The Future of Dance is Right Here

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mackay's premier Dance studio

Train With The Best To Be The Best That you Can Be!

Leisa Payne School of Dance in Mackay with its experienced teachers provides:

Classical Ballet


Classes in R.A.D Pre Primary - Solo Seal


Open Classical Technique Classes


Stretch & Conditioning Classes


Pilates Classes

Tap Dancing


Classes in C.S.T.D Pre Junior - Tap Teaching Diploma


Modern Jazz

 &

Contemporary


Classes in C.S.T.D Pre Junior - Jazz Teaching Diploma


Classes in C.S.T.D Foundation - Level 6 Contemporary Teacher’s Certificate


Open Jazz Technique Classes


performers on stage

Acrobatics

&

Gymnastics


Classes in Acrobatics Arts Primary - Level 9


Classes in Gymnastics & Air Track Tumbling


Classes in Aerial Arts




ballet dancers

Drama & Musical Theatre


Classes in C.S.T.D Level 1 - Musical Theatre Teaching Diploma


Classes in Junior, Intermediate & Senior Musical Theatre


dancers

Hip Hop

 

Classes in Junior, Intermediate & Senior Hip Hop


french stage dancers

Tiny Talents


Classes in Petite Ballet, Tap, Jazz

& Acrobatics from the age of 2 years old


performers on stage

Vocal Coaching


Classes in Junior, Intermediate & Senior Private & Group Vocal Coaching


AMEB Vocal Examinations


Introducing Our Premier Pre-Professional Programs For 2024

The Part Time Program


Leisa Payne School Of Dance is so excited to now offer nationally recognised training as part of the LP Part Time Program for ages 13 years and over.


Qualifications are delivered under a partnership with the Australian Teachers Of Dancing. Students have the opportunity to gain their Certificate III In Dance and Certificate IV In Dance. These qualifications will enhance the dancer's skills and assist them in entering the performing arts industry. These certificates will also contribute to the dancer's academic milestones- QCE and ATAR.

The Elite Transition Program


This program has been designed to allow aspiring  and committed young dancers aged 11 years and over to enrol in a half day specialised program where students are guided and nurtured through tailored coaching.


This program is ideal for dancers who are seeking a transitional pathway into full time training to further develop their technique and artistry in both classical ballet and contemporary.

The Future Of Dance Is Right Here

Let us fulfill your dreams! learn how to dance for enjoyment and success!

Established in 1990, the Leisa Payne School Of Dance has a rich history of nurturing successful students. Our alumni thrive in various National Training Institutions and professional careers, spanning from Classical Ballet to the Performing Arts.


At our studio, we prioritise imparting comprehensive knowledge across all dance forms. Beginners relish the joy of dance while gaining essential discipline and mental awareness. Advanced students benefit from our teachers' expertise, covering technical intricacies and the artistry of movements through syllabus classes, eisteddfods, and public performances.


Our commitment lies in personalised attention for each student, recognising its paramount importance in meeting their individual needs. We take pride in our teaching methods and are confident in the success and efficacy, inviting you to experience it firsthand.


Our teaching staff are all fully qualified professionals dedicated to continually enhancing their expertise, ensuring the best possible tuition for students at every level, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals seeking to refine their craft.

 

2023 Studio News

34 years ago, the Leisa Payne School of Dance was born from love, inspiration and dedication, and it hasn’t lacked creativity, imagination, enthusiasm and success since, continuing to inspire the dancers of today. Our 2023 dance year continued to rival previous years, in exceeding expectations. Our dancers never missed a beat, maintaining formidable standards, and achieving their goals at the highest level. These accomplishments are largely merited to the dedication and expertise of my teaching staff, who are devoted to the highest standards of dance instruction. All of our dancers are extremely special to us, especially those in the senior school who give their very best at all times. They are fabulous role models to the juniors, and a testament to the success of this dance school. Thank you to the parents for their continued support and encouragement. Fabulous results and success aren’t achieved through luck, or chance. It is a team effort, and we all make a great team!


Ms Peta Comelli continues to be the heart and soul of LP. Because of her dedication and tireless hard work, she provides a wonderful atmosphere for our dancers. She has continued to direct and instruct with the passion she possess in abundance. Peta excels in teaching all the dance genres that are offered. Her expertise in all styles of dance, along with her extensive knowledge of body conditioning, dance related injuries, and anatomy contributes to a huge part of our accomplishments. She is literally my right hand, therefore, none of this would be possible without her knowledge, support, positivity, and enthusiasm. Thank you Ms Peta, for always going above and beyond to ensure our success. We all love and appreciate you, and are grateful for the work that you do each and every day to make every dancer’s education and experience exceptional!


Ms Kiara Watkin has returned home to share her abundant skills and talents with our dancers. She was born into the dance world, but certainly has a very special gift. It has been wonderful for me to share my love of dance with my daughter, and she loves sharing her passion and experience with the dancers. Kiara has choreographed many stunning routines, and her commitment to encouraging the dancers to be the very best they can be is second-to-none. Kiara has thoroughly enjoyed her first year as part of the LP teaching team. She is very excited to continue sharing her knowledge and professional training with our LP Dancers.


Ms Chloe Powell has been the perfect addition to our teaching team. The LP Dancers all adore her, and she has quickly gained their love, respect and admiration. Her professional training as a dancer has been welcomed by the students and they have flourished under her knowledge and guidance, especially in her Open Classical Ballet Classes. We all look forward to the dancers continuing to excel under your guidance next year.


Ms Mickeeley Sippel has all the characteristics of a perfect dance teacher in abundance! Her calm, yet confident manner, and teaching style compliment each other perfectly. The dancers have reached an elite level in their performances because of the training and knowledge she has been able to deliver since introducing the Acrobatic Arts Program in 2020. Thanks to her, our Acrobatic Arts Program has grown from strength to strength, as have our dancers. The exam results and feedback from examiners has been outstanding. This year Mickeeley introduced Aerial Arts, which has further enhanced our dancers strength and performance skills. Thank you to Abigail Vickers who assisted Mickeeley with the acro classes this year, and will be continuing this role in 2024.


Ms Robyn Franke’s extensive study in many forms of dance, both in Australia and Overseas strengthens our teaching ranks even further. Robyn gained her Teaching Certificate in Pilates, and has focused on private and small group tutoring to improve flexibility, increase muscle memory and strengthen technique. Thank you Ms Robyn for helping to prepare the students beautifully for their RAD Vocational and Graded exams, and this year the students achieved outstanding results. Your award winning routines are a standout in competitions, and your attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed.


Ms Caitlyn Schurmann has been an extremely exciting addition to our teaching staff this year. Caitlyn has provided the very best vocal lessons, and the improvement in performances has soared. As well as her own performing, studying and planning, Caitlyn has provided a very caring and nurturing environment and shows a passion for each and every child. Our vocal students gained exceptional results at the Mackay Eisteddfod. Caitlyn will also be introducing vocal examinations in to the vocal program for 2024.


Ms Colleen Stewart has been our Vocal and Performance teacher for just over three years now. She has produced absolutely beautiful voices. Her vast experience and knowledge has seen the children excel in all genres of music including classical, pop, jazz, stage and screen. We have loved the commitment and love you have shown toward our students Ms Colleen. We wish you all the very best as you focus on the opening of your new business venture.


Ms Lauren Simpson will be welcomed back with open arms in 2024. Ms Lauren resumed her professional career overseas this year, but is returning home, and we can’t wait! Lauren’s continued encouragement and support to the dancers is amazing, and we treasure her love and inspiration. While we are so proud of your many accomplishments and achievements, and happy for you to have fulfilled many dreams, we look forward to having you as part of our LP family again.


Although no longer based in Mackay, our LP Dancers are extremely lucky to have Ms Taylor Hey, our very gifted choreographer and teacher. This gift came to the fore once again at the recent Mackay eisteddfod with her choreography producing many winning performances. Taylor’s choreography also won the Junior Most Entertaining Group Award with the 12 Yrs & Under Tap Group. We are forever grateful that you continue to share your inspiration and vision with us.


Thank you to former LP dancer, Dallis McLean, who has once again done a remarkable job teaching Hip Hop and Music Theatre classes. She helped produce brilliant Junior and Senior Music Theatre Groups for the Mackay Eisteddfod. We wish Dallis all the very best with her university studies next year.


Thank you to our guest teachers/choreographers throughout the year-

Denise Hadley, Juanita White, Lauren Seymour, Zeak Tass, Jason Winters, Janine Tirant, Maria Higgins, Sandra Breen, Nicole Galea, Jan Mills, Jan Millard, Midori Lotz, Debra Whitten and Vicki Bobeldyk. Last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank our senior student teachers who have been wonderful role models and assistants for our younger students - Halle Williams, Mia Jackson, Bodhi Rowe-Bailey, Rori Paganoni, Eva Jackson, Abby Headland, Jacee Borg, Sophie Vella, and Sophia LoPresti. Your work does not go unnoticed and we are so grateful for all of you.


Personally, I can’t express enough gratitude for all of these special people and all you have done for me and the LP Dancers. You all remind me everyday of how incredibly lucky I am to have this amazing dance family. Here's to many more wonderful memories created together in 2024.


Leisa Payne xx

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  • Where memories and friendships of a lifetime are made!

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Leisa Payne School Of Dance

Studio 53

53 Gregory Street

Mackay QLD 4740


Mon - Fri
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Closed

0412966726

leisagaye@ozemail.com.au

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