Category Archives: Uncategorized

In Pursuit of Excellence

I was recently listening to an interview with serial entrepreneur Emma Grede, co-founder of SKIMS and Good American, who said, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” That simple line resonated deeply with me. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in work, in life, or in relationships — if you strive for excellence in allContinue reading “In Pursuit of Excellence”

Planning a concert? Remember who it’s for…

I’ve always felt that planning a dance concert is much like planning a wedding. The organisation, the rehearsals, the schedules, the outfits—it all has that same mix of stress, excitement, and anticipation. When I planned my own wedding, it felt exactly like preparing for a concert… just with fewer costume changes and an older cast!Continue reading “Planning a concert? Remember who it’s for…”

Beyond the Studio Walls

When I look back on my dance journey, I can see clearly that it wasn’t a straight line — in fact, it was very zig-zagged. It was full of detours, stop-starts and moments where I had to figure things out. I was lucky to have people encourage me along the way, but what I didn’tContinue reading “Beyond the Studio Walls”

The True Value of Dance Exams

Like most dance teachers in Australia, I’m currently deep in preparations with my students for their upcoming exams. There are extra lessons, pages of notes, and a whole lot of hard work happening, and it’s easy to think that the mark they receive decides whether the experience has been worth it or not. But theContinue reading “The True Value of Dance Exams”

It’s Only an Opinion

Competitions play an important role in a young dancer’s training, and the results often feel like a big deal, especially when they’re competing regularly. The competition scene has changed significantly in recent years, with new events regularly emerging. As a result, there are more adjudicators, each with their own opinions, leading to increasingly diverse resultsContinue reading “It’s Only an Opinion”

Where have all the teachers gone?

Owning a dance studio means I’m always on the lookout for teachers — and almost weekly, other studio owners ask if I know anyone. Not just someone to run a class, but someone passionate about passing on what they’ve learnt. Those teachers are becoming harder to find. What’s most surprising is that this is happeningContinue reading “Where have all the teachers gone?”

Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

In the dance world, there’s a growing perception that bigger means better. Bigger studios, more students, flashier social media accounts — it can all look very impressive from the outside. But after decades in this industry, I’ve learned that what looks good on the surface doesn’t always reflect the quality that truly matters. I runContinue reading “Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better”

The Start of Something Special

On Friday morning, ten dance teachers and studio owners came together to share food, stories, ideas—and most importantly—connection. In the lead-up to our first event for the Gold Coast Dance Alliance, I had moments of doubt. Was this a good idea? Would people come? I wasn’t sure how it would go, but by the endContinue reading “The Start of Something Special”

Correction or Compliment?

While scrolling through Instagram the other night, I found myself in awe watching one of the greatest dancers in history—Sylvie Guillem—coaching two Principal dancers of The Australian Ballet through the Don Quixote Pas de Deux. I’ve admired Sylvie for as long as I’ve known what a professional dancer was: her artistry, her technique, and herContinue reading “Correction or Compliment?”