Dance program

The college believes that dance plays a powerful role in shaping young people — physically, mentally and socially. Through weekly classes, students build strength, coordination and balance, while also developing discipline, memory and focus. Just as importantly, dance fosters confidence and self-expression, giving students a creative outlet to explore ideas and connect with others in meaningful ways.

This philosophy is brought to life through high-quality instruction and a commitment to excellence. Students learn from experienced, passionate instructors who bring both technical expertise and industry insight into every lesson. Classes in jazz, tap and hip hop run year-round and are open to all students, regardless of their background, ensuring continuity, growth and a strong sense of community.

For students in Years 9 to 12, dance is also offered as an elective subject, providing a deeper exploration of the art form through contemporary and lyrical styles. Students develop technical and expressive skills, learn choreography and performance techniques, and explore the history and evolution of dance. They respond creatively to ideas and stimuli, use choreographic devices to create original works and reflect on dance as a form of artistic expression.

Through this academic pathway, students build confidence as performers while also developing transferable skills in creative thinking, collaboration and problem-solving. Assessment includes performance, choreography and written reflection, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous learning experience.

Performance is at the heart of the Tatachilla dance experience. Students have multiple opportunities to take to the stage and share their work with engaged audiences. Each year, dancers perform in the college’s annual Dance Showcase, a highlight event that draws a 500-strong crowd. Students may also perform in the biennial school musical, gaining valuable experience in large-scale productions.

Beyond the college gates, Tatachilla dancers are proud ambassadors in the wider community, performing in the City of Onkaparinga and McLaren Vale Christmas pageants. These experiences build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of connection.

For those seeking extension, the college offers an audition-based, co-curricular dance stream for students in Years 7 to 11. Working alongside industry professionals, students collaborate to create a 30–45 minute contemporary work, gaining insight into professional practice while developing stamina, technique and artistic voice.

Many graduates of Tatachilla’s extension dance stream have gone on to pursue careers as professional performers and choreographers, with past students accepted into leading institutions including Adelaide College of the Arts, Brent Street (Sydney), the Australian Company of Performing Arts and Queensland University of Technology.

Tatachilla looks beyond South Australia to broaden students’ horizons. Each year, selected dance students in Years 10 and 11 travel interstate to attend a national dance festival, participating in masterclasses led by industry professionals across a wide range of genres. As part of this experience, students also have the opportunity to attend two major theatre productions in the capital city they are visiting.

These immersive experiences are both inspiring and transformative, offering students fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the career pathways available to them within the performing arts.

Tatachilla also offers an Arts Scholarship for eligible students entering Years 7 to 10. Designed to support emerging artists across dance, drama, music, visual art and production, the scholarship recognises both artistic talent and academic achievement. It provides students with the opportunity to further develop their skills, pursue their passions and be recognised for their strengths.