Greater Shepparton Secondary College students will continue to learn the art of dance with the Australian Ballet for at least the next two years.
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Two hundred students will have the opportunity to join this year’s program in late April, which will involve professional mentoring and classes, and will culminate in a performance at Eastbank, Shepparton.
A three-year La Trobe University research project to measure the success of the program will ensure the partnership until at least 2022.
Greater Shepparton Secondary School executive principal Genevieve Simson said she was grateful for ballet's commitment to the “valuable partnership”, which is now in its fifth year.
“This is a watershed year for the college and the partnership will help forge ties among our students and teachers through dance and artistic learning,” she said.
Australian Ballet education head Katy McKeown said she was thankful for the "generous" donors and partners, as the program would be free for students.
“We hope to continue to inspire young people across Australia to explore the joy of movement and the educational benefits that one gains through dance,” she said.
Fairley Foundation executive officer Amanda McCullock said the program, supported by the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, would aim to improve the wellbeing of students.
“(The program) aligns strongly with the Fairley Foundation’s goals of having fewer students disengaged from school and supporting a thriving arts community in Greater Shepparton,” she said.
Students will be involved in classes from April 20, and will perform and experience a new work by Ella Havelka, the first indigenous dancer in the Australian Ballet, on April 30.
Thirty students will also get the opportunity to see an Australian Ballet performance in Melbourne, and a mentoring program will help staff, senior students and community leaders access The Australian Ballet’s digital education resources.
Since 2016, the partnership has resulted in more than 800 children taking part in the ballet company’s In School Program.