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Meet our Teachers
Jodie SpicerPrincipal and Academy DirectorADA Advanced Diploma Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap, ADA Director, ADA Probationary Examiner, Head of Ada's Little Gems Preschool Program, ADA Contemporary, ADA AcroDance, RAD, ARAD Solo Seal, St John Ambulance Senior First Aid, WWCC Ballet - Pointe - Tap - National Character - Broadway Theatre - Ada's Little Gems - Kinder Dance - Adult Ballet - Adult Pointe - Adult National Character - Teacher Levels - Solo Choreography
Academy Principal Jodie Spicer, a qualified dance teacher of almost 40 years and a mother of 3, understands the importance of introducing children to a variety of artistic, creative and physical experiences. Jodie believes children are the most precious and important individuals in our lives, which is why she strives to ensure every student enrolled at the Academy receives the very best dance training. Jodie commenced dancing as a young child at 5 years old, attending Ballet classes at Rogerson Ballet Academy, shortly followed by Tap and Modern/Jazz with Robyn McCarthy and National Character with Rita Dubrovsky. Annual exams and concerts were a highlight, but as she also thrived on performing for audiences, she began to participate in eisteddfods and public performances throughout NSW at 9 years of age. After completing Advanced and Solo Seal in RAD Classical Ballet under the tutelage of Tania Pearson and John Byrne, and Teacher Exams for Tap and Modern/Jazz in ADA (formerly FATD), Jodie accepted a scholarship to attend the VCA (Victorian College of Arts) School of Dance and undertook a Bachelor of Dance where she studied with Jan Stripling and Anne Woolliams. Jodie continues to update her studies and qualifications, attending dance Workshops and Seminars and has recently added Ada's Little Gems, AcroDance and Contemporary with ADA to her Teaching Qualifications. Jodie was extremely honoured to be invited to become a Director of the ADA Australasian Dance Association in 2018, plus most recently accepted as an ADA Probationary Examiner, and is excited to assist the ADA to further success in the future. Her love for choreography and passion for dance has allowed Jodie to choreograph solo and group routines for concerts, eisteddfods and public performances for students of all levels from beginners to pre-professionals. | |
Katrina VellaADA Advanced Diploma Jazz and Tap, ADA Pre-Elementary Diploma Ballet, Ada's Little Gems, WWCCAcroDance - Tap - Jazz - Hip Hop - Cheer - Performance Group
Katrina is passionate about dance and committed to bringing out the best qualities in all her students. Fully qualified Advanced Diploma ADA Australasian Dance Association qualifications, exceptional teaching skills, high energy, friendly manner and over 10 years experience in a variety of dance styles with students of all ages. |  |
Chloe SpicerADA Pre-Elementary Diploma Jazz, Tap and Ballet, ADA AcroDance, ADA Contemporary, Ada's Little Gems, WWCCTap - Jazz - Musical Theatre - Ada's Little Gems - Performance Group - Solo Choreography
Chloe has been dancing since she was 2 years old, commencing in Dance Magic Academy's Tiny Tots classes. Having recently completed her ADA Australasian Dance Association Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap Examinations from PrePrimary through to Bar to Gold Star, 11 Grades, Chloe is now undertaking further Teaching qualifications and her Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts at ED5 International. She has a passion for Preschoolers, Tap Dance and Broadway Musical Theatre in particular, and loves passing on her knowledge and experience to her students. |  |
Carlie ShawRAD Classical Ballet, Glen Wood Tap, Pre-Professional Contemporary, WWCCContemporary - Stretch & Strengthen - Dance Conditioning
Carlie has been dancing since the age of 6, training in Classical Ballet RAD, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary at Dancetime School of Dance, and is continuing her training with Austinmer Dance Theatre. Carlie's first love is Contemporary as she creates new movement and explores different ways dance can be used as an artistic device. Currently studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Carlie intends to expand her knowledge and skills in strength and conditioning for dancers of all levels and age groups. |  |
Gabrielle SpicerADA Pre-Elementary Diploma Jazz, Tap and Ballet, ADA AcroDance, ADA Contemporary, Ada's Little Gems, WWCCBallet - Tap - Jazz - National Character - Ada's Little Gems - Contemporary - Performance Group
Gabrielle was rather a reluctant dancer at 2 years of age going to class each week, but never actually joining in. But, once she saw the Pink Fairy costume aged 3, she never looked back and hence began her lifelong obsession with dance. Gabrielle has been an exemplary student at Dance Magic Academy, leading the way for other young students to take on multiple Syllabus Grade Exams, attaining a high standard across all genres. Recently completing her ADA Australasian Dance Association examinations from PrePrimary through to Bar to Gold Star in Classical Ballet, Pointe, Tap and Jazz, Gabrielle intends to continue with additional teaching qualifications. As a versatile dancer, Gabrielle looks forward to encouraging her students to embrace all styles of dance and performance. |  |
Mikaela ConlonADA Pre-Elementary Diploma Tap, Jazz and Ballet, ADA AcroDance, ADA Contemporary, WWCCSolo Choreography
Mikaela joined Dance Magic Academy in 2007, and has not only been an integral member of our student body, she has also been a wonderful role model to younger dancers as a Student Teacher for several years. Mikaela completed her ADA Australasian Dance Association dance exams with Bar to Gold Star Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap in 2021. Continuing her training, Mikaela has recently completed Pre-Elementary Diplomas in ADA Tap and ADA Jazz, plus Level 1 AcroDance and Level 1 Contemporary qualifications. | |
What Our Customers Say
| "I really enjoy my Tap classes, they are the highlight of my week (and a welcome break from my 1 year old at home). Thank you for your patience and for making classes so much fun.I never in a million years thought that I would learn how to Tap dance as an adult! You have an amazing dance school that has a welcoming and positive atmosphere". | "I'm so glad I found DMA for my daughter. You have built a wonderful studio with fabulous teachers and a beautiful, loving atmosphere. I could not have asked for a better place for my girls to dance. You also made me fall in love with dance again, and I did not think that was possible!" |
| "I highly recommend DMA for Adult Lessons. I was so nervous when I first started dancing but I have now done 4 years with them and loved every lesson! A great way to build confidence, strength, flexibility and make great friendships along the way give it a go!" | "I was looking for a local dance school for my daughter and wanting to go back to dancing myself (after 14 years). I came across the Dance Magic Academy website. After emailing the Principal, Jodie Spicer, I was impressed with how quickly she responded to my query. I spoke with Jodie over the phone and whilst my daughter was going through a bout of separation anxiety, Jodie quickly put me at ease. We both started classes and have not looked back. The friendliness of the other students & parents and the friendliness, professionalism & competency of staff is second to none. All music, dances and costumes are age appropriate. Cost of classes are manageable with my budget and they cater for everyone from tiny tots, right through to adults of all abilities. Most importantly, my daughter and I have fun and can't wait to go to class every week. I recommend, anyone wanting to start little ones or even wanting to start dancing themselves, to check out Dance Magic Academy." |
| "I chose Dance Magic Academy because of the 'real' adult dance classes which turned my dream of learning ballet into reality. I will continue to attend classes because of the friendly staff and the quality teachers and classes." | "For the last three years, our girls have been developing their dancing skills in a supportive and caring environment. They have blossomed in confidence. What's more, costumes and make-up for the yearly Dance Concert is age appropriate and maintains modesty. We are grateful for this." |
| "Thank you for running a dance school where the kids are looked after so well, with costumes that are very tasteful and age appropriate and routines that are also tasteful and age appropriate. Kaitlyn had an absolute ball backstage and on stage! She was on such a high for a long time post concert. From the audience, it was just wonderful!" | "My daughter who is 10 has been dancing with DMA since 2.5 years of age, even after having a 2 year break because she thought she wanted to try something different, we were welcomed back just like family!" |
| "After watching my daughter in the tiny tots class for over 12 months and seeing the awesome nature of the teaching endeavours and the positive difference dancing makes to my child with special needs, I too decided last year to join as an adult beginner ballet dancer. The encouragement and support provided by the close-knit dance community within DMA as well as the wonderful teaching staff have kept me motivated to continue dance training. The beautiful, elegant and age appropriate concert costumes have raised my confidence and just seeing the planning and logistics undertaken by Jodie Spicer and the rest of the DMA team show even us 'average joe' dancers that they're valued far beyond the sparkles of the stage!" | "Where every child shines is where i want my daughter to dance. Look no further than Dance Magic Academy in Ambarvale to cater to your child's dreams and hopes. The director of our academy took my only child and turned her into a very confident girl in all areas of dance and life. All the teachers take great care in the music choices for my daughter and when costumes come around they are modest and age appropriate for each child. Dance Magic will give your child the chance to run, jump, leap or twirl into a future that is only matched by the true dedication of the teaching staff who guide your special, talented and very important child through life." |
| "Dance Magic Academy is one of the best studios. They are very family accommodating and friendly. They go above and beyond to teach their students and get them involved in all areas of dance. Classes are a good affordable price."
| "Caring, supporting teachers who know the importance of teaching good technique. A great balance of great fun and high expectations."
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| "I was searching for adult dance classes everywhere and then finally stumbled upon Dance Magic Academy and I'm so glad I did. The teachers are amazing, great range of classes and very affordable. Everyone is super friendly and everyone wants you to succeed and have fun." | "Wonderful studio with supportive teachers and great atmosphere. The adult classes are fantastic and provide a great space to learn and push your technique to what you want to achieve. I'm so glad I stumbled across this studio and have never looked back since!"
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| "Last year was my daughter's first at Dance Magic Academy, and the teachers are amazing. I would highly recommend Dance Magic to anyone." | "Dance Magic Academy has been my children's dance 'home' since 2007. Family-friendly, fun and affordable with age appropriate routines and costumes. The teaching standard is excellent and the teachers are professional and really care about the kids." |
Dance Magic Academy - Creating Magic Through Dance!
Other Information
Venue65 Woodhouse Drive Ambarvale - Church of Christ Building
Access the Dance Studios via the rear of the building through the back gate. Facilities include; timber sprung floors, fixed and portable barres, mirrors, air conditioning, full stereo sound systems, toilets, waiting area for parents, enclosed outdoor play area and glass viewing partitions into 2 Dance Studios. | ParkingPlenty of off-street parking is available at the studio. Please take note of the 10km speed limit as young children are constantly accessing the premises. |
ParentsParents may use the waiting area view classes through the glass partition into both Studio 1 and Studio 2. Parents and carers may accompany their little dancer into the studio for Level 1 Ada's Little Gems classes to help them settle into our program. Seating is provided in the waiting area and an enclosed outdoor play area is available for siblings (under parental supervision). | CommunicationThe BEST way to keep up to date with all the latest information, photos, videos and to communicate with teachers, parents and other students is by following us. Find Us On: (Members Only Facebook Group) If you are not already a member, please send a request to join. |
Concert, Performances & Competitions An annual concert will take place at the end of each year. The students really love learning routines and performing together, allowing them to display their talents and personalities in a variety of dance styles. These performances give parents, relatives and friends the opportunity to see what the students have achieved throughout the year. Please Note: It is not compulsory for students to participate in the concert but it is such an exciting culmination of all their hard work and success. DMA Students are given many wonderful performance opportunities throughout the year including Community Events, Competitions and School Fetes. | CostumesA very big part of the concert experience are the stunning costumes that all performers get to wear. At DMA we source high-quality best value garments to help keep costume fees as low as possible. Some costumes will remain the property of Dance Magic Academy and be hired to students, however most costumes will remain your own to keep. To assist with the cost of concert costumes, Dance Magic Academy has implemented an easy payment plan included on Term Invoices. Students in each class will learn a routine (exception Stretch & Strengthen, Dance Conditioning) some classes may learn 2 routines for the concert. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for Missed Classes? | All classes must be paid for whether attended or not. Classes missed due to illness, holidays or any other personal reason are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
Can I swap classes? | Students may choose to change or swap classes after enrolment if a position is available in an alternative class. If during the term your child or you decide to not continue dancing, we recommend you continue attending until the end of term and then make the desired changes. Please see our Admin Staff or email your request to change or cancel a class to info@dancemagicacademy.com.au |
Do you have classes for Adult Beginners? | Yes! There are several Adult dance classes to choose from. Adult Level 1 Classes are suitable for beginner students through to students who danced when they were younger but are a bit rusty. All exercises are demonstrated at a pace that is easy to pick up, while allowing students to develop basic technique and build muscle strength. Level 2 and Level 3 classes are for the more experienced dancers looking for that extra challenge. A general guide to our different levels: Level 1 is suitable for absolute beginner students or students who have not danced for many years. Level 2 is suitable for dancers with some recent prior experience and wish to be challenged with the next stage in their technique. Level 3 is suitable for experienced dancers who have attended classes regularly or trained at a high level. These classes increase the degree of difficulty and variety of steps.
Choose from Adult Ballet, Adult Pointe, Adult Tap, Adult Jazz, Adult Broadway Theatre Dance, Adult National Character, Adult Hip Hop plus Adult Dance Conditoning! For some adults going to the Gym to exercise is about as exciting as reading a Dictionary, so joining a Dance Class is the perfect solution. Adult Beginners may not have brilliant technique or perfect bodies, but they have the heart to try something they love and discover many others just like themselves having fun in class. |
What are the benefits of participating in Exams? | In addition to the personal encouragement that is provided to students, it is very important that milestones in their dancing studies be recognised formally by participating in Examinations. This gives the student a sense of achievement and motivates an attitude of working towards a goal. Examinations at Dance Magic Academy are conducted independently by an appointed Examiner qualified by examination from the Australasian Dance Association Ltd. The ADA (formerly FATD) is the largest and longest established dance teachers association in the country. All candidates receive a written report and upon successful completion, a Certificate and Badge or Ribbon. A dance syllabus ensures the student is taught the fundamental principles of their chosen dance style. It gives them the 'building blocks' of technique which are essential to students studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz, National Character, AcroDance and Contemporary. It gives the student core stability and enables them to progress to an advanced standard. A Syllabus allows teachers and students to work towards a common goal at a steady pace as students have the chance to consolidate their training and increase their proficiency. When students participate only in 'Open' or classes without set exercises, they tend to be preoccupied with remembering steps and keeping in time with the music, whereas with a familiar syllabus, they can focus on their technique and artistry. |
Why do I have to contribute to a Costume Fund? | A very big part of the concert experience are the stunning costumes that all performers get to wear. These costumes are ordered in June each year, so the Costume Fund Contributions become the deposit towards the final costume costs. With regular contributions per term to the Costume Fund, a student will have paid for their costumes (often under budget) in time for our end-of-year Concert, relieving some of the out of pocket expenses so close to Christmas. |
Is it compulsory to be in the Concert? | No. It is not compulsory for students to participate in the concert but it is such an exciting culmination for all their hard work and success. The students really love learning routines and performing together, allowing them to display their talents and personalities in a variety of dance styles. These performances give parents, relatives and friends the opportunity to see what the students have achieved throughout the year. However, some students feel they are not up to treading the boards and entering the spotlight. These students gain just as much benefit and enjoyment from learning the concert routines as the students expecting to perform on stage. Most classes will spend Term 4 learning a routine and it is always great to see how technique and combinations learnt throughout the year, are woven together with new music and patterns to create a fabulous new piece of choreography. |
Why can't I Photograph or Video my child during Dance Class or Performances? | Due to Child Protection and Privacy Laws it is illegal to film or photograph children under the age of 18 years without prior written consent of a legal guardian. What this basically means is that video filming or photography of students is not allowed. You may take a still photograph of your own child only, unless you have received permission from another parent to photograph their child. Personal video filming of classes or performances at Dance Magic Academy is not allowed at any time due to Child Protection, Privacy and Copyright Laws and offenders will be held accountable for their actions. These rules are in place for the protection of all the students at the Academy. Please adhere to these rules for the safety of our most precious assets, our children! |
Do students have to wear Uniforms? | Yes. It is important to look well groomed, neatly presented and take pride in your appearance as a dancer, no matter what style of dance you study. Dance attire is specially designed to fit the dancer’s body so their movements can be clearly seen by the teacher. Loose and ill fitting street wear is not suitable for most classes as it can hide incorrect technique and impede movement. The same applies for wearing the correct dance shoes. Every style of dance has a specific style of shoe designed especially to give the correct amount of slip, grip, bounce, support and even sound. A Dancer's shoes really are their tools of the trade. You wouldn't expect to play tennis without a tennis racquet, so you shouldn't expect to learn to dance without dance shoes. |
Do you have Casual Fees? | Yes for Adults Only. We understand that Adult students have busy lives and need to find a happy solution to the juggling act of work, family, social lives and some very important 'Me' time. There are a few limited Casual Positions in the Adult Classes available, that allow students to pay only as they attend class. Casual attendance also enables students to try a variety of the different Adult classes before finding the perfect one for them. Students are able to purchase a discounted Adult Casual 10 Class Pass, valid during the calendar year the student has enrolled for. The Casual Class Pass is an affordable option and can be used for any of the Adult classes on offer at DMA. Simply present the Casual Class Pass at the Administration Desk before class and/or to the Class Teacher to be marked off, then head into the studio and DANCE! |