FAQs

How can I find out more about STEPS work?

What's the company's administrative structure?

Can I audition for STEPS?

Does the company run dance classes or workshops?

Who have been the STEPS Artistic Directors?

Where can I find reviews and articles written about STEPS?

Where can I find a STEPS project timeline?

How can I find out more about STEPS work?

You can find out about our current Artistic Program in the Current program section of our website, or if you would like to know more about previous projects navigate through the Explore & Discover section of the website where you will find images galleries, video galleries, educational resources, interviews and more.

How is STEPS Funded?

STEPS is a not-for-profit organisation primarily funded by the WA Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts. We are sponsored by the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) to promote the Heart Foundation’s BE ACTIVE message and major sponsor BHP Billiton Nickel West.

In 2009, STEPS partnered with Hawaiian as Education Partner as part of a new initiative from the Australia Businesses Arts Foundation called The Western Australian Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund: a three-way partnership between the Australia Business Arts Foundation, Mirvac WA and the Government of Western Australia. Local small business sponsors include Crumpler and Parmelia Print, and we are extremely grateful for in-kind sponsorship from 303.

Additional funds for projects are sought from the Australia Council, local governments and foundations, as required.

For STEPS Youth Dance Company funding is mostly achieved through government grants, sponsorship, ticket sales and participant fees. This money is spent on wages for the Artistic Director, General Manager, choreographers, technical staff, admin costs such as rent, phone, stationary, marketing, insurance, hire of venues, costumes, lighting, music and much more.

A Government grant is money given to companies or individuals to develop or create artistic work. Usually companies are funded for core operations (running the business) and performances whilst individuals are funded more for performance. Government grants may come from the state government (The Department of Culture and the Arts) or federal government (Australia Council for the Arts).

STEPS receives state funding through DCA for a three year period, and re-applies each three years by completing an application form that includes writing a Business plan with artistic programmes and budgets, and a review of all aspects of the company operations. The company reapplies for funding each 3 years. A panel reviews the applications.

STEPS has received funding for special projects from the Australia Council (Ozco), however it is very difficult especially for WA companies as Ozco is based in the eastern states.

STEPS is registered with the Register of Cultural Organisations, which enables the company to receive non-taxable donations, and they do not have to pay GST on ticket sales.

Sponsorship is money given to companies to complete artistic performances with the condition that the sponsor is advertised through the dance company. You follow the same process for sponsors but you also have to include a plan to promote the sponsor.

The major sponsor for STEPS is BHP Billiton Nickel West and Healthway, with STEPS currently promoting the “Be Active” message. STEPS must actively promote sponsorships on t shirts, posters, and correspondence, phone messages and speeches and media opportunities. STEPS is always looking for more corporate sponsors to assist in expanding the program, and to help provide new opportunities to its members.

STEPS is one of the most successful youth dance companies in Australia mainly because the organisation has a dedicated team of professionals. Every one involved with the company is committed to the provision of opportunity for young dancers, and is dedicated to our mission.

The vision for STEPS Youth Dance Company is to activate the artist in our dancers and to engage the creative energy of audiences. We provide the means for young people to create their own original contemporary dance culture by delivering cutting edge, explorative work.

What's the company's administrative structure?

STEPS Youth Dance Company is a not-for-profit incorporated association run by a Board of Management with three part-time staff members. The Board of Management is a group of dedicated professionals who are re-elected each year at the Annual General meeting. Current Board membership covers skills including Marketing, Sponsorship, Project management, Educators, Dance Practitioners, Production and Venue management and Finance.

STEPS currently employ three part-time staff. The General Manager (3 days/week) overseas the daily operations of the company business, plans the overall program for future projects and is responsible for core funding grants, the Artistic Director (3 days/week) is responsible for planning, creating and choreographing the dance works and a Marketing and Funds Development Coordinator (2 1/2 days/week) who is responsible for finding funding opportunities and sponsors to help raise money for the company, as well as marketing all aspects of the companies work. Creative and Production personnel (additional choreographers, production and stage managers, composers and musicians, set and costume designers, publicists and photographers) are contracted for projects as required.

The Board of Management and family members of dancers are also very active in providing voluntary, hands on support during busy periods.

STEPS Youth Dance Company has had two General Managers – Michelle Saunders (1988-2007) and Cassandra Lake (2007-present). The Artistic Directors who have been with company have added their own style and personality to the dance works they have created, and the dancers they have worked with.

Can I audition for STEPS?

Yes. STEPS has a range of projects available to cater for young people between 9 and 25. Different projects target different age groups and you can find details of all current opportunities here.

Does the company run dance classes or workshops?

Yes – STEPS runs a range of workshops and classes for varied levels of experience throughout the year. You will be able to find out all the ways your can get involved in Participate / Classes.

Who have been the STEPS Artistic Directors?

The Artistic Directors have been:

1988-1999	Ruth Osborne
1999-2000	Claudia Alessi
2001-2003	Felicity Bott
2004-2007	Danielle Micich
2008	Sam Fox
2009-present	Alice Lee Holland

Where can I find reviews and articles written about STEPS?

You can find current articles written about STEPS here and for past archival information click here.

Where can I find a STEPS project timeline?

You can find a detailed timeline of STEPS projects in The Company/About Us/History.