By Craig Hingston
The OneMaker Academy for Performing Arts based at Dural has appointed a new Head of Dancing for 2022 and she has an impressive CV.
Claire Leeds has been a part of the OMA team since 2016 and began her interest in dance at the tender age of two. During her high school years she trained in dance, gymnastics and ballet.
She won a dance scholarship to the McDonald College where she studied dance and music, and from there completed a Bachelor of Music (in Musical Theatre Performance) at the Australian Institute of Music. It was there that Claire further developed her skills in dance, drama and voice. The next step involved studying at the Hillsong International Leadership College at Norwest.
“I have a huge passion for creative and performing arts”, said Claire.
“At OneMaker Academy we teach dance in a safe and appropriate environment. The community of teachers and children here is unmatched.”
OMA provides more than 50 classes each week for children as young as Prep and Kindergarten age, and there are almost 1,000 students who frequent the modern facility.
Many come from Pacific Hills Christian School, where the academy is situated, along with children from across the community.
The youngest dancers – Tiny Tots and Tots – are taught the basics of ballet, jazz and tap. From Year 1 onwards they can learn every style: ballet, jazz, tap, technique, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary and conditioning. Our school Troupes are very popular and give students the opportunity to gain experience competing in eisteddfods.
For students who want something more competitive there are our Company audition-based troupes and Small groups.
“Our Stars, Platinum and Elite troupes have been to Nationals on numerous occasions, going all the way to the Grand Final. Our dancers have achieved a lot including winning Dance of Champions at the Sydney Eisteddfod.”
Claire said OneMaker Academy is a fun place for children of all ages and the dancers make a lot of new friends.
For more information go to www.onemakeracademy.com.au
