THE CONVENTION
After the release of the first edition of LIGHT THE WAY - INSPIRING STORIES FROM AUSTRALIAN DANCERS, the Producers Louise Telford & Kelley Abbey identified how important it was for the next generation of dancers to be educated and inspired by the true greats of the industry. From this, the premise of Light The Way Dance Convention was born, making it the most unique and spectacular dance convention this country has ever seen.
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MASTERCLASSES & WORKSHOPS
The convention will gather the biggest names in the business in the first of it's kind event where the true legends of Australian dance will teach masterclasses, Q&A industry panels, once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities and more.
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This event will have strictly limited numbers and workshops will be about quality, not quantity. The students will dance in Australia's newest state-of-the-art theatre Sydney Coliseum and the adjoining West HQ that has the capacity to cater to workshops and shows. In the masterclasses that take place in the theatre, the students will be rotated up onto stage in their groups once they've learnt the choreography so they are getting the true theatre experience, as nothing beats dancing on a stage.
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PERFORMANCE & SHOWCASE GALAS
Over the three days of the convention, each evening will be a spectacular show in the Sydney Coliseum Theatre giving students of Australia once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities with working industry professionals. Our event is about bringing the industry together and inspiring and educating the next generation of Australian dancers.
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FRIDAY 17 JUNE 2022
We are transforming the theatre into a New York City Cabaret club for 'SPOTLIGHT - Musical Theatre Cabaret Gala' with live performances by some of Australia's best up-and-coming Musical Theatre students in a showcase like no other. The evening will also feature some of the biggest names in the business. You do not want to miss this incredible show!
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SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022
This evening will be a celebration of dance at 'LUX - Performing Arts Showcase Gala'. An opportunity for Full-Time Performing Arts institutions to perform at Sydney Coliseum in front of the biggest names in the business and the Australian performing arts community. To find out more please contact Producer Louise Telford hello@lightthewaydancecollective.com
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SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2022
This evening will be the culmination of the Light The Way Dance Convention at 'SPECTRUM - Performing Arts Showcase Gala'. This spectacular gala is open to Australian Performing Arts Studios with incredible group performance opportunities for students of all ages. To find out more information please contact Producer Louise Telford at hello@lightthewaydancecollective.com
THE CONVENTION FACULTY
Kelley Abbey
Kelley Abbey
Brian Friedman
Dein Perry
Sarah Boulter
Cameron Mitchell
Kate Wormald
Sophie Holloway
Stephen Tannos
Robbie Kmetoni
Alex Miedinski
Chaz Cummings
Cassie Bartho
PJ Clarke
Leanne Cherny
Angelique Cassimatis
Thern Reynolds
Paul Malek
Neale Whittaker
Tiana Canterbury
Jarryd Byrnne
*Please note that our convention faculty will be finalised at the beginning of 2022 and are subject to change dependent on their busy schedules for 2022.
Kaylie Yee
Lily Cornish
THE PROGRAM
FRIDAY 17 JUNE 2022
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DAY • 8AM - 5PM
Friday 17 June 2022 is a day geared specifically to all pre-professional aspiring performing artists, as well as current professional dancers who want to immerse themselves in everything the Australian dance industry has to offer.
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Prepare yourself for the biggest names in the business to inspire and educate the next generation of Australian dancers. The day will include masterclasses, mock auditions, career advice and industry panel discussions.
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MOCK AUDITION WORKSHOP
The day will include a mock-audition workshop facilitated by convention producer and Australian dance royalty Kelley Abbey. Students will be put through their paces by a panel of industry heavyweights including PJ Clarke, Leanne Cherny, Kate Wormald & of course our Producer Kelley Abbey, learning the skill needed to endure an authentic cattle-call audition. At the completion of this mock audition, 3 x $1000 scholarships will be awarded by the panel to three remarkable auditionees and the TOP 20 will be chosen to perform in the opening number of SPOTLIGHT with Australian Musical Theatre Star Angelique Cassimatis. This is the perfect opportunity to be noticed by some of the leading creatives in this country, they are the ones making the decisions and employing the next generation of Australian performers in the industry!
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SPOTLIGHT • MUSICAL THEATRE CABARET GALA
As part of the Friday evening gala, successful musical theatre students will also have the chance to perform on the same billing as Musical Theatre industry royalty. Our lineup includes some of this country's biggest names including Michael Cormick, Rachael Beck, Angelique Cassimatis, Deone Zanotto and more to be announced soon!
SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022
LIGHT THE WAY DANCE CONVENTION • 8AM - 5PM
A full day of workshops, masterclasses and industry panel Q&A sessions with Australia’s most prolific and successful dancers, choreographers and creatives. Never before has a faculty of this calibre been assembled to inspire and educate the next generation of dancers. We are also so excited to be bringing International Superstar Choreographer Brian Friedman over to Australia for the inaugural Light The Way Dance Convention who will be teaching workshops for all ages on the Saturday & Sunday of the convention.
WORKSHOP GENRES
At the convention we will be offering the following genres: JAZZ • HIP-HOP • LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY • MUSICAL THEATRE • TAP • LATIN
LUX • PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE GALA
The Saturday night Showcase gala will be a celebration of dance, with the opportunity for Fulltime Performing Arts studios to perform on this state-of-the-art stage at Australia’s newest multi-million dollar venue Sydney Coliseum Theatre. The evening will also include performances from professional dancers choreographed by some of the best creatives in Australia.
This gala event is the perfect opportunity for Fulltime Schools to give their current students an outstanding performance opportunity in front of the biggest names in the business, as well as showcase their school to potential fulltime students who are attending the convention.
SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2022
LIGHT THE WAY DANCE CONVENTION • 8AM - 4PM
A full day of workshops, masterclasses and industry panel Q&A sessions with Australia’s most prolific and successful dancers, choreographers and creatives. Never before has a faculty of this calibre been assembled to inspire and educate the next generation of dancers.
WORKSHOP GENRES
At the convention we will be offering the following genres: JAZZ • HIP-HOP • LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY • MUSICAL THEATRE • TAP • LATIN
SPECTRUM • PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE GALA
SPECTRUM will be a celebration of dance with studios from all over Australia coming together under one roof in a celebration of dance. This gala event is the perfect opportunity for Australian Performing Arts Studios to perform at this multi-million dollar theatre in a show that Australia has never seen before. The show will also feature professional companies and individual artists, we have some of the biggest names in the business coming onboard.
You do not want to miss this special event!
THE VENUE
SYDNEY COLISEUM THEATRE
The dance convention will take place at Australia’s newest multi-million dollar theatre, Sydney Coliseum and the adjoining WestHQ, Sydney’s leading landmark destination for Entertainment, Fitness, Lifestyle and Accommodation in the Western Sydney Region.
Performing arts students will have the opportunity to take part in workshops and perform at this magnificent venue that is sure to become one of Australia’s most iconic performance institutions.
As part of the WestHQ precinct, parents of students will be able to enjoy all that this fantastic area has to offer - restaurants, accommodation and entertainment options for this brilliant weekend of dance.
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We are currently negotiating convention rates at the Novotel WestHQ as part of the precinct, so you can make this a family weekend of dance with lots of entertainment options for siblings as well. Details to be announced soon.
PRICING & TICKETS
3-DAY PRO CONVENTION PASS • $365 • Pre-professional & Professional dancers 16 years plus
This all access pass includes includes over 24 hours of dance on Friday 17, Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 June 2022 with the biggest choreographers and creatives in the Australian & International performing arts industry. If purchased as separate masterclasses you would be paying in excess of $750, so this is remarkable value to get access to the biggest names in the business. This pass also includes performing in the Saturday evening Light The Way Pre-Professional Gala as part of your Fulltime Studio production number.
•THIS PASS DOES NOT INCLUDE A TICKET TO ANY OF THE EVENING SHOWS, THEY MUST BE PURCHASED SEPERATELY
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2-DAY PRO CONVENTION PASS • $275 • Friday & Saturday or Saturday & Sunday • Pre-professional & Professional dancers 16 years plus
This all-access pass includes includes over 15 hours of dance on Friday 17 & Saturday 18 June 2022 with the biggest choreographers and creatives in the Australian & International performing arts industry. If purchased as separate masterclasses you would be paying in excess of $500, so this is remarkable value to get access to the biggest names in the business. This pass also includes performing in the Saturday evening Light The Way Pre-Professional Gala as part of your Fulltime Studio production number.
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•THIS PASS DOES NOT INCLUDE A TICKET TO ANY OF THE EVENING SHOWS, THEY MUST BE PURCHASED SEPERATELY
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2-DAY CONVENTION PASS • $275 • Saturday & Sunday • All ages 8 years plus
This pass includes includes over 15 hours of dance on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 June 2022 with the biggest choreographers and creatives in the Australian & International performing arts industry. If purchased as separate masterclasses you would be paying in excess of $500, so this is remarkable value to get access to the biggest names in the business. This pass also includes performing in the Sunday night show SPECTRUM as part of your dance studio production number.
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•THIS PASS DOES NOT INCLUDE A TICKET TO ANY OF THE EVENING SHOWS, THEY MUST BE PURCHASED SEPERATELY
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CONVENTION SPECTATOR PASS • $40 per person • 1 Day
This ticket entitles you unlimited access to view all masterclasses at the Light The Way Dance Convention on one day of your choice.
Please note that capacity limitations apply for some of the rooms at the convention (other than the theatre) and spectator availability will be first come, first serve for each session. To watch the Brian Friedman workshops you must purchase this Convention Spectator Pass.
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• THIS PASS DOES NOT INCLUDE A TICKET TO ANY OF THE EVENING SHOWS, THEY MUST BE PURCHASED SEPERATELY
• A SPECTATOR PASS IS REQUIRED FOR ANY PARENTS THAT WOULD LIKE TO WATCH THEIR CHILDREN THROUGHOUT THE DAY
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EVENING EVENTS
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SPOTLIGHT • MUSICAL THEATRE CABARET GALA • FRIDAY 17 JUNE 2022• 7:30PM ​
We are transforming the theatre into a New York City Cabaret Club for SPOTLIGHT • Musical Theatre Cabaret Gala. With live performances by some of Australia's best up-and-coming Musical Theatre students in a showcase like no other. This spectacular show will also feature Australian Musical Theatre Heavy weights - Michael Cormick, Rachael Beck, Angelique Cassimatis, Deone Zanotto and The Tap Pack.
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VIP PREMIUM CABARET SEATING • $110.00 per ticket
These exclusive tickets are at Cabaret tables of 8 pax with a Food & Beverage package included in the ticket price.
• Includes a bento box of canapes, arrival drink of your choice & premium seating in front of the stage.
• Please note that a table comprises of 8 seats so you will be sharing with others if an entire table of 8 isn't purchased.
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A • RESERVE SEATING
Adults • $67.00 each
Under 12 • $47.00 each
B • RESERVE SEATING
Adults • $47.00 each
Under 12 • $27.00 each
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LUX • PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE GALA • SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022 • 7:30PM
This evening will be a celebration of dance at the LUX Light The Way Showcase Gala. An opportunity for Full-time Performing Arts institutions to perform at Sydney Coliseum in front of the biggest names in the business and the Australian performing arts community.
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A • RESERVE SEATING
Adults • $67.00 each
Under 12 • $47.00 each
B • RESERVE SEATING
Adults • $47.00 each
Under 12 • $27.00 each
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SPECTRUM • PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE GALA • SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2022 • 6.30PM
This evening will be the culmination of the Light The Way Dance Convention at the SPECTRUM • Australian Performing Arts Gala. This spectacular gala is open to Australian Performing Arts Studios with incredible group performance opportunities for students of all ages.​
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A • RESERVE SEATING
Adults • $67.00 each
Under 12 • $47.00 each
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B • RESERVE SEATING
Adults • $47.00 each
Under 12 • $27.00 each
FAQ'S
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND LIGHT THE WAY DANCE CONVENTION?
Co-produced by Louise Telford and industry icon Kelley Abbey, this convention is shaping up to be something Australia has never seen before. Bringing together the biggest and most successful names in the business under one roof to inspire and educate the next generation of Australian dancers is something both Louise & Kelley are very passionate about. It is so important that the dancers of today learn from the icons of the Australian dance industry and they are bringing them together all under one roof, on one weekend!
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ARE THERE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES?
The Light The Way Dance Convention will be a celebration of dance like the industry has never seen before. The venue of the Sydney Coliseum has been chosen with the evening shows in mind. We want to give the young dancers, pre-professionals and current professionals of today the opportunity to perform in this state of the art multi-million dollar theatre. There are three shows over the weekend, with multiple opportunities for Australian dance studios to take part in this celebration of dance. For more information regarding performance opportunities please email hello@lightthewaydancecollective.com
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DO YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A CONVENTION TICKET TO PERFORM IN THE SHOWS?
If you're a student whose studio is performing in one of the evening shows at LIGHT THE WAY DANCE CONVENTION, you only have to purchase a performance ticket if you have NOT purchased a 2-DAY or 3-DAY convention pass. The cost of the performance ticket is $45 per student.
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DO YOU HAVE INCENTIVES FOR GROUP STUDIO BOOKINGS?
We have fantastic group booking incentives for studios and studio owners including discounted group rates, FOC tickets, accommodation and much more. Please contact Louise Telford for more information hello@lightthewaydancecollective.com
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WHAT AGE GROUPS WILL BE CATERED FOR AT THE CONVENTION?
The Light The Way Dance Dance Convention will cater for ages 8 years and up! Our Friday 17 June 2022 workshops are exclusively for Pre-Professional, Current Professional & Fulltime performing arts students, and our Saturday & Sunday workshops are for all age groups. Below are the three different age categories that will be separately catered for at the convention.
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• JUNIORS 8 - 11 years
• TEENS 12 - 15 years
• PRE-PROFESSIONAL/PRO 16 years and above
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WRISTBANDS
Each attendee will be given a wristband to wear for the entirety of the convention (they can be removed for the evening show performances)
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IN THE EVENT OF A GOVERNMENT OR VENUE DIRECTED CANCELLATION DUE TO COVID-19 THE FOLLOWING WILL OCCUR:
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The decision to re-schedule the Light The Way Dance Convention will be made if necessary due to government restrictions until 2022.
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You will have the choice of transferring your tickets to the 2022 event or receiving a refund less a small administration fee.
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Refunds will be made within a 90 day period of the re-scheduling decision.
We can assure you will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement necessary contingency plans should the need arise.
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