The Heartbeat of Conroy – A Journey Inside the Premier Performing Arts College

By Danielle Brown

Featured print issue: July 2024

In June this year, I had the privilege of attending Conroy Performing Arts College. During my visit, I observed students as they were expertly guided through their choreographic routine by creator Amira Mollenhauer in an intensive three-hour class.

It was an absolute pleasure to watch Amira work with the students on her routine for the half-yearly showcase. Amira is an exceptional teacher with a positive attitude towards both the students and the work. Her approach fostered camaraderie among the students, encouraging them to work more like a company than as individuals. She was well-organised, professional, and lovely, and the students absorbed and reflected these qualities.

What stood out to me the most was how adaptable the college is in meeting the needs of its students. I spoke with four students, each with different schedules and commitments: One was studying full-time while also pursuing a university degree (Olivia Ezzy). Another was doing their academic studies via distance education (Kierra Sellars). Two were dancing full-time, with one teaching dance in the evenings (Poppy Michalski) and the other continuing to dance well into the evening (Summer Nash).

Despite their different paths, all students found a way to work that suited them, which was impressive. The facilities are great, with sprung floors and a welcoming environment. Many students had been there since they were young, but I also spoke to a student who joined during the full-time years and felt welcomed and included from day one, regardless of existing friendship groups.

Unlike some performing arts schools that foster competition among students, CPAC promotes courtesy and friendliness, emphasising the importance of future professional relationships. The commitment to safe dance practices, particularly through the content studied in the accredited courses  (delivered in partnership Empowerdance RTO 40397), was also notable. Students could easily articulate the benefits of this component, including its impact on their creativity, body awareness, and injury management.

Another strength of the college is its connection to the Comdance syllabus and the teaching certificate program. The students I spoke to were well-rounded, capable in various dance styles, and working towards a teaching qualification. This breadth of training prepares them for diverse opportunities in the creative arts.

A key figure at the college is Miss Summer (Summer Till), the course certified trainer and assessor. She greets students with a smile every day and shows a sincere interest in their well-being and personal dreams. Students are appreciative of the supportive nature, which can make a significant difference in managing their mental health within the challenging yet exhilarating training experience. 

The connections and industry experience of Marcus Pearce and Shelle Conroy are invaluable. They ensure that as soon as auditions are announced, the students are prepared with relevant skills and confidence. If a Musical Theatre show is auditioning, students will spend the lead-up time learning songs, monologues and repertoire from that musical.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of talking with Marcus whist standing alongside Conroy’s formidable hall of fame where graduates headshots are prominently displayed. He emphasised how the college maintains connections with alumni, offering support and opportunities for returning students to keep their skills sharp or guest teach. This level of commitment is rare and commendable. One notable success story is a graduate, Sarah Mackenzie, who went to Singapore for a temporary teaching role and ended up 10 years later buying a studio and running a successful business there and now employs CPAC graduates. Another example of the networks available to students includes a graduate Renee Boyle who secured a contract with Roncalli’s Apollo Varieté, returned to CPAC to take the students through a master audition class which resulted in Boyle hiring Sharlyse Walters a current student. These stories are the norm and make the connections of the Conroy community extensive and extremely valuable.

Who better to discuss the benefits of studying at CPAC than their existing students. Poppy, Olivia, Kierra and Summer chat candidly about what drew them to Conroy and the day-to-day benefits of being a student there.

Poppy Michalski, a 20-year-old, joined Conroy’s at the beginning of 2023. She decided to move back to Brisbane from Sydney, where she had been involved in a full-time program. While researching full-time dance programs in Queensland, she discovered CPAC, a studio she was familiar with from previous comdance jazz workshops. Upon learning that CPAC offered a full-time program, she auditioned online and was accepted. Despite her initial fears of being the new kid in a cohort where many had known each other since childhood, Poppy quickly found her place. On her first day, she knew only one other dancer but was pleasantly surprised by how well she clicked with everyone, making the transition much smoother than she had anticipated

Tell me about the Diplomas and what they mean to you. 

Earning Diplomas was really important to me because I’m not planning on going to university. I wanted something on my CV that would stand out. I started with the Diploma in Dance and then pursued the Diploma in Musical Theatre to gain the necessary knowledge and background. Through the Diploma, I learned a lot about vocal health, the history of musical theatre, and more. The academic side of the course is very relevant, especially for auditions. Learning about the choreographers and composers of musicals helps you feel like you belong in the industry and validates your journey. I completed the academic modules in my first year of the two-year course because I wanted to finish it quickly. Even though I’m not required to do full-time again to finish the diploma, I chose to continue because I feel it’s so beneficial. I didn’t want to lose momentum, especially now that I’m auditioning. I want to be at my peak while training and auditioning.

When did you start vocal training? 

I started at 15, and then I began taking private lessons in 2022. I’ve continued with it since then. I think singing is really important because, even if you want to be in the commercial realm, there isn’t as much work in Australia for commercial dancers. It’s crucial to be versatile. I avoided vocals for so long because I was so scared of it. But now, while I still think I’m stronger in dance, the private lessons and specific classes in the musical theatre stream have been incredibly helpful. It’s all about confidence. If I can stand up and sing by myself, I can easily go and do any dance routine

Talk to me about your teaching career that is running in parallel to your pursuit of full-time training. 

Every afternoon, except for Tuesdays, I teach all styles of dance. I was initially against getting my teaching certificate because exams stress me out. I completed my Grade 9 Jazz exam, which is the last required level, in 2021. Then I moved to Sydney and thought I would never do exams again. But last year, I reconsidered, and I have now found it very beneficial for my professional career, especially the anatomy component. 

Understanding the joints and muscles has helped me, especially after an ankle injury last year. Now, I know I have a weak side that I need to strengthen. The music component has also benefited my musical theatre studies, allowing me to read sheet music and understand the notes when singing.

Olivia Ezzy, a 19-year-old in her second year of a Dance Diploma, has been with Conroy since she was three years old. Though she once considered going full-time elsewhere, the introduction of Conroy’s five-day-a-week program solidified her decision to stay. Alongside her dance training, Olivia earned her ATAR at Albany Creek State High School and is also pursuing a Bachelor of Creative Industries with a major in Media and Communications at QUT. Her schedule is packed with daily dance sessions and university classes on Thursday mornings and Friday afternoons. Olivia’s goal is to combine her dance and academic education to secure a future career in social media, communications, and graphic design, providing a solid backup plan for when her dance career eventually winds down.

How have you found studying at CPAC has helped you with getting out there and starting to audition professionally? 

I’ve grown so much since graduating high school. My style of dance has improved, and I’ve become much more confident. It’s amazing that we can dance with people who have come from other studios because I learn so much from them as well. We have lots of preparation for auditions. We know which auditions are coming up, we learn the material, we get it down pat, and then we go to the audition knowing what to expect.

Talk to me about your Teacher Certificate (TC) with comdance in Jazz and Tap. 

I’m currently preparing for my Jazz TC, which I started working on this year. I grew up with this syllabus, and because I know it really well, I thought I might as well get my TC. It’s something useful to have in my back pocket if I ever need a job or just want something on the side.

So, what’s the dream job? 

I would love to travel since I haven’t really traveled much. Working on a cruise ship for a few years would be amazing. My ultimate dream job is to be a backup dancer for pop artists and to do more commercial work. I’m open to any opportunities that come my way.

How does dancing make you feel? 

I’ve always loved dancing. I love pushing myself and seeing how much I can improve. I’m constantly setting goals, like improving my turns by the end of the term or becoming more confident. My original goal was to get better at hip hop and commercial dance because I know that’s what I want to do, and that industry is especially competitive. I need to be one of the best to keep up with everyone else, especially the dancers in Sydney.

Kierra Sellars, a dedicated 16-year-old student, is currently pursuing a Certificate IV while being homeschooled to achieve an ATAR. She balances her education by attending CPAC part-time, two days a week, and participates in afternoon dance classes. Additionally, Kierra contributes as an assistant teacher on Saturday mornings. Her educational journey has evolved gradually from attending a government school to now homeschooling and studying part-time at CPAC. Starting in Year 10 with one day a week at CPAC, she increased to two days a week in Year 11 and transitioned fully to homeschooling.

When asked about her motivation to join the program, Kierra shares, “When I was younger, I always admired the older students at Conroy. They were my inspiration, and I always wanted to be like them. Now, at 16, I can finally be part of the part-time program.”

Regarding her transition from formal school to homeschooling, Kierra recalls, “I remember being very nervous at first, mainly wondering if I would make new friends. But from my first day, the CPAC family was incredibly welcoming. My teachers support not only my dance but also my academic studies. They care about me as an individual rather than just a student.”

What do you hope to achieve at the end of your studies? 

Hopefully, over the next two years, I can gain more experience through the mock auditions and various guest choreographers we have at CPAC. This exposure allows me to learn different dance styles and identify my strengths and weaknesses. I hope this will prepare me for auditions and help me secure contracts. My dream is to land a cruise ship contract. I believe that once I achieve that, it will open many more opportunities, and I’ll have a clearer direction for my future.

Tell me about the safe dance side of learning and your safe dance studies. How do they impact your ordinary classes? 

Initially, I thought safe dance practices were just theoretical and not very relevant. But once I started understanding the information and incorporating it into my daily routines, it made a big difference. For example, I used to skip cool-downs, but now I find them essential for calming down after energetic classes. Miss Summer is always checking on us, ensuring we have nutritious meals and addressing our mental health. She keeps her door open for us to talk about anything, which creates a supportive and caring environment.

Why does it ignite your passion? 

Dance is my way of expressing myself. While others find their passion through music, singing, art, or academics, I find mine in dance. It allows me to move freely and be creative in ways that are unique to me. There isn’t a strict formula to follow, so I can dance however I feel. Everyone’s dance style is different, and I love finding my own way to express any emotion through dance.

How did you get into assistant teaching? 

My journey into assistant teaching started when my younger sister joined dance because she loved watching me. I began helping in her classes when I was about 12 and later assisted in other classes. Eventually, I approached Shelle Conroy and expressed my interest in teaching. This year, I’m taking MJ 9 and Tap 9, as well as my RAD Advanced 1. After that, I will pursue my Teacher Certificates. I’ve been a student for other Teacher Certificate exams, so it will be exciting to be the teacher leading students in class.

Summer Nash, an 18-year-old in her first year of the Diploma program, earned her ATAR upon completing her schooling. She began her journey at Conroy when she was just 2 years old. Her daily schedule starts at 8:30 AM, with classes running from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. In addition to her full-time studies, Summer participates in the Conroy Eisteddfod group training until 9:15 PM some nights. When asked what draws her to this art form, Summer explains, “I just feel so myself, and I don’t have any other worries. I can just dance and be me and not have to worry about anything else going on in the world or my own personal life. It’s who I am. I’m so comfortable here. I’ve grown up here, and my passion for it is such that I couldn’t imagine not dancing, even when I’m older.”

What are some of the things that have been really beneficial from your afternoon training that are helping you now in full-time? 

We did a lot of technique work, focusing on kicks, leaps, and other skills. I took a lot of night classes during school, and the drills really help. Now (full-time), when we do bigger combos and dances, my technique is muscle memory and I can focus on improving my performance skills and finer details. I completed all my ballet exams and also my comdance Jazz and Tap exams. This solid foundation really helps me now when I’m performing.

Are you able to, at this point, tell me if there are any differences between part-time and full-time? 

Night classes provided me with a great foundation and technique in my dancing. Now that I am in full-time training, the focus has shifted more towards preparing for auditions and getting ready to work in the professional industry. There are definitely classes and styles that are harder or less comfortable for me, but embracing those challenges has significantly improved me as a dancer.

How do you deal with your intense schedule?

On my days off, I try to relax completely. I sleep in, rest, and avoid doing anything strenuous. I’m very conscious of my diet, eating healthy meals, and making sure I have breakfast before class, along with good lunch, dinner, and snacks. I try to stay optimistic and avoid negative thoughts. As perfectionists, it’s easy to look in the mirror and criticise ourselves, but I remind myself that negative thoughts aren’t helpful for me or anyone around me. I focus on staying positive and aware.

Has your dream evolved and changed since you were younger? 

Yes, definitely. I look up to dancers like Jackie Aiken, Amber Ivers, and Madison Ivers, who trained here at Conroy. I always thought, “I would love to be like them one day”. I want to explore being a Rockette and dancing in Europe and on cruise ships. I’m also more interested in musical theatre, which I never considered before. Meeting great musical theatre guests and watching shows has opened my eyes to new possibilities. I’ve always sung growing up and was part of Starz Production Team. I still take private singing lessons and classes here to keep my skills sharp.