Drew Holloway

Performing artist and aspiring dancer 

Drew Holloway came to Darwin High School with his sight set firmly on a career in dance and placement at the internationally recognised West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Outside of his love of dance, Drew was also a member of the Darwin High School Concert Band and the school Leadership Group and volunteered his time at many community events. Drew was recognised as a recipient of the Royal Australian Regiment Award for Civic Duty and Representation in Commemoration Events at the schools 2019 Presentation Night. He credits time management as the secret to his success in his final year of study.

Drew credits Darwin High School for the opportunity to explore his love of dance.

It was no secret to anyone at Darwin High that Dance was my favourite subject. I grew up dancing from a young age and I wanted dance to be my career and DHS’s Dance Program offered me the best chance at succeeding. Along with the brilliant teachers Sarah Calver and Julia Quinn, dance became another family for me. Not only did they provide me with many opportunities to perform and work, they passed on their knowledge and understanding of dance to me. I think the reason why dance felt different compared to the other subjects which I also loved, was that instead of feeling like I was being taught, I felt as though I was being nurtured and mentored towards my career pathway as both my teachers had been in the field that I wished to enter. 

I think the most challenging part of year 12 for me, was realising that some things are not worth the stress. This wasn't always easy - as a lot of the things that caused stress were the things and people that I loved. So, finding a way to self manage my stress and let go of some of those things (especially in year 12) was a tough thing to do.

Past and future studies

Drew studied Creative Arts Dance, Drama, English, Stage 2 Dance and Visual Arts Photography to complete his NTCET. His advice to Year 12 students is to simply apply yourself.

Don’t let yourself fall behind in your assignments. As soon as you get your assignments, use every second of your class time to complete it because as soon as you fall behind it’s hard to get back to a place where you can feel comfortable.

He is now attending WAAPA in Perth, where he is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with Edith Cowan University.

My greatest achievement in my final year of study would be, being accepted into WA Academy of Performing Arts. This being the primary reason for coming to Darwin High School for the dance trips each year. Preparing for this one goal ever since middle school then getting the acceptance letter is beyond surreal. 

Now I move to Perth to begin studying at WAAPA. Although I’m scared for what the next few years bring. I’m confident that whatever happens, will happen for the better. I don’t just have one goal to reach, because as soon as I hit that goal there is always something better then best. Drew Holloway