Dance Academy
We challenge them to look beyond existing boundaries, capture a vision and to make a difference in the world.
Program Overview
Thomas Hassall Anglican College is proud to offer an extensive Dance Academy Program to all students. We partner with you to educate, nurture and develop your child so that they might reach their full potential.
The College Dance Program builds on its established success by fostering creativity, technical mastery, and performance excellence. Designed to enhance artistic expression and self confidence, the program provides students with a platform to develop their skills while promoting teamwork and inclusivity.
With a focus on a variety of dance styles, students are encouraged to explore their artistic potential through dynamic training and captivating performances. The program emphasises Christian values of respect and dedication, shaping students into disciplined and confident performers.
By offering opportunities for both inclusive participation and elite representation in competitions, eisteddfods, and festivals, the program strives to inspire students to achieve excellence and enrich their personal and artistic growth, positioning the College as an emerging leader in the performing arts.
HEAD OF PROGRAM
Melanie Whitelaw
Melanie Whitelaw brings over 20 years of experience in the dance profession, showcasing her expertise as both a dancer and teacher. Her diverse background spans classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, and musical theater. As a passionate advocate for dance, Melanie has choreographed and co-directed numerous school musical productions, including The Wiz, High School Musical, and Pirates of Penzance. She has also choreographed for the NSW School Spectacular and recently co-directed and choreographed for The Wakakirri Challenge, which won first place in the National Story of the Year.
Her experience includes dancing with Warner Bros for holiday shows and teaching Stage 4–6 dance at leading Performing Arts High Schools in Sydney and Brisbane.
UNIFORM
Ballet: Girls- Plain black leotard, pink ballet stockings, soft pink Prolite ballet shoes (a single strap on all ballet shoes are required Boys- Plain black ballet shoes, plain black shorts and form fitting white or black t-shirt
Jazz/Musical Theatre: Black Jazz Shoes, appropriate dancewear; including plain coloured tights, leotard and/or dance shirt
All other styles: Sneakers, appropriate dancewear; including plain coloured tights, leotard and/or dance shirt
PRICING
$560 per class
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Training
Weekly sessions focus on foundational techniques and performance skills across various dance styles, including:
Ballet
The study of classical ballet will provide the student with an opportunity to develop confidence, focus, attention to detail, discipline and musicality. Ballet offers poise, gracefulness and performance quality that is foundational for any dancer to improve strength, flexibility, posture, balance, co-ordination and body control. The program will focus on developing correct ballet technique and understanding terminology through structured classical ballet classes.
Ballet classes for Years K-12 will be structured into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, determined by assessments of skill, technique, and performance. This tiered approach enables targeted instruction designed to enhance overall dance proficiency and support individual growth.
Cheer
Cheer is a style of dance that involves pyramids, formations, tumbling and jumps. It is a fun dance genre that encourages athleticism, fitness, fast pace moves, collaborating with others and developing strong team work skills.
Jazz
Jazz is a hybrid of dance styles collected from classical ballet, modern dance, and other dance styles of past and present. Jazz dance includes the use of creative freedom and syncopation whilst incorporating foundational dance technique from ballet. Jazz is exciting and fast and is a fantastic style to improve confidence, dance technique and fitness.
Hip Hop
Hip hop has evolved into a fast growing influential style that encompasses a platform for self-expression, creativity and empowerment. Hip Hop is a series of intricate footwork steps, typically requiring strength, balance and coordination.
Lyrical/Contemporary
Lyrical dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, with a diverse range of fluid and dynamic movements.
Musical Theatre
Musical theatre dance is a type of performance dance that is combined with singing and acting. It is often seen in musicals, and is used to tell a story or convey an emotion through movement. Musical Theatre is a fun way for students to improve and explore their performance skills, confidence and stage presence.
Leaps, kicks, turns and acrobatics
Acrobatic leaps, kicks and turns focus on building strong leg and muscle core strength. As well as improving flexibility to achieve fluid and visually striking movements. When taught with safe dance practice protocols, these movements promote technical precision and prevent injury, ensuring dancers develop their skills responsibly.
Annual Showcase
All students work towards the end of year Dance Academy Concert showcasing their progress and artistic growth.
JUNIOR AND SENIOR DANCE TROUPES
Selected students with dance experience and exceptional dance development will represent the College in:
- Eisteddfods
- Festivals (Senior School MISA Dance Festival, Independent Dance Festival)
- Other prestigious events
Selection Process
Students from Years 2-6 will audition to qualify for the Junior Troupe Program.
Students in Years 7-12 will audition during Senior Sport Curriculum, for the opportunities above.