My Mother first introduced me to dance at the early age of three. She enrolled me in classical ballet classes due to me being pigeon toed. At this time my Aunty was learning to dance at a school in Port Melbourne, so every Saturday we would catch two busses and a train from Box Hill to attend classes.
As I got older my interest in different styles increased. I started participating in Theatrical & Tap with the A.A.D. inc. Miss Laura Mitchell who was my first teacher developed and started the A.A.D. inc. I was also trained by Miss Pat Miller, Miss Dianne Denman & Carole & Lynette Wendorff.
I got my first taste of teaching about the age of 17 yrs when I worked for Mr Ken Sims of Kenlaural dance studios. They were in need of a tapping teacher. I worked for Kenlaural for about 4 yrs and during this time I continued my exams to become a dance teacher. What I find interesting about this time is that I was teaching a young ballet student who now 20yrs later attends my ladies tap group.
Being a Dance teacher was not my first career option after completing Yr 11 I started an apprenticeship with SOLA optical to become an optical mechanic. After finishing my 4yr apprenticeship I went on to OPSM and gave them 6 yrs of service.
During this time I met my husband and set up house in Forest Hills. As I wasn’t happy with my job (very male dominated) he suggested that I finish my diplomas and start my own dance school. Because of his insistence I now have 5 diplomas of dance.
Up to this day I have been dancing for 40 yrs and I find it very satisfying to see my students working hard and finally achieving their set goals. It especially makes me happy when they are recognised through the A.A.D by gaining trophies or scholarships. I am particularly proud of my students that have got their teaching diplomas and gone on to start their own schools.
I find that learning to dance increases a child’s self confidence and belief in their abilities as well as being good exercise when too many kids are sitting in front of the T.V.
I teach 6 days a week and would not have survived if it wasn’t for my wonderful husband. He offers support both by cooking dinner most nights for our three children and being a sounding board for my business.
In the future I would like to be asked to become an examiner and also join the committee so that I can be a part of the decision making within the A.A.D.
