By : Dennis Chua
THE National Arts, Culture And Heritage Academy (Aswara) in Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, begins its new semester in July.
It is inviting prospective students who wish to pursue full-time training in music, theatre, writing, film and dance.
Applicants need not have any previous experience in the above disciplines and all it takes for them to get a place is interest and aptitude. The closing date for applications is April 30.
There are two semesters in a year of study and each semester is 14 weeks long.
It takes three years to obtain a diploma in performing arts, which is fully recognised by the Education Ministry and the Public Services Department.
Full-time students need to possess SPM qualification with credits in Bahasa Malaysia and two other subjects.
Entry is via audition and interview.
The dance programme offers courses in folk dances from Sabah and Sarawak, Malay dances, choreography, Chinese dances, improvisation, tai chi, silat, jazz, ballet and modern dance.
Dance lecturers include some of the country`s top dance instructors such as Marion D` Cruz, Annuar Wahab and Umesh Shetty.
Dancers from Aswara have performed around the world in festivals such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival and New Zealand`s International Dance Forum.
The fees are about RM2,000 per year for the diploma course. The registration fee is RM200.
Those interested can collect their application forms from Aswara for RM10 (payable by postal order or money order) or send a self-addressed envelope with a RM2 stamp to:
Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan, 464, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Source: www.nst.com (27 April 2007)
