Covid 19 – Page 2 – Ausdance VIC

Can face masks be removed during class at all?

29 October 2020 Ausdance VIC

Yes, but with limitations. Metro Melbourne The Restricted Activity Directions for Melbourne (effective from 27 October – 8 November) state that: Only…

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Is singing allowed?

Ausdance VIC

There are no specific guidelines for singing. The rules regarding face masks will, however, be applicable, even when singing.

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(Regional only) From Wednesday, can dance studios now have students 18 years & over for indoor classes of 10 plus instructors?

19 October 2020 Ausdance VIC

Yes, space quotient permitting. The Restricted Activity Directions for Regional Victoria (No 11), effective from 27 October – 8 November, state that:…

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Do you have any information on classes returning to face to face in Regional Victoria now that we have moved to Step 3. I can’t seem to find any information…

12 October 2020 Ausdance VIC

You can find primary source information from the Department of Health and Human Services below. You can also find access to…

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I have been offered the opportunity to take over a dance facility at the start of next year and potentially keep what students they have left. Are there any grants I could access to start up my own dance business in 2021? What covid-19 relief is available for studios in case of a 3rd wave next year? Would I be eligible for these as a new business? Do you have any resources for starting a dance studio?

Ausdance VIC

Ausdance has developed many resources for and with Dance Studio Owners, teachers and artists. These range from a Code of Ethics to Child…

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Is it mandatory for part-time dance teachers to hold a first aid certificate?

Ausdance VIC

First aid is an important qualification for professional dance teachers. It relates to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and industry-led safe…

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VCE Dance and VCE VET Dance students – Can dance students undertaking their VCE with Non-school Providers go to their dance studio to rehearse?

Ausdance VIC

No, they cannot attend non-school providers under current restrictions*. *Except under specific conditions as outlined on the Victorian Curriculum and…

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I want to do some outdoor teaching 1 on 1, under the banner of personal training. In my council area I need a Certificate of registration with a peak sporting body or willingness to abide by the Fitness Australia code of practice.

Ausdance VIC

As the Peak Body for Dance in Victoria Ausdance VIC advocates, creates, supports and promote opportunities for the Dance sector…

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Any word on dance teachers being able to teach at two locations if/when we are safe to reopen?

Ausdance VIC

Primary source information from the Department of Health and Human Services is available here: You can also go here to access the…

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Are professional dancers able to record promotional videos at this time? And if so what are the rules around choreographing with dancers?

Ausdance VIC

The best place to look for information is the Coronavirus Roadmap site for Metropolitan Melbourne: or Regional Victoria: Scroll down to ‘tourism,…

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Michelle Silby

Executive Director

Michelle Silby has an extensive career in dance in both creative and administrative functions. She is the Executive Director of both Ausdance NSW and Ausdance Vic. This dual role leads the teams, through strategy, operational efficiencies and large-scale outcomes; the Director of Big Dance Australia (2014-), and the was the Co-convener of the Arts Industry Council Victoria (2017-2019). Currently Michelle sits on the following Industry and government committee’s; ACFIBS for NSW, Industry Advisory Group, Victorian Skills Commission (VIC), Independent Reference Committee, Arts & Culture related Industries, Vice Chair (National training and professional development) Previously Chair, Regional Arts NSW funding 2014-17, Several Arts NSW funding panels, Churchill Fellowship 2013-16.

Over the last 25 years, Michelle has worked across a variety of contexts as a dance performer, teacher, choreographer, educator and management roles: as a director, festival director, company manager and education consultant in the UK, Europe, and the last 14 years, in Australia. After successfully leading Ausdance NSW since Oct 2012, she was appointed Executive Director, Ausdance VIC in Nov 2015. She is inspired by the opportunities that leading both states will bring to the dance sector, wider communities and respective organisations. She has held roles as the Program Manager, Dance at the Australia Council for the Arts, where her responsibilities included; working with the board, policy and strategy, dance funding programs, key dance initiatives, such as Tasmanian Community Dance Project and Young Emerging opportunities for example, JUMP (2010-2012), Executive Producer for the 2014 Australian Dance Awards and is also an Independent Consultant for Arts and Dance with various clients across Australia.

As an arts leader, she is strategic, entrepreneurial and generous with her time and support of others. Michelle was born in the UK, where she studied dance at Arts Educational Schools London, followed by a post-graduate year at London Contemporary Dance School, The Place in 1992. Later in 2000-1, after moving into management and leadership roles, she undertook an intensive arts and business management course for arts leaders and was most recently awarded a subsidised place to attend short course in Australia for not-for-profit leaders by Harvard Business school.

During her 15 year professional dance career in the UK and Europe, Michelle worked across a variety of contexts as performer, touring Europe for over a decade, educator, choreographer, director, festival director, company manager and consultant. A particular highlight of her career in the UK included making a significant contribution to the dance infrastructure for the North East of England, through the formulation and delivery of a dance development plan with secured funding.

Isis Pattison

Ruby Howard

Christopher Wade

Natalie Cunzolo

Jacqui Maida

Meghann Burton

Ebony Ryan-Miners

Kyall Shanks

Co-Artistic Director

Caitlin Comerford

Co-Artistic Director

Marty Hirst

Communications Officer

Gillian Jordan

RTO Manager

Alisdair Macindoe

Kate Denborough

Amity Jarvis

Henen Haines

Treasurer

Amy Jennings

Secretary

Kelly Dickson

Chair

Alison McIntosh-Deszcz

Manager Marketing, Digital Media and Memberships

Shweta Kawatra

Marketing Communications Manager

Elise Brennan

Program Coordinator

Cathy Smith

RTO Operations Manager

Katrina Rank

Director of Education and Life Long Learning

Robbie Carmellotti

General Manager

Michelle Silby

Executive Director