The Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy & the National College of Dance Staff Profile Gallery

The staff of this highly successful Dance School are a close working creative team. They rely on postive communication and support for each other and at every opportunity they are encouraged to pursue proffessional development opportunities. Their expertise, extensive experience and genuine care for the students makes for an exciting place to work where the students benefit and the staff love their work. 

• Artistic Director - Marie Walton Mahon
• Assistant Artistic Director - Elise Frawley
• Head of Contemporary & Jazz - Debbie Linnert
• Head of Drama - James Buckingham
  
• Head of Music Appreciation - Jenny Pickering
• Head of Student Panel - Michele Jarmaine
• Consultant & Lecturer Sports Physiotherapy - Camille Clinton

• Specialist RAD Classical & Contemporary Teacher & Choreographer - Veronica Mahon

• Specialist RAD Classical Teacher & Choreographer - Hayley Farr
• Specialist RAD Classical Teacher & Choreographer - Jenna Mulholland
• Specialist RAD Classical & Jazz Teacher & Choreographer - Brianna Thomas
• Specialist Jazz Teacher & Choreographer - Zoe Jones

• Specialist RAD Classical & Contemporary Teacher & Choreographer - Raegan Williams

• Specialist Boys Jazz Teacher & Choreographer - Daniel Roberge
  

photo: Raegan Williams on stage Newcastle Eisteddfod 2008

2008 Diploma Student Profile Gallery

• Chloe Bayliss
• Natalia Joaquim
• Tenealle Johnson-Roll
• Sophie Lidbury
• Courtney McKinnon
• Jordyn Ode
• Mia Powter
• Hayley Raw
• Ashlyne Wardle
• Khadi Wolf- Brooke
  

Artistic Director 

Marie Walton Mahon, ARAD, Solo Seal, Vocational Examiner RAD

Marie works with the students of both the National College of Dance and the MWM Dance Studio. Her speciality is Classical Ballet with a passionate commitment to excellence in both RAD technique and choreography of solo and group work.

Marie gained honours in the RAD advanced examination and awarded the Solo Seal. She then travelled to France to continue her studies, under the distinguished Rosella Hightower. Marie then danced professionally with the 'Les Ballet de Marseilles' under the direction of Roland Petit, touring through Europe. On returning to Newcastle, Marie opened the dance studio and her reputation as an educator of excellence soon attracted an increasing number of talented students. By the 1980s students of the school were achieving places in the most prestigious dance schools and companies, internationally and throughout Australia.

With her passion and dedication to the love of dance, Marie has nurtured the training of many students who have gone onto a successful career in the industry. The secret to her success lies in the strong personal bond and commitment she has with each student. Over a thirty year career as an educator, Marie is widely acknowledged for her innovative teaching techniques while her emphasis on personal develpment of individual students enables each to reach their full potential. In 2006 Marie attained the Certificate of Assessment and Training and in 2007 launched the National College of Dance.

Quote: " Dance ought to play a part in the all-round development of students. It should help them to achieve their academic, artistic, and physical goals and assist in their emotional development"

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Assistant  Artistic Director

Elise Frawley A.R.A.D.T.C

Elise has been a teacher with the MWM Dance Academy since 1997 and played an essential role in the establishment of the National College of Dance. After studying as a student at MWM Dance, Elise was awarded a full scholarship to complete the Classical Graduate Course with the London Studio Centre.

On her return to Newcastle, Elise completed a double degree in BA Teaching/Arts at Newcastle University. During this time, Elise gained her Royal Academy of Dance Teachers Certificate, passing with dintinction, and has been teaching at the studio since then.

Elise has also gained qualifications as a registered Pilates instructor with the Australian Institute of Pilates. Her teaching degree has led her to become a specialised HSC Dance teacher for students at a range of schools in the Hunter. For the past seven years Elise has also had a large involvement with local schools as a registered choreographer for Star Struck.

Elise has her TAA04 in Training and Assessment. Elise is an inspiration to students of all ages. Her commitment and grace make her a teacher who delivers excellence in all areas of her involvment.

Quote: " Ballet has been such an important part of my life and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to share my passion with students of all ages.

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Head of Contemporary and Jazz

Debbie Linnert

Debbie has been teaching and choreographing award winning jazz and contemporary dance for over ten years. Debbie began dancing at the age of 4 in RAD and Jazz. In 1993 she completed the Full Time Performing Arts Course at Brent Street School of Arts in Sydney. Debbie has performed at various concerts and shows including the "Joop" Perfume Convention, The Australian Hair Expo and the Midday Show.

After gaining her degree in Bachelor of Arts in Japanese, Debbie moved abroad continuing her dance teaching in London. Her  teaching  experiences were based at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Barbican, The North London Performing Arts, Winchmore Hill and the Urdang Academy, Convent Garden. In November 2006 she obtained the TAA04 in Training and Assessment. Recently in 2008, Debbie was selected from choreographers nation wide to choreograph contemporary routines for the television show, So You Think You Can Dance, Australia.

As a teacher Debbie has inspired many students in the areas of contemporary and jazz. As a choreographer her senior jazz groups have performed at the Opera House, Sydney, as finalists and winners. They have also been invited two years running to perform at the Australian Dance Awards. In 2007, Debbie accompanied NCD students on a workshop tour of New York. Her work is dynamic, inspirational and exciting and is always a popular feature at any concert performance.

Quote: "Enjoy all experiences in life and learn as much as you can along the way".

Head of Drama

James Buckingham

Drama Teacher, Actor, CONDA (City of Newcastle Drama Award) recipient, 2007 Newcastle City Council’s Young Citizen of the Year. 

Head of Music Appreciation

Jenny Pickering, BA Dip Ed, AmusA

 Jenny grew up in Newcastle and received her BA Dip Ed from Newcastle University and Newcastle Teachers College. She also studied at the Newcastle Conservatorium gaining her AmusA. Bachelor in Organ Performing and completed most of Fledgling Music Teachers Course - Exams in Harmony and Counterpoint, History of Music, Oboe and Performance with the Newcastle Orchestra. She also sang with the Choir of Newcastle Cathedral. Jenny was Musical Director for a number of Musical and Threories of Cabaret acts. She has taught music for twenty years in NSW secondary schools.

In 1990, Jenny made the art of accompanying Ballet her full time occupation and she played for RAD exams courses and seminars for 15 years.

Jenny has plans to create courses for Ballet Accompanyment, a series of lessons for K-6 Teachers who have no background in creative arts and more CDs with alternative music for ballet teachers. In November 2006 she obtained TAA04 in Training and Assessment.

Jenny has been a favourite piano player for students in their exam preparation for many years. In 2006, Miss Marie asked Jenny to play for all classes, so students could learn the nuances of performing to live music. In 2006 & 2007 Jenny was instrumental in the development of the dynamic music program for Certificate III, IV and the Diploma levels in the National College of Dance. Jenny now lives in Newcastle and makes MWM Dance and NCD a number one priority.

Head of Student Panel

Michele Jarmaine

Michele began her training at Cheryl Warwicks Dance Academy on the Central Coast in 1989 and continued with her until 1995. Michele was then offered a full scholarship to attend the Anne MacDonald  College in Sydney where she trained for one year under former Australian Ballet Principal Artists Alan Cross and Josephine Jason. In 1996 Michele was selected into the Australian Ballet School full  time program in Melbourne and graduated in 1999 with an Advanced Diploma in Classical Ballet. During this time Michele performed in the Corps de Ballet of the Australian Ballet Companys 'Manon' (1999) and 'Don Quixote' (1999). Michele also performed with the Australian Ballet School in Copelia (1999), The Red Shoes (1998), The Snow Queen (1997) and Defille (1997-1999).

In 2000,  Michele began freelance ballet and contemporary teaching for various dance studios on the Central Coast.

In 2004 Michele enrolled in the University of Newcastle studying a Bachelor of Arts/Teaching. In 2006 she obtained the TAA4 in Assessment and Training. In 2007 Michele joined the team at the National College of Dance. Micheles bright positive outlook compliments her excellence in teaching, this year (2008) she has demonstrated a natural ability for choreography.

 Quote: "We find in life exactly what we put into it"

Consultant & Lecturer Sports Physiotherapy

Camille Clinton

Camille is a physiotherapist who has a special interest in Ballet. She has extensive experience as a professional ballet dancer, dancing for 10 years overseas before qualifying as a physiotherapist.

Camille began her ballet training in Newcastle giving her a solid grounding of technique before auditioning overseas and landing a job in a German Ballet Company.

Camille worked professionally as a dancer in Germany for 10 years with various ballet companies and choreographers. She has an extensive knowledge in a range of dancing styles from the classics to contemporary and modern, and musical theatre. This has allowed her to expand her knowledge in both dancing and teaching environements and combined with her physiotherapy a solid grounding in dance and dance technique.

Having a thorough knowledge of anatomy, and injury prevention has made Camille a valuable member of the National College of Dance team, students can apply what they learn throughout their training and future careers.

Camille has also completed a Masters of Sports Therapy.

Camille is available for physiotherapy treatment as well as lecturing in injury prevention and nutrition.

Specialist RAD Classical Teacher & Choreographer

Hayley Farr

Hayley studied at the Dubbo Ballet School until 1998 with Jacqueline Manditch and Suzanne Ramsay in RAD Classical, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap. Hayley then followed her passion for dance to Sydney where she trained at theTanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy in Classical, Contemporary, Pas de Deux and Repertoire.

 In 1999 Hayley was offered a place in the Dancers Course of the Ballet Theatre of Victoria in Melbourne where she trained with Leanne Rutherford until 2000 when she was accepted into the Queensland Ballet School. From 2001-2003 Hayley was employed by the Queensland Ballet Company as a soloist. This was followed by a contract with the Royal  Ballet Company in London in 2004 and the English National Ballet Company. Following her dream to America, Hayley worked with the San Francisco Ballet Company until 2007 before returning home to share her experiences with students in Dubbo. Hayley was invited to join the

National College of Dance and the Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy in 2008.

 During her time as a professional dancer, Hayley travelled the world working with many talented dancers, choreographers and she performed on the most prestigious stages of the world. Her experiences as a soloist and principal dancer in both classical and contemporary techniques has only highlighted her passion for the art form and Hayley is enthusiastic to work with young dancers.

 Quote: "To dance with your feet is one thing, to dance with your heart is another"

Specialist RAD Classical Teacher

 Jenna Mulholland R.A.D.C.B.T.S

Jenna started dancing at the age of four in her small home town of Coonamble. Being an isolated area there wasn't a lot on offer. For fifteen years, Jenna travelled three times a week to pursue her passion and love for dance. Jenna trained with some of the best schools in Australia.

While still at school, Jenna choreographed for school musicals, eisteddfods and charity concerts. Jenna has been a teacher at MWM Dance for four years: realising her dream to become a dance teacher she moved to Newcastle to complete her Royal Academy of Dance treachers certificate under the personal guidance of Marie Walton Mahon. 

After successful completion of her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, Jenna now holds a Registered Teacher status with the Royal Academy of Dance.

Jenna is currently (2008/09) enrolled in the BA Teaching/Arts at the University of Newcastle, and she has a long term plan to consolidate her dance training with education.

In 2007, Jenna was adjudicator at the Alice Springs Annual Eisteddfod, adjudicating is an area which  she highly enjoys and will pursue in the future and throughout her career.

In the future Jenna hopes to offer support, guidance and provide opportunities to dance students who live in isolated areas.

Quote: " Live each day as if it's your last"