Advantages of learning to dance at Joanne Grace School of Dance:     

Generally:  

Joanne Grace School of Dance respects the traditions of the art form and teaches students the value of teamwork, commitment, respect, and dedication. The school is a professionally run studio where students can study in purpose built surroundings. The school caters to students of all abilities, ages and commitment levels.              

Joanne Grace School of Dance aims to produce versatile dancers capable of adapting to many styles. Students are exposed to a variety of styles, techniques and methodologies. The influence of class and guest teachers has a positive effect on students employability should students wish to further their careers professionally.  

Students are given the chance to perform at a professional venue at the end of each year along with other various opportunities throughout the year at other venues to build their skill and confidence levels.   Boys and girls are treated equally. Boys learn the art of partnering and team work by being part of standard classes and are taught the differences in approach to their work in each style by being part of an integrated classroom.

Pictured: Babies class 2011 performingJLollypop
Photography by WinkiPop media

Qualifications:

Joanne is the most highly qualified studio teacher in the Illawarra holding a Bachelor of Applied Arts – Dance/Drama and a Bachelor of Education. Along with a Teachers Diploma from RAD and a Teachers Certificate, A.R.A.D status and a Masters of Teaching Degree. Joanne is a member of the Australian Dance Adjudicators Association and actively adjudicates at eisteddfods in all styles of dance.        

Safety

Technique is taught safely with all teachers having an understanding of anatomy and how it applies to dance. Movement and music is specifically chosen and is age appropriate for each stage of their body development.       

Hall of Fame

Both past and present students have been very successful!

Past and Present students of Joanne Grace School Of Dance have/are: 

• Studying full time with dance institutions in Sydney
• 4 students are part of the Australian Ballet Interstate Program
• 2 students studying university programs covering dance
• Commenced study at full time training institutions across the state based on successful audition 
• Been part of the filming of the ABC mini series called “Dance Academy” (7 students) 
• Graduated from New Zealand School of Dance 
• Gained RAD teachers certificate 
• Completed bachelor applied arts/dance bachelor of education at UNSW
• Completed Bachelor Dance degree at ACPE
• Danced on Carnival Cruise Lines
• Danced with Australian Dance Theatre Contemporary Company 
• Danced with West Australian Ballet Company 
• Performed with the Australian Opera 
• Danced in France, Italy and Greece in cabaret shows 
• Been accepted into he Australian Ballet Interstate Program 
• Been part of various TV commercials and photo shoots 
• Gained Pilates certification 
• Danced with Royal New Zealand Ballet Company
• Danced with ADT - Australian Dance Theatre 
• Danced with Footnote - Contemporary based Company in New Zealand 
• Danced with the Australian Ballet company

Pictured above: Stephanie Turner 2011
Photography by Terry Cullinane

Unique Services:

• The routines are filmed at the end of each term for the students and their parents to view
• Interviews with parents are conducted each year to discuss students progress
• Our summer school in January boasts 4-5 guest teachers each year for classes in various styles who are industry professionals ie.  have worked in companies or in high profile teaching positions.  This means that students do not have to travel to Sydney or elsewhere for specialised teaching and can have access to high profile teachers in their own studio environment
• Joanne personally provides discussion sessions with parents and students on course options for students wishing to further their studies in Dance