Principal

Jen has a lifetime of experience and involvement with dance in both the educational and community sectors.

She is a current Qld registered teacher in the areas of dance, drama and inclusive education for secondary schools.

Growing up with regular ballet classes and performances with teacher Barbara Everson (RAD), Jen faced some physical challenges when she developed scoliosis and had to wear a back brace for her teenage years. Not wanting to give up dancing, she embarked on the Royal Academy of Dancing – Dance Education syllabus, and developed an interest and passion for choreography and the creative development process of dance and production with a specialised interest in dancing with movement restrictions.

Whilst teaching in Qld schools, Jen established Brisbane’s first inclusive youth dance company Urban Ignition, and developed artistic performance works for various youth festivals, community festivals (such as amnesty international and youth mental health week) as well as specific company works to be performed in Brisbane’s theatres. In addition, Jen has choreographed for Club Med and performed in their entertainment team.

Through continued active participation in dance classes, Jen has developed a passion for dance as a means for positive health and well-being, self-expression, and a sense of belonging and social connectedness with others.

Jen has completed the following courses through the University of Tasmania:

• Preventing Dementia

• Understanding Dementia

Her current studies include:

• Creative Arts and Health through the University of Tasmania

• Cert IV in Allied Health Assistance with TAFE Qld

• Dance for Parkinson's Australia Teacher Training

• Gold Moves Australia to further her knowledge of teaching dance to older persons

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Julie is a dance educator with 40+ years’ experience as a dancer, producer and community cultural development practitioner.

Her career has focussed on enabling others to find pathways to achieving their goals through the education and dance sectors. Julie currently teaches dance to an active and agile group of over 50s at her local gym as well as facilitating with Come Dance.

Julie also has experience leading dance with people living in the community with dementia. As Co-Director of Gold Moves Australia, Julie partners with Gail Hewton to grow the field of leading dance for older people for health and wellbeing through an evidence-informed approach.

B.Mus (Mus Ed), SATD, MHFA

We are also fortunate to invite and work with special guest facilitators to share their amazing skills and experiences from time to time. In 2023 we danced with Jaime Redfern and Emma Wilson!