CCGS DANCE ACADEMY
Introducing CCGS Dance Academy, an exciting new program for Kindergarten to Year 12 students. Conveniently held after school with on-site supervision, the academy offers a comprehensive dance education where students can explore their passion for dance in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Under the guidance of our exceptional, highly qualified instructors, students at the Academy will embark on a journey of self-discovery and skill development. With regular performance opportunities, they will grow in confidence and stage presence, benefiting from the expertise and mentorship of our dedicated team.
Welcome
It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since I began working with the dance program at CCGS.
What started with just one student has grown into something truly remarkable. Today, more than 170 students engage in our programs. Some are as young as seven, while others are young adults honing their techniques and expertise before venturing into the world.
It’s been an inspiring journey, from seeing our students shine on stage during our musical productions and competitions to achieving outstanding HSC results and being selected in showcases of top work from across NSW.
As we move into this exciting new chapter with the launch of the Academy in 2025, I’m thrilled to create a dedicated space where all students can engage in dance. Whether experienced or just starting out, the Academy will be a home for students to express themselves confidently, surrounded by friends and guided by expert teachers.
Our students will develop the valuable and lifelong skills of teamwork, discipline, and creativity. Through their dance works, they will tell stories, communicate ideas, and make lasting memories.
I look forward to watching the Academy grow and can’t wait for you to join us in sharing the beauty of dance.
Larissa Koch
Head of CCGS Dance Academy and Dance Curriculum
HIP HOP MUSICAL THEATRE RAD BALLET COMPETITION GROUPS JAZZ CONTEMPORARY/ LYRICAL ACRO DANCE
Overview
At CCGS Dance Academy, we offer a dynamic and comprehensive dance experience for Kindergarten to Year 12 students.
Whether your child is a beginner, an experienced dancer, or loves to move, our diverse range of dance styles ensures every student can experience the joy of movement and self-expression.
Our inclusive program fosters a welcoming environment where students can build skills and confidence. With flexible before and after-school classes, your child will have the opportunity to learn from our exceptional team of expert teachers while exploring a variety of genres in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Classes are held in the school’s fully equipped dance studios, including a new space in the CCGS Hall, both of which have custom flooring and mirrors.
Whether your child dreams of performing on stage or simply wants to have fun, the CCGS Dance Academy provides the ideal environment for refining skills, cultivating creativity, and deepening passion for dance.
Classes
RAD Ballet
Students have the opportunity to train in the Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus. They can choose to attend one class per week to enhance their technique and skills or two classes per week to prepare for a class award or ballet exam.
Jazz
Jazz is an energetic and lively dance style that includes kicks, turns, and leaps in its training. Students will learn various dance combinations and sequences, preparing them for group performance pieces.
Contemporary/Lyrical
Contemporary/Lyrical dance is a popular style that communicates an idea or story. Some works interpret the lyrics of a song to convey a concept. Students will participate in class exercises to improve their technique and learn movement sequences to prepare for a group performance piece.
Hip Hop
Street dance, often performed to hip hop music, will be taught with a focus on age-appropriate choreography and technique. Students will receive training from experienced instructors and learn the skills and intricacies of this dynamic dance style.
Theatre
This engaging class blends singing and dancing in the musical theatre style. Students will develop the ability to perform choreography while singing, gaining essential skills for theatre auditions and performances. They will also explore a diverse selection of musical theatre repertoire.
Acro Dance
This enjoyable class focuses on enhancing strength and flexibility. Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn acrobatic skills and perform them safely, tailored to their individual ability levels.
Boys’ Dance
This fun class allows our Junior boys to experience dance as a team. They’ll explore hip hop and collaborate to create an energetic and exciting crew performance.
Competition Groups
The head of CCGS Dance academy and Dance Curriculum will select students for competition groups in consultation with the dance teachers. These students will attend an extra weekly session to focus on competition routines. Maintaining excellent attendance is crucial, and all participants must take at least one ballet class each week to uphold strong technique. They must also commit to participating in eisteddfods on the Central Coast and in Sydney.
Registration Process
The first step is to complete an Expression of Interest form, which includes preferences for days and classes. Completing this form will allow the timetable to be finalised.
Following this, registrations will open on Tuesday, 5th November 2024. Payment for Term 1 is required to secure your registration.
Uniform
Students will be required to wear the CCGS Dance Academy uniform. A uniform list will be provided, and all pieces can be purchased from the Midford Uniform Shop.
Costs
The CCGS Dance Academy is charged separately from tuition fees. We believe our pricing is competitive, and the added convenience of on-site classes makes this an appealing option for our families. Our dance teachers bring a level of excellence that sets us apart, and we are proud to have such highly qualified professionals eager to work with our talented students.
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Classes
CCGS Dance Academy is proud to offer internationally recognised RAD ballet classes for students to further develop their technique and skills. Ballet exams are available starting from Grade 2, although this may change based on demand.
RAD ballet students must attend two classes per week, with exam completion determined by the ballet teachers.
Please note: RAD classes have a four student minimum in each grade.
Competition Groups
The CCGS Dance Academy will feature two competition groups: Junior (Years 3–6) and Senior (Years 7–12). Entry into these groups is based on class observation and is determined by the Head of CCGS Dance Academy and Dance Curriculum.
These groups will participate in various competitions throughout the year. Additional groups, such as hip hop crews and contemporary groups, may also have opportunities to compete or perform at various events.
Students in the competition groups must attend at least one ballet class weekly, as ballet is essential for developing strong technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the CCGS Dance Academy opening?
Classes will commence in Week 2 of Term 1 2025 (except for Kindergarten students, who will commence in Week 5 of Term 1).
What age groups does the Academy cater to?
The academy is open to boys and girls from Kindergarten to Year 12. Classes are tailored to suit different age groups and skill levels, ensuring age-appropriate experiences for students.
What styles of dance are on offer?
A range of dance styles are offered, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, dance acro, and musical theatre. Students can choose to focus on one specific style or explore multiple genres.
Do students need prior dance experience to join?
No prior dance experience is necessary. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are available, allowing students to join at a level suitable to their abilities.
Who are the teachers?
Our teaching team consists of highly experienced, professionally trained experts who are passionate about dance and education. They are dedicated to nurturing students’ love for dance while improving their technical skills. The bios included in this booklet provide more information about their qualifications and backgrounds.
When are classes held?
Classes are scheduled before and after school, Monday to Friday.
Is participation included in the school fees?
The CCGS Dance Academy is charged separately from the school’s tuition fees. Further details are under ‘Costs’.
What should students wear for classes?
Students are required to wear the CCGS Dance Academy uniform. Uniform details will be provided at enrolment.
How will Junior School students be supervised?
A staff member will supervise Junior School students at all times.
For infants (K – 2) attending a class after school, a staff member will escort children from their classroom to the CCGS Hall to change and prepare for each class. There will be time for children to have a snack and change into uniforms before classes.
If there is a wait time before or between classes, Junior School students will be supervised by a staff member in the main hall space. Following their lesson, Junior School children will be escorted by a staff member to the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) car park for collection.
Will there be performance opportunities?
Absolutely! Students will have the opportunity to perform at concerts, school assemblies, and various events throughout the year.
All students are encouraged to participate in the mid-year and end-of-year concerts held in the PAC. The mid-year concert highlights in-class learning and development, while the end-of-year concert celebrates and showcases the hard work and progress achieved over the year.
Additionally, advanced students in our Competition Groups will have the opportunity to compete in competitions and participate in external performances, further improving their experience and skills.
Do you cater for students wanting to excel in dance?
Yes, students seeking excellence in dance will have access to classes and teachers to hone and develop their skills.
Our expert teaching staff, coupled with performance opportunities, as well as potential tours in Australia and beyond will prepare them for dance and performance pathways beyond school.
We also aim to offer workshops with professional artists and choreographers in specialty sessions through the Academy and holiday workshops.
Can students take private dance lessons?
Yes, subject to teacher and studio availability. For more information, please email ccgsdanceacademy@ccgs.nsw.edu.au
Are there school holiday workshops available?
Yes, there will be holiday workshops available, as well as opportunities for one-off workshops with guest teachers and choreographers.
What if my child has other co-curricular commitments?
We understand that students may have other co-curricular commitments. The timetable has been developed with consideration of this and to accommodate as many students as possible.
How do I enrol my child?
The first step is to complete the Expression of Interest form.
Is the CCGS Dance Academy open to the public?
Currently, the Academy is only open to CCGS students.
Dance Academy Instructors
Kerrie Smith
Maddi Xuereb
Tahlia Watton
Kirsten Auditor Aria Elkington
Tallulah Richmond
Julia Barry
Sean Byrnes
Kerrie Smith
RAD Ballet
Kerrie Smith brings a wealth of experience in ballet, contemporary, and jazz, with an extensive background studying under renowned instructors Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie at the prestigious Alegria Dance Studios. She specialised in Classical Ballet, Spanish (Flamenco and Escuela Bolero), National Character, and the Cecchetti method there.
Kerrie achieved her Advanced two ballet examination with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), earning the coveted ARAD qualification (Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance). She also holds Honours in Advanced 2-level exams with the Spanish Dance Society, a Distinction in the RAD Teaching Certificate, and a Diploma in Dance Education (Higher Education) from the University of Surrey and the RAD.
Her career includes managing the Alegria Bondi Junction branch and founding her studio, Classique Dance. Kerrie has taught at NAISDA Dance College and Options Theatre Company, delivering nationally accredited qualifications. In 2015, she was accepted into an elite group of only 200 Royal Academy of Dance examiners worldwide, travelling internationally to assess aspiring ballet students.
Kerrie is also a mentor for RAD’s Professional Dancers Postgraduate Teaching Certificate and the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies. Her students have consistently excelled in prestigious competitions, including the Sydney Eisteddfod, and many have achieved successful national and international dance careers.
Holding a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Kerrie’s strength is in inspiring her students to develop a deep love for dance, with a strong emphasis on cultivating intrinsic motivation. Her commitment to guiding young talent has made a lasting impression, enabling her students to achieve notable success in the dance industry.
Maddi Xuereb holds a Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance) and a Diploma of Musical Theatre, graduating with honours from Brent Street Studios in Sydney. She has trained with some of Australia’s top choreographers, including Cassie Bartho, Sophie Holloway, Paris Cavanagh, and Stephen Tannos.
Her professional experience includes TV campaigns for major brands such as McDonald’s, Bonds, Mount Franklin and Rebel Sport.
Maddi has also performed in ‘The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience’ at Sydney’s Sea Life Aquarium and danced on ‘The Voice’ and ‘The Premier’s Gala Concert’ with artists like Casey Donovan and Marina Prior. In 2023, she worked as a backup singer for Guy Sebastian on Channel 7.
Maddi debuted her choreography in ‘The Wedding Singer’ (2020) and later choreographed Gosford Musical Society’s ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’. She has been teaching since age 14, instructing all age groups in singing and dancing. Recently, Maddi completed her first theatrical contract, performing 110 shows at the Sydney Opera House in ‘Gatsby at the Green Light’. She is currently pursuing a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management.
Maddi Xuereb
Theatre and Jazz
Tahlia Watton, a proud Gomeroi woman, is a street dancer, choreographer, and teacher based on the Central Coast. She completed her Certificate IV in Performing Arts at Juliette Verne’s Urban Dance Centre and joined the Urban Dance Project crew. During this time, Tahlia featured in Hermitude’s award-winning clip ‘Speak of the Devil’, performed at TAFE’s 100-year showcase, and starred in Juliette Verne’s video ‘Heartbeat Love’.
In 2019, Tahlia performed with the local dance crew PBS on the Chinese TV show ‘Dance In Step’, which toured China and took on various performance challenges. From 2019-2023, she danced, choreographed, and managed the mega-crew ‘Wolfpack’, touring the USA and appearing on TV, including a ‘Golden Buzzer’ performance on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ in 2022.
Recently, Tahlia has been working with First Nations rapper Barkaa and choreographing for NAISDA and Lee Academy’s full-time artists. She looks forward to inspiring CCGS students by sharing her passion for street dance.
Tahlia
Watton
Hip Hop
Kirsten Auditor began her dance training at six with Kim Walton, where she developed a solid foundation in classical ballet. Her passion for dance continued to flourish as she trained at Classique Dance under the tutelage of Kerrie Smith. Over the next twelve years, Kirsten refined her skills across various styles, always focusing on classical technique.
At eighteen, Kirsten began full-time training at Ev and Bow, studying under esteemed teachers Sarah Boulter and Lisa Bowmer. Here, she deepened her artistry, expanding her repertoire and immersing herself in a curriculum that blended classical ballet with contemporary influences. Kirsten’s training is deeply rooted in classical ballet, and her movement style is defined by the expressive, grounded qualities inherent in traditional, contemporary dance.
Kirsten began her teaching journey in 2016, educating students across Sydney and the Central Coast. Her teaching prioritises technical precision and artistic expression, encouraging students to find their unique voice through dance.
Kirsten Auditor
Contemporary
Sean Byrnes has trained in various dance genres since age six, studying both on the Central Coast and in the US. He performed in 80 international shows as part of the ‘Michael Jackson Legacy’ tribute tour, choreographed by MJ’s long-time choreographer and featuring original musicians.
Sean’s credits include performing with Jimmy Barnes at the ICC Sydney and choreographing TV commercials for Foxtel. He has also choreographed residencies at Sydney’s Oxford Hotel and performed in a dance film for the NASA Space Program.
Sean is the Urban Unit Manager and commercial dance trainer at NAISDA, Australia’s premier Indigenous training college. He also serves as rehearsal director and co-choreographer for NAISDA’s performance seasons, including the 2023 remount of ‘ATI’ at Carriageworks. Sean’s passion for dance education shines through in his work with students, many of whom have joined Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Sean Byrnes
Jazz, Hip Hop and Boys Dance
Aria Elkington
Jazz and Acro Dance
Aria Elkington began performing at three and has trained extensively in the Performing Arts for over 15 years. She graduated from Dargie Fulltime with a Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) in 2018. After graduation, Aria worked at Disneyland Paris, where she spent a year performing as a Face Character and Parade Performer.
Aria has a wealth of teaching experience in various dance styles, working with students of all ages. She thoroughly enjoyed her first year teaching at CCGS and is excited to introduce CCGS Dance Academy in 2025.
Tallulah has been immersed in dance from the age of two, training extensively in a wide range of styles. She successfully completed all RAD exams with distinction and was a member of several hip-hop crews at Milk Dance Studios, competing and placing at major conventions and competitions. Her talent was recognised with two CALLBACK nominations for HSC Dance with CCGS.
After graduating, Tallulah pursued fulltime training, earning her Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance and Elite Performance from Brent Street in Sydney. During this time, she honed her choreographic and performance skills under the guidance of top industry professionals.
Her professional experience includes being a finalist in the Australian Dance Festival’s Next Choreographer competition, performing in a routine by Dylan Bull. She was a featured dancer on The Voice Australia, performing behind auditionees in the Grand Final, performed at the CLIA Gala Event, with choreography by Paris Cav, danced in the 2023 NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Entertainment with TINA the Musical for JLD Entertainment, and performed for Joan Halliday’s 100th Birthday Celebration.
Tallulah Richmond
All rounder
Tallulah began her teaching career at the age of 13 with Studio M School of Dance. Over the years, she has taught at various studios and provided private, specialised tuition to students ranging from 18 months to 18 years old. Her teaching covers a broad spectrum of dance forms, including RAD Ballet, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, jazz, commercial dance, hip hop, acro, adagio, and strength-building technique classes.
As an all-round dancer with expertise across multiple styles, Tallulah is passionate about sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Julia is a graduate of The Royal Ballet School Teachers’ Training Course Diploma in Ballet Teaching, with a diverse career spanning professional dance, running a large dance school and youth performance company, and teaching and choreography. Many of her former students have progressed to elite dance schools and degree programmes, including The Royal Ballet School, Australian Ballet School, and WAAPA. Others have gone on to careers with prestigious companies like the Australian Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Julia has also mentored students into successful teaching careers, continuing to support their professional development.
Passionate about enhancing learning experiences and promoting dancer wellness, Julia fosters a positive, supportive environment, encouraging students to maintain a growth mindset, embrace challenges, and build resilience.
An Examiner and Life Registered Teacher for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Julia holds the RAD Advanced Teaching Diploma and serves as a Tutor for RAD education programmes. In 2023, she became an Affiliate Teacher for The Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP), successfully implementing its training system. Julia also holds teaching qualifications in Pilates Matwork, Benesh Movement Notation, and various dance syllabi, including ISTD and Cecchetti.
Julia holds two master’s degrees, including an MPhil focusing on adolescent dancer wellness, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. She has contributed to the RAD Dance Gazette and presented at
Julia Barry RAD
Ballet
RAD Conferences and the University of Melbourne’s Creative Health Conference, covering topics like integrating wellness into dance timetables and enhancing teaching communication.
Currently, Julia freelances at various dance schools, teaching students from junior to pre-professional levels across disciplines such as classical ballet, repertoire, improvisation, character dance, and Pilates. She offers personalised coaching for students and professional development for teachers. Julia is also collaborating with health professionals to develop the Dancer Wellness Windows programme, integrating wellness activities into dance classes.
Student Testimonial
I am a proud alumna of CCGS, Class of 2018. I was fortunate to be one of Larissa Koch’s first students when dance was introduced to CCGS in 2015. I vividly remember starting our Year 9 dance classes in the PAC, dancing on carpet floors without mirrors and with limited space—but none of that mattered. We were just thrilled to be able to dance during school hours!
Dance has been a huge passion of mine since childhood, but Larissa played a pivotal role in transforming that passion into my chosen career path. I participated in curricular and co-curricular dance programs, which saw immediate success, from CALLBACK nominations to first-place wins in eisteddfods. Thanks to Larissa’s mentorship, I excelled in HSC Dance, receiving three CALLBACK nominations and being selected to perform both my Major Performance and Core Composition pieces.
Following my time at CCGS, I studied at Ed5 International and earned an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts, graduating in 2020. In 2021, as the dance industry began to recover from COVID-19, Larissa invited me to teach co-curricular dance at the Junior School. I was amazed by how much the dance program had grown and how stunning the new dance studio was.
Later that year, I secured my first professional dance contract at Alexander Kunz Theatre in Germany, and from there, my career has continued to flourish. I’ve had the privilege of performing with Palazzo Germany, Nicko Cruises Entertainment, Europa-Park Entertainment, and La Nouvelle Eve in Paris, and I’m now settled in Switzerland.
I’m absolutely thrilled that CCGS is launching its Dance Academy, and I’m so impressed by how the dance program has evolved over the past decade. I have no doubt this new chapter will be a huge success—it’s going to be amazing!
Stephanie Macdougall