Studio Spotlight - Directions Dance Academy

Interview with Principals Effie Saloniklis
and Leigh Hodgkiss

Tell us about Directions Dance Academy
At Directions Dance Academy we offer Classical ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary and Tap dance to all students from 3 years of age to adults. Utilising the Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing syllabus, and free style techniques, students develop fundamental dance skills and abilities including self awareness, commitment and respect for others.

Teachers at Directions Dance Academy have had over 20 years of experience, having choreographed and instructed for numerous events and projects in the local dance network and wider community. Holding national and international dance and educational qualifications, the staff of the Academy prides themselves on delivering exceptional work, winning over the confidence of their students and providing them with the determination to succeed. This is not only exhibited in showcasing exceptional end of year dance productions and external community performances but is always demonstrated throughout every class; an exhilarating experience!!

How is Directions Dance Academy unique?
At Directions Dance Academy our staff expertise caters for all students abilities, specialising in child psychology and sociology right through to understanding dance movement and technique development. An all rounded approach to learning, creating pathways for the future.

What do your students take away from each lesson?
Students at the Academy gain a comprehensive understanding of dance styles. In that they take away with them the love to dance, the passion to succeed and the determination to keep wanting to achieve. At Directions Dance Academy students are provided with an environment to self express, giving them a moment way from the rest of the world to enjoy their creative outlet.

How do you develop your students’ training and
education out of the studio?
We pride ourselves with networking in the

Directions Dance Academy
 
 

Directions Dance Academy students at their 2007 Annual Performance

community as a critical element of dance performance
development. Yearly we become involved in various opportunities dependent on community need. Students have been exposed to both unfamiliar settings and open outdoor venues. Collaborating with co professionals and other artistic art forms has provided students with a bigger picture view of the dance world.

Annually we are also involved in an end of year performance. Students learn the craft of group and solo performance, adhering to technical, visual and audio requirements of a theatre performance. As part of this process students also get a chance to “dress up” in beautiful costumes, and are transformed into stage characters: the highlight of every year.

At Directions Dance Academy we also hold dancers' exams at all levels for students wanting to progress through this process. Learning the Imperial Society Teachers of  Dancing (ISTD) dance method students can acquire examination status from primary level to advanced 2.

Where can dancers/parents find you?

Studio address:
Corner of Carlisle St & Carlton St
Camden Park SA 5038

Effie Saloniklis
0411 120 788
effies@directionsdanceacademy.com.au

Leigh Hodgkiss
0401 071 106
leighh@directionsdanceacademy.com.au

www.directionsdanceacademy.com.au


Dance Informa is produced by dsearle
© dsearle 2008