Meet Lisa Heaven: Adelaide College of the Arts I Tafe SA
Lisa Heaven
Senior Dance Lecturer/
Dance Coordinator
What makes full time study at AC Arts offered by TAFESA stand out against other options available?
“TAFE SA’s dance program provides strong links with industry practitioners and an emphasis on live productions that helps set it apart from others in Australia.
We deliver two nationally recognised qualifications through the program: Certificate IV in Dance and the Bachelor of Creative Arts – Dance, which is offered in partnership with Flinders University.
The training covers classical and contemporary dance and gives students exclusive access to industry artists and companies, which is a major drawcard.
The program offers intensive training and comprehensive hours dedicated to and aimed at developing a range of skills that target performance and creative process”
What kind of dancers benefit from your courses? What do you look for in an audition?
“We look for dancers with a focus on creating their own professional practice inspired by the industry’s elite practitioners. They are engaged, unique people that are prepared to take risks in achieving great dance.”
What skills and experience can students expect to leave a course at AC Arts with?
“Our students receive holistic training with all staff having extensive professional experience in a range of dance companies around the globe. Classes cover classical and contemporary dance, together with acting, anatomy and kinesiology, history, music composition and dance production, with intensive training held in state-of-the-art rehearsal and performances spaces at the Adelaide College of the Arts.”
What types of opportunities do your alumni go on to secure?
“Our graduates have been successful in securing a broad range of opportunities in the industry locally, nationally, and internationally. Many have secured roles as company dancers, choreographers, independent artists, arts project collaborators, teachers in a range of contexts, performers engaged in a range of multidisciplinary projects and arts workers that can present with a range of skills and capabilities across the arts sector.”
What keeps you coming back to teach dance every year?
“Passion for the arts and passion for the education sector. The ability to work with inspiring young artists and being part of a creative team. ”
Tell us something we don’t know about your course...
“Our strong industry partnerships with companies such as the Australian Dance Theatre, The Mill and ILDance provide our students with performance opportunities and exclusive access to their networks.”