Our Dance Teachers & Dance Classes in Mackay

This is where it all begins! Our little 2 and 3-year-old’s enjoy this fun filled class! Our Tiny Tots class has a Ballet basis and is designed to introduce little ones to the wonderful world of dance. Through a fun environment, dancers will enhance their movement abilities, stimulate their listening skills, become more expressive and build confidence and self-esteem without even realising it. Tiny Tots dance classes are so much fun for the littlies as they learn to develop their coordination and confidence, whilst we focus on musicality, creativity and technique in a fun and social atmosphere. The Tiny Tots class at IDA is perfect for little ones!

Ballet students are taught technique, along with an emphasis on correct posture, placement and line. Elevation, presentation, flexibility, strength building and dance quality are developed throughout the year. Ballet classes at IDA are taught by our qualified RAD Ballet Teacher and Queensland Dance School of Excellence (QDSE) graduate. Students will have the opportunity to enter for RAD Ballet exams or simply use this dance form for personal development. If students desire, they will also have the opportunity to perform in Eisteddfod solos and groups.

Modern Jazz and Contemporary students may undertake the CSTD Modern & Contemporary exams, Eisteddfod solo and group performances are also offered or use these dance forms purely on a recreational basis. Dancers will learn the latest dance moves whilst learning correct techniques and enhancing fitness, flexibility and coordination.

(Classes held at North Mackay State High School Hall)

Baton Twirling is a sport with a difference which incorporates rhythm, dance, balance, gymnastics, hand/eye coordination, twirling, laughter and loads of fun! Baton Twirling is a competitive sport held in a friendly environment. Our students have had great success at local competitions and State and National Championships, this is due to the high standard of coaching by our fully qualified coach and judge. The students, if they wish, also have the opportunity to undertake the Twirling Achievement System (TAS) examinations. This sport is unique, fun and fascinating! There is something in Twirling for everyone!

This program is designed to promote excellence in flexibility, strength, balance, limbering, tumbling, basic contortion, partner/group stunting for dancers and is taught by our qualified Acrobatics Arts coach in a safe environment. Acrobatic Arts Inc. has created the world’s most trusted Acro program where all safety requirements are assured. Our acrobats love to tumble and show off their tricks and stunts at our annual showcase!

Dance Teachers in North Mackay

Good dance teachers can make all the difference in a person’s life. We believe that a great teacher will inspire a child to keep trying when things get hard, and will encourage them to try new things, take risks and offer praise for a job well done. Our dance teachers are passionate and truly love every aspect of teaching and fully enjoy the experience of passing their enthusiasm onto the next generation. We have a real passion for dance, and love bestowing that drive and enjoyment to others.

Our dance teachers are highly trained and are fully qualified in their areas of expertise. We take each student's needs into consideration, so whether you are wanting a future competitive or professional career in dance, or you are looking for a new way to have some fun or physical activity, we are here to motivate and inspire you to reach your goals.

Additionally, we will help guide you along the way as you progress from a beginner to a senior dancer, offering encouragement, opportunities and challenges to keep you on your toes, literally!

Come and join our current students who enjoy a wonderful working relationship and fun filled environment with the teachers at IDA teachers.

Judy began Twirling in 1981 with the Proserpine Baton Twirlers. During her teenage years, Judy competed in both individual and team events at local, state and national levels. Moving to Mackay in 1992, Judy maintained involvement with both Proserpine and Sarina clubs. With experience in coaching all age and ability levels, Judy has had many opportunities to extend her knowledge and skills in coaching and judging, utilising her Twirling network of Australian and overseas coaches. Judy is currently an executive committee member of Twirl Queensland Assoc Inc. and a State representative on the Australian Baton Twirling Assoc committee.

Judy has been the Baton Twirling coach at IDA since 2011. Judy also enjoys participating in team events at competitions and performances with our Senior Twirlers. Her passion for Twirling inspires our Twirlers to challenge themselves and excel to great heights with many of them gaining the titles of State and National Champions. In 2023, Judy and five of our Senior Twirlers travelled to Liverpool in England to compete in the World Baton Twirling Championships in solo, pairs and team events. Two of our Twirlers were successful in reaching the final, with one of our Twirlers taking home a Bronze medal.

As well as being a talented Baton Twirler, Judy is an accredited Acrobatic Arts (Acro) teacher! She enjoys creating a fun, nurturing and safe environment for our Acrobats to enjoy learning new skills, flips and tricks!

Judy also holds a Bachelor of Learning Management and is a Primary School Teacher and Principal.

Do you have any memberships, accreditations and/or licences?

Bachelor of Education, ABTA Registered Coach Level 1 & 2, ABTA Judge Level 1, Acrobatic Arts Teacher (Module 1)

Crystal began dancing at International Dance Affair at the age of four and during her time as a student, she learnt Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Highland and Irish forms of dance. In addition to many Eisteddfods and Examinations in Ballet, Tap and Jazz, Crystal has had a successful career as a competitor in both Highland and Irish dancing, where she has won many Titles and Premierships across the State of Queensland. She has competed successfully at State, National and International level and has qualified to compete at the World Irish Dancing Championships on numerous occasions. Her dream to compete at the World Championships became a reality where she represented Australia in Glasgow at the 2018 CLRG World Championships.

Crystal was the first dancer in Queensland to obtain the CLRG Dancers Diploma for completing all twelve Grade Exams. Crystal obtained her Highland Dancing Teachers Certificate with the National Dancing Association of Australia in 2007 and in 2022 she travelled to Melbourne to successfully pass the TCRG Teachers Examination with An Coimisiun le Rincí Gaelacha, Ireland, the most prestigious Irish Dancing governing body in the world.

Crystal also holds a Batchelor of Learning Management degree, specialising in Early Childhood Education. Crystal's knowledge and love of dance is certainly an asset to the students at IDA.

Do you have any memberships, accreditations and/or licences?

Bachelor of Learning Management (Early Childhood), TCRG (Reg. Teacher IDC, Ireland & AIDA Inc), Teacher NDAA Highland

Tarni has been dancing since she was just three years old and has been trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Tap.

Tarni has completed an array of examinations including: CSTD Jazz (Grade 8), CSTD Level 4 Contemporary and ATOD exams in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary. As well as being trained in the CSTD and ATOD syllabus, she has participated in many workshops, learning from the most leading choreographers and performers in Australia.

Tarni has a strong passion for dance and helping students achieve their beat. Tarni is super excited to be our new Twinkle Tots and relief teacher in 2023!

Do you have any memberships, accreditations and/or licences?

ATOD Gold Medal Ballet and Jazz, CSTD Grade 8 Jazz, Level 4 Contemporary