Miss Peta Cotter started The Dance Company in both Little River and Lara 29 years ago whilst still dancing herself. Classes started out small in both locations but soon grew with students soaking up Peta’s enthusiasm and passion for dance. With Peta holding Commonwealth Society of Dance diplomas in Theatrical Dance, Jazz Ballet, Tap Dancing, and Classical Ballet and with over 40 years of dance experience. Peta continues to pass on her knowledge of dance to her students. The Dance Company takes pride in offering enjoyable lessons whilst still maintaining a high standard of learning.
Year after year we see The Dance Company family grow and more and more lifelong friendships develop. This is the basis of The Dance Company’s strength and something that we should all take notice of and realise just how lucky we are to have dance in our lives.
At The Dance Company, we believe students should enjoy learning to dance beyond just moving to the music. While there are many different exercises that must be practiced first, these are varied so that each week the class will be a little different. A child who is stimulated will learn more readily and perform better. The Dance Company wants your child to leave class with a sense of achievement and come back next week ready to achieve more
The Dance Company wants your children to understand what they are doing and why and how their body is working to achieve this. From day one they will learn that every step and position has a name and these can be joined together in many different ways.
The intrinsic values offered by dance have been well researched and documented and form an important positive contribution to a young life, imparting such life skills as personal responsibility, self-knowledge, teamwork, self-discipline, confidence, creativity, the ability to problem-solve with a flexible approach to learning and life.
PHILOSOPHY
Whether in class, in the examination room, or on the stage, The Dance Company believes in the importance of encouraging your children to perform to the best of their ability. Assessment is based on their own personal achievement. Every student is an individual and what may be easy for one may be a milestone for another. The teachers at The Dance Company recognise this and give praise where it is due and extra guidance where it is needed.
The Dance Company believes that when a student learns to dance they must also express something of themselves. The Dance Company aims to develop the personality and confidence of your dancer and teach them how to express themselves through music and dance.
- Fun & Engaging – Our classes and activities are underpinned by this value. For students to derive the most benefit and learn they must enjoy what they are doing!
- Inclusive – We genuinely believe that dance is for everyone. We will work in partnership with parents and students to ensure that class placement is appropriate and we deliver content in a way that meets the needs of learners.
- Community – We will always look for ways to engage our students and families in local activities that promote dance and our students. The Dance Company is itself a community and place which nurtures strong relationships and connections amongst our student and family base.
- Excellence – Staff are committed to ongoing training and development. Our professional associations with COMDANCE ensure that we remain up to date with best practice. We will never stop learning!
Teachers
Miss Peta Cotter – Owner / Principal
Peta teaches and oversees all classes from the beginners through to the advanced seniors in all aspects of dance, including all facets of CSTD examination work and training for competitions. Peta also designs all costuming requirements for the school. Peta danced herself for 26 years, participating in many festivals, floorshows, opening ceremonies and stage performances. After many years of teaching for other dance schools, Peta opened "The Dance Company" in 1995.
Peta holds Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing diplomas in Theatrical Dance, Jazz Ballet, Tap Dancing and Classical Ballet.
Miss Alyce Barrett
Alyce assists in the teaching of students throughout the school. Alyce has danced herself for the past 26 years. Alyce also holds a Bachelor of Education P-12 and is registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
Miss Jazlyn Burgoyne
Jazlyn assists with the teaching of the students throughout the school. Jazlyn has danced herself for the past 18 years in all genres of dance.
Guest Teachers
Miss Julie Firth
Julie started dancing at the age of 4 focusing on classical ballet but also learning jazz, theatrical and tap. She danced for 20 years performing in eisteddfods, competitions and stage shows, as well as teaching and choreographing within her dance school. After obtaining her teaching qualifications through CSTD diplomas in classical ballet and obtaining her jazz award, Julie taught as a guest teacher for other schools. Since having her own children, Julie has taught adult dance/keep fit classes at a local community center as part of adult education.
Miss Amanda Gerring
Amanda assists in the teaching of the Beginner, Sub Junior, Junior, Intermediate and Senior students within the school. Amanda has danced herself for the past 18 years during this time she has won several first places for her tap dancing skills amongst many other places for Modern Jazz Routines as well as participating in many festivals, floorshows, opening ceremonies and stage performances
Amanda holds her Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing Jazz Award and during 2007 Amanda received an Honours pass for her Gold Star Tap Examination, which is the highest classroom Tap examination that a student can undertake.
Miss Melissa Payne
Melissa assists in the teaching of students throughout the school. Melissa specialises in introducing Hip Hop and Funk into the Junior School. Melissa has danced herself for the past 20 years participating in many festivals, floorshows, opening ceremonies and stage performances. Melissa holds her Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing Jazz Award and Theatrical Grade 1 certificate.
Administration
Mrs. Lyn Cotter
Lyn handles the weekly attendance roster and class fees. She is also your go-to person weekly at class.
All teachers and administration staff have current Working with Children Checks.
