educating and supporting the next generation of local contemporary dancers aged 12 - 17 years.
AUSTI. Youth Program is designed for high school students interested in extending their training in contemporary dance. The program is designed for dancers aged 12 - 17 years interested in developing a variety of contemporary techniques such as floor work, improvisation and choreographic tasking. The program fosters both the physical and mental strength of each dancer, building strong confident artists.
Led by former company artist Jessica Hewett, AUSTI. Youth Program is an audition-based 10-week course. Classes will run for 3 hours every Sunday giving students the opportunity to participate as an extension to their weekly studio-based classes.
NEW THINGS COMING IN 2025!
At AUSTI Youth we want to continue to give our young artists an insight into the many facets of the professional contemporary dance industry. Therefore we will be adding some new experiences for our dancers in 2025! These include:
Guest Teachers
Opportunities to work with the company during their creation period
Possible dance film opportunities
Possibility of working with an internationally established choreographer
YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR - JESSICA HEWETT
Jessica Hewett is an Illawarra-based dance artist, choreographer and educator. Since 2012, Jessica has been a dance teacher specialising in contemporary as well as teaching a variety of dance styles across recreational and competitive streams. Jessica joined Austinmer Dance Theatre (now AUSTI.) in 2015, dancing with the company for six years. Jessica received an outstanding mark of 98 in her HSC Dance, placing her 3rd overall in the state. Jessica’s HSC composition was awarded “Most Innovative Choreography” at FORM Dance Projects Short Sharp Dance Choreographic competition. In 2020, Jessica was selected by Lisa Maris McDonnell to be part of Illawarra Dance Portraits. In 2022, Jessica graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Primary Education (Dean Scholar) with Distinction. In 2023, Jessica was Dance Director and Lead Choreographer for the short film “REGRETTABLY SO” produced by Diversity Entertainment. Jessica premiered her first full-length work "How Do We Know?" as part of AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre’s uNCOILEd Exposed 2023 season. Jessica shares a passion to educate others in both a classroom and dance environment and can’t wait to bring all her knowledge and passion to the AUSTI. Youth Program!
Apprenticeship programs
we now offer an apprenticeship program!
AUSTI now offers an apprenticeship program to increase young dancers training and experience in a professional setting. Places are offered by audition only and are strictly limited. Auditions held annually during August.
workshops/
performances
want to hire our company dancers?
Our company director and dancers are available for performances and to run workshops for your school or organisation. In the past we have been involved in fundraising and promotional events. Please note: availability will depend on the company's performance schedule.