NAPA News - Week 3, Term 1, 2026
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we head into Week 3, I would like to once again extend a very warm welcome to all of our new NAPA families. We have loved meeting so many new cherubs already this year and are incredibly excited to see our NAPA community continue to grow. Week 3 brings with it more opportunities for learning, growth, confidence-building and, of course, plenty of fun! If your child is still settling in or deciding which class best suits their passions and goals, please feel free to reach out to Kimberley for guidance at [email protected] … we are always happy to help.
Our newsletter remains our primary form of studio communication, so if you’re reading this … thank you for staying connected! With such a busy and vibrant studio, we aim to share all important updates here, alongside class specific emails when needed. We strongly recommend creating a dedicated folder in your inbox for NAPA correspondence so you can easily keep track of important information, dates and your child’s requirements throughout the year.
Wishing all of our families a wonderful week ahead … we can’t wait to see everyone in the studio!
QUICK REMINDERS
Lost property - Please be sure to check this regularly throughout the year.
Uniforms - First round t-shirt orders have closed however we will do another round shortly. Our new uniform will also be available to order by end of week.
Jewellery - a quick reminder that excessive jewellery is not to be worn to any NAPA classes and that any earrings worn in dance class should be small studs or sleepers only. No other jewellery should be worn in dance classes, as this creates a safety hazard for dancers and their peers. PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME to avoid losing anything precious.
Footwear - please note that there will be strict guidelines around footwear at NAPA this year. This is for the safety of our young dancers - Jazz, Combo, Technique and Performance Team students must wear jazz shoes - Hip Hop, Tread the Boards and Broadway students must wear sneakers or jazz shoes - Ballet students must wear ballet shoes and Tap students must wear tap shoes. The only class where bare feet will be allowed is lyrical/contemporary, and we recommend students wear black dance or NAPA socks to these classes. Students will not be able to participate in class if they do not have the appropriate footwear.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CONGRATULATIONS CHERUBS!
I was lucky enough to attend opening night of Tarzan at Spotlight Theatre last week. Our current students Caity, Josie and Luan are all absolute standouts in the gorilla ensemble, James was adorable as Young Tarzan and our NAPA graduate Flynn was just brilliant as Tarzan! Flynn stepped into the role just 4 weeks out from opening and you would never have known. A true professional, he never missed a beat. We also loved seeing our awesome Mr Jonathan as Terk (another standout) and Mr Matt did a brilliant job as Musical Director. Congratulations to you all and chookas for the rest of the season!
FROM THE P&F
Parents + Friends, we need you!
The P+F team is gearing up for an exciting year ahead and we’d love to know how you might like to be involved, from helping at events and productions to sharing skills or supporting fundraising. There’s no obligation at all; this just helps us reach out to the right people at the right time (and save the Facebook scramble).
WELCOME NEW STAFF!
We are thrilled to welcome several new staff members to our team in 2026. Our NAPA students are incredibly fortunate to be learning from some of the very best in the industry. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit the staff page on our website to learn more about the inspiring educators who make up our community. From proud NAPA graduates to current industry professionals, our team brings an exceptional breadth of skills and experience. I am so proud not only of their impressive resumes, but of who they are as people … safe, supportive, and deeply committed to nurturing the very best in our young people.
STAFF CONTACTS AND PRIVATE LESSONS
Last week I spoke about our staff ‘Right to Disconnect’. Following on from that I wanted to include here a list of our teacher’s emails, and who you should be your first point of contact in which areas.
Administration and College staff -
All administration, uniforms, fees etc should go to our office manager, Kimberley - [email protected] (not to be confused with me, Kim!) Any communication for Dance Teachers should also go via Kimberley and she can then connect you with the teacher.
Any issues with payments etc can be directed to our finance manager, Keith - [email protected]
All NAPA College correspondence can go to Amy Elkin - [email protected]
College ATOD questions can be directed to Suzanne Lewis - [email protected]
Broadway and Tread the Boards class teachers -
Broadway Extension: Kim Reynolds - [email protected]
Broadway Bound/Senior Tread the Boards: Cilla Scott - [email protected]
Broadway Tweens and Kids: Laura Cooper - [email protected]
Junior/Pre-Senior Tread the Boards: Amy Elkin - [email protected]
Film & TV class teachers -
Senior/Advanced Film & TV: Jacy Moore - [email protected]
Junior and Pre-Senior Film & TV: Julia Burrell - [email protected]
Private Tuition -
Dance:
Mandy Morrison - [email protected]
Suzanne Lewis - [email protected]
Sam Hindmarsh - [email protected]
Michael Hughes - [email protected]
Alana Andrews - [email protected]
Jaeda Power - [email protected]
Jasmine Andrews - [email protected]
Vocal:
Jordan Koulos - [email protected]
Jonathan Whitlow - [email protected]
David Valks - [email protected]
Jackie Turner - [email protected]
Melissa Lukin-Stripp - [email protected]
Acting:
Amy Elkin - [email protected]
Cilla Scott - [email protected]
A Midsummer night’s dream
Ticket’s to our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are now on sale! Step into a world of music, magic, mischief, and moonlit romance with our enchanting production of A Midsummer Night's Dream!
Join us for an unforgettable evening where mischievous fairies rule the forest, lovers become tangled in hilarious confusion, and nothing is quite as it seems.
Woven throughout the production is a musical landscape, with our live band enhancing the magic, deepening the emotion, and bringing a fresh, spellbinding energy to this timeless tale.
Filled with laughter, wonder, and charm, this reimagined Shakespearean comedy is perfect for audiences of all ages.
✨ Love, music, magic, and a little bit of mayhem await… don’t miss it! ✨
Wellbeing
NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS
We thought this one needed a re-post from one of our first wellbeing blogs!
Social media offers young performers opportunities to showcase their talents and connect with others. However, it's essential to use these platforms responsibly to protect mental health and adhere to legal standards.
SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Limit screen time and take regular breaks to avoid burnout and comparison traps.
CURATE YOUR FEED
Follow accounts that uplift and inspire you, steering clear of those that cause stress or self-doubt.
ENGAGE POSITIVELY
Use social media to celebrate your progress and support others, rather than seeking validation through likes and comments.
PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
Ensure that all social media accounts are managed by a parent or guardian. Be mindful of what you share and who you connect with, and always check with a trusted adult before posting or interacting online.
REMEMBER REAL LIFE COMES FIRST
Prioritise in-person experiences, training, and self-care over online presence.
THINK BEFORE YOU POST
Remember that once something is shared online, it can be nearly impossible to remove completely. Even deleted posts can be screenshotted, shared, or archived. As a young performer, your online presence is part of your personal brand, and anything you post can impact future opportunities. Always consider how your words, images, and videos might be perceived by industry professionals, schools, or potential collaborators before sharing them.
UNDERSTAND LEGAL PROTECTIONS
AUSTRALIA HAS ENACTED LAWS TO PROTECT CHILDREN'S ONLINE PRIVACY AND SAFETY:
Social Media Age Restrictions: As of December 2024, children under 16 are prohibited from accessing major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. This legislation aims to safeguard young users from potential harms associated with social media use.
Children's Online Privacy Code: The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is developing a code to enhance privacy protections for children online. This code will set standards for how children's data is collected and used by online services.
By using social media thoughtfully and understanding these legal protections, young performers can enjoy its benefits while staying happy, confident, and focused on their craft! 🎭✨
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS, COLETTE!
This week we are celebrating Colette. This is Colette’s 2nd year at the studio, and she has consistently shown NAPA studio spirit from day one.
Colette attends a range of production and dance classes, and all of her teachers agree that she is a joy to have in any classroom. She is always offering to help around the studio, always has a big smile on her face, and a big hello to everyone she sees.
You truely spread joy wherever you go, cherub, and we are proud to be a part of your Performing Arts journey.
Congratulations, COLETTE … we’re so proud of you! ✨
PERFORMANCE TIPS
The Power of Feedback – Growing as Performers
In the performing arts, feedback is one of the most valuable tools we have for growth. Every great performer, from beginners to professionals, improves not by being perfect, but by being open to learning. Feedback helps us refine our skills, deepen our artistry and build resilience, all of which are essential for long-term success both on and off the stage.
When Should You Ask for Feedback?
Feedback is most helpful when you are ready to receive it. Good times to ask include:
After learning new choreography, music or material
When preparing for an assessment, audition or performance
When you feel “stuck” and unsure how to improve
After implementing previous corrections and wanting to grow further
Remember, you don’t need to ask for feedback after every class, often your teachers are already giving it in real time. The key is to seek it when you are ready to listen, reflect and apply it.
How to Respond to Feedback
Receiving feedback can sometimes feel challenging, but learning how to respond positively is part of becoming a strong and professional performer.
Listen fully before reacting — avoid interrupting or becoming defensive.
Stay open-minded — feedback is about growth, not criticism.
Ask clarifying questions if you don’t understand (e.g. “Could you show me?” or “What should I focus on first?”).
Separate feelings from learning — it’s okay to feel challenged, but don’t let emotions block progress.
Say thank you — feedback is an investment in your development.
The most successful performers are not the ones who never receive corrections, but the ones who use them well.
Turning Feedback into Progress
Feedback only becomes powerful when it is applied. Here are some positive ways to implement it:
Focus on one or two key corrections at a time rather than trying to fix everything at once.
Write notes after class so you remember what to practise.
Repeat and review — real improvement comes from consistent effort.
Be patient with yourself — growth takes time.
Celebrate progress — small improvements lead to big results.
Most importantly, understand that feedback is a sign that your teachers believe in your potential. Corrections mean we see growth ahead for you and are committed to helping you reach it.
Let’s continue to build a studio culture where feedback is welcomed, effort is celebrated and growth is the goal. 🌟
