Redlands Dance Academy

Co-education Independent Pre-School – Year 12
272 Military Rd, Cremorne NSW 2090
02 9909 3133
redlands.nsw.edu.au/performingarts/home/ballet-dance-academy

The unique Redlands Dance Academy, established in 1998, is a nurturing and challenging environment that supports students’ passion for dance by combining academic study with a full ballet and dance program. The Academy has a holistic approach to both dance training and school life to ensure each student maintains a healthy balance. Over 250 students from Preschool to Year 12 participate in the various programs, developing confidence, mental alertness, commitment and exceptional strength of character.

In the Senior Ballet program, students can study daily at a vocational level, and have the choice of undertaking Dance as a subject from Year 8 to Year 10 and then either HSC Dance or IB Dance in Years 11 and 12. The Cocurricular programs offers classes in Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and Hip Hop.

The Academy has provided an important stepping stone for students to gain places in overseas Ballet Schools such as The Royal Ballet School in London, the National Ballet School of Canada, the School of American Ballet, as well as our own Australian Ballet School; followed by places international Dance companies and The Australian Ballet Company.

Practical Dance Classes per week
The Dance program is structured to provide all students the opportunity to tailor their training to fit their needs and students in Years 7-12 can choose from approximately 20 classes per week. RAD exams and holiday programs are also held at the Academy.

RAD Classes
Primary to Advanced 2; students attend 2-3 classes per week.

Ballet Program for Vocational Students:
Vaganova, Open Class, Pointe, Repertoire, Solos, National Character, Private Lessons and Pilates.

Other Dance Classes
Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Broadway Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe Preparation and Body Conditioning.

Performance Groups
There are performance groups for Seniors (Years 7-12) in Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz and Juniors (Years 5-6) in Ballet.

Curriculum Dance
Stage 4 (Year 8): 6 x 55 min Dance lessons a fortnight
Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10): 6 x 55min Dance lessons a fortnight
Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12): 8 x 55min Dance lessons a fortnight
IB Diploma Dance (Years 11 and 12): 8 x 55min Dance lessons a fortnight

Facilities
The School has five Dance studios, all with sprung floors. Four studios are located in the Parkes Building on the Redlands Junior Campus in Murdoch St Cremorne and one is located in the Adams Centre, opposite the Redlands Senior Campus, on Military Rd, Cremorne.

Performance Opportunities
The Performance Groups participate in a range of external Eisteddfods and competitions each year.
Performance opportunities for the Redlands Community include the Annual Ballet and Dance Concert, Gala Arts and the Redlands Musical (all staged at The Concourse, Chatswood) and Speech Night (at The Big Top, Luna Park).

Performance opportunities on the School Campus include Open Days, Spring Fair, Harmony Day, Red Factor and the Annual Dance Awards

Teachers
Gilly Revie
DIP RBS (PDTC)
Head of Redlands Ballet and Dance Academy
Gilly Revie joined Redlands as Head of Redlands Ballet and Dance Academy in January 2022. She attended The Royal Ballet School in London from the age of eleven and joined The Royal Ballet in 1987, immediately after graduating. While there, she progressed through the ranks, performing a vast repertoire of soloist and principal roles.

After completing The Royal Ballet School Teacher Training Course for Professional Dancers in 2007, Gilly continued as Guest Principal Character Artist and joined the English National Ballet School as Tutor, Artistic Coordinator and Rehearsal Director.

In 2010, she established her own business in Sydney, Classical Ballet 121, which developed into a successful full-time ballet school, preparing students for elite ballet programs and companies worldwide.

Gilly enjoys performing for The Australian Ballet Company as a guest. She is Patron of the BBO dance Australia, a mentor and coach for the Pre-Professional Year at Sydney Dance Company and is a consultant guest teacher at The Royal Ballet School’s International Intensive Programs.

Samantha Simpson
ARAD Solo Seal, RAD RTS
A graduate of The Australian Ballet School, Samantha was awarded her RAD Solo Seal, was a finalist in both the City of Sydney Ballet Scholarship and RAD National Bursary, and a finalist in the Isobel Anderson Awards three years running.

Samantha performed with the Premier State Ballet Sydney, toured with The Australian Ballet Dancers Company and performed with various companies in London.

As a Ballet teacher, Samantha has been the Principal of two prominent performing arts schools in Sydney with many of her Classical Ballet students gaining accepted into prestigious schools, including The Australian Ballet School, Queensland Ballet School, Rambert Arts, Princess Grace Ballet School and the Houston Ballet Academy. Samantha is currently undergoing the RAD examiners training program whilst continuing to mentor students at Redlands.

Kim Traynor
RAD Solo Seal
Ms Traynor trained at the Scully Borovansky School in Sydney attaining her RAD Solo Seal. After completing her studies at the Royal Ballet School in London she joined Deutsche Opera am Rhein Company in Dusseldorf, Germany. She was then invited to join the Australian Ballet where she toured extensively to China, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Together with Mr Kelvin Coe OBE, Ms Traynor founded the NSW College of Dance. She has been a lecturer in Classical Ballet at the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne University as well as guest teaching extensively throughout Australia. She has also adjudicated the McDonald’s Performing Arts Challenge and events in New Zealand, Newcastle and Victoria.

Ms Traynor is a highly respected teacher and has taught at Redlands Ballet and Dance Academy for over 20 years. Her experience, achievements and wealth of knowledge have greatly inspired and benefited our many Ballet students.

Yulia Furnas
MA, MAMgt
Yulia graduated with distinction as a National Character dancer from the State Choreography Academy in Voronezh. After graduation, Yulia joined the Russian Seasons Moscow State Dance Company whilst also being admitted to the Balletmaster Department of Russian Academy of Theatre Arts (GITIS) where she graduated with a Distinction, receiving an MA as Director-Choreographer.

Yulia was Principal dancer with the Russian Seasons for 12 years travelling the world performing the dances of more than 20 different nationalities from technical Russian Ballet to the passionate flamenco of Spain and the tangoes of Argentina.

Yulia began teaching Ballet and Dance classes at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. She continued to travel giving master classes and teaching Ballet and National Character Dance at Ballet academies around the world. Having settled in Sydney, she continues to teach extensively and since 2016, Yulia has happily been sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the Ballet students of the Redlands Ballet and Dance Academy.

Texas Nixon Kain – Contemporary
Texas has a Bachelor degree in Contemporary Dance from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. She participated in the Tate Exchange program, which included a self-choreographed performance at the Tate Modern. She was part of a series of contemporary pop-up dance performances at the Our City Dances Festival in Brighton, England and also worked within COLAB, Trinity Laban’s two week festival of creativity and innovation, where she was involved in a collaborative project with both dancers and musicians working together to culminate in a live performance of dance and film.

Upon her return to Australia, she graduated from Sydney Dance Company’s pre-professional year. During the past year, Texas has performed a series of improvisational works in relation to Lindy Lee’s artwork at Art Month and the Sydney Opera House. Texas has most recently performed in a season at Carriageworks, in three new debut works by Gabrielle Nankivell, Omer Backley-Astrachan and James Vu Anh Pham.

Katharine Boase – Curriculum Dance
BA(Dance), BEd
Subject Coordinator of Curriculum Dance
Katharine graduated from the University of NSW, with a double degree of a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Dance and Bachelor of Education. She has been teaching Dance as an elective subject, including both the HSC Curriculum and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the past 12 years at Redlands.

Recognised as an experienced educator, Katharine has been selected as a HSC Dance Marker and IB Diploma Dance Examiner. Her students have gone on to achieve successes in HSC and IB Dance, receiving Callback nominations and consistent outstanding results, with nearly all students achieving an HSC Band 6 or IB Grade 7. A passionate advocate for Dance in Education, Katharine wants to encourage every student’s love and appreciation of Dance as an art form.

Ashleigh Moore – Curriculum Dance
BA(Dance), BEd

Back To Top

 

Wenona

Ut Prosim, that I may serve
Independent Secondary School for girls from kindergarten – Year 12
176 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060
02 9409 4400
wenona.nsw.edu.au

Practical dance classes per week (for each year)
• For our Year 9 and 10 Academic Dance students, they will attend 5 periods a fortnight and Year 11 and students will attend 8 periods a fortnight.
• Practical classes make up around 70 – 80% of the course

Facilities
The school has two purpose-built rehearsal spaces for Dance as well as a state-of-the-art fitness suite that allows students to work on the physical side of dance.

Performance and touring opportunities
All students in the Academic Dance programme have an opportunity to present their work at the Academic Dance Showcase. We hold two a year with Year 11 and 12 students in July and Year 10 and 9 students in September. These performances are held in Wenona’s 300-seat Independent Theatre.

The School also holds an annual Dance Concert at the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood, that showcases the talent and works from our Extra-curricular Dance programme. The performers range from students in Kindergarten all the way to Year 12. It is a culmination of our Eisteddfod and Open programmes. We showcase a wide range of styles such as Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Lyrical and Commercial. Our Eisteddfod programme runs from May until August, and students from Years 4 to 12 compete in many dance competitions around NSW.

Teachers
Peter Fares
Peter is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, and exemplary classroom teacher who graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Graduate Diploma of Education. Peter has worked with several leading choreographers, performing in leading venues across Australia, including the Sydney Opera House. In his career, he has worked with Buzz Dance Theatre, Barking Gecko Theatre, Strut Dance Co, Co3, English National Opera, Cadi McCarthy and Company, and Monkey Baa. Following a successful dance career, the natural progression was to move into the education sector, where he now has 10 years of classroom teaching experience in schools across Western Australia and New South Wales. He holds the role of Head of Dance at Wenona School, establishing the Academic Dance program at the school in 2021.

Brittany Skea
Brittany started dancing at a very young age and studied a range of dance styles including RAD Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Hip-Hop Dance. Completing her final years of school at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, she continued her passion for dance, studying a Bachelor of Arts (Dance)/Bachelor of Education at the University of New South Wales. Brittany has participated in and coached All-Star Cheerleading in association with AASCF Cheer and Dance. She has taught academic dance in the Independent, Catholic, and Public sectors for the past 10 years, with the opportunity to establish Dance as a subject at MacKillop College, Port Macquarie. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of dance teaching, fostering a supportive and challenging atmosphere within the classroom. Brittany’s students have gone on to achieve their own success in dance, receiving outstanding results, including HSC Callback nominations and careers in the dance industry.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Sydney – Upper North

Ku-ring-gai High School

 

Ku-ring-gai High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
02 9144 3477
kuringgai-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes
Northern Academy of the Arts – 2 hour (Stage 4 audition based enrichment program, dance tutoring and collaborative project based learning)
Talent Enrichment Program – 2 hour (Ensemble groups are formed dependant on numbers – Company audition based)
9-10 Elective Dance – 2.5 hours
11-12 Elective Dance – 3.5 hours
Entertainment Industry VET course is also available in Yr 11 & 12 to compliment Dance studies.

Teachers
Rachel Dunn
Bachelor of Health and Physical Education – Approval to teach Dance (UOW)
Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (NIDA)
Rachel has extensive training in RAD Ballet, Glen Wood Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and JFH and was a freelance performer and studio teacher. She previously toured Australia teaching Dance to remote communities for Vibe Australia.

Rachel began her career in 2005 and was appointed at KHS in 2008. She has choreographed award winning eisteddfod pieces, musicals and is an experienced HSC Practical Dance Marker. Her students have gone on to achieve their own success in Dance, receiving outstanding results, HSC Callback nominations and careers in the dance industry.

Catherine Reid
Catherine has a BA Dance (Drama)/B Education and has been working in the NSW Education System for 17 years and is an experienced Dance & Drama Teacher, Head Teacher Creative and Performing Arts and HSC Dance Marker. Also Dancetrain’s Education Developer, she has a passion for providing professional development opportunities and building supportive networks for dance teachers. She has also choreographed for numerous dance festivals, musicals and eisteddfods She has taught students from a range of backgrounds, abilities and experience, and inspiring ALL students to succeed in Dance.

Facilities
Newly purpose-built Performing Arts Studios x2 including barre, mirrors, curtains, changerooms, new School Hall with HSC performance size stage, stage lighting, tech room and projectors. Harlequin Tarkett, large portable classroom computer to integrate technology into the dance class.

Performance and touring opportunities
Performance opportunities – Sydney Eisteddfod, Ryde Eisteddfod, Hills Spectacular. North Sydney Dance Festival, State Dance camps, Schools Spectacular

 

 

Back To Top

 

Sydney – Eastern Suburbs

 

---

 

Back To Top

 

Sydney – Inner West

The McDonald College

Southern Cross Catholic College

 

The McDonald College

Independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school
17 George St, North Strathfield 
02 9752 0500
mcdonald.nsw.edu.au

Dance genres
Dance genres include Classical Ballet, Commercial Dance, and Contemporary Dance. The Senior Contemporary Dance program (Years 10 – 11) partners with Sydney Dance Company.
Students receive up to two hours of dance training daily. This is integrated into the course of a normal academic day.
Ballet students in years 7 – 12 perform a full-length ballet every year.
Additional after-school classes, extension classes and private lessons are available.
In addition to Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance and Commercial Dance – The McDonald College also offers Acting, Music, Musical Theatre, Technical Production, Elite Tennis and Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Academic HSC Dance
Year 11 and 12 (Preliminary HSC and HSC Levels)
Year 11 – seven periods a fortnight
Year 12 – eight periods a fortnight

Teachers
Jane Kesby
Head of Classical Ballet
Jane began her ballet training at The McDonald College, followed by the Australian Ballet School and began her career with the West Australian Ballet Company. She then relocated to Europe, where she danced professionally for ten years as a soloist with the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Zurich Ballet. Before returning to Australia, she completed her Royal Academy of Dance Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma in London with Distinction.

Lindsay Ellman-Brown
Lindsay trained at the Royal Academy of Dance, London, achieving a Licentiate and Diploma​ in Dance Teaching. She performed with the National Ballet of Zimbabwe and directed her own school for over ten years. Lindsay choreographed and produced several classical full-length ballets for the National Ballet of Zimbabwe before immigrating to Australia in 2003, where she completed a Masters in Dance Teaching through QUT. She is a teaching supervisor for students on the Royal Academy of Dance Diploma course and an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance.

Vicki Attard
Vicki trained with the Australian Ballet School before joining the Australian Ballet, where she performed all principal roles and many leading roles during her 15-year career. Afterwards, Vicki earned a Graduate Diploma in Dance Instruction. She has assisted in the staging and re-staging Madame Butterfly with The National Ballet of Canada, Atlanta Ballet, Boston Ballet and Houston Ballet, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and The Australian Ballet. In addition, Vicki was appointed Interim Director of the Houston Ballet Academy and co-managed the second company HBII.

Nicky Gattorna
Nicky commenced as a junior associate with The Royal Ballet School (White Lodge) at age seven. Subsequently, she secured a position with The Royal Ballet Company. She progressed to the position of Soloist, performing her First Soloist and Principal roles. She later earned a Dance and Sports Psychology degree and completed the Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma at the RAD. Nicky is a qualified Pilates instructor and a Franklin Method Level 1 teacher.

Jane Beckett
Head of Dance
Jane began dancing at age five and was accepted into the Royal Ballet School (White Lodge) at eight. After moving to Australia, Jane continued her ballet studies at the National Ballet School, followed by the Australian Ballet School. Jane began teaching and choreographing in the 80s. Later, she worked in Principal positions at Dynamite Dance and Brent Street Studios.

Kathryn Dunn
Head of Music Theatre
Dunn is a deeply experienced performing arts practitioner who brings to Australia’s leading performing arts school a wealth of global experience as a performer, director, choreographer, creative, producer, educator, curator and advocate for art and artists. Dunn was engaged by the University of Southern California as Professor of Dance in Musical Theatre and has taught numerous masterclasses around the US, Europe and Australia. Most recently, Dunn was the Assistant Director for Bangarra Dance Theatre on Wudjang: Not the Past and with Opera Australia on Madame Butterfly. Most recently Dunn was the Assistant Director for Bangarra Dance Theatre on Wudjang: Not the Past and with Opera Australia on Madame Butterfly.

Sarah Minol
Head of HSC Dance
Sarah Minol trained under Patricia Saills before joining The McDonald College in 1992 under Josephine Jason and Allan Cross. As part of the Premier State Ballet Youth Company, she toured in productions like The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty from 1992 to 1997. Graduating from The Australian Ballet School in 2000, Sarah went on to receive a scholarship to The Australian College of Physical Education, where she earned a Bachelor of Dance Education in 2004. She also achieved her Royal Academy of Dance Teachers certificate with Distinction. Currently, Sarah teaches Dance, PDHPE, and Sport, Lifestyle, and Recreation, inspiring her students both technically and artistically while fostering a passion for dance through solo and Eisteddfod group choreography.

Facilities
Nine fully equipped dance studios with air conditioning. Performances are held at the College’s multi-purpose Conference Centre and venues such as the Parade Theatre NIDA, and the Seymour Centre.

Performance opportunities
4 x Eisteddfod Groups
5 x Choreographic Showcases
1 x High Performance Season
6 x HSC Showcases
2 x Evenings of Classical Ballet
7 x special events

Back To Top

 

---

Southern Cross Catholic College

Performing Arts Pathway
Catholic Co-education Senior College 9-12
17 Comer Street Burwood NSW 2134
02 8372 4400
sccvc.syd.catholic.edu.au

Practical Performing Arts classes per week Stage 5 Dance, Drama and Music
Offered in Year 9 and 10. All courses are 100 hour courses and run for one year.

Students who complete a Stage 5 course in Year 9 will have the choice in Year 10 to complete an additional Stage 5 course or undertake early commencement Stage 6 (Certificate II or III).

Stag 6 HSC Dance, Drama and Music
Offered in Year 11 and 12 (Preliminary HSC and HSC Levels)

3hr block delivery face to face and 1 hr online learning

ATAR and Non-ATAR pathway options

Performing Arts: Dance Stream
Dance styles taught in this stream include Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Commercial Dance (Jazz/HipHop) and Musical Theatre.

Performing Arts: Music Stream
Music – Instrumental (Classical or Contemporary), Music – Voice (Classical or Contemporary), Music Theatre – Singing, Dancing and Acting

Performing Arts: Drama Stream
Drama – Study a range of Dramatic Forms and styles, including Realism. Playbuilding in groups and working as an ensemble

Masterclass

All students studying Performing Arts will participate in the Masterclass enrichment program.

2hr weekly delivery, face to face, where students work with Industry Artists and Learning Facilitators in cross-disciplines (Dance/Drama/Music) to build creative problem-solving, develop lateral thinking and work collaboratively together to develop ensemble skills for performance.

Performing Arts & Creative Industries Vocational Electives:

• Certificate II and III in Community Dance, Theatre & Events (Musical Theatre)
• Certificate II and III in Music Industry
• Certificate II and III in Entertainment Industry
• Certificate II and III in Screen and MediaTeachers
Luke Collins
Leader of Performing Arts and Professional Practice

Drama, Entertainment Industry

With over 20 years of experience teaching performing arts and creative industry courses in both privately owned and secondary school contexts Luke is committed and passionate about educating young people to reach their desires to be the professional performer or technician that they have the natural talent to become. Luke worked with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Corporate Theatre Department regularly as a performer and trainer for various corporate performances and workshops, including tutoring presentation skills and working with the camera for media. Extensive industry experience and love of this discipline will provide his students valuable insights and solid practice in building rich acting, performance and critical analysis skills.

Vita Greene
Music
Vita is a clarinettist who holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from The University of New South Wales. She is an experienced and passionate music teacher who has taught in Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) for the last 15 years. Vita has taught Music 1, Music 2 and Extension, with many HSC students being nominated for Encore. Vita is also a HSC practical and written music marker. Vita has directed many Music ensembles including string, vocal and woodwind groups. She has also assisted with the musical direction of Musical Theatre Productions; Oklahoma, High School Musical and Popstars.

Melanie Fayd’herbe de Maudave
Drama, Dance
Melanie is a Sydney-based freelance Contemporary dancer/performer, Secondary Dance teacher and Yoga facilitator. She holds a Masters Teaching and a Bachelor of Performance, Theory and Practice (Dance). Melanie has been teaching in Secondary schools for 15 years, specialising in Stage 6 Dance and Drama. She is also an experienced HSC Dance Practical marker for NESA. Melanie has acquired valuable experience working in the Independent Dance Industry, touring Nationally and Internationally with Shaun Parker and Company, and is a founding member of Dance Makers Collective. She has performed in productions for Sydney Festival, Melbourne Festival, Adelaide Festival and abroad.

Annalise Thomas
Dance, Musical Theatre
Annalise holds a Bachelor of Dance Education from the Australian College of Physical Education, and qualifications in RAD Ballet. Annalise is a qualified Dance teacher and Choreographer, with a specialty in Musical Theatre Jazz. Her teaching experience ranges from elective and HSC Dance in schools, through to Dance Studio teaching from toddlers to adults in all ranges of styles.

Daniel Walsh
Music Industry / Music Tutor: Guitar
Daniel has been teaching guitar for 15 years in a broad range of styles, alongside playing professionally as a touring and studio guitarist. Performing with artists such as Ruel, Casey Donovan, Samantha Jade, Delta Goodrem, Christine Anu and David Campbell. He began studying music at an early age and has completed a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education at UNSW. Daniel is an inspiring and versatile teacher who has a deep understanding of the guitar and music theory, as well as many years of valuable experience in the music industry.

Facilities
Purpose built Recording Studio and control room. Dance and Drama studios with sprung floors, ballet barres, mirrored walls, pianos and sound systems. Music and Piano practice rooms. Performances are held at the multi-purpose O’Grady Centre auditorium, in addition to general public venues including Qudos Arena.

Performance & touring opportunities

• Sydney Catholic Schools, Arts HQ Events & Eisteddfod Groups
• Open Day Performances
• Special Events
• Dance, Music and Drama Showcases
• College Productions
• Performing Arts Cabaret Performance
• HSC Performing Arts Showcases

---

 

Back To Top

 

Sydney – Outer West

Bossley Park High School

Jamison High School

Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High School

 

Bossley Park High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
36-44 Prairie Vale Rd, Bossley Park
02 9823 1033
bossleypk-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes per week
Year 7 Dance: 2 X 80mins per fortnight
Year 8 Dance: 3 X 80mins per fortnight
Year 9 Dance: 4 X 80mins per fortnight
Year 10 Dance: 5 X 80mins per fortnight
Year 11 Dance: 6 X 80mins per fortnight
Year 12 Dance: 6 X 80mins per fortnight

Bossley Park High School Dance Ensemble: By Audition ONLY 2 Hours per week outside the curriculum.

Teachers
Melissa Lopez
Head Teacher Performing Arts
Dance Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Dance – University of Western Sydney
Master in Secondary Education – University of Western Sydney
Certificate of Gifted and Talented Education – University of NSW
Melissa Lopez started dancing at a very young age and studied a range of dance styles including RAD Ballet, Cecchetti Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary Dance, Flamenco and South American Folk Dance. She went on to study Dance at Western Sydney University and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She worked as a freelance dancer performing with various artists in Australia and in Europe. When returning to Australia, she completed her Masters of Secondary Education at Western Sydney University and started teaching Dance at Bossley Park High School in 2007 and became Head Teacher of the Performing Arts Faculty in 2019.

Sarah Wais
Dance/Drama Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Dance
Master in Secondary Education
Sarah Wais has trained in many styles of dance including RAD Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and Russian Dance. She has been teaching Dance and Drama at Bossley Park High School for the past 11 years. Her dancing career has allowed her to work and perform with various artists and choreographers from around the world. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Dance and Masters of Education (Secondary Dance/Drama) at Western Sydney University. These experiences have helped shape and inspire her teaching.

Ebony Ulbrand
Dance Teacher Bossley Park High School
Bachelor of Dance Education
Ebony Ulbrand began dancing at the age of four, and studied RAD Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary Dance and Hip-Hop. Her true passion is passing on her love and knowledge to students. This was ignited though the Talented Sports Program for Dance at the High School she attended. Ebony obtained a Bachelor of Dance Education and has been teaching at Bossley Park High School for the past five years. Drawing on her own dance experience from working with various choreographers and artists she is able to enrich her teaching and inspire the dancers of today.

Facilities
Dance Studio with sprung floors, ceiling to floor mirrors and surround sound.

Performance & touring opportunities
Regional Dance Festival
Annual Showcase at Bossley Park High School
State Dance Festival
USA Tour – Interstate or overseas tour
Students are provided numerous opportunities to audition for State Dance Ensembles, DET Dance workshops and School Spectacular

 

 

Back To Top

 

Jamison High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
222 Evan St, South Penrith
02 4731 6150
jamison-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes per week
We offer Dance as a subject from Year 8 to Year 12. The school operates on a fortnightly timetable and offers students to study Dance from 5 to 7 periods a fortnight.
Extra curricular dance with 2 groups rehearsing twice a week. We have Dance Ensemble for Years 7 to 9 and Dance Company for Years 10 to 12.

Teachers
Emma Lamont
Bachelor of Arts Dance and a Bachelor of Teaching Secondary
HSC Practical Dance Marker.
Emma is also a RAD classically trained in all Grades up to Elementary. She has been a Dance and PDHPE teacher at Jamison High School for 14 years. Emma continues to perform with the Blue Mountains Musical Society, where she has successfully auditioned for several productions.
She is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide young people with moments of glory that feed their creativity and desire for performance and composition based learning.

Monica Mitchell
Dance and PD/H/PE teacher
Bachelor of Dance Education at ACPE, majoring in Dance and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Monica is well versed in many genres of dance having trained from a very young age through to joining Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in her teenage years. Her achievements include passing all Grades in Cecchetti Ballet including Advanced 1 & 2, with Distinction and High Distinction. In addition to ballet, her specialty includes jazz and contemporary. Monica was selected to perform in the NSW State Dance Senior Ensemble. She continues to teach jazz and contemporary dance after school at a studio in the Blue Mountains and spends tireless hours choreographing dances for her students to perform at local events, performances and concerts.

Facilities
Dance Studio, equipped with Tarkett flooring, mirrors and ballet barre. The space is also equipped with a Smart Board, Television and is air-conditioned. The Performance space at Jamison High School offers a proscenium arch stage with 3 wings on each side of stage.

Performance & touring opportunities
Dance Ensemble and Dance Company regularly participate in 3 local Dance Festivals around the Penrith district. They have competed at the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod, Penrith Eisteddfod and the City of Sydney Dance Eisteddfod. There are numerous Performance Nights and Showcase events where students are given the opportunity to perform.

 

 

Back To Top

 

Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High School

115-119 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains
02 4728 7200
nepean-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

The Performing Arts faculty offers students learning and experiences in Circus Arts, Dance, Drama and Music. These experiences can be accessed via curricular and extra-curricular activities. In Year 7 students undertake 5 hours a fortnight of their elected auditioned subject. From Year 8 through to Year 10 students can audition for two (Year 8) and three (Year 9 and 10) auditioned Performing Arts subjects which could lead to around 15 hours of learning in their auditioned subject areas.

Practical dance classes per week
Stage 4 & 5 (Year 7-10)
Dance (NESA course)
5 hours per fortnight
This course provides students with opportunities to experience and enjoy dance as an artform as they perform, compose and appreciate dance. As an integrated study of the practices of performance, composition and appreciation, students develop both physical skill, aesthetic, artistic and cultural understandings. This course is compulsory for all auditioned dance students.

Circus Arts (Year 7-8 School Developed Course – Year 9-10 Board Endorsed Course)
This course allows students to experience, understand and value Circus as an artform through the interrelated study of skill acquisition, act creation and appreciation of circus history and analysis of circus works of art. Circus students learn circus technique and performance skills in all genres of circus arts, including aerials, manipulation equilibristics, acrobatics and tumbling. They learn about anatomy, safe training practices, act creation and performance skills.

Stage 5 (Year 9-10)
Extension Dance (School Developed Course)
5 hours per fortnight
This course focuses on developing dancers practical skills. Drawing from classical ballet conditioning, yoga, and Pilates, this course helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses and aids them to find the KEY to unlocking their potential. This course incorporates various equipment to enhance the training experience. This course develops students acrobatic ability as well as their chorographic skills, developing them as a diverse performing artist.

Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12)
Preliminary & HSC Dance
7 hours per fortnight
Students study Dance as an art form, through the components of Performance, Composition and Appreciation. Physical training and preparation of the body is fundamental and of paramount importance to the course and informs all three components of the course. This is a 2 unit Board Developed course.

VET Assistant Dance Teaching (Board Endorsed Course)
7 hours per fortnight
Students who successfully complete this course gain the nationally recognised qualification CUA30313 Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching. Students are to complete a mandatory 70 hours of work placement, in which students gain practical skills in assistant dance teaching. Some examples of content covered in this course includes: Contributing to health and safety of self and others, teaching basic dance technique & planning a career in the creative arts industry.

Circus Arts (School Developed Board Endorsed) (Year 12 only in 2022)
The Circus course aims to provide a dynamic, alternative kinaesthetic approach to physical learning utilising the concepts associated with physical literacy, combined with the acquisition of intelligent physical circus arts skills (aerial, manipulation, equilbrilistics and acrobatics) through the constructive use of structured problem solving tasks, derived from and tailored to an individual’s physical capabilities.

Co-curricular program
To complement and extend our gifted and talented students in the Performing Arts we also run extra-curricular ensembles and companies before, during and after school. Students taking part in ensembles and companies have access to professional tutors and between one to three hours of dedicated rehearsal time per ensemble/company. Ensembles/companies are offered in the following styles/genres:
– Contemporary
– Jazz
– Lyrical
– Musical Theatre
– Tap
– Classical Ballet
– Hip Hop
– Aerial Circus
– Hand Balancing

Teachers

Lucia Parkhill – Dance, VET Assistant Dance Teaching, Drama and Music Teacher, HSC Practical and Written Marker
Lucia completed a double degree in Bachelor of Performance Theory and Practice (Dance Studies) and Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) from The University of Western Sydney. She is trained in various styles of dance including RAD Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Commercial Jazz and Tap. Lucia is also trained in Drama and experienced in teaching flute, guitar, voice and drums. She is incredibly driven and passionate about delivering quality teaching and creative learning programs to all her students. Lucia is a committee member for The Blue Mountains Nepean Dance Festival where she co-ordinates Primary Teacher and student Dance workshops. She is also the Dance Coordinator for PULSE Junior Dance Ensemble, which aims to foster the development of talented male and female dance students providing performance opportunities that showcase excellence in this art form.

Jamie Austin
Dance, Tumbling & PDHPE Teacher. Jamie graduated from the Australian College of Physical Education in 2020 receiving a Bachelor of Education (Dance and PDHPE). She has been a part of the Nepean CAPA High School community since 2019. Jamie works alongside the Performing Arts faculty to coordinate Nepean’s comprehensive co-curricular program. She is trained in various styles of dance including Commercial Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acrobatics and Cheerleading. Passionate about dance education, Jamie prides herself on delivering and facilitating diverse dance programs; providing opportunities for young dancers to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of dance in a variety of contexts.

Allie Gunton
Dance & Circus Arts Teacher at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Allie graduated from the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) in 2008 with a Bachelor of Dance Education. She has been teaching at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School since 2012 and was the Student Dance Development and Delivery Officer for The Arts Unit from 2016-2019. She has choreographed for a vast array of events including Schools Spectacular, Southern Stars, Pulse, State Dance Festival, Youth Olympics Opening Ceremony, Australia’s Got Talent and various corporate events. In her role at The Arts Unit she facilitated the delivery of the statewide Years 2-12 Dance Workshops and Masterclass program, The Australian Ballet Repertoire Workshops, A O Lang Pho – Circus Masterclass and Primary and Secondary Teacher Choreographic Workshops. In addition she was part of creative teams for State Dance Festival, Callback and Schools Spectacular. She established the Circus Arts program at Nepean in 2012 and wrote Circus Arts curriculum for Years 7-12. Her students have been inspired to pursue a career in Dance and Circus Arts as performers, choreographers, filmmakers or educators in Australia and overseas.

Elizabeth Castro
Dance, History and Language Teacher at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.
Elizabeth is a graduate of Brent Street Academy where she studied full time in all styles of dance and attained a Certificate IV in Performing Arts. She then completed a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (Dance) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at the University of New South Wales. She has taught year 7-12 Dance at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School over the past 6 years. Elizabeth is committee member of Synergy Dance Festival and currently coordinates the PULSE regional Primary Dance Ensemble in which they have been successful in performing their works at State Dance Festival and were selected to perform in Schools Spectacular. With her extensive industry knowledge paired with qualifications in delivering NESA curriculum, she is dedicated to educating the younger generation and inspiring them to reach their full potential in the field of dance.

Facilities
Nepean has 3 specialised studios equipped with dance floors, mirrors, barres and sound equipment. Our onsite performance venue known as the Nepean Arts Centre seats up to 210 people for performance and has the capacity to become a large movement student due to the retractable seating.

Performance opportunities
Our students are involved in various performance opportunities throughout the year including but not limited to Dance Showcase evenings, regional and state dance festivals, Schools Spectacular and various competition events such as DanceLife Unite and Resonate as part of the Australian Dance Festival.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Sydney – Inner South

Village Nation

Village Nation
Once a Street, Then a Village, Now a NATION
villagenation.com.au | info@villagenation.com.au | 02 9043 04338
70 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015

Accredited

Village Nation is committed to providing the best teachers and trainers alongside emotional and spiritual support to allow students to reach their fullest potential both on and off the stage. Village Nation currently operates from a state of the art studio located at 32 Bowden St Alexandria. All 7 studios are custom-built with sprung Harlequin floors, mirrors, sound systems, and audio/visual equipment. The campus is well serviced by public transport, bus and train services, with Green Square station only an 8 minute walk. Students are eligible to apply for Concession Opal Cards. Students in the course full-time may apply for Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy.

RTO- 31624

-Fulltime Cert IV in Dance CUA40113

-Fulltime Diploma of Musical Theatre CUA50213

-Fulltime Diploma in Dance CUA50213

-Fulltime Cert IV in Dance Teaching Management CUA40313

-Village Nation College

Time: 1 year

Aims: To provide students with the best all rounded education to prepare them fully for a professional career in the performing arts industry.

Subjects: Partnering, Jazz, Street Dance, Dance Performance, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Choreography, Performance Skills, Musical Theatre, Physical Conditioning, Hip hop, Lyrical.

Performance opportunities: Corporate Events working with industry professionals; Television appearances and Commercial opportunities; Australian Dance Festival; Graduation Performance; Prepared for Professional Auditions.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Sydney – South West

 

 

Back To Top

 

Central Coast

MacKillop Catholic College Warnervale

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

 

MacKillop Catholic College Warnervale

Catholic College
91 Sparks Road, Warnervale NSW 2259
02 4392 9399
mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au

Practical dance classes per week
5 classes a fortnight for Year 9 and 10 and 8 a fortnight for Preliminary and HSC classes.

Facilities
Mackillop has both a dedicated Dance and Drama studio, as well as a large theatre space.

Performance Opportunities
In addition to school based performances at assembly, awards nights and open days, Mackillop proudly has several dance troupes which compete in eisteddfods. We also participate in the Junior Theatre Festival (Both in Newcastle and every few years in Sacramento USA). School musicals are also done bi-annually in 2024 this will be Frozen Jnr the musical.

Teacher
Mrs Rochelle Calder has been teaching Dance for 12 years and has a passion for developing on the students own individual capabilities as well as their theoretical knowledge of the Dance syllabus to create well rounded dance students. She has experience as a HSC teacher, with several past students receiving Callback nominations for outstanding HSC examination performances. Mrs Calder has choreographed for several eisteddfods, as well as choreographing large scale items for Southern Stars and the Illawarra South East Region (ISER) Dance Ensemble.

 

 

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

Government High School Yrs 7-12
3 campuses:
The Entrance Rd
02 4332 2944
thentrance-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
150 Bellevue Rd
02 4385 6802
tumbiumbi-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
5-25 Berkeley Rd
02 4388 1899
berkeleyva-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes per week
Years 7-12
4 times a week in syllabus-based work focused on growing students’ talents within their performance, composition and appreciation skills.

Elite dance company for years 7-12 (audition)

Within the junior campuses, sport time dance opportunities are provided through the form of Wakakirri at Tumbi Umbi Campus and the exploration of different dance styles through classes at Berkeley Vale Campus.

Beyond the classroom, our students also get the opportunity to work collaboratively through intensive workshop days, with their teachers and students from different schools within the college, to create a number of contemporary based works each year.

Teachers
Emily Williams
Dance Teacher
Bachelor of Arts (Dance)/Bachelor of Education (UNSW)
Emily and Eleisha both graduated from UNSW with a BArts (Dance)/ BEducation where they learnt from influential Australian choreographers such as Sue Healey, Veronica Beattie and Gilli O’Connell.

Emily, as College Dance Coordinator has built and grown the dance department providing in school and post school pathways for students, as they develop and excel as individuals within the artform of Dance. She coordinates and focuses on the Stage 5 Dance curriculum, developing skills and preparing students for senior schooling. Emily is passionate about creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where each individual is encouraged to continue to develop and extend their skills and personal movement vocabulary and style. Emily specialises in creating strong and meaningful partnerships between community stakeholders and targeted talent identified students. She ensures that students’ academic and creative aspirations are supported, by creating extracurricular opportunities and establishing valued connections between students, parents, schools and the local community.

Eleisha Taylor
Dance Teacher
Bachelor of Arts (Dance)/Bachelor of Education (UNSW)
Eleisha resides at The Entrance Senior Campus where the focus is achieving through the HSC Dance course. She has 10 Years experience teaching Dance for students in Years 9-12, with application across performance, composition, appreciation and dance and technology. Her focus is facilitating her students in acquiring deep knowledge and skills of the Dance curriculum, which can be applied not only practically, but also in written and oral form. This has assisted many students in achieving notable HSC results, Callback nominations and the uptake of tertiary dance pathways. She has worked alongside many mentors and as a HSC marker to develop her professional competence with a wide range of proficiencies and experiences. Eleisha is driven by developing her students skills and abilities consistently, across all facets of Dance, to achieve at a high level.

Both Emily and Eleisha are heavily involved in the Central Coast Dance Festival with both individuals taking on roles as regional choreographers and artistic directors.

Facilities
Each campus within the college has a specific dance space. These spaces are all purpose-built dance rooms and theatrettes with appropriate flooring, mirrors, ballet barres and sound systems. We also have stages and auditoriums for the use of performance evenings and dance opportunities.

Performance & touring opportunities
Talent Development students have a multitude of diverse dance experiences from Regional Dance Festivals and ensembles, eisteddfods, workshops, Australian Dance Festival, State Dance Festival, Schools Spectacular and student choreography projects.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Newcastle

Hunter School of Performing Arts

The Hunter School of the Performing Arts is a government-funded co-educational fully selective and specialist primary and secondary day school which offers a comprehensive curriculum with a performing arts specialty.
Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow
02 4952 3355
huntperfor-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes/week
Year 3 – 4 hours a fortnight
Year 4 – 4 hours a fortnight
Year 5 – 4 hours a fortnight
Year 6 – 4 hours a fortnight
Year 7 – 6 hours a fortnight
Year 8 – 6 hours a fortnight
Year 9 – 7 hours a fortnight
Year 10 – 7 hours a fortnight
Year 11 – 8 hours a fortnight
Year 12 – 8 Hours a fortnight

Certificate III Assistant Dance Teaching – 8 Hours a Fortnight

Year 8 Production classes – 3 hours a fortnight
9 Production
10 Production
Classical Ballet
Yr9/10 Future Focused Dance – 3 hours a fortnight

As a Dance Faculty we encourage and enable all students to enjoy learning, and to be self-motivated, reflective and competent learners. HSPA provides dance students with opportunities to express themselves through dance. At HSPA students develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of dance as an artform. By providing diverse programs and courses, students explore different pathways in dance.
Dance Courses
Stage 4
Y7 Dance: Performing Arts Line
Y8 Dance: Performing Arts Line
Y8 Dance Production Elective PBL
Stage 5
Y9 Performing Arts Line 200 hrs
Y9 Dance Production Elective PBL 100 hrs
Y9 Classical Ballet 200 hrs
Y10 Performing Arts Line 200 hrs
Y10 Dance Production Elective PBL
Y10 Classical Ballet 200 hrs
Y10 Acceleration
Y9/Y10 Future Focussed Learning – Part Time Program
Stage 6
Y11 Dance 2 Unit
Y11 Certificate 3 Assistant Dance Teaching
Y12 Dance 2 Unit
Y12 Certificate 3 Assistant Dance Teaching

Dance Company and Ensemble Opportunities
Companies and Ensembles participate in workshops and rehearsals each morning before school commencing at 8am. A variety of styles are offered to cater for all our students needs. Students need to audition to be apart of one or more of the groups.
Primary Dance Ensembles
Y7 Company
Junior Company Y8 & Y9
Intermediate Company Y9 & Y10
Senior Company Y10 & Y11
Pre-Professional Company
Aboriginal Ensemble
Classical Ballet Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Tap Ensemble
Boys Ensemble

Teachers
Hayley Vimpani HEAD TEACHER
With over 20 years of experience in the industry and education system, Hayley is a committed and enthusiastic educator teaching Performing Arts as well as VET qualifications. Success in teaching strongly relies on the willingness to reflect and improve on developed established practices. With a Diploma of Secondary Education, Bachelor of Arts (Dance) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Hayley has been at the Hunter School of Performing Arts since 2002 teaching Stage 4, 5 & 6 Dance. Hayley is the VET coordinator for Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching, HSC Practical Dance Marker, Hunter Region Dance Festival Coordinator, Star Struck Regional Dance Director, and Choreographer. Hayley has trained in varies styles including contemporary, Jazz and RAD Classical Ballet.

Vanessa Ambrose
Whilst attending the University of New South Wales Vanessa studied a Bachelor of Arts (Dance)/Bachelor of Education qualifying her to teach Stage 4, 5 & 6 Dance. This included 4 years of study in such styles as contemporary, jazz, classical ballet, Horton Technique, Graham Technique and composition working with such choreographers as Sue Healey. On top of her education in varying techniques and styles she also completed units in lighting and sound production as well as anatomy and dance analysis. After completing her degree, Vanessa began teaching at the Hunter School of Performing Arts. During her time teaching at HSPA she has been involved in elite featured ensembles, with inclusion into regional and state dance festivals. She has also been involved in the initial set up and co-wrote the Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching course now being taught across the state. Since completing her qualifications and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, HSPA has seen the numbers for the ADT VET course sore in the last 10 years of teaching. Working alongside many talented and experienced staff has allowed for wonderful learning opportunities including assisting at School Spectacular and numerous other performance opportunities from flash mobs to community concerts and school musicals. She has also been a choreographer, segment director and now Assistant Dance Director for Star Struck working with over 99 schools across the Hunter Region to bring a live arena show to life.

Jo-Anne Thorn
Jo has more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance from Kinder to Year 12 at HSPA. She enjoys teaching all styles of dance but her passion is for contemporary dance and developing compositional skills. She trained at Bodenweiser with Margaret Chapple and later with John Mullins at UNSW. As a choreographer, Jo has created works for many shows such as Schools Spectacular, Youth Olympics, Star Struck, Southern Stars, State and Regional Dance Festivals. She is currently working with the pre-professional and future focussed students as well as teaching classes. Jo is an experienced HSC Marker in both practical and written components and was awarded the Minister’s Award for Excellence her contribution to Dance Education. ​

Martinique Foley
Martinique has completed a Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) from the Australian Institute of Music and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from the University of Notre Dame. Martinique is also a qualified RAD Ballet Teacher and Pilates and Fitness Instructor. Martinique has taught Dance and Music in high school, has many year’s experience as a freelance dance and vocal teacher, and worked as an Academic Tutor of Creative Arts with CQ University.

Penny Fleming
Penelope has a passion for Classical Ballet and is an experienced secondary educator with over 25 years in the educational field. She has contributed as a leader, choreographer and director in a variety of performances. She has owned her own Ballet school, is a member of the Royal Academy of Dance and studied at the Royal Academy in London. Penny has Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education in English, French, German, Drama and Dance.
Primary Dance Teaching Staff
Lisa Bone, Cassie O’Brien, Rachel Wilson and Jade Webber

Facilities
Our School is equipped with multiple state of the art Dance and Drama studios, computer labs, band centre, darkroom, music centre, tutor rooms, sound recording and audio-visual recording studios and specialist rooms for all core curriculum subjects. The school has a 380-seat, fully equipped state-of-the-art theatre performance facility. This centre has a full auditorium, fly tower, recording studio and associated rehearsal rooms. In addition, the school has a new performing arts precinct with the ability to live stream all events.

Performance and touring opportunities
New York Dance Tour – Bi-annual tour to New York and Los Angeles. Students have the opportunity to develop and enrich their knowledge and skills about dance as an artform through dance classes. Students will have the opportunity to develop deeper understanding of dance appreciation and be able to apply their knowledge drawn from their experiences viewing and experiencing dance with a different cultural context. Students Participate in over 13 Workshops from Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway, Edge-Pac, Millennium, Broadway Dance Centre, as will as view a range of shows and performances
School Musicals – Bi-Annual School musicals in both the Primary school and Secondary school
Star Struck – is an NSW Department of Education annual performing arts event for Newcastle, the Hunter and Central Coast. It is a showcase of dance, drama and music performed by students from Kindergarten to Year 12 from a vast network of NSW public schools. Star Struck provides performance and learning opportunities for 3500 students in the arts and fosters an appreciation of the performing arts. ts
Hunter Dance Festival – Hunter Schools Dance Festival is a celebration of dance by NSW public schools from the Hunter.
State Dance Festival – NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival showcases students in 6 diverse performance programs throughout a week-long festival. The program highlights a range of styles explored through the study of dance in NSW public schools.
Each performance reveals the determination of students and teachers to explore the art of dance and to achieve performances of the highest quality. These performances are underpinned by technical training, stamina, creativity, confidence, cooperation and respect for one another fostered by their dedicated and talented teachers
Lighthouse Dance Project – Lighthouse Dance Project involves students from NSW’s performing arts high schools and representative from various national and international tertiary institutions. The main aim of this festival is to educate secondary dance students on post school opportunities that are available to them, so they can make informed choices about where to continue their dance training. The two-day festival involves auditions, workshops and information sessions, led by representatives from the tertiary dance institutions providing invaluable experiences that will create new links with institutions, highlighting career path options to secondary dancers.
Short Sharp Dance Festival – Sharp Short Dance unearths the finest young dance artists from Sydney and beyond. The festival provides a rare opportunity for aspiring choreographers and dancers, film makers and music creators to display their talents in a supportive environment. HSPA have had students win *Best choreography, *Best Group and *Most outstanding Performer at this event.
Sydney School Spectacular – The NSW Schools Spectacular is an Australian variety show featuring more than 5,500 students from public schools across New South Wales. HSPA have been apart of this production in a variety of ways, from choreographers, production crew, students’ performers and featured artists.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Wollongong

 

Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts (WHSPA)

Government High School Yrs 7-12
Lysaght St, Fairy Meadow
02 4229 6844
wollongong-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Practical dance classes per week
Students audition to enter the school for a position in the WHSPA Performing Arts program.
Year 7 – 2 x 1 hour and 20 min Auditioned Dance stream in Performance, Composition and/or Appreciation class, 1 x 2 hour strength, conditioning and technique class, Company rehearsal of two hours in the timetable
Year 8 – 2 x 1 hour and 20 min Auditioned Dance stream in Performance, Composition and/or Appreciation class, 1 x 2 hour strength, conditioning and technique class, Company rehearsal of two hours outside of curriculum
Year 9 – 2 x 1 hour and 20 min Auditioned Dance stream in Performance, Composition and/or Appreciation class, 2 x 1 hour and 20 min Dance Extension technique and choreographic practice class, Company rehearsal of two hours in the timetable
Year 10– 2 x 1 hour and 20 min Auditioned Dance stream in Performance, Composition and/or Appreciation class, 2 x 1 hour and 20 min Dance Extension technique and choreographic practice class, Company rehearsal of two hours in the timetable
Year 11 – 3 x 1 hour and 20 min Auditioned Dance stream in Performance, Composition and/or Appreciation class, Company rehearsal of two hours outside of curriculum
Year 12 – 3 x 1 hour and 20 min Auditioned Dance stream in Performance, Composition and/or Appreciation class, Company rehearsal of two hours outside of curriculum

Dancer Wellness Program
WHSPA provides a compulsory wellness program to cater for all 7-12 Dance students’ physical and emotional health. We understand that dancing is unique and has a different set of physical demands to other sports and our goal is to ensure dancers stay healthy and strong and can dance at their best throughout the entire year. As part of our wellness program, students receive 2 dance biomechanical screenings throughout the year. The purpose of these screenings is to highlight any areas of the dancer’s body that are at risk of injury as well as any performance limiting factors. Each student will receive written advice in a report and provided with corrective exercises based off their individual screen findings and will have an opportunity during dance classes to do these corrective exercises under the supervision of the trained WHSPA dance staff.

Dance Elite Program
WHSPA has designed this program to ensure Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts supports Dance students who are eligible and have been selected to participate in Elite Arts Programs. This program must satisfy the DoE requirements of an Elite Arts Program. That being, for an exemption to be granted it must be an opportunity for a student to participate in an event or program that is beyond the gifted and talented opportunities that DoE offers. (DoE revised Attendance Policy 2015). This has been designed to ensure students wellbeing is at the forefront of any decision and accounts for their age appropriate ability to balance school studies with their outside Elite Arts Program commitments. i.e. Australian Ballet

Double Major
Enrolled Performing Arts (PA) students in Years 8-10 can seek approval to undertake a double major in a secondary PA subject i.e. Dance or Drama or Music

Teachers
Chris Richards
Head Teacher Performing Arts
Chris is a recognised and respected leader by colleagues, students, parents/carers and the wider arts community for exemplary educational leadership spanning 20 years. As an experienced teacher, director of school, regional and state events and choreographer, Chris has written and taught school and NSW Departmental programs and support material to meet the differentiated needs of students and teaching professional learning. An experienced HSC Dance teacher and NESA HSC Supervisor of Marking along with professional experiences as the DET Curriculum Advisor.

Nadina Zappia
Dance Teacher
Nadina graduated from the University of NSW in 2001 receiving a double degree of a Bachelor of Education/ Bachelor of Arts (Dance). She has been teaching at WHSPA since 2006. She has taught at a number of choreographic workshops and choreographed for a vast range of events, including Regional and Stage Dance Festivals, Southern Stars, School’s Spectacular, dance works/ projects, plus a variety of Musicals and showcase events. As an educator, Nadina received the prestigious Ministers Award for Excellence in Teaching, has worked as a HSC Dance Marker for the past 17 years. Nadina currently trains and teaches BJP Physical culture for the highly successful Mt Ousley Club, and has herself received several National Championships as a competitor, as well as achieving and winning the highest title ‘Grand Champion Girl’ twice. Nadina also performs extensively as a singer/ dancer/ actor in various Musicals, Opera’s and corporate/ cabaret work, and has played a number of lead roles in musicals.

Emily Ireland
Dance Teacher
Emily Ireland is an experienced teacher of Dance and Head Teacher Secondary Studies at WHSPA. One of her proudest accomplishments is the creation of the WHSPA Pre-Professional Dance Company where she takes great pride in the talent development WHSPA’s senior students. Emily has choreographed several works for the NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensembles and for the Schools Spectacular. She is currently a Senior Examiner for HSC Dance and has tutored at HSC Callback, State Dance Festival Choreographic Workshops and the D.E.P.A conferences 2017/2018. Teaching and choreography are two of Emily’s greatest passions and she delights in the opportunity to share these with students and teachers alike.​

Facilities
The school has 4 specialised studios equipped with dance floors, mirrors, barres with sound and lighting capacity large enough for classes of 25 students. The school has a 210 seat performance theatre that dually acts as another teaching space. It is equipped with full sound and lighting production capacity equivalent to any large community or privately owned theatre.

Performance & touring opportunities
The school runs comprehensive co-curricular Company, workshop and excursion programs for gifted and talented Dance students. The emphasis of the program is to provide access to a variety of visiting choreographers, current practicing artists, tutors, industry professionals, universities and school, regional, state and international performance events to build upon and supplement the skills learnt in class. The focus is on the development of a strong technique and performance skills in weekly timetabled co-curricular company programs conducted before, during and after school. As a result WHSPA continues to enjoy a local, state, national and international reputation for excellence in Dance

WHSPA operates an annual performance program with 16 co-curricular Dance Companies.

Example 1 of one of these is our Pre-Professional Dance Company (PPDC) which provides links to the professional industry for senior students

This Company works with practicing industry professionals and is designed to give students exposure to the choreographic style and methods of the tutors they work with. The company aims to extend and develop dancers through elite classical and contemporary training. This company is targeted to those who may have an ambition to seek a professional career in Dance. An industry professional makes a contemporary work specifically for this group and they will perform at the Lighthouse Dance Festival and the WHSPA PPDC Showcase program . An experience in the WHSPA Pre-Professional Dance Company provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills and training for these auditions, as well as a strong foundation for post school dance opportunities.

Example 2 Lighthouse Project

The main aim of this project is to work with the leading Performing Arts schools with the Tertiary dance institutions throughout Australia and overseas to educate secondary dance students on the opportunities that are available to them post the Higher School Certificate along with provide an invaluable technique/style specific workshops, audition and performance experience. This will enable them to make informed choices about whether to continue their dance career.

The Lighthouse Dance Project is two days of sharing, workshopping, taking masterclasses, performing and auditioning with colleagues from across the nation and abroad.

Tertiary dance courses represented at Lighthouse Dance project are:
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program
New Zealand School of Dance
Point Park University Pittsburg, USA
Joffrey Ballet
AMDA

---

 

Back To Top

 

Coffs Harbour

Bishop Druitt College

Private Primary and Secondary School
111 N Boambee Rd, COFFS HARBOUR NSW
02 6651 5644
bdc.nsw.edu.au

Practical dance classes/week
Primary School- 2 hours per fortnight for specialist dance and creative movement classes
Primary Dance Club- 2 hours per fortnight
Primary Dance Academy- 4 hours per fortnight
Kaizen Dance Program (Years 5-8)- 3 hours per fortnight.
World Options Dance Program- 6 hours per fortnight.
Secondary Dance Academy- 4 hours per fortnight.
Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12 Dance): 8 x 50min lessons per fortnight.

Teachers
Hannah Johnson
Primary, Secondary and HSC Dance
Bachelor of Creative Industries in Dance/Drama
Bachelor of Education
Hannah began as a rhythmic gymnast competing at state level. After transitioning to dance at age 12 she went on to complete her education at Newtown Performing Arts before completing Degrees in Dance and Education through Queensland University of Technology. Hannah has also worked as a video editor and has particular interest in Dance Film. She is passionate about extending students’ creativity, improvisation skills and facilitating experiences for young dancers to explore their potential through movement.

Facilities
A brand new purpose built dance studio. Sprung floor with Tarkett. Barres, mirrors and curtains. Wide screen TV, specialised sound system and air conditioning.

Performance & touring opportunities
Dance showcases, various eisteddfods and bi annual school musicals.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Cowra

Cowra High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
Dowell St, Cowra
02 6342 1766
cowra-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes per week
Dance is offered as an educational subject for years 9 – 12
Stage 6 (year 11 and 12) 7 hours per fortnight
Stage 5 ( year 9 and 10) 5 hours per fortnight
Additionally Cowra High School runs a dance company (CHS Dance Team) as an extra curricula to increase technique, strength and condition and the creation of Dance works.
Synchronicity – showcase of Dance at Cowra High School

Teachers
Alison Buckley
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Dance/ PD/H/PE
Graduate Diploma in Education
After performing professionally in various styles of dance Alison started her teaching career at Westfields Sports High School mentored and guided by Michelle Holden. Continuing in both professional performances and assisting in the development of the elite dance program at WSHS Alison achieved great success at State Dance level and HSC Callback nominations for her choreographic skills. Moving to Cowra, Alison has utilised her performing, teaching and creative work skills to create various public performances and engage the youth of Cowra and its surrounds. Alison is also Artistic Director of United Fusion, and through Arts grants produces multifaceted workshops. Alison developed and implemented Dance to Cowra High School and the primary schools in Cowra. These programs over the past 5 years have successfully been selected into the State Dance Festival in Sydney where the state showcases the top dance works in NSW schools. Cowra High School has also achieved outstanding results at HSC level with consistent band 6 and Callback nominations by the Cowra High School Dance students. Alison is the 2019 of The Ministers Award for excellence in teaching.

Performance & touring opportunities
Ex-students return to inspire and share knowledge with current CHS dance team members.
Angela French worked hand in hand with Alison Buckley and the students to create a unique contemporary dance piece responding to the environment at the time highlighting the impact of the Drought. This work performed at the Cowra and Bathurst eisteddfods winning first place and was selected as a special guest performance at the Dance Force graduation showcase at the Orange Civic Theatre.
CHS Dance Team participate in the Western Region Dance festival, State Dance Festivals and offer the students the opportunity to increase their dance skills through the program to be able to audition for the State Dance Ensemble, Schools Spectacular Featured Dancers and Schools Spectacular Combined Dance Team.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Lithgow

Lithgow High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
1A Pau St, Lithgow
02 6352 1422
lithgow-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes per week
Year 8 – 3 x 50 minute classes per week for one semester
Year 9 & 10 – 3 x 50 minute classes per week for the whole year
Year 11 & 12 – 7 x 50 minute classes and 1 x 100 minute class per fortnight for the whole year
Junior and Senior Dance Ensembles (audition)

Teachers
Deb Farebrother
Deb owned a private Dance School for 16 years (1977- 1993) teaching RAD Classical Ballet and then the Australian Dance Assessment Program. She has taught Dance in Public High Schools since its inception into the Curriculum in the early 1980’s being on the panel to select the first cohort of Dance students to attend Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. She was the Movement Director for the Schools Spectacular from 1985-1994. Deb has had ensembles involved in Schools Spectacular, State Dance Festival, Sydney Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Rugby World Cup, Pacific Schools Games and numerous regional dance festivals and camps.

Facilities
Air-conditioned dance studio with mirrors and portable barres. digital projector and Bluetooth sound system with Lighting bar and lighting desk.
Stage with digital lighting and sound desks, full blackout curtains, large front apron, curtains and wings and backstage dressing rooms

Performance & touring opportunities
There is a School Musical each year. Indigenous students can participate in Aboriginal Dance workshops. Students also have the opportunity to attend a three day Dance Camp organised by the Western NSW Dance coordinator. Junior and Senior Dance Ensembles have the opportunity to perform at Western NSW Dance Festival, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre and Schools Spectacular.
Individual students can audition for State Dance Ensemble who then perform at State Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Port Macquarie

Mackillop College Port Macquarie

Catholic School Years 7-12
Ocean Drive Port Macquarie NSW 2444
pmaclism.catholic.edu.au
02 6583 2632

Practical Dance Classes Per Week
Curricular Dance Elective (Stage 4, 5 & 6)

Dance is an elective subject for Years 8-12. The elective course requires no dance training prerequisite. It caters for students with little to no dance training through to students that may have experience in dance. The course focuses on teaching technical skills from beginners to advanced dancers with the primary focus on the study of dance as an art form. Students study a variety of genres:

Co-Curricular Dance Program
Years 7-12 is open to any student interested dance and dance performance
This program encourages students to be creative and experience new things while developing a wide range of dance skills and techniques. The ensembles are open to students from Year 7-12 and cater for beginners through to advanced dancers.

Teacher
Jamanda Eggert
Bachelor of Arts (Dance), Graduate Diploma Secondary Education. Over 20 years teaching experience in NSW and QLD schools. RAD trained

Facilities
Fully equipped dance studio with fully sprung tarquette, ballet barres and a mirrored wall. Students also have opportunity to perform in a seated theatre performance venue.

Performance and touring opportunities
Students are given many opportunities to showcase their work to the wider school community such as at the following events:
Year 10 Creative Arts Extravaganza
Year 11 Night of Stars
Year 12 Creative Arts Festival
Local Eisteddfods
Music & Dance Co-Curricular Showcase (matinee & evening)
Other informal events

Since the HSC Dance course started four years ago, Mackillop College has received 14 Nominations for Callback.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Tamworth

Oxley High School

Tamworth High School

 

Oxley High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
Piper St, North Tamworth NSW 2340
02 6766 1677
oxley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes
At Oxley High School we offer both extra curricula dance and elective dance. Junior Electives have 5 hours a cycle, Senior Electives have 8 lessons within a 2 Week Cycle. We have extra Curricula open to all students which make up Jnr Ensemble, which is two hours a cycle Senior Company – 2 hours a cycle. Students have the opportunity to partake in dance for sport for 2 hours a week which also includes collaborations with local studios as an extension to their learning.

Teachers
Breanna McFadyen
Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and PDHPE Education completed at the Australian College of Physical Education, as well as a Certificate III in Dance (Ballet and Jazz) through Australian Dance Vision.​ ​

• Supported student success in auditions for the NSW Public Schools Dance Ensemble, State Dance Festival, and the Schools Spectacular as featured artists, in Combined dance segments and Aboriginal Dance Ensembles and Company
• Tutored and facilitated DoE Regional Dance Camps
• Coordinated inaugural North West Regional HSC Senior Dance Workshop
• Choreographed for Regional, Featured Artist and Stage Massed Dances for CAPERS, local eisteddfods and CaPA nights
• Coordinated collaborations with partner primary schools for dance immersion days and dance programs
• Managed the 2019 NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company in collaboration with the Arts Unit

Facilities
The schools facilities – including theatres and dance class rooms
The performing arts centre is a large air-conditioned/ heated space , windowed space with barres and mirrors, wooden floorboards and a Harlequin Tarkett in the middle in the dimensions of he HSC performance space.

Performance or touring opportunities
Students in years 7-12 have the following performance opportunities:
– Schools Spectacular and NSW State Dance Festival (if successful in application)
– New England Dance Festival
– Regional Dance Eisteddfods
– School Musical
– CaPA and Dance Spectacular Nights
– Regional ”Schools Spec” CAPERS
– Jnr students also have the opportunity to perform SNR HSC works

 

Back To Top

 

Tamworth High School

Government High School Yrs 7-12
Willis St, South Tamworth
02 6765 7888
tamworth-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Practical dance classes per week
Yr8 Elective Cheerleading – 3hrs per fortnight
Yr9/10 Electives – 5hrs per fortnight
Yr11/12 Dance – 7hrs per fortnight.
We have extra-curricular groups open to all students which make up Jnr Ensemble, Intermediate Ensemble both 45 Minutes a week , and Senior Company – 1 Hour a week.

Teachers
Sascha Jones
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)/ Masters of Education – Queensland University of Technology
Sascha is the sole Dance teacher at THS. She has contributed as a choreographer in a variety of performances, organised dance events such as Lighthouse Community of Schools Concert and has revamped the Aboriginal Dance program. She specialises in jazz, hip hop, ballet and contemporary dance.

Facilities
The Dance Studio/Classroom is a large air-conditioned/ heated space, with a multi-purpose floor and Harlequin Tarkett in the middle, in the dimensions of the HSC performance space. The space includes full-length mirrors on one wall and a ballet barre along the other.

Performance or touring opportunities
Schools Spectacular and NSW State Dance Festival (if successful in application), New England Dance Festival, Regional Dance Eisteddfods, School Musical, CaPA and Dance Spectacular Nights
Regional ” schools spec” CAPERS  and Jnr students also have the opportunity to perform Senior HSC works.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Queensland

Brisbane – Central

Queensland Ballet Academy

A department of Queensland Ballet operating in collaboration with Kelvin Grove State College

Gate 1, 101 L’Estrange Terrace, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059
07 3036 6665
queenslandballet.com.au/academy

Practical dance classes per week

Foundation Program
Level 9 (Age 8 – 9): 2.25 – 6.75 hours per week
Level 8 (Age 9 – 10): 2.25 – 6.75 hours per week
Level 7 (Age 10 – 11): 5 – 10 hours per week

Guest Academy Program
Level 6 (Year 7): 14 hours per week across 5 days per school term
Level 5 (Year 8): 15.5 hours per week across 5 days per school term
Level 4 (Year 9): 17 hours per week across 5 days per school term

Academy Program
Level 6 (Year 7): 14 hours per week over 5 days
Level 5 (Year 8): 15.5 hours per week over 5 days
Level 4 (Year 9): 17 hours per week over 5 days
Level 3 (Year 10): 21.5 hours per week over 6 days
Level 2 & 1 (Years 11 & 12): 23 – 25 hours per week over 6 days
Level 1 Transitional Course (Years 11 & 12): 23 – 25 hours per week over 6 days

Pre-Professional Program
Post-school: Full-time hours over 6 days

Teachers
Under the supervision of Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO and Academy Director, Christian Tátchev, Queensland Ballet Academy’s acclaimed faculty fosters technical and artistic excellence, while providing unique professional performance opportunities alongside the company. With backgrounds as professional dancers, choreographers and trainers in companies across the globe, Queensland Ballet Academy teachers are amongst the best in the world. A comprehensive business and medical team support the delivery of world-class, well-being focussed professional training programs.

Facilities
Located at Kelvin Grove State College, Queensland Ballet Academy’s new fit-for-purpose building offers a world-class training experience boasting:
Six spacious studios
A wellness suite encompassing a gym, Pilates and physiotherapy facilities
Learning and development spaces
Student dressing and green room areas

Performance & touring opportunities
Each year Academy Program students are involved in mid-year demonstrations and showcase performances, Queensland Ballet Academy Gala and Queensland Ballet Academy’s Summer Soiree. From time to time, students may also be approached to represent Queensland Ballet Academy in events and competitions. Queensland Ballet will also engage Queensland Ballet Academy students for company performances when young performers are required.

In addition to the Academy Gala, Summer Soiree and a stand-alone season, Pre-Professional Program (PPP) dancers have the opportunity to perform at various prestigious events throughout the year. Opportunities often arise for our PPP’s to perform in Company productions as well.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Brisbane – North

QLD National Ballet

Private Dance Studio in conjunction with Cairns School of Distance Education and local Brisbane high schools (private and public).
81 Newmarket Rd, Windsor
0417 861 850
qldnationalballet.com.au

Practical dance classes per week
Qld National Ballet School- Government Accredited Courses- RTO 31713-
Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) CUA60120 (15yrs +)
Certificate IV in Dance CUA40113 (12yrs to 15yrs)
Full-time 3 to 5 days per week- academic schooling through Cairns School of Distance Education.

Part-time 1 to 3 days per week in affiliation with cooperating local Brisbane Academic schools (Private and Public). Giving the student and parents the ability to choose their preferred high school and still attend full-time dance training.

Teachers
Martyn Fleming– Artistic Director- Former Principal English National Ballet/ Bejart Ballet Lausanne.
Tracey Fleming– Principal Director- Queensland National Ballet School.
Maina Gielgud– Patron- Former Artistic Director Australian Ballet Company/Royal Danish Ballet.
Karen Donovan– Ballet/Repertoire/Coaching- Former Principal dancer- Birmingham Royal Ballet and former teacher/coach- Royal Ballet School-London.
Wim Broeckx– Ballet/Pas de deux/Boys Coaching- Former Artistic Director- Dutch National Ballet Company
Marie-Claire d’lyse– Former Artist- San Francisco Ballet and Vienna State Opera Ballet
Clare Morehen‐ Ballet/Coaching/Repertoire‐ Former Principal Queensland Ballet Company
Justine Summers– Ballet/Repertoire/Coaching – Former Principal Australian Ballet
Francois Klaus- Former Artistic Director Qld Ballet Company and Principal Hamburg Ballet Company
Robyn White– Former Associate Director Qld Ballet Company
Yue Shi (Tony)– Classical/Pas de Deux/Boys Coaching – Former Artist- Royal New Zealand Ballet Company, Qld Ballet Company and Singapore Dance Theatre.

Facilities
5 large studios with specialised ballet flooring (sprung with Tarkett), a classroom, gym, fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms (showers and toilets), large warm up area, lockers, reception, free student wifi, parents pick up room, offices, wardrobe, plenty of car spaces, drop off zone and uniform shop. Close to Brisbane CBD and all public transport.

​
Performance & touring opportunities
Annual Full-length ballet production
Performance opportunities through group and solo eisteddfods.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Brisbane – South East

John Paul College

Co-educational, Independent K-12
John Paul Drive, Daisy Hill
07 3826 3333
jpc.qld.edu.au

Practical dance classes per week
Dance can be taken as an elective subject from Years Seven to Twelve
Year 7 Dance: 2 X 60mins per week
Year 8 Dance: 3 X 60mins per week
Year 9 Dance: 3 X 60mins per week
Year 10 Dance: 4 X 60mins per week
Year 11 Dance: 4X 60mins per week
Year 12 Dance: 4 X 60mins per week

Primary School Co-Curricular Dance Teams
Year 2 – Sprinkles Dance Team
Years 3 – Cosmic Dance Team
Years 3 to 4 – Lunar Dance Team
Years 5 to 6 – Aurora Dance Team
Years 4 to 6 – Force Premier Primary Dance Team: by audition ONLY

Senior School Co-Curricular Dance Teams
Years 7 to 8 – Fusion Dance Team
Years 7 to 8 – Jets Dance Team
Years 7 to 12 – Stellar Dance Team
Years 7 to 12 – Eclipse Premiere Dance Ensemble: By workshop and audition ONLY
Years 7 to 12 – Hip Hop Crew
Years 7 to 12 – Musical Dance Team (every 2nd year) by audition

The High-Performance Academy nurtures the growth of elite dancers through a holistic and individualised approach to development. The program is based on functional movement, technical and personal development, strength and conditioning growth, and sports medicine support. Our focus is to develop dancers capable of executing exercises and training routines of increased complexity as their training age/level increases. Further to this, dancers in the program receive priority access to specialist training facilities, equipment and mentoring from current and former elite athletes including high profile College Alumni. Students in the High-Performance Academy have taken part in a new unique training program with Queensland Ballet called FleX. The six-week program called FleX sees high performance athletes between the ages of 13-17 take part in hybrid ballet classes. Queensland Ballet Education Teaching Artists lead students through a combination of foundational ballet steps and strength building fitness exercises, both challenging and inspiring to the students.

Teachers
Amanda Waddell
Head of Faculty the Arts
Dance/Drama Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Drama – Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Education Dance and Drama – Queensland University of Technology
Amanda Waddell began her dance career at a young age, performing across Australia. Her experiences led her to study a range of dance styles including RAD Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary Dance. She went on to study Dance at QUT and completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Dance and Drama. Amanda’s passion for teaching dance has seen her teach across Brisbane and in London, where she has experienced a range of teaching opportunities. She is the Head of Faculty for the Arts at John Paul College. The College was awarded Performing Arts School of the Year by the Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association (APATA) and in 2022 Amanda was awarded The Performing Arts Teacher of the Year by APATA.

Maddy Garner
Dance Co-ordinator
Bachelor of Behavioural Science – Queensland University of Technology
Currently studying a Master of Counselling – Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Behavioural Science – Queensland University of Technology
Currently studying a Master of Counselling – Queensland University of Technology
Maddy Garner is a JPC Alumni who participated in the Dance Program as a student and had the role of Dance Captain in Year Twelve. After graduating in 2015 she began teaching dance at JPC and has continued to grow as a teacher and choreographer. In 2019, she had the exciting opportunity of taking the position of Dance Co-ordinator. Maddy brings over 19 years of experience as a dancer and performer including extensive competition experience. She has trained in a range of dance genres including RAD Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. Maddy has taught dance students from Year One through to Year Twelve including JPC’s elite senior team Eclipse. In 2022 Maddy took a step up to co-direct JPC’s 40th Anniversary show. While working at JPC Maddy completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science at QUT in 2019 and is currently studying a Masters of Counselling.

Cianna Horne
Dance Teacher
Currently studying Bachelor of Nursing- University of Queensland
Cianna is a JPC Alumni who participated in the Dance Program as a student and later on graduated with the role of Dance Captain in 2020. Cianna brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in genres with over 10 years of experience as a competitive dancer and performer. She has trained extensively in styles such as Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Hip Hop and RAD Ballet.

Georgina Walsh
Dance Teacher
Recently graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
Georgina is a JPC Alumni who graduated in 2020 and has been working at JPC since 2021. She participated in the Dance Program as a student and was given the role of Dance Captain in 2019. Georgina has completed many RAD Ballet exams as well as ADA Jazz and Tap exams, she has also completed her Pre-Elementary Teachers Exam. She has trained in and has experience teaching Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Acro and has competed in studio eisteddfods for many years. She has also performed in many community theatre musicals over the past few years and is performing in her first professional musical this year.

Amelie Maheiux
Dance Teacher
Amelie is a JPC alumnus who participated in the dance program as a student and graduated with the role of dance captain. As a student, Amelie was involved in many school musicals and also had the role of musical captain in 2020. Amelie’s passion for dance is shown through the dedication she brings to her teaching since starting in 2022. As a competitive dancer from a young age, Amelie has trained in genres such as jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and musical theatre.

Anna Holmes
Dance Teacher
After graduating in 2024 with both a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts, Anna’s dream job is being an educator in the arts. She has been working in both the Dance and Speech and Drama programs at JPC since 2022, in which she advocates for youth-led performance opportunities. As an ex-competitive dancer, Anna specialises in Ballroom and Latin styles but has been educated as a part of the WA Youth Ballet. Anna now continues to grow her performance skills in other areas like fire twirling and stilt walking. She hopes to create opportunities for transdisciplinary learning in her future art education practices.

Daisy Lumley
Dance Teacher
Daisy is a JPC Alumni who participated in the Dance Program as a student and graduated with the role of Dance Captain in 2022. Daisy is an excited and eager new member of the performing arts team being offered the opportunity to come back and teach this year. Daisy’s specialty is Hip Hop choreography.

Tammin Henshaw
Dance Teacher
Tammin is currently studying a Bachelor of Business Management and Tourism Management at The University Of Queensland. Tammin is a JPC Alumni who participated in the Dance Progam and was given the role of dance Captain in 2022. Tammin has completed many RAD Ballet and CSTD Jazz exams over her 13 years of dancing outside of school. Tammin has also trained in the styles of musical theatre, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary. Tammin has a specialty in performing and choreographing technical styles like lyrical.

Janice Heale
Private Dance/Ballet Teacher
Fellow of Cecchetti Classical Ballet
Enrico Cecchetti Diploma
Senior Examiner
RAD T.Cert
Janice Heale brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having trained in South Africa, Australia and America. Many of her students have gone onto a professional career in dance accepting positions in the Royal New Zealand Ballet School, Australian Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet, Queensland Ballet, QUT, WAPA, VCA, ADT, Dance North and other professional dance institutions. Janice’s dedication has seen her accompany students to intensive Summer Schools in New York, Los Angeles and Australia. She has trained many students who have also won prestigious international dance competitions such as the 2016 Genee Award, Valrene Tweedie Scholarship, and finalists in the Prix De Lausanne. As an examiner Janice has taught and examined throughout Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia.

Facilities
Dance Studio – professional Tarkett flooring, mirrored walls, Ballet Barres, air conditioning, projector, and Smartboard.
Blue Square (outdoor dance studio) – Tarkett flooring.
Stephen Bean Theatre – Tarkett flooring with curtains, lighting, sound, and projector.

Performance, workshops & touring opportunities
Our Dance Ensembles compete in eisteddfods all over Brisbane and perform in school performance evenings and annual Dance Night. Tours to Sydney and Melbourne have been a highlight, with students competing in competitions, participating in workshops with professional dance companies as well as nights out to the theatre to experience professional dance works.

Our premiere Dance Ensemble, Eclipse, performs at QPAC every year for the annual JPC Speech Night.

Dance Night, a major college event, showcases the classwork of our Senior students, this show provides all elective Dance students with the opportunity to perform onstage and put the skills they have learnt throughout the year into practice. This showcase also allows our co-curricular dance teams an opportunity to perform their competition routines for their family, friends and the College community. This night centres heavily on student choreographers and allows for the opportunity for students to experience their dance works in a performance setting.
The Musical Dance Team performs in the College Musical every 2ndyear.
Workshops with professional artists are a regular occurrence throughout the dance year.

---

 

Back To Top

 

South Australia

Adelaide

Turning Point Dance

Private Dance Studio
Cnr Winwood and Holland St, Thebarton
0413 113 950
tpdance.com.au

Practical dance classes per week
VOCATIONAL FULL-TRAINING (audition)
We offer full-time vocational training with tailored year 10, 11 and 12 studies for those who wish to complete their SACE with a dance focus. The Vocational School is equivalent to a school day plus extra practical contact hours and at least two half-days reserved for classroom work at Thebarton Senior College campus. On average, a full-time vocational school student can expect to be training or studying from 8.45am to 7 pm for 5.5 days out of the week.

We cover classes in Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Flamenco, Pas De Deux, Repertoire, and Composition as well as conditioning classes such as Pilates and Limber. During practical training, our students will master the concepts of anatomy and kinesiology, safe dance practices, stage-craft and design, stage make-up and costume design, dance analysis and criticism and career skills. Students are trained, mentored and supported by fully qualified and experienced teachers with opportunities provided to work with guest tutors and artists. We encourage all students to see professional work often and strive to provide ticketing information and special offers to students where possible.

EXTENSION PROGRAM (audition)
Held on two afternoons per week, highly motivated and passionate students seeking additional training to prepare for a future in dance can attend extension classes with an emphasis on technique, body conditioning and performance. Limited to small class sizes to offer the best possible training for students aged 10 years and above.

Facilities
Conveniently located amidst Thebarton mere minutes from public transport, all practical dance classes take place in beautifully appointed premises featuring three studios complete with sprung wooden and tarkett covered flooring, mirrors and barres.. Other facilities include a Green Room complete with lockers and a kitchen area, toilet and shower facilities, wireless internet, access to Pilates studio and other training equipment and a dedicated study room for SACE and other theory subjects.

Performance & touring opportunities
Students are involved in two school performances per year, a mid-year SACE Performance as well as annual performance. Other performance opportunities may arise throughout the year.

---

 

Back To Top

 

Victoria

Melbourne

The Australian Ballet School

Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School VCASS

The Australian Ballet School

A Registered Training Organisation that offers an eight-level training program to prepare young dancers for a professional career with leading dance companies in Australia and worldwide. Levels 1-3 training is part-time and Levels 4-8 training is full-time.
Accredited courses:
Levels 5-6 (two-year course) CUA5520 – Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CRICOS 110134D);
Level 7 (one-year course) CUA601120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) (CRICOS 110135C); Level 8 (one-year course) 11008NAT – Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet ( CRICOS 108466B).
2 Kavanagh Street, Southbank
03 9669 2807
australianballetschool.com.au

Practical dance classes per week
Level 4
Students aged approximately 13-14 years
Average hours of dance per day: 2.5
Average hours of academic classes per day: 4
Level 5
Students aged approximately 14-15 years
Average hours of dance per day: 3
Average hours of academic classes per day: 4
Level 6
Students aged approximately 15-16 years
Average hours of dance per day: 4.5
Average hours of academic classes per day: 2
Level 7
Students aged approximately 16-17 years
Average hours of dance per day: 5
Average hours of academic classes per day: 2
Level 8
Students aged approximately 17-18 years
Average hours of dance per day: 6
Average hours of academic classes per day: 1

MEGAN CONNELLY
Artistic Director and Head of School (from July 2024)
Megan Connelly is an internationally recognised expert in vocational training and education, dancer rehabilitation and classical ballet pedagogy, with more than 30 years’ experience in Australia and abroad. Megan joined The Australian Ballet in 1991 as a dancer before following her passion for teaching. From 2010 to 2020, while also working at The Australian Ballet, she was a member of the School’s teaching faculty—first under the directorship of Marilyn Rowe AM OBE and, subsequently, outgoing (until June 2024) Director Lisa Pavane. During her time at The Australian Ballet School Megan auditioned, taught, and assessed students across the full-time and part-time training programs and contributed to the development of the School’s curriculum. From 2010 Megan was a Repetiteur and the Rehabilitation Specialist at The Australian Ballet. She taught and rehearsed works for main stage performances and was responsible for the technical and artistic development and well-being of company dancers. Megan was part of the team that rehabilitated David Hallberg to return to the stage after a complex injury that almost ended his career as a Principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and the Bolshoi Ballet. Megan was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research dance training, coaching and rehabilitation methods at major international ballet schools and companies, which enabled her to benchmark both the School and The Australian Ballet against the best in the world.

JOANNE MICHEL
Ballet Mistress, Classical Teacher
Joanne graduated from The Australian Ballet School and danced with The Australian Ballet at the beginning of her career. Joanne’s first Principal role was performing the Swan Queen in Swan Lake opposite Alexander Godunov. She has also danced the lead or solo roles in famous ballets including Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, Don Quixote and more during her time as a Principal Artist. Joanne has also worked with choreographers and producers such as Graeme Murphy AO, Glen Tetley, Alicia Markova, Choo San Goh and Serge Lifar. Before joining us in 2003, Joanne travelled overseas to work with Nederlands Dans Theatre under choreographer and director, Jiři Kylián. Our students are privileged to benefit from the tutelage of Joanne.

ANDREW MURPHY
Ballet Master, Classical Teacher
Andrew has devoted many years to the development of our aspiring dancers, taking particular interest in the advancement of males in ballet. Andrew began his career at The Australian Ballet where he danced as a Senior Soloist before moving to the Birmingham Royal Ballet as a Principal Dancer. Eventually, Andrew joined the Houston Ballet as a Principal Dancer and has had the pleasure of dancing the leading roles in productions by Maina Gielgud, Graeme Murphy AO, Rudolph Nureyev and more throughout his expansive career. Before joining The Australian Ballet School, Andrew was a Principal Instructor and Men’s Program Coordinator at the Houston Ballet Academy.

LYNETTE WILLS
Head of Teaching and Learning
Classical Teacher
Lynette Wills danced as a Principal Artist at The Australian Ballet for 17 years after graduating from The Australian Ballet School. Lynette began her career touring with The Dancer’s Company (The Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour) before being promoted to Senior Artist. During Lynette’s time at The Australian Ballet, she toured extensively overseas and travelled to Italy, London, China, Japan, United States and Taiwan. Her first Principal role was performing Gamzatti in La Bayadére, and she also performed The Baroness von Rothbart in Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake many times. In 2005, Lynette visited a Cambodian dance company as The Australian Ballet’s ambassador in a joint initiative between the Company and CARE Australia.

KEVIN JACKSON
Classical Teacher
Kevin Jackson trained with The Australian Ballet School, graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Dance and a Corps De Ballet contract with The Australian Ballet for 2003. Kevin progressed through the ranks of The Australian Ballet, being promoted to Principal Artist in 2010. In addition, Kevin completed a Vocational Graduate Diploma in Elite Dance Instruction through The Australian Ballet School during his time with The Australian Ballet. Kevin retired as a Principal Artist from The Australian Ballet in 2020.
During his eighteen-year career, Kevin danced a wide range of Principal roles, including George Balanchine’s Apollo, Jerome Robbin’s A Suite of Dances, Prince Siegfried, Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake, Onegin and Lensky, John Cranko’s Onegin, Oberon, Sir Fredrick Ashton’s The Dream. Kevin danced in works by Australian choreographers Stephen Page, Stephen Baynes, Tim Harbour and Alice Topp and international choreographers Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon, Alexei Ratmansky, Sir Peter Wright, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato and Jiří Kylián. His created roles include Ivan, Graeme Murphy’s Firebird, Romeo, Graeme Murphy’s Romeo and Juliet, Prince Désiré, David McAllister’s Sleeping Beauty and Spartacus, Lucas Jervies’ Spartacus.
Kevin won a Helpmann Award for his portrayal of John Neumeier’s Nijinsky in 2017 and was a nominee for the Benois de la Danse in 2018, where he danced in Moscow at the Bolshoi Theatre. Kevin’s guest appearances include American Ballet Theatre performing De Grieux in Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s Manon, 2014. Houston Ballet, The Nutcracker Prince in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, 2016 and West Australian Ballet, Albrecht in Aurélien Scannella and Sandy Delasalle, Giselle, 2019. Mr Jackson Joined The Australian Ballet School as an Artistic Teacher in 2022.

LUCAS JERVIES
Contemporary Teacher
Lucas Jervies is an Australian choreographer and director who works across ballet, contemporary dance, cabaret, opera and theatre. He is a graduate of The Australian Ballet School and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (in Directing). As a dancer, Lucas performed both classical and contemporary repertoire with The Australian Ballet, Dance Works Rotterdam and Scapino Ballet Rotterdam. As a choreographer, Lucas has created dance for companies worldwide, including The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Queensland Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Louisville Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet, Korzo Theatre Den Haag, Noverre Society Stuttgart Ballet and CoDarts Rotterdam University for the Arts. Other credits include choreographing Spartacus for The Australian Ballet, adapting and directing Roald Dahl’s The Witches for Griffin Theatre Company, and directing and choreographing Hidden Sydney: The Glittering Mile, an immersive cabaret for Vivid Festival. Lucas was choreographer for Belvoir Theatre’s award-winning production of Mr Burns; dramaturge for The Australian Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty; movement director for the Helpmann Award nominated opera Fly Away Peter for Sydney Chamber Opera; choreographer for AIDA Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour for Opera Australia; and director and choreographer for Apples and Eve with Expressions Dance Company for Queensland Theatre’s Greenhouse Series.
Lucas has held positions as Affiliate Director at Griffin Theatre, Artistic Director of Buzz Dance Theatre, Rehearsal Director at Sydney Dance Company, Resident Choreographer at Louisville Ballet, and co-director of JACK Productions. Lucas was appointed Contemporary Teacher at The Australian Ballet School in 2021.

IRINA KONSTANTINOVA
Classical Teacher
Irina trained at the prestigious Perm Ballet School in Russia before joining the USSR State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. During her time as a Principal Artist there, Irina danced the lead or solos roles in many famous ballets including Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, Don Quixote and more!
After receiving a laureate from the Grand Prix International Competition in Baku (USSR), Irina accepted a position with the Kirov Ballet (later The Mariinsky Theatre) in St Petersburg. Irina also studied at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet where she graduated as a fully qualified teacher of the Vaganova method before joining us in 2001 as a Classical Teacher and Curriculum Development Assistant.

SERGEY KONSTANTINOV
Classical Teacher
Sergey studied ballet at the prestigious Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg and upon graduating, danced with the Ashkabad Opera and Ballet Theatre. Sergey was invited to join the Kirov Ballet (later Mariinsky Theatre) after winning second prize at the Grand Prix International Competition in Baku (USSR). During his 11 years at The Mariinsky, Sergey performed soloist roles in famous ballets including Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet and more. He has additionally worked with acclaimed choreographers such as Ratmansky and Neumiere and has toured Europe, the US and Asia. Sergey joined the School in 2004 and has since contributed to the development and success of our young dancers.

SABRINA LENZI
Classical Teacher
Sabrina graduated from Academié de Dance Classique de Montecarlo and began her career dancing with the Stuttgart Ballet. As a Principal, Sabrina performed the leading roles in many of John Cranko’s ballets. Eventually Sabrina joined Birmingham Royal Ballet as a Principal dancer where she performed in works by Ashton and MacMillan. Over the years, Sabrina has worked with many prominent figures in the ballet world including Marcia Marcia Haydée, David Bintley, Peter Wright and Maurice Béejart among others.
After retiring from performing, Sabrina joined the Houston Ballet Academy where she became a Ballet Mistress and Principal of the Upper School. She has also been invited to teach at the Houston Ballet Company, Colorado Ballet Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Architanz in Tokyo over the years. Sabrina joined The Australian Ballet School in 2017 where she has coached and mentored our female students, providing an incredible wealth of knowledge over the years.

MELANIE MORAVSKI DECHNICZ
Character Teacher
A graduate of a Bachelor of Performing Arts, (Monash University) Melanie danced and trained with Virsky, Ukraine’s most prestigious dance company in Kyiv in 2001. She has also trained under many renowned Ukrainian choreographers including Mykola Kanevets, Sergei Zubatov, Sergei Makarov and Valery Debelyy.
In 2009 Melanie was awarded with the title Merited (Performing) Artist of Ukraine by the Ukrainian President.
Artistic Director of Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company and The Lehenda School. Melanie is also the Character Lecturer at the Melbourne Conservatoire of Ballet. She has taught at dance ensembles and schools nationally and internationally, including The Australian Ballet School Summer School (annually) and The Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop. Melanie is trained to deliver the ‘Ballet Conservatoire’ training syllabus developed by Christine Walsh, former Principal Artist of the Australia Ballet Company, based of the Vaganova method.

CHRISTINE VAVLADELLIS
Artistic Teacher
Christine Vavladellis began her journey with The Australian Ballet School in the year 2000 at the age of 10. She progressed through each year level and graduated in 2009 with an Advanced Diploma of Dance. Christine achieved her Bachelor of Health Sciences, with a major in Anatomy and Physiology, at La Trobe University in 2012 and went on to achieve a Master of Educational Leadership and Management, also at La Trobe University. Christine completed the Graduate Diploma in Elite Dance Instruction Course at The Australian Ballet School in 2014. Before teaching, Christine had the opportunity to travel with The Australian Ballet Dancers Company regional tour four times, and enjoyed performing the role of young Clara in The Nutcracker: Gift of a Dream by Leigh Rowles on two of these tours. Another performance highlight for Christine was dancing as a Cygnet in Swan Lake Act 2 for the School’s 2009 Graduate Exhibition. Christine started teaching at The Australian Ballet School in 2012 and currently teaches Early Learning Program students aged 3-10, and the After-School Program students in Levels 1-3. Christine also teaches conditioning classes for Level 1-3 students and additional Interstate Training Program classes. As an early learning specialist, Christine believes that learning in a fun, creative and engaging environment is vital for each child’s learning development. Christine believes the joy of dance should be nurtured, and the curiosity of each child fed with inspiration and the desire to keep learning.

NATALYA BOBENKO
Guest & Melbourne Community Access Teacher
Natalya has been teaching for over twenty years, participating in all Summer and Winter School programmes and guest teaching at the ABS since 2000.
Studying in many styles of dance, Natalya has had an extensive performing career in television, film and musical theatre. Natalya’s most recognised role was Maria in Saturday Night Fever, touring Australia, Asia and New Zealand – for which she received a Green Room Nomination. Dream Ballet Laurey in Oklahoma! (The Production Company) and dancing in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester were career highlights.
For the past 20 years, Natalya has taught in prestigious schools around the country; and in the last 10 years, Natalya has played a major role in establishing the dance programme at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Musical Theatre). Natalya is thrilled to be a part of The Australian Ballet School’s faculty to assist, motivate and inspire our young budding participants.

Facilities
The School shares purpose-built facilities with The Australian Ballet, eight spacious studios, gymnasium, Pilates studio, library, classrooms, dressing rooms with laundry facilities, and the Dancers’ Lounge. The Centre also houses medical and physiotherapy facilities, a student common room with internet access. The school also has a boarding programme.

Performance Opportunities
Arts Centre Melbourne’s Annual Morning Melodies season.
The Australian Ballet School’s Annual Showcase, in Melbourne and one other city.
The Australian Ballet School’s Annual Summer Season
Level 8 students join The Australian Ballet company’s annual regional tour, performing nationally over multiple weeks.
Students occasionally perform the child roles for The Australian Ballet company’s main stage productions.

Back To Top

 

Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School VCASS

Years 7-12
57 Miles Street, Southbank VIC 3006
03 8644 8644
enquiries@vcass.vic.edu.au
vcass.vic.edu.au

The Victorian College of the Arts secondary school (VCASS) is a state government secondary school located in Melbourne arts precinct. The school is an audition based entry and offers opportunities for talented students where they can combine their specialist training needs with a high quality education from Year 7 through to Year 12.
The school’s Dance program is delivered by a range of expert teachers and visiting artists. The comprehensive dance curriculum covers classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, acrobatics, and both VCE and VET Dance. Students have the opportunity to work with visiting artists and participate in performances each semester. For information about the school including entry requirements and teachers visit vcass.vic.edu.au

---

 

Back To Top

 

Melbourne – North

Transit High School Academy

Northern College of the Arts & Technology (NCAT)

 

Transit High School Academy

High School made for dancers
64 Dawson Street, Brunswick VIC 3056
03 9376 0516
transitdance.net/academy

Transit High School Academy is a high school alternative designed to cater for exceptional young dance artists who are at Year 9 to 12 secondary school education level.

Specialising in professional development for Contemporary Dance and the Performing Arts; Transit High School Academy is a high school alternative that guides students successfully through their crucial years of secondary education with professional-level dance training.

Practical dance classes/week

Dancers train across Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance and the Performing arts, with a strong focus on versatility and industry insight.

Dancers work for 3.5 hours in the studio each day and 3 hours in the classroom on their Academic work.

Teachers

Course Director: Jayden Hicks
Jayden is a Green Room and Australian Dance Award Nominated contemporary dancer and creator. His dance company credits, in various positions include Opera Australia, Storyboard Entertainment, Project Animo, Melbourne Ballet Company, Quirky Productions, RickStix productions, Collaboration The Project and Vertical Shadows. Jayden was a principal artist for Transit Dance Company under the direction of Paul Malek, and featured in the critically acclaimed BOYZ and Yours Truly.

Jayden was Artistic Director of Origins Dance Company (2016 – 2021) Producer of popular Melbourne dance events Dance Architect and UNDRGRND Melbourne.

Head of Academics: Carly Doctor
Carly Doctor is a VIT registered High School teacher that specialises in English, Dance, VCE Drama and Theatre Studies. Carly worked for 12 years at the prestigious McKinnon Secondary College before commencing her current role as Head of Academics at Transit Dance in 2019.

Carly has a background in the Performing Arts and has completed extensive education including full time training at Danceworld 301, a Diploma of Dance Teaching & Management, a Bachelor of Performing Arts and a DIploma of Education both at Monash University. Carly has always had a passion for choreography and was the first recipient of the Laurel Martyn Scholarship for Excellence in Choreography. Her interest in directing and choreographing led her to staging musicals such as the Hot Mikado, The Wiz, Zombie Prom, Little Shop of Horrors, The Addams Family and many more.

Carly continues her passions through teaching and mentoring of the Transit High School Academy, guiding them through their integral years of education with care, love and deep respect for their mutual creativity.

Facilities
Transit Dance is a custom designed 4000 sqm dance centre, located in the heart of Brunswick’s education & design district. It features eight large rehearsal studios, two storey office complex, open plan gymnasium, classrooms, photography studio, expansive foyer/exhibition space, aerial rig and its very own 180 seat black box theatre.

Performance and touring opportunities
Transit High School Academy has 2 performance opportunities throughout the year. A mid Year showcase and 2 full length works across Performing Arts and Contemporary for their graduation season.

 

 

Back To Top

 

Northern College of the Arts & Technology (NCAT)

Government High School Yrs 10-12
62 Murray Rd, Preston
03 9478 1333
ncat.vic.edu.au

Practical dance classes per week
Year 10 = 7 hours and 40 minutes
Year 11 = 7 hours and 40 minutes
Year 12 = 5 hours

Teachers
Lee-Anne Di Stefano – Dance Co-ordinator
Trained at Marie Walton- Mahon Dance Academy; accepted into VCA at 16 years of age; graduated with a BA Dance, employed in Singapore as a Professional dancer/choreographer/teacher 2000-2001. Completed a BA Teaching (Secondary)/BA Arts (Dance & English) double degree from Deakin University. Dance Co-ordinator at NCAT since 2003. Founder of Detour Dance Company with students and graduates of the college including representing Australia at Battlegrounds and touring nationally. More recently choreographed winning routine at DanceLife Unite 2019 ‘Jazz School’s Section’. In 2020 the students were awarded National Finalists in the Wakakirri Dance Competition. In 2021, 12 solo’s from the VCE and VET Dance subjects were invited to Top Class Dance a concert of the top performing students from the 2021 VCE Performance exmas, for scoring A+ and A in their solo VCE and VET exams.

Melissa Pham – Contemporary Specialist
Melissa trained at Melbourne City Ballet and studied fulltime dance at Brent Street in Sydney. She is a member of Scimm Dance Company and recently worked with Chunky Move in a short development of a new work. Of recent, Melissa will be touring with Stephanie Lake Dance Company for ‘Manifesto’. Melissa has been featured in several music videos for artists such as George Alice, Tash Sultana, George Maple, Kite String Tangle, Isaiah Firebrace and more.

Jack Rowen – Jazz & Contemporary Specialist
Jack trained at the Queensland Dance School of Excellence and Ministry of Dance. Jack is a member of Scimm Dance Company and has toured with Step One Dance Company in New York City last year. Jack recently signed contracts as a dancer for Phantom of the Opera and the Wedding Singing.

Kym Smith – Latin/Ballroom Specialist
Kym Smith is one of the most experienced Dancesport Coaches in Australia and is the Principal of Dance Worx in Essendon, a full time competitive based dance school where she has been responsible for training some of Australia’s best Dancesport competitors for many years. She spent time overseas developing her own dancing career and represented Australia on multiple occasions with a career highlight of being a Grand Finalist in the World 10 Dance event! Her success in Australia resulted in her winning, with her partner Shane Hocking, three Australian Professional Championship titles and multiple State Championships.

Lochlan Erard – Jazz/Musical Theatre Specialist
Lochlan studied Musical Theatre and Dance Teaching and Management at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance. He also trained with Marko Panzic in The Dream Dance Company’s Show Business. Lochlan performed across the world with Celebrity Cruise Lines as a Production Cast Dancer. Lochlan has choreographed a variety of musical and dance related productions in Melbourne and is a teacher at various studios.

Patti Chibi – Commercial Specialist
NCAT Specialist commercial teacher. Patti has gained her training from a range of international and local choreographers/teachers. She is a commercial and heels teacher at O2 and Passion Dance studios as well as a leading commercial choreographer in Melbourne.

Facilities
Two brand new full equipped dance studio’s, with ballet barres, mirrors, sprung floors, dressing rooms, costume cupboards, student pigeon holes, sets and props including a $25,000 catwalk or platform and stairs used for various productions.
Dance rooms measure:
Dance room A- 13metres x 12 metres
Dance room B-  9 meters x 8.5 metres.
Fully equipped state of the art theatre to the value of $4.5 million, including lighting and sound bio box, seating capacity of 340, backstage dressing and make-up rooms and toilet facilities.


Performance & touring opportunities
We film our works throughout the year for our Instagram as well as regular photoshoots. Students perform in house performances in the school theatre and studio showings showcasing group and solo works. Please view our Instagram: @ncatdance

---

 

Back To Top

 

Melbourne – South/East

Berwick College

Sandringham College

 

Berwick College

Co-educational, public school for years 7 to 12
Manuka Rd, Berwick
03 8768 1000
berwickcollege.vic.edu.au
facebook.com/BCDanceA
instagram.com/berwick

The Berwick College Dance Academy (BCDA) offers aspiring performing artists an opportunity to learn and grow in a high-quality training program. Our focus is on technique, artistry and physical ability. This elite program allows young students to enhance and develop their dancing talent while concurrently receiving their secondary education. It is crucial to the BCDA that students’ academic pursuits are of the highest priority and that each student’s interest and aspiration in dance assists them in achieving high results both academically and within dance. Our program is audition entry, and runs during scheduled classes within the school timetable.

What do we offer?
– Integrated academic and dance program where students undertake dance training in school hours
– Dedicated teaching staff
– Industry guest teachers & choreographers – VCE Dance VET Dance Certificate II – National Dance Competition – USA Study Tour Victorian
– State School Spectacular – Leadership opportunities – Dance training from Year 7 to Year 12
– Affordable course fees – Networking opportunities

Practical dance classes per week
3 hours of practical dance classes per week, with an additional 45 minutes a week on dance theory & history. This increases to 3 hours of practical class in Unit 3/4 subjects, with 1.5 hours a week on dance theory & history. The Berwick College Dance Academy (BCDA) is aimed at providing an integrated academic pathway driven by young students’ dance and performing arts aspirations. This elite program allows young students to enhance and develop their dancing talent while concurrently receiving their secondary education. It is crucial to the BCDA that students’ academic pursuits are of the highest priority and that each student’s interest and aspiration in dance assists them in achieving high results both academically and within dance. Our program is audition entry, and runs during scheduled classes within the school timetable.

Teachers
Melissa Quenette Director of Dance
Bachelor of Business and Commerce; Diploma of Education – Drama and Business; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Over many years Melissa has built a strong background in dance, specialising in Musical Theatre, completing her dance exams to top levels in Tap, Jazz and Classical Ballet. She has performed many roles throughout Melbourne’s Amateur Theatre circuit and has choreographed productions for numerous secondary schools. Melissa commenced the BCDA in 2015 as she believes in creating multiple career pathways for her students in a safe and encouraging environment.

Amy Pyke
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – Dance; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
After completing her VCE with high scores in VCE Dance, Amy completed 2 years of full-time dance training at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. She danced as a professional cheerleader for the Melbourne Tigers/Melbourne United basketball team and now spends her time competing in All Star Dance, having recently placed second at the Cheerleading Worlds in America. She is a strong believer in building dance technique as a foundation for all movement and pushes students to build their performance skills within class.

Annalise Occhietti
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance); Masters in Teaching (Secondary) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Annalise has engaged in many performance opportunities throughout Melbourne in both commercial and contemporary areas, most recently collaborating and performing with Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. She prides herself on helping students find their own individual movement qualities through exposure to style and technique.

Facilities
Berwick College has 2 dance spaces available to students. Our performing arts centre has a sprung Tarkett dance floor installed and can be used as both a performance space and dance studio. The Dance Studio is an open area measuring 6m x 16m with full length mirrors on one wall. Portable barres can be used in either space.

Performance and touring opportunities
Every year students compete in a schools only dance competition, with our troupes regularly qualifying for the national competition held interstate. Students have multiple performance opportunities, including a choreographic competition, assessment nights and production seasons. Throughout the year various industry experts teach guest workshops within the Academy. Every second year the students can participate in our BCDA Study Tour where students travel to New York and Los Angeles. On the study tour students take part in multiple workshops with professionals in the dance industry in America, as well as viewing performances on Broadway and learning about the history of dance in America.

 

 

Back To Top

 

Sandringham College

Co-educational, public school for years 7 to 12
Year 7-9: 356 Bluff Rd, Sandringham
Year 10-12: 11 Holloway Rd, Sandringham
03 8599 0500
sandringhamsc.vic.edu.au/teaching-and-learning/academy-of-performing-arts-dance
Facebook.com/sandringhamdance
Instagram.com/sandringhamcollagedanceacademy

Sandringham College Dance Academy is a selective entry pre-professional dance training program for talented students.

The Sandringham College Dance Academy aims to support, develop and nurture dedicated dance students who are hardworking, self-aware, confident and creative.

Students in Years 7 to 9 will be able to participate in a specialised dance training program that includes classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and strength and conditioning classes. Dance Academy classes are held scheduled into students timetables to also accommodate the academic schedules of our students.
The Dance Academy program is designed to lead into VCE Dance and VCE/VET Dance alongside having the opportunity to continue Academy technique classes after school in years 10-12.

Students are taught by qualified dance teachers and professional dancers who have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to train highly skilled, technically proficient, artistic and versatile dancers as they prepare for a career within the creative arts industry.

Dance Academy aims: 
·    to provide a high-quality academic program and specialised dance training for talented dance students
·     to offer a high-quality physical conditioning program to help develop strong, healthy and efficient dancers within a safe and supportive environment
·   to provide the highest possible training delivered by industry professionals and to give students every opportunity to establish a career within the creative arts industry
·    to provide counselling, support and consultation to students with regards to their training, physical and mental health, academic success, career pathways and time and stress management
·  to provide students with a wide range of opportunities to extend themselves in performing arts.

Facilities
In 2023, Sandringham College inaugurated its state-of-the-art High Performance Centre for Music and Dance, featuring a purpose-built dance studio, fully-equipped music classroom, and designated breakout areas for instrumental music practice. Additionally, the College boasts an onsite theater facility for rehearsals and performances.

Performance and touring opportunities
Students are engaged in biannual dance showcase performances, alongside the opportunity to enlist in the school’s musical and competitive dance team. They partake in industry-oriented events and excursions designed to broaden their understanding across various areas of dance and performing arts.

---

 

Back To Top