solos; one piece of rep and one self-choreographed routine. The trip was not only a chance to discover talented dancers to come and train at the school, but to also connect with other teachers, choreographers, and directors from other schools and dance companies.
Q – Did you manage to find some future students?
A – Definitely! I met so many incredible young dancers whilst at BIDC Prix, so I’m looking forward to seeing them again at our Australian auditions in February 2023.
Q – What was the feedback from those students about prospect of training at Rambert School?
A – The feedback, from the students and industry professionals I spoke to at the competition, about the high standard of training and pastoral care we provide at Rambert school was confirmation of the impact we are making on the industry and that our ethos and values are clearly being communicated around the globe.
Q – Anything else you’d like to add?
A – A big thank you to all involved in setting up the Brisbane Prix and making Rambert school a partner. The week was a wonderful opportunity to share our practice and understand our similarities and differences. A week full of creativity, technical skill and humour… lot’s of humour and of course the most amazing coffee and food! One hasn’t truly lived until you have had a meal of barbecued Barramundi fish with a Tim Tam for dessert!
Rambert School will be back in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore next year, for live auditions and workshops. Check out our website to sign up for one of the following venues:
- SINGAPORE: Wednesday 8 February, at the Singapore Ballet
- SYDNEY: Sunday 12 February 2023, venue to be confirmed.
- MELBOURNE: Tuesday 14 February 2023, at The Space Dance & Arts Centre
- AUCKLAND: Thursday 16 February 2023, at the Wellesley Studios
- BRISBANE: Sunday 19 February 2023, at the Thomas Dixon Centre – home to Queensland Ballet