NEWSLETTER: Welcome to 2021 - only one week until classes begin!
Dakota is ready for a new year, are you? Narnia 2020
GET EXCITED EVERYONE!!!
Before we start back, we wanted to touch base with you all to ensure you are aware of all the information that is available to you and any things you need to do before we start back. Below we have briefly touched on areas that you need to be aware of and the links for further information.
WELCOME BACK
Firstly, let us welcome you all to NAPA 2021! It is going to be an incredible year of learning and achievements with all that we have put in place for our students. We have had so many messages from parents and students saying how much they have missed their classes and can’t wait to start back.
NAPA NEWS + COMMUNICATION
To all new parents, please be aware that a newsletter will be sent out each week and all newsletters can be accessed here in the new NAPA Parent Lounge. We ask that you read this thoroughly as this is a way to keep up to date as to all the great happenings and opportunities at our studio. Too many students in the past have missed out on important events, rehearsals etc. due to people not reading the newsletter.
Our main source of general information is on the website. If you hit the About NAPA tab you will be able to get to know more about our company and our staff for 2021. If you hit the Youth tab you have current information at your hands regarding classes, timetables, the calendar of events, and also we have this year’s Parent Handbook there. This great resource provides information about how we operate including: fees, facilities, protocols, our reward system, the P&F and much more. It is worthwhile to download this and keep a copy for your reference.
DON’T FORGET TO ENROL
Have you enrolled? To those of you who were with us last year, please note that you must re-enrol in this year’s classes as enrolments do not roll over to the next year. This must be done before the 1st February when the term begins. Please do not turn up to classes you haven’t enrolled in as we are very mindful of numbers in each room. Classes will be split if numbers reach their limit.
DOWNTOWN: THE MOD MUSICAL
We are a production-based company with the aim of making sure all our teaching is current to industry requirements. Hence, all students will be in some form of production and this is when you will see your child shine and the improvements they make. Currently, we are staging Downtown that has many or our teachers, graduated students and current students in the performance. It is fantastic for our students to see their teachers perform. If you would like to catch this performance, ensure you book quickly as we are nearly sold out.
FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES
The first week of classes is where many are trialling the class and the teachers work towards orientating their students in preparation for the year ahead and ensure they feel comfortable, meet new friends and understand the routines established in that course. We don’t have parents watching, except in our Mummy & Me class, as its very distracting for our students and we find they ‘hold back’ when being watched. It makes it far more exciting for them to perform for you on our stage, with an audience when they have been able to push their limits and ‘have a go’ without being judged whilst preparing for their performance. However, in the second week of classes, we would like you to come to the class 10 minutes early and come in to meet their teacher, hear all about that class and this time will also include an opportunity for a Q & A. It will be great to see you all attend this opportunity.
UNIFORMS
For all dancers, we have a range of tops, shorts and long pants. Boys Crew have their own uniform. For actors, we have NAPA T-shirts and they can wear their own choice of shorts or pants. Please avoid skirts or dresses as there is a lot of physical work required. Also please note that for all actors, they must be in appropriate footwear – no thongs or open sandals. Uniforms can be viewed on the racks at reception. We have a few items left over from last year and some 2nd hand clothes and shoes to sell. If you come to the office, we can help fit you out with uniforms. If we do not have your size, we will have to order these. Unfortunately, they do take a few weeks as they are made overseas. We will need orders completed by the end of February, as this will be the only time we will be making this order as they have a minimum number required.
DANCE TECHNIQUE + PERFORMANCE TEAMS
Our NAPA Dance program has a strong focus on technique in all styles. We offer specialised classes for ballet, tap, acrobatics and hip hop, while our combined dance technique class has a focus on developing the skills needed to perform in jazz, lyrical and contemporary styles. All of our dance students perform in our end of year concert.
Advanced students are encouraged to join our Performance Team, where they will learn and perform routines in a variety of styles. Performance Teams are offered in a range of age groups and styles.
6 & Under Dance Team - Jazz, Lyrical and Song & Dance
8 & Under Dance Team - Jazz, Lyrical and Song & Dance
10 & Under Dance Team - Jazz, Lyrical and Song & Dance
12 & Under Dance Team - Jazz, Lyrical and Song & Dance
15 & Under Dance Team - Jazz/Broadway Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary
Opens Dance Team - Jazz/Broadway Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary
12 & Under Acro Team
Opens Acro Team
15's S&D/Musical Theatre
Opens S&D/Musical Theatre
Opens Tap Team
Please note age is taken as of January 1st 2021. For example, if your child is 6 on January 1st they are in the 6& under team, regardless of when they turn 7. Students may audition for the age group above, but must also compete with their primary age group.
All team students must attend their relevant technique class and all Dance and Acro Team students must attend a weekly ballet class.
Competition dates can be found on our 2021 NAPA Calendar.
PRIVATE LESSONS - DANCE, VOCAL, ACTING + MUSICAL THEATRE
BOOK NOW FOR PRIVATES: We offer Private Lessons at NAPA with specialist teachers. There are limited places for Private Lessons and with some people continuing on with their existing teachers, it has meant a couple of our teachers are already booked out completely and others have only a few places left. We are excited to have exceptional new teachers on board offering privates to cater for the demand.
Below is the list of teachers who are offering private tuition, information on what they specialise in, and the time slots available. If you would like your child to have Private Lessons, please email [email protected] ASAP as these spaces will be filled quickly.
For Dance, competition students will be given first preference.
COST: The cost of Privates is $40 a half hour and this is paid directly to the teacher.
DAVID WILLIS
SINGING TEACHER
High school students have preference for his time slots but available for Juniors
AVAILABILITY: half hour time slots; Tuesday 3.30 – 5.30pm; Thursday 4.00-5.30pm; Friday 5.00-6.00pm
David is an accomplished musician, actor, music director and educator, with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a B.Ed. in Music, Drama and Media. He has had a very successful teaching career as Director of Music and Drama in Victorian, NSW and Queensland private and state schools. Co-founder of the Australian Children’s Choir, David continues to teach singing to many amateur and professional performers. Many of David’s former students have had successful careers on stage and TV, in Australia and overseas. Over the years David has directed and musically directed over 20 professional and community musical theatre productions. He recently teamed up with director, Frankie J. Holden, musically directing Ladies in Black at Merimbula’s Spectrum Theatre. David Willis is also an accomplished pianist and singer having recently performed in Australia and overseas on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager, the Sea Princess and Island Sky cruise ships. David is excited to join our team to make a difference with our students.
JACKIE TURNER
SINGING TEACHER
Primary school students have preference for her time slots but available for Seniors
AVAILABILITY: half hour time slots; Saturday 11.30-3.00 pm
Jackie has performed and studied in many varying styles of theatre and voice. Lessons with Miss Jackie are always tailored to each individual student. Passionate about growth, Miss Jackie always aims to find the most fun, safe and educational way for each student to thrive on their vocal journey. Her teaching methods include accessible and understandable vocal and performance strategies that assist in developing healthy and sustainable vocal technique whilst helping to encourage, build and strengthen student confidence. Read more of Jackie’s qualifications and performance experience on our Staff Page.
HANNAH STANTON
DANCE TEACHER
Hannah teaches all styles of Dance and specialises in Musical Theatre
AVAILABILITY: half hour time slots; Monday 6.00-7.00pm (more maybe scheduled on application).
Hannah has been performing professionally for over 10 years appearing in the National Tour of 'Dirty Dancing' understudying the lead role of 'Baby', as well as the Australian & New Zealand Tour of 'Matilda the Musical'. She has also performed for international artists such as Kylie Minogue and Ricky Martin as well as appearing on 'The Voice', 'Australia's Got Talent' and 'X Factor'. This year, Hannah is set to play the role of 'Anybodys' in the Austrian production of 'West Side Story'.
ALANA ANDREWS
DANCE TEACHER
Specialising in our Minis and Tap.
Also will take on anyone interested in improving technique, strength and flexibility
AVAILABILITY: half hour time slots; Monday 3.30 pm; Saturday 1.00 -3.00 pm
Alana originally started out as a ballet dancer, completing an Associate Degree in Dance at QUT. She then trained under Queensland Ballet director, Harold Collins, then under the guidance of contemporary director Leigh Warren. Alana then auditioned and performed in many musicals nationally and locally. Eventually grounding her feet on the Gold Coast, Alana spent the next 10 years performing on the streets of Movie World but is now passionate about teaching young dancers to be the best they can be.
KIM REYNOLDS
DANCE TEACHER
Specialises in Musical Theatre dance competition routines and Trinity Guildhall exam work.
AVAILABILITY: half hour time slots; Tuesday 4pm and 5pm; Wednesday 5.30 – 6.30pm
Kim, was a professional dancer who has performed in, choreographed and directed numerous local productions. Kim worked professionally in the industry for 10 years as a dancer and performer working with the likes of Rhonda Burchmore, Kate Cebrano and Ian Stenlake. She has an excellent reputation on the Gold Coast for her original choreography and directing style, which has won her numerous awards at the GCA Theatre Awards. Kim has a passion for all aspects of performing arts and can't wait to offer her students even more opportunities to develop their skills in 2021.
TAHNEE PITCHERS
BALLET TEACHER
AVAILABILITY: half hour time slots; Saturday 1.30-2.30pm
Tahnee trained full time with Suzanne Way at Professional Ballet Coaching Academy. During this time, Tahnee competed in competitions such as Alana Haines Australasian Awards, was a finalist in the Robert & Elizabeth Albert Ballet Scholarship and at the Jacqueline Moreland Awards and winner of J.J. Richards Memorial Scholarship. At 15, Tahnee was accepted into English National Ballet School, The Royal Ballet School’s Summer School and offered a full-tuition scholarship to Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto, where she studied for two years. While training in Toronto, Tahnee performed in the Stephen Godfrey Choreographic Competition, the school’s excerpt of Napoli for their Spring Showcase and numerous performances throughout the school years.
Check out our updated Uniform Policies that are now located (with images) on our website. At NAPA, our industry training begins with maintaining high expectations in students’ appearances at all times, both in and outside the classrooms, and while representing NAPA at performances and competitions.