One of the most influential and famous contemporary
dance choreographers of the past 50 years, Merce Cunningham, sadly
passed away aged 90 on the 26th July 2009. Many of the students have probably heard us
teachers talk about 'Cunningham Technique' in modern classes - also our
more senior students may remember former student Melissa Toogood who has
been working with the Merce Cunningham Dance Co in New York for a number
of years.
To find out more about Merce Cunningham, here are a couple of good
links:
http://www.merce.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merce_Cunningham
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-- miss D -
26 July 2009 --
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-- NEW PHOTOS! --
Well we've been busy getting a bunch of new photos uploaded onto the PHOTOS
page... take a look!
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-- miss D -
24 July 2009 --
--
Facebook
post from former student Jessica Franke (now at WAAPA) --
Hey guys and gals!
Am eagerly awaiting my flight tomorrow so I can come back and do some
classes at the studio!
Have just finished the first six months of the third and final year of
my course (a daunting thought that there is only six months to go but
exciting all the same). Alex and I performed in the same piece on
Wednesday. It was really nice to work with someone you've danced with
for years in a new environment. Have received marks from all my
assessments and am yet to get anything under distinction which I'm very
pleased with. Will be back for 4 weeks and will be dancing at the studio
as much as I can to keep in shape for my secondment at Sydney Dance
Company in the third week.
Congrats Miss D on the exciting news!
Cant wait to see you all,
Jessica Franke
-- SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE STARS WORKSHOP --
Thanks so much to A-Live Entertainment
- Sean, Hilton, Stephen, BJ and
Khaly for warming up the winter school holidays and bringing two fantastic
fun-filled days of dance to the studios. The classes were great and the
kids were totally buzzing at the end. The workshop ended with a
performance from the kids and a special half-hour show by the boys from
A-Live which left the kids, mums and dads cheering. Thanks so much guys
and we hope to see you back soon!
-- miss D - 15 July 2009 --
-- HOLIDAYS! --
Normal classes resume for Term 3 on Monday July 27. In the holidays we
have our Winter Workshop with a number of the stars from So You Think
You Can Dance: Hilton Dennis, BJ Rorke, Stephen Tannous and more!
The workshop is on Thurs 23 and Fri 25 July. Call the studio mobile 0405
140 561 if you want to join us for two fantastic days of fun - students
from other studios more than welcome! Ages 8
years and up.
-- SENIOR STUDENTS --
It's been really wonderful to see many of our former students doing
classes back at the Academy whilst back in the area on their full-time
breaks: it's great having you back inspiring and sharing your knowledge
with the current crop of seniors. Thanks.. and it's been great catching
up!
And just on that... a special to congrats Ashley for your first dance contract
overseas with a cruise ship and we wish Jess all the best on her
upcoming secondment with Sydney Dance Company!
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Wicked the Musical is here in Sydney!!!
The Academy is planning a group booking for families
to take the opportunity of the price-savings available to groups.
This is a great chance for the kids to see a show with their
Academy friends.
As this is not a supervised excursion we will be meeting at the
venue. If you are interested in coming please fill out the form
enclosed with the July Newsletter and present it to the front
office in the first 2 weeks of Term 3.
Where: Capitol Theatre Sydney
When: Wednesday Jan. 20, 2010. 1pm (school holidays)
Who: All welcome! Kids, parents, grandma’s & friends
Cost: CH$51.00 A $80.00
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NAB Dance the Dream offers ballet students aged 8-17
the opportunity to learn from a professional ballet dancer at
their local ballet school.
You could WIN a once-in-a-lifetime
experience with a dancer from The Australian Ballet for your
ballet school simply by telling us why this opportunity would
make a difference to your class.
Hey everybody - lets try to win! Click here
to be directed straight to the entry form! Entries close 30
June 2009.
xx - Miss D
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-- miss D - 5 June 2009 --
-- EXTREME DANCE EISTEDDFOD --
Our second comp for some of our Performance Groups and great to see the
routines improving each time we do them! Well done especially:
8/u Ballet - 1st place
12/u modern - 2nd place
15/u Ballet - 1st place
-- miss D - 18 May 2009 --
-- STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS --
I would just like to let everyone know about some fantastic student
achievements that we have had recently.
Firstly, long-time student and student-teacher Brittany McCroary has reached the final 3 contenders for
the lead role in the ABC's upcoming TV series Dance Academy. Brittany
has gone through many stages of dance/acting auditions to get to this
point. Well done Brit!
Next, Allison G was the proud recipient of a scholarship at
the recent RAD Autumn seminar. This is an exceptional honour for Alison
and we are very proud of her.
Also, Breanna W received an award from the RAD at the
seminar she attended - another fantastic achievement.
Last, but most certainly not least, Emily G received a couple of
first places and HCs in the Classical and Modern solo sections at
a couple of her recent competitions.
Congratulations to all these high achievers and we are sure we will be
bringing you a lot more as the year progresses.
-- 4 May 2009 --
-- TOP HAT EISTEDDFOD --
Congratulations to everyone who performed at the Top Hat Eisteddfod
this weekend. You all did a fantastic job - especially seeing it was the
first time many of the routines had been performed. Here are a few notable
achievements.
8/U Ballet 1st Place
12/U Modern Highly Commended
14/U Jazz Highly Commended
15/U Ballet Highly Commended
15/U Jazz Highly Commended
15/U Modern Highly Commended
Well Done Everyone - and also to all of
you who performed so fantastically at St Paul's Fete.
-- 28 Apr 2009 --
-- WELCOME BACK FOR TERM 2! --
I hope you all had great break over the holiday and are ready to settle
back into your classes. We'd like to Welcome back Nick Robson from his 9
month contract with Carnival Cruise Lines. Also farewell to Mitchell
Turnbull and Neil Macmillan who have returned overseas to pursue their
dance careers. We wish them all the best.
Also a reminder that term fees should be paid by the end of week 2.
xx
Miss D
-- miss D, 17 Feb 2009 --
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-- LACHLAN MCCARTHY TO PERFORM AT
ACADEMY AWARDS!
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Make sure you tune into the Academy Awards this Monday (23 Feb) because I've
just got word that one of our most favourite guest teachers and former
local lad Lachlan McCarthy will be performing! This is a massive
opportunity for a former Macarthur local who undertook some of his
ballet training right here in the local area with us! Lachlan is now on
the faculty at The Edge Studios in LA whilst continuing to make his mark
in the commercial dance world. All the best for the weekend
Lachlan! |
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-- CLASSES GET INTO FULL SWING!
--
Great to see everybody starting back for the new year... and its
wonderful to see so many new faces - I'm sure you will settle into your
classes pretty quickly. Of course, if you have ANY queries or questions
please feel free to chat to your class teacher, or to Brooke, myself or
any of the other staff at the front desk who will only be too happy to
assist you.
We've got lots of great stuff coming up this year, so be sure to check
back here regularly for all the latest news and updates. We've also got
a lot of news that goes onto our noticeboards at the studio, so you can
also check these out when you're in at the studios next.
Our new 'Little Ballerinas' program for 4-5 year olds is going along
fantastically, as are the new classes being taken by Brett Morgan... its
great to see our more 'serious' 10-13 year ballet dancers showing some
extra-strong focus on their technique, which I know will pay off for
them into the future!
hmmm... here's a little challenge... seeing that we are all glued to the TV watching So
You Think You Can Dance, instead of sitting on the couch, why not use
this time to sit on the floor while you watch and
doing a bit of extra stretching! Give it a go!
xx
Miss D
CLASSES BEGIN TUESDAY 27TH JANUARY!
SEE YOU ALL SOON!
XX
Miss D
and all the teachers
NEWSLETTER
- JAN 2009
(.pdf file)
NEW!
2009 TIMETABLE
(.pdf file)
New 2009 timetable out now!
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2009 ENROLMENTS |
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For all
enquiries please call 4647 0255 or 0405 140 561.
The new timetable for 2009 is available for download - just click
on the above link. |
-- miss D, Jan 2009 --
-- Some pics! --
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Holiday Snap! - Allison got to
meet Darcey Bussell
(only the most famous dancer on the planet!),
during a summer school she attended. Wow!
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Classical/Contemporary teacher Brett Morgan with some
of the extension Junior Classical students
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Anabella - has been learning at the Academy since pre-school.
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A couple of the junior Performance Group students.
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Some of the teachers showing their stuff -
Jen, Mitchell and Courtney
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-- miss D, 15 Dec 2008 --
-- All over for 2008! --
Wow! What a year! Congratulations to all of you for our fantastic end of
year concerts 'Adventures in Wonderland'. This was perhaps the smoothest
concerts we've ever staged... thanks to Miss Brooke for your amazing
organisation skills, to all the teachers for your talent and friendship,
to the students for your smiles and hard work, and to the parent helpers
and families for your neverending support. Thank you so much!
-- Latest student achievements --
It is with a tinge of sadness that I write about the following 3
students - having taught them for such a long time (15 years!!!). At the
same time I am so proud to see them spreading their wings and going for
their dreams. We all wish you all the best wherever life's path leads -
you will always be welcome as part of the Academy 'family'!
Elly - Recently finishing her HSC, Elly has been offered her first
pro contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises, performing on a luxury cruise
line in the US. Elly will be missed not only by her teachers and
classmates, but also by all her little students who she has taught at
the Academy over the past couple of years.
Alexandra - Also completing her HSC this year, Alex successfully
auditioned for the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA),
and was offered one of only a small number of places offered
nationally. A beautiful classical dancer with a fantastic voice,
Alex will be joining another one of our former students Jess who will be
going into 3rd year in 2009.
Michelle - Combining her HSC with her Classical Ballet studies,
Michele completed her RAD Advanced II Classical Ballet exam - the
highest exam level in the Royal Academy of Dance. Well done Michelle!
----
Mitchell - If you managed to get to the Senior Gala
concert, you would have noticed one of our former senior students
Mitchell performing in a number of the items. Mitch has been contracted
with Royal Carribbean Crusises for the past couple of years and just
received another contract with the same company. we have also recently
received news that he has won a scholarship to further his classical
ballet and contemporary studies with Ajkun Ballet Theatre in New York.
Mitch will be teaching at the Academy next year until he leaves to take
up his position in New York. Well done Mitch!
Jayden - Will be performing in Opera Australia's performance of
The Magic Flute being held at the Opera House late Jan thru March
2009.
-- miss D, 17 Oct 2008 --
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- ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND -
What an exciting upcoming term - CONCERT TERM!!!
This year we have been inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,
so you can be sure to see some fantastic routines and costumes - I’m
not quite sure who is more excited, the students or the teachers! It
is certainly a favourite part of the year for most of us involved!
If you are participating in the concerts this year, you should have
already received your Concert Guide - if you haven't please
contact us and we can email it through to you. The concert guide
provides you with all the answers to all the questions you might have
regarding the concert. Of course, if you are unsure, please
always feel free to contact the office or speak to your class
teacher.
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ADVENTURES
IN WONDERLAND
TICKETING INFORMATION |
Junior
Concerts
3 big shows!
Camden Civic Centre
Sunday 16 November
Call TIKEX on 1300 887 469
or book online at www.tikex.com
Tickets go on sale 9am Oct 20. |
Senior
Gala Performance
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Sunday 14 December - 4pm
Tickets: Call IPAC 02 4226 3366
or book online at www.ipac.org.au
Tickets go on sale Nov 20. |
-- TERM 4 2008 - IMPORTANT DATES! --
• Monday October 13: First day of Term
4
• Week 1 - October 18: Mary Immaculate fete-troupes.
• Week 1 - October 19: Mater Dei fete-troupes.
• Week 3 - November 2: Junior Dress rehearsal
• Week 4 - November 9: Junior Dress rehearsal
• Week 5 - November 16: JUNIOR CONCERT!!!!
• Week 6 - November 20: Light up Camden
• Week 7 - Nov 24 - 29: Princess & Pirate Dress-up week for
juniors!
• Week 8 - December 6: Campbelltown Carols
• Week 8 - December 7: Senior Dress Rehearsal
• Week 9 - December 14: SENIOR CONCERT DAY!!!!
• Week 9 - December 14: Last day Term 4- All students
-- EXAMS --
R.A.D Classical Ballet and Tap exams as well as Modern and Jazz
Assessments were held at the end of Term 3. All the teachers are so
proud of their students progress leading up to the exams and with how
hard they have been working in class. I was also very impressed to see
how well prepared all the students were going into their
exams/assessments. Most of the candidates still had their bright smiles
when they came out...always a good sign. Results for exams will be sent
to soon and will be given out to students in class.
-- LA & NEW YORK DANCE TRIP --
Miss Courteney and a few of the senior students recently
enjoyed a great trip over the Term 3/4 school holidays to New York and
LA - spending their holidays in LA and New York with some well
recognized and up-and-coming Hip-Hop, Jazz and lyrical teachers. We can’t
wait to see what new moves Miss Courteney brings back
with her and I'm sure we'll some of these new moves appear in their routines for the concerts!
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2009 ENROLMENTS |
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Enrolment forms for 2009
have been sent out to all current students. Priority is given to
current students and their siblings however enrolments will be
opening to the public in Term 4 so if you know you want a specific
time/day please put your enrolment form in as soon as you know the
details. We will be numbering the enrolments as they come in so
you can be assured that if you have yours in early you will be
guaranteed a spot in the class you want. If you have not received
enrolment in the mail please contact the office - 02 4647 0255. |
-- CONGRATULATIONS! --
Jayden S: 3rd Place in the City of Sydney Performing Arts Challenge.
Joscelyn M: 3rd Place in the City of Sydney Performing Arts Challenge.
Well done!
NEWSLETTER
- TERM 3 2008
(.pdf file)
Term 3 Starts Mon July 21
-- miss D, 17 July 2008 --
Yes, July already! - I for one can not
believe how fast this year is going. Maybe its because of all the
exciting events and activities we are having. In the newsletter
(download above) we have some information regarding the exams,
assessments and other activities that will be held in term 3 as well as
reporting on events from term 2 such as the Annual Recital for Musical
Theatre, Drama and Singing.
Have a lovely holiday and I’ll see you
all next term - classes start again Mon July 21.
-- Student Achievements --
Neil: 18 year old Neil has received his first professional Dance
contract. Based in the USA he will be touring from Florida to Mexico on
a cruise-line. A great way to see the world and kick-start his
professional career in dance. Bon Voyage Neil!
Nick: Nick who is also 18 years old will
also be taking up his first professional Dance Contract on a cruise-line
based in the USA in July. An amazing feat considering Nick only started
to take his dance seriously this year! Previously having studied
Ballroom and Hip-hop he has now mastered pirouettes and grand Jetes. His
intense training this year has included Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Hip-Hop
at The Academy. What an astounding achievement!
Samara: Received a scholarship in dance
to study at ACPE (Australian College of Physical Education). She began
her studies in January– Congratulations Samara!
-- Guest Teacher Lachlan McCarthy --
We have been very excited to have Lachlan McCarthy back at The
Academy in 2008 to teach a series of Open Classes. Lachlan who is on his
annual break from his professional commercial dance career based in L.A.
taught a range of classes including 12-14 Hip-Hop, 15-17 Hip-Hop, 18+
Hip-Hop, Open Modern, and Open Jazz classes.
Lachlan began his career performing on
Cruise ships touring the world. After this he took up the opportunity to
study at ‘The Edge’, a prestigious training facility in L.A for
pre-professional and professional commercial performers. Graduating from
‘The Edge’ he began his now successful career as a commercial dancer
and is contracted throughout the USA and Europe on various commercial
dance projects.
I took a moment to ‘peek’ at some of
the classes and they looked like so much fun I wish I had a chance to do
them! It is wonderful to see the students have the opportunity to take
classes in the most up-to-date styles coming out of the US and Europe
without even leaving the Macarthur area! A big thank you to Lachlan for
your inspiring and challenging classes!
-- Annual Recital 2008! --
Once again the recital was fantastic and it was great to see all the
students giving their best up on stage. The intimate setting at the Arts
Centre allows the audience to be close to the action and really see and
hear the expression in the performances.
A surprise performance by Miss Brooke (to support one of the vocal
performers in her item) was definitely a highlight for many! A special
thank you to all the teachers who were there on the day and made the
recital possible: Miss Brooke, Miss Courteney, Miss Eloise and Miss
Pauline.
Also a huge thank you to some of the senior students who gave up their
Sunday to help out; Danielle (our beautiful MC), Alexandra, Anabella
Lauren Sophie and Renata.
-- Performance Groups--
The performance groups have all been working very hard this year and
in Tem 2 got their first taste of the stage for 2008. We are very proud
of the excellent work they are doing as individuals and most importantly
as a team! They have gotten excellent results in their performances so
far (see the results listed below) —Great work Guys!
Top Hat:
• 10/under Ballet-1st place
• 14/under Jazz-Highly Commended
MACPAS:
• 10/under Ballet-Highly Commended
• 10/Under Jazz-Highly Commended
• 14/under Jazz-2nd place
• 14/under Modern-1st place
NEWSLETTER
- TERM 2 2008
(.pdf file)
-- miss D, 7 May 2008 --
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-- 2008 Annual Recital! --
Just a quick reminder about our Annual Recital for our Singing,
Drama and Musical Theatre students. We will be having two shows
(3pm and 6pm) on Sunday June 29 at Campbelltown Arts Centre with
tickets going on sale Monday from May 26. Tickets will be available
for purchase at the office or calling the studio (Tel: 4647 0255).
Everybody welcome! |
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