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DANCE ARENA STUDENT WORKSHOPS

Promoting a common love of dance, Come Together Dance Convention brings the best choreographers and dancers to students from Primary and Secondary Schools during our Dance Arena workshop programme.  

Students will experience a variety of genres as they benefit from the extensive experience of new guest artists and returning favourites. They will learn and dance in a fun and supportive environment whilst enjoying a range of inspiring and professional dance workshops across the weekend.

These workshop classes are designed for dancers of ALL ages and levels and feature a variety of styles including Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Commercial, Musical Theatre / Jazz, Lyrical and more!

 

MEGA JAM – Dance Instructors

Hip Hop, Commercial Street Dancing, You Tube Sensations

Jasmine Meakin and Luis Pinto (Mega Jam) from Brisbane have been performing, choreographing and teaching workshops all over the world thanks to the success of their YouTube channel and their 75,000 followers on Instagram and 500,000 on Facebook.

With Jasmine’s dance choreography videos racking up 450 million video views and 1.4 million subscribers globally, they have done three European tours and filmed videos for their channel all over the world. With classes in Hip Hop dance and other styles of commercial street dancing, students will learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

 

NEALE WHITTAKER – Dance Instructor

Neale, as a young dancer, was trained in all styles of dance, from Contemporary to Classical Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap and Jazz. His extensive knowledge and experience covers many styles and genres of dance, and he has a great love of Musical Theatre.

While completing his full-time dance training at Ev and Bow in 2008, Neale began to develop his own unique brand of movement, fusing Contemporary and Hip-Hop, two styles he enjoys performing. This unique style led him to the top 40 competitors of the hit TV show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in 2010, a programme for which he had been assisting Sarah Boulter with since 2008.

His TV credits continued when he was cast in the ABC3 TV series Dance Academy and again in Australia’s Got Talent as a semi-finalist in 2012 and 2016.

In 2011 Neale toured throughout Australia with contemporary a based show ‘Shorter and Sweeter Dance’ gaining performance experience and insight from noted Australian choreographers such as Travers Ross, who Neale collaborated with later in 2012 for the ARIAs, co-choreographing and dancing in a routine for artist ‘360’.

In 2014 and returning on scholarship in 2015 Neale attended Urban Dance Camp in Germany with the most prestigious choreographers in the world. He then taught a series of Hip-Hop and Contemporary open classes in Europe.

Neale’s talent for Hip-Hop led him to become Co-Director and Manager of  ‘Phly Crew’, Sydney’s leading comedy Hip-Hop group, performing independently produced variety stage shows and corporate events for companies including Nikon, Telstra, Blackberry, Beyond Blue and Westmead Children’s Hospital.

 

JESSICA MCLAUGHLIN – Dance Instructor

Jessica started dancing at the age of 3 and danced under the training of Shelley Tookey at Shelley’s Dance Company in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre and highland and competed all over North America in these dance styles. She examined in RAD ballet, Brian Foley Jazz and Al Gilbert Tap exams as well as the Canadian Highland Dance Association exams and Arthur Murray International exams for her Ballroom and Latin dance training.

She represented Canada at the Suzutan Cup in Japan for drill and dance team events and was a dance team leader on the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team. Her cheer coaching was under the guidance of Dianne Greenough which led her to coach a top performing high school Pom/Dance team as well as helping to create the Junior Edmonton Eskimo Dance Program. She managed and taught at the Edmonton and Sydney Arthur Murray dance studios for over 14 years and she was the assistant director of the Australasian division of Arthur Murray International running dance competitions and events in Australia.

Jessica has always loved teaching. It is her passion and she cares deeply for her students’ wellbeing and safety in all facets of dance and AcroDance training. She now runs and manages her own dance studio, Terpsichore Dance Company, on the North Shore of Sydney. Jessica’s involvement in a myriad of dance competitions and conventions over the last 35+ years meant she has worked with, and learned a great deal from many industry professionals.

She gained a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, a Diploma of Management and is a certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. She is also a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor, course conductor and examiner, a level 1 certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructor, a certified Glenn Wood Tap teacher and a member of the Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD). Her studio was one of the first in Australia to be certified by Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (Y.P.A.D.) and she is a certified YPAD instructor herself. She is always keen to expand her dance and AcroDance knowledge as much as possible and strives to always be up to date with current teachings in the industry.

She is extremely proud to be a part of the Acrobatic Arts team and has the highest regards for its system of training. She is excited to be teaching for Acrobatic Arts and is looking forward to passing on her knowledge to others.

 

KIM ADAM – Dance Instructor

Kim Adam has established herself as one of Australia’s foremost dance choreographers, mentors and teachers. With an extensive portfolio of work that extends globally, Kim is always pushing the boundaries of the dance discipline and innovating in every performance, masterclass or workshop she is a part of.

Kim’s unique ability as a storyteller has seen her work extensively throughout Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Domestically, Kim’s work as a choreographer and performer has been highlighted by her work as a founding partner of “Collaboration the Project” in association with Paul Malek. “Collaboration the Project” is a company that inspires and allows dancers a chance to explore various avenues of contemporary dance and choreography.  Since opening Collaboration they have produced numerous award-winning productions with their 2013 production “Yours Truly” winning the Victorian Dance Award for ‘best independent dance production’. The dedication and love installed into “Collaboration” has grown in recognition within the professional industry. In October 2012 Kim choreographed and directed her first show “4 LETTERS” at Theatreworks.

Kim’s innate ability as a communicator sees her inspiring the next generation of Australian dancers on a daily basis. Working with Australia’s elite performing arts schools and programmes, Kim is regularly invited to teach guest workshops throughout Australia and to adjudicate eisteddfods.

Kim Adam’s ongoing professional performing credits span 15 years in the areas of film, television, music theatre and corporate performances.

These include – “Fire and Ice” Gasworks,‘Underground Events’ ‘Golf Air Airlines’ ‘Wog Boy the Movie’ (Film Victoria) ‘Bad Eggs ‘(Film Victoria). Dance credits include Michael Ralphs “Now and Then”, Crown Casino “Shared Tables”, and Disney Live shows, The Footy Show Players Review and Countdown The Arena Spectacular.

 

DAVID WILLIAMS– Dance Instructor

With over ten years experience in the dance industry as a dancer, teacher and mentor, David Williams has toured and performed internationally; working with esteemed choreographers and directors such as Rafael Bonachela, Natalie Weir, Amy Hollingsworth andCameron McMillan, and performing with critically acclaimed companies including Sydney Dance Company, Black Grace Dance Company and Expression Dance Company.

JW MURRAY – Dance Instructor

Teacher, Choreographer, Tap, Hip Hop, Live Entertainer, Founder – Sydney Tap Dance Festival

JW Murray is passionate about the growth of Tap Dance in general and has had the privilege of learning from some of the industry’s BEST teachers and choreographers. After teaching, choreographing and coaching over 50 studios specialising in Tap and Hip Hop and hosting workshops across Australia, JW has progressed his live entertainment company, Clique Entertainment.

Born in Sydney, JW grew up learning many styles of dance which has led him to some great experiences and opportunities performing at numerous corporate functions and club shows across New South Wales. When he isn’t in the studio, he works on his many other companies such as Performance Platforms– a stage and prop company, and Rhythm Division, a select young men’s Tap crew.

JW loves to travel and connect with people around the world and has recently travelled to Los Angeles where he had the opportunity to teach at Edge Performing Arts Centre. He is set to travel to Brazil in the near future to teach and share his passion for performing arts.

JW is also the Director/ Owner of Sydney Tap Dance Festival, which he founded in 2016 with the inaugural festival held in 2017. The annual festival consists of a Tap Dance competition, routine classes, open classes, panel discussions, jams, a concert and more.

 

PEP RIGANO – Dance Instructor

Pep has been dancing since the age of 9 and trained in Hip Hop, Urban, Jazz Funk and Commercial Dance. His persistence has seen him through National titles in competitions such as F.I.S.A.F, School Aerobics and Battlegrounds Australia. Pep, along with his team, were invited to compete in the World Hip Hop titles in Los Angeles in 2005. At the age of 18, he received a scholarship from Andre Fuentes (Britney Spears’ Choreographer – Circus Tour 2009), to travel to America and work closely with the world’s best international choreographers such as Tony Czar, Kevin Maher, Kyle Hanagami, Andye J and Brian Puspos just to name a few. He has since worked with artists such as Katie Underwood, Guy Sebastian, Hugh Sheridan, Samantha Jade, Jessica Mauboy and more. Pep has a love for inspiring young dancers and performers to follow their dreams and cannot wait to share dance with Come Together.

 

KIRSTEN KING – Dance Instructor

Kirsten’s most recent work was as Resident Dance Supervisor on
the Australian Premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Prior to this, Kirsten choreographed The Production Company’s Hello, Dolly! and was nominated for a Green Room Award for Excellence in Choreography. Kirsten worked on Dusty for The Production Company for which she was Assistant Choreographer, then Resident & Swing for the Adelaide season. Kirsten played the role of Hazel and was Dance Captain in the new Australian Musical, Georgy Girl. Previous to this, she was Audition Assistant to Broadway choreographer Warren Carlyle, and private coach to Hugh Jackman and Andy Lee on Hugh Jackman‘s Broadway to Oz Tour. Kirsten was Associate Choreographer for the Australian Production of Strictly Ballroom and became the Associate Choreographer for the World Premiere Of King Kong the Musical.

She became the Resident Choreographer on the Australasian Tour of Mary Poppins. Kirsten was an original cast member of the show and Dance Captain before being appointed Resident. She was Dance Captain and original cast member of the Queen musical We Will Rock You, touring Australia and Japan. Kirsten was also Assistant Choreographer & Director on The Producers, and Assistant Choreographer on West Side Story, both for The Production Company. Other credits include; understudying and performing the role of Thelma O‘Keefe in the Australian tour of Shout! The Legend Of The Wild One, and played Helene in Sweet Charity for The Production Company. Kirsten played Catchup in Pinocchio – The Greatest Little Show On Earth (Garry Ginivan). Kirsten’s debut was in Happy Days: The Arena Mega Musical (understudy Laura), followed by How To Succeed ln Business Without Really Trying, Anything Goes, The Music Man (all for The Production Company) and then The Wizard Of Oz.

 

SCHEDULE

Saturday 6th July 2019
10:45am - 11:30am	Registration All students
11:30pm - 12:30pm	Mega Jam Junior Commerical (Contemporary)	Jessica McLaughlin Senior Acrobatics
12:30pm - 1:30pm	Neale Whittaker Junior Hip Hop	Kim Adams Senior Lyrical
1:45pm - 2:45pm	Mega Jam Senior Commerical	Jessica McLaughlin Junior Acrobatics
2:45pm - 3:45pm	Neale Whittaker Senior Hip Hop	Kim Adams Junior Lyrical
3:45pm - 4:45pm	Practical Teacher & Student Workshop* Mark Pace:Ballet

* Ballet with Mark Pace is available to any aged students. Class will be intermdiate ability and above

Sunday 7th July 2019
9:30am - 10:00am	Registration All students
10:00-am - 11:00am	David Willams Junior Contemporary	Kirsten King Senior Musical Theatre Jazz
11:00am -12:00pm	JW Murray Junior Tap	Pep Rigano Senior Hip Hop
12:15pm - 1:15pm	David Willams Senior Contemporary	Kirsten King Senior Musical Theatre Jazz
1:15pm -2:15pm	JW Murray Senior Tap	Pep Rigano Junior Hip Hop

Book now and join us in making this event bigger and better in 2019.

Australian Teachers of Dancing would like to thank our Convention partners

| Come Together | Speaker Programme | Dance Arena | Why Attend |