About Debra Whitten School of Dance
The Debra Whitten School of Dance has been located in Underwood, South East of Brisbane CBD in Queensland for over 20 years. We are easily accessible and our current students reside in: Sunnybank, Parkinson, Algester, Calamvale, Springwood, Rochedale, Coorparoo, Holland Park, Mt Gravatt, Loganholme, Waterford, Woodridge, Tanah Merah, Daisy Hill, Underwood, Kuraby, Kingston, Sunnybank Hills, Shailer Park, Ormeau and Yatala.
Classes are offered in:
• Classical Ballet – The Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus and Examinations
• Jazz and Tap – The Commonwealth Society of Teachers and Examinations
• Contemporary
In 2015 we launched the Pearl Classical Coaching classes for dedicated students with the facilities to pursue dance as a career. Acceptance by audition only.
In 2017 we are proud to announce our part time training programme for students with the physical facilities and demonstrating the required dedication and determination to pursue a career in classical ballet transitioning from after school training to full time training.
We cater to the talents of each individual student.
Why choose
Debra Whitten
School of Dance
Debra Whitten is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Dual Examiner.
RAD Examiners are well respected and travel throughout Australia and overseas to such a variety of different countries, which gives the examiner exceptionally high exposure to up to date training methodologies, syllabi content and examiner criteria. Under her direction the Debra Whitten School of Dance has grown over the past twenty years to be an established and an exceptionally highly respected school based in South-East Queensland.
‘Dancing is something any child can be taught to appreciate regardless of whether he or she has the potential to become a professional dancer. It helps to develop their co-ordination, fitness, sense of rhythm, musically, and self expression as well as promoting self discipline and boosting self confidence. Talented dancers don’t simply dance up a storm they require supportive parents, personal diligence and matching perseverance and commitment on the part of their trainers to groom and nurture them as they bloom.’
Our Facilities
The Debra Whitten School of Dance has been located in Underwood, South East of Brisbane CBD in Queensland for over 20 years. We are easily accessible and our current students reside in: Sunnybank, Parkinson, Algester, Calamvale, Springwood, Rochedale, Coorparoo, Holland Park, Mt Gravatt, Loganholme, Waterford, Woodridge, Tanah Merah, Daisy Hill, Underwood, Kuraby, Kingston, Sunnybank Hills, Shailer Park, Ormeau and Yatala.
Our Teachers and Guest Teachers
All of our staff are fully qualified professionals, we all share a passion for inspiring and fostering the love of dance in each students.
All staff hold current Blue Cards and are CPR trained.
Debra Whitten
PRINCIPAL
A.R.A.D. Solo Seal
- Dual Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance
- Diploma in Dance (Victorian College of the Arts)
- Faculty of Queensland Dance School of Excellence
- Appointed Tutor for PP & Primary in Dance
- Appointed Tutor for New Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate Syllabus
- Appointed Tutor for New Grade 1-3 Syllabus
- Internationally acclaimed guest teacher, CBTS mentor & trialled the
Continuing Professional Dance for the Royal Academy of Dance.
Karina Nairne
Classical, Conditioning & Eisteddfod Coaching
- A.R.A.D
- A.P.D (Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Member of the Dietitian’s Association Australia)
- Certificate 3 in Dance (Australian Ballet School)
- R.A.D Advanced 2 with Distinction
- Trained in the new Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate and New
- Grade 1-3 Syllabi
- Danced professionally with the following ballet companies:
> Suzhou Ballet Theatre, China
> Ballet Ireland
> Ballet de Printemps
> Mystic Ballet
Madelyn Coupe
- A.R.A.D Advanced 2
- CSTD Teaching Certificate (Modern Jazz)
- Royal Academy of Dance Genee Semi Finalist
- Alberta Ballet Theatre Trainee Program
Anna Schultz
- RAD Advanced 1
- CSTD Teaching Certificate (Modern Jazz)
- CSTD Teaching Certificate (Tapping)
- ‘Jungle Girl’ at Australia Zoo
Alanna Swindells
Classical, Jazz & Tap
- C.S.T.D Teachers Diploma in Tap & Jazz
- C.S.T.D Teachers Certificate in Tap & Jazz
- Trained in the New Royal Academy of Dance Grade 1-3 Syllabi
- C.S.T.D Jazz Grade 8 with Honours
- Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 1 with Distinction
Margaret Carbone
Classical
- Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher
- CSTD Theatrical Teachers Certificate
- Nationally recognised guest teacher for over 20 years
Qualified and inspiring guest teachers are invited throughout the year including:
Daniel Gaudiello
Daniel Gaudiello began dance lessons aged six, studying at the Johnny Young Talent School and the Promenade Dance Studio in Brisbane. He then attended The Australian Ballet School during which time he was an exchange student with the National Ballet School of Canada and the School of American Ballet. He joined The Australian Ballet in 2004 and was promoted to soloist in 2007. He was promoted to principal artist in 2010.
Miranda Zellar
Miranda Zeller is a Brisbane based choreographer, teacher and dance physiotherapist. She combines her professional dance and physiotherapy experience to offer a unique approach to dance education.
Guy Wheatstone
Royal Ballet School trained dancer who has performed with companies in the UK, South Africa and Australia. Now retired from professional dance in 2014 and now I am dedicated to passing on what I learned during my career to the next generation of dancers.
Michael Braun
Michael Braun has had an illustrious dancing career. As a student Michael achieved the RAD Solo Seal and was awarded the SODA scholarship before beginning his career in 1998 to work with the Queensland Ballet as a soloist and moving on to The Royal New Zealand Ballet as a principal dancer in 2005, where he remained until 2010.
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