Igniting creativity and passion for movement through our Emmanuel Dance Academy.
Emmanuel Dance Academy (EDA) offers a dynamic co-curricular program delivering high-quality training across multiple dance styles. With nearly 40 weekly classes and over 260 students from Kindergarten to senior levels, EDA nurtures technical skill, creativity, and confidence.
Training is offered in a supportive, inclusive environment, with performance opportunities throughout the year – including the spectacular End-of-Year Showcase. Our diverse curriculum empowers students to grow as artists and individuals, developing a lifelong love for dance.
Dance Styles Offered
Jazz
At EDA, Jazz dance encompasses the full spectrum of the genre. Students explore Broadway jazz, theatre jazz, showgirl jazz, commercial jazz, and technical jazz. Classes focus on foundational technique, including stretch and conditioning, kicks, turns, leaps, and performance skills. Jazz at EDA promotes versatility, energy, and expression.
Tap
Tap dance develops musicality, rhythm, and timing through intricate footwork and percussive movement. Our tap classes follow the ATOD Tap syllabus, supporting progressive technical development and clear sound articulation. Students of all levels are welcomed and encouraged to develop both skill and style.
Classical Ballet
Classical Ballet is the cornerstone of all technical dance training. At EDA, our program draws from a blend of Vaganova and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) techniques. This combined approach helps students build strength, posture, discipline, and a strong understanding of ballet vocabulary and foundational technique.
Contemporary and Lyrical
These expressive styles allow students to explore emotion, fluidity, and storytelling through movement. Contemporary and lyrical classes are offered in Semester Two, following Ballet examination season in Semester One. Classes focus on improvisation, expressive technique, and creative development.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop at EDA focuses on rhythm, coordination, and energetic self-expression through age-appropriate, upbeat choreography. Our approach highlights the positive roots of hip hop—community, creativity, and resilience. Dancers are encouraged to embrace individuality while moving with purpose and respect for the genre’s culture and values.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics combines elements of dance and gymnastics. With a strong emphasis on safety, our classes are intentionally capped in size to allow for hands-on instruction and spotting. Certified Acrobatic Arts instructors guide students through contortion, tumbling, flexibility, balance, coordination, partner work, and lifts.
Boys-Only Dance
Our Boys-Only class provides a fun, supportive, and engaging space for male dancers to train alongside like-minded peers. The class includes Hip Hop, tricks and acro skills, breakdancing, and jazz. This class fosters creativity, confidence, and physical development in a comfortable and encouraging environment.
Little E’s
Our Little E’s program is for our youngest dancers who attend or are enrolled in the Emmanuel College Little E’s Kindergarten. These fun and dynamic classes cover Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop in an age-appropriate setting focused on balance, coordination, motor skills, and early dance foundations. Our goal is to spark a love of dance from the very beginning and prepare students for further success in future years.
Teams & Classes
Performance Teams
Our Performance Team Program is tailored for elite young performers who are ready to take their training to the next level. Entry is by annual audition only.
- Dancers receive advanced training across multiple styles.
- Teams participate in at least two competitions per year, including the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.
- The program builds confidence, stage presence, and performance skill.
Extension Ballet Classes
For Level One dancers (Year 3), we offer optional extension ballet classes to further enhance technique and prepare students for performance or examination pathways.
Elite Team Classes – Year 10-12
Our Elite Team is designed for students in Years 10–12 who wish to pursue dance at the highest level. This program provides extensive training in collaboration with guest choreographers and industry professionals. Students also participate in off-site Pilates and personal training sessions, receive mentorship on career pathways, and engage in an annual Elite Tour. Recent tours have included travel to Sydney for industry events, workshops at the Syndey dance company, performances, and networking experiences. Our mission is to set our students up for success and create well rounded performers, Entry is via annual audition.
Annual Examinations
Students who attend ballet classes twice per week are eligible to undertake annual Ballet Examinations conducted on campus in our state-of-the-art Emmanuel College Theatre. These provide valuable feedback from accredited industry professionals and support measurable growth, confidence, and goal setting in a formal but encouraging setting.
Contact & Registration Information
Class information and registration forms for both new and current students can be found on Schoolbox under the Performing Arts tab.
Contact Us
For enquiries about Emmanuel College’s co-curricular dance program, please contact:
Mrs Lauren Ford, Principal Dance Teacher
dance@emmanuel.qld.edu.au
