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THE ULTIMATE WORKSHOP FOR
YOUNG ARTISTS WISHING
TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE
ENTERTAINMENT/FASHION
INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS BOOST
EVERY DAY SELF-CONFIDENCE

WORKSHOP
INFO

 

The Electric Safari workshops are dedicated to training & marketing promising young artists for the entertainment & fashion industries.

Workshops include:

  • Photography Class (headshot shoot & experience)
  • On-Camera Class (& experience)
  • Concept Video (shoot)
  • Casting and Go-Sees (technique & experience)
  • Industry lecture and motivation talk
  • Audition Technique (& experience)
  • Catwalk class
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Industry Lecture & Motivation

This talk provides a general overview of the entertainment industry and is also a motivational talk. The goal is to share vital “insider” information as well as open student’s minds so that so they can move forward with a clear, honest and realistic vision and appositive mindset. Our team believe that everyone has something unique to offer to the world. Whether it is on stage, behind the scenes, teaching dance or producing entertainment – everyone’s journey has a purpose! This class allows young artists to think big but also identify the direction they might like to head in (and how that may change along the way!) Students will be advised on how to obtain a reputable agent that best caters for their talent. They will be instructed on how to prepare a letter to an agent in the correct format, accompanied with their photo and CV. Students will also be advised on the basic “Do’s & Don’ts” to follow when working professionally and being part of an agency.

Audition Technique

Great audition technique is essential for landing that dream job! Students will be instructed on how best to prepare for castings or auditions, what to take along on the day and how to behave in a range of different types of auditions including musical theatre, commercial dance, film & television.

Much of this class is a “mock dance audition” with feedback and tips and tricks from Industry professionals shared throughout. Each student will walk away with a valuable experience under their belt and a clearer idea of how to properly prepare and what to expect at an audition.

Catwalk Class

Covering basic steps and posture, this class helps students find a walking technique to best suit their individual style. Students will participate in both dance fashion parade and straight walking exercises. This is useful not only for potential models, but also for poise and confidence in every day life.

Photography

This interactive session will prepare students for any type of photo shoot; what to expect, what to pack, how to be free in front of the camera, how to pose appropriately and how to select the best photos. At the completion of the course each student receives a high res copy of their strongest image from the shoot to use as their professional headshot.

On Camera

Castings for film and television roles are really quite different from stage auditions and special skill and knowledge is required for success in this area. This class is the perfect introduction to this world, covering key casting and acting for camera technique, basic script reading and retaining lines, overcoming nerves, and presenting yourself in a suitable fashion for screen.

Presentation

Students LOVE this opportunity to showcase their confident and unique approaches to performing on stage, which have been nurtured over the preceding days. Parents are invited to this open session where you will see your children perform in fun and entertaining live runway display.  Families will also be given information on what they can do to help and support their child in the Entertainment Industry.

Concept Video

Visuals are key in today’s market! This session allows students to engage with each other and perform in a concept video that features each and every student. The content created allows students to be creative in their presentation and movement, as well as gain “on-set” experience. 

The end result is shown to parents on the presentation day and is a great way of engaging students in a creative and fun way and getting them to understand the process required to put together slick, effective content.

Casting Technique and Experience

For this exercise our team will engage an industry professional to meet and greet each student in a mock “go-see” experience. Via participating in this experience and the feedback given, students will gain valuable knowledge on how to prepare and what to wear for a casting call, what to bring and how leave a positive and lasting impression on a client or panel.

 

OUR
TEACHERS

All tutors are highly respected working professionals in the industry. This serves as a great platform for the students to get connected for potential work opportunities. 

Electric Safari tutors are licensed to work with children and registered with kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au.

PJ Clarke

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PJ Clarke

With a career spanning more than 30 years in the entertainment industry as a performer, consultant, choreographer, stylist and agent, PJ has long been established as one of the leading industry personalities in Australia. He is also well regarded as somewhat of a guru when it comes to educating the next generation in preparation for a career in entertainment and/or fashion.

In 2008, PJ realized a lifelong dream when he established Electric Safari, a unique educational experience for young performers looking to gain knowledge, refine their skills and potentially one day launch their career in the industry.

During his own performance career, PJ toured the world performing in leading musicals, shows with pop and rock icons, countless corporate events and appearing in television specials/advertisements and music videos.

Throughout his years on stage and screen, PJ also chose to pursue his passion for many other creative avenues. This saw him working behind the scenes as a casting consultant, stylist and event manager. He gained experience working as part of event teams, within advertising agencies, alongside key casting agents and choreographers as well as other stylists at the forefront of their fields.

As an agent, PJ has been involved in guiding the careers of some of Australia’s favourite Artists including Natalie Basingthwaite, Matt Lee, Shannon Holtzapffel, Adam Garcia, Cameron Mitchell, Ashley Wallen, Renee Bargh, Casey Burgess, Michael Boyd, Prinnie Stevens, Mitchell Woodcock, Leah Howard, Nathan Wright and Anthony Ginandjar.

In 2007 PJ launched Jeep Management, and it quickly became known as one of Australia’s leading agencies representing and mentoring many high profile dancers, models, actors, singers, musical theatre performers and choreographers as well as an agency that helps shape young artists into marketable talent with successful entertainment industry careers.

Jeep Management also works in conjunction with Australia’s biggest event management teams to produce outstanding industry events, in turn creating further opportunities for Artists.

Forward Management (FWD MGMT) is Jeep’s newest division, focusing on ‘creatives’ and Artists who push the boundaries in film, TV, stage, and social media. FWD represents some of the best choreographers in the country along with high profile actors and the new breed of influencers who are taking social media by storm.

When it comes to working with the next generation of up and coming Artists, PJ not only directs the Electric Safari Workshops, but lends his expertise as an adjudicator at competitions all around Australia and is engaged to give industry and motivational talks at many high profile arts schools. PJ’s catwalk coaching skills are also employed by many to mentor young models and he even appeared as a Model Coach on Channel 7’s Make Me A Supermodel.

 

Nikki Davis

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Nikki Davis

After landing her first television commercial at age 15, Nikki Davis has had a long and varied career in the Arts in Australia.

A trained dancer, Nikki’s performance career – under the management of PJ Clarke – grew into a modeling and acting career, which continues today. Model highlights so far have included catwalk shows for Australian Fashion Week, David Jones, Westfield, Royal Randwick and Aqua Blu swim as well as various print campaigns for brands such as Nike, Rebel, Big W and McAfee.

Nikki has featured in television and cinema advertising for brands including Mazda, Virgin, Huggies, Lipton, Telstra, Channel 7, Chux and AGL. She has also appeared as a model on Channel 9’s Mornings and Channel 7’s Sunrise and featured in various character roles on The Merrick and Rosso Show.

Hosting on camera is one of Nikki’s great strengths, anchoring web clips for Vodafone, Sony and Toyota. She is also very comfortable on stage with a microphone, compering corporate and public events all around Sydney.

Nikki’s keen interest in the “behind the scenes” of the entertainment industry, and her Communications Degree, has seen her work in event and video production as well script writing for video for many years. Nikki is also the former editor and co-creator of DANCEtrain magazine.

Combining her industry experience and passion for communicating and working with up and coming performers, Nikki is proud to now be the Head Booker at Jeep Management and FWD MGMT. Her proven rapport with young people, and teen girls in particular, makes her an ideal Electric Safari Tutor who truly encourages students to be themselves and feel confident in their own skin.

Felicia Stavropolous

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Felicia Stavropoulos

Felicia Stavropoulos is one of Sydney’s most passionate up and coming performers. Felicia has trained extensively in all forms of dance, as well as singing and acting, holding a Cert IV in Performing Arts.

Upon graduating from full-time training, Felicia signed with Jeep Management – one of Australia’s leading talent agencies – Felicia has appeared on numerous Australian TV shows including The X Factor, The Voice, Australia’s Got Talent and has performed with artists such as Hilary Duff, Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue, Betty Who, Conrad Sewell and Hailee Steinfield and leading choreographers including The Squared Division and Mitchell Woodcock.

In 2017 Felicia had the pleasure of working with Kelley Abbey, as part of the cast of Opera Australia’s Carmen performed on Sydney Harbour.

With a gift for working with children and sharing her incredible talent and technique with young dancers, Felicia is one of Sydney’s favourite dance teachers.

Catarina Santos

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Cat Santos

Cat is one of Sydney’s most exciting and passionate dancers and choreographers. Trained extensively in all forms of dance and holding a Certificate IV in Dance from Brent Street Studios, Cat loves being on stage but is also a creative force who nurtures and explores her inventiveness through choreography and knows how bring ideas to life.

As a performer, Cat has appeared on numerous Australian TV Series including X Factor AU, The Voice Australia and Dance Academy and has performed with Artists such as Nick Jonas, Ricky Martin, Dannii Minogue, Flo Rida, Timomatic and Delta Goodrem. Cat has also been seen on stage as part of The Dream Dance Company in several seasons.

In 2012, Catarina worked with Kelley Abbey, one of her long-time inspirations, as part of the cast of Opera Australia’s Carmen performed on Sydney Harbour. That same year she joined contemporary company Tannos + Choice (produced by Marko Panzic) where she assisted choreographer Stephen Tannos. This lead to Cat assisting Tannos throughout the entire 2014 season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia on Channel 10.

Cat has continuously refined her creative skills through assisting many leading choreographers including Matt Lee, Marko Panzic, and ‘The Squared Division’.  

Behind the scenes, Cat’s work has won many industry awards and she is in high demand as a choreographer, working on some of the biggest corporate events in Australia with clients including Westpac, MG, Stockland and The Victor Chang Heart Foundation Ball (all of whom were blown away by the work she produced and directed.)

Cat is one of Sydney’s most loved dance teachers and the passion and energy she brings to her classes is second to none.

Ana Maria Belo

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Ana Maria Belo

Graduating from NIDA in 1998, Ana Maria has carved out an impressive career for herself in the entertainment industry.

Ana Maria has had starring roles in Fame and Hair and was nominated for a Green Room Award for her portrayal of Jeanie in the latter. Her other theatre credits include Sarah in The Listmaker for Bell Shakespeare Company; Noises Off for Ensemble Theatre Company playing Booke/Vicki;, Connie in Dr Akars Women for Griffin Theatre Company; Fantail in Company B’s production of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie, and Annelle in the acclaimed Australian tour of Steel Magnolias.

Ana Maria has also made her mark on screen with Australian television credits including All Saints, Home & Away and White Collar Blue and in the UK she has appeared on According to Bex and Life Begins.

Ana Maria has also had roles in the film A Cold Summer and The Book of Revelation. Ana wis also the recipient of the ‘Tropfest Women in Film Award’ for her short film Things to Do, which she wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in. Her short film Magic also won the Peoples Choice Award at The Projects Film Festival in Sydney.

Ana Maria is one of the most well respected acting teachers and coaches in Australia and currently teaches acting and musical theatre at The McDonald College.

 

Sophie Holloway

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Sophie Holloway

After training from a young age under Bernadette Langshaw-Clark, Sophie hit the Australian scene as a commercial dancer and model, featuring on TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance Australia, The Wiggles and Dance Academy. From there, Sophie landed a coveted role in the ensemble of performers in Baz Lurhmann’s film The Great Gatsby, as well as contributing her talents to the film Razzle Dazzle. Sophie then took her talents to the seas where she was a featured dancer on the Carnival Cruise Lines and has also worked in Bonnie Lythgoe’s Pantomime’s Cinderella, The Adventures of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Chasing her ultimate dream, Sophie made her way to New York City in 2014 where she became the first Australian to land a spot in the prestigious Radio City Rockettes. She has consistently been selected for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC), numerous marketing campaigns and US talk shows with the Rockettes. Specifically, she performed with Michael Buble in his Christmas In New York special (NBC), Teen Vogue’s special with Maddie Ziegler and The Rockettes, NBC’S The Today Show and the 2017 Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony. Her favourite performance to date would be dancing with The Rockettes at the 71st Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in 2017. 

Sophie is in great demand to share her talent and technique with students and young dancers flock to her classes all around Australia. 

Casey Burgess

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Casey Burgess

Casey Burgess is an established actress, musician, voice over artist and television presenter with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. 

She was a cast member of the internationally successful children’s ensemble Hi-5 from 2008-12.Hi-5 has been nominated for numerous ARIA & TV Week Logie Awards.

Her extensive television credits include roles in Home and Away, Rake, Tripping Over and White Collar Blue, Wonderland , Farscape and Don’t Blame Me. Casey has featured in the film My Husband My Killer, tele-movie Scorched and award winning short film ‘Checkpoint’ .

She hosted the television series Girl TV for Seven Network and has taken part in a number of live appearances as a presenter, including Carols in The Domain, The People’s Choice Awards, and featured on Channel 7’s live telethon performing ‘Moses’ on guitar and vocals.

Casey has performed in Annie The Musical and for GFO’s A Little Princess stage workshop.

Over the last 3 years Casey has made appearances on the panels of The Today Show on Channel 9 and The Morning Show on Channel 7 as breakfast TV panelist, as well as hosting and acting as MC at live Events and functions around Australia.  

Casey is also still singing and dancing around the world the girl group The Diamonds as well as an acoustic duo.

Whenever she is not on stage or screen, Casey loves to pass on her knowledge and expertise to the next generation. She especially loves teaching children and teenagers how to connect with an audience in an on screen performance and how to nail film and television castings. 

Ash Power

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Ash Power

Ash Power is a truly special Artist who is not only a triple threat for stage and screen, but is an outstanding stage manager, assistant director, teacher, mentor and agent. Her array of talents and skills come together in her role as Head Booker at the Jeep Management group, making her an incredibly well-respected young industry figure.

Ash trained at Planet Dance in Sydney and made her professional musical theatre debut at 14 in The Kermond Creative’s production of Candy Man and her screen debut at age 15 in ABC’s Brides of Christ. During high school she also joined the national tour of Young Talent Time as a featured dancer.

Ash’s professional stage credits also include La Traviata (Opera Australia), Girls On Tap (as a performer and Assistant Director for the Australian and NYC seasons) and playing the principal role of Alexis in Bring It On – The Musical (Supply Evolution),  

On screen, Ash has performed on X-Factor, Australia’s Got Talent, Young Talent Time, Celebrity Apprentice and was a guest host for Disney Channel’s “Hanging With” special.

Ash has a special gift for connecting with children and teens; she inspires and brings out the best in every student she works with.

Daniel Assetta

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Daniel Assetta

Daniel Assetta is one of Australia’s most accomplished young musical theatre artists. Possessing all the qualities of a traditional yet versatile leading man, Daniel is undoubtedly a rising star.

Daniel began his training at GY Dance, and then graduated from ED5 International with a Diploma in Performing Arts. Most recently, he appeared in the Australian/international production of West Side Story (Opera Australia/GWB), alternating the leading role of ‘Tony’.

Daniel’s theatre credits also include: ‘Elder Young’ in The Book of Mormon (Gordon Frost Organisation); ‘The Rum Tum Tugger’ in the Australian/New Zealand tour of CATS (The Really Useful Group); the 10th Anniversary Australasian tour of Wicked (Universal/Gordon Frost Organisation); ‘The Ziegfeld Tenor’ in Funny Girl (The Production Company); ‘Luke’ in The Gathering (Vic Theatre Company); Follies in Concert (StoreyBoard Entertainment); and Curtains (The Production Company). 

Daniel was the recipient of the prestigious Rob Guest Endowment Award in 2015, which gave him the opportunity to perform in New York amongst Broadway stars in the renowned Elsie Fest, and in the Michael Mott & Friends concert. He has also appeared on ABC’s Breakfast, Carols in The Domain, The ARIA Awards and numerous Twisted Broadway concerts.  

In 2019, Daniel produced, co-wrote, and performed alongside his sister, Chiara, in Siblingship, which played to sold-out audiences in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

2020 sees Daniel embarking on roles in A Chorus Line (Darlinghurst Theatre Company) and American Psycho (BB Arts Entertainment) and taking ‘Siblingship’ abroad for overseas audiences. Daniel’s career is one to watch as he soars from role to role, headed for a place in the top echelon of the industry.

MITCHELL WOODCOCK

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Mitchell Woodcock

Helpmann Award winning choreographer, Mitchell Woodcock, has established himself as one of Australia’s most sought-after performers and creatives with an expansive career across all facets of the entertainment industry.

Mitchell has worked alongside director Al Weeks as movement director for the ‘Karl Lagerfeld X Modelco’ video campaign in New York City. His choreography was showcased at the world movie premiere of the film Les Miserables in 2012, Toyota’s 2018 Corolla launch film (worldwide) and James Arthur’s hit music video ‘You Deserve Better’. Mitchell has had the pleasure of taking on the creative director and choreographer roles for performances for George Ezra, Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, James Arthur, Ava Max, PNAU, Amy Shark, Kim Petras, Conrad Sewell, Noah Kahan, Samantha Jade, Starley, Deborah Cox, The Veronicas, Betty Who, Client Liaison, Steve Grand and Conchita on such programs and events as The Voice AU, The ARIAs, The TV Week Logie Awards, Dancing With The Stars Australia, The Australian Open, Splendour In The Grass, NYC Pride, Lost Paradise and The State Of Origin.

Mitchell’s diverse skill set has seen him direct and choreograph television advertising campaigns for the Australian touring productions of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Saturday Night Fever’. He has also played the key role of choreographer in the staging of the Prix de Marie Claire Fashion Awardsand fashion events for Ben Sherman as well as ‘movement director’ on Naomi Campbell’s The Face TV series.

Mitchell’s creative company, ‘New Ground Collective’, travelled to Jakarta in 2018 to conceptualise and deliver twenty four performances in four weeks for their number one rated TV network, RCTI.

As a performer, Mitchell made his professional debut in the role of A-rab at the age of 17 in the Australian production of West Side Story directed by Joey McKneely. Mitchell toured with the Australian cast in the Broadway musical Wicked in 2011/2012 and quickly joined the international tour of West Side Storyin the role of Dance Captain at the age of twenty. He performed to audiences all across Europe and resided at the famous Saddlers Wells Theatre in London. Since then Mitch has performed in Guys and Dolls and udertaken the role of performer and dance captain on Dirty Dancing, Kinky Boots and Chicago.

Mitchell has appeared as a featured dancer in Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby, ABC’s Dance Academy, The XFactor AU, Australia’s Next Top Modeland numerous video and print campaigns.

Mitchell has had the privilege of performing on stage with recording Artists including Kelly Rowland, Ricky Martin, Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am, Joel Madden, Delta Goodrem, Geri Halliwell, Olivia Newton-John and Sneaky Sound System.

2019 saw Mitchell receive the Helpmann Award for ‘Best Choreography in a Musical’ for his work on Saturday Night Fever. He also spent time working on The Voice AU in a  Creative Producer role and is currently the creative director/choreographer for the ‘T20 Cricket World Cup’ Opening Ceremony and Guy Sebastian’s Australian Tour ‘Ridin With You’.

Tiana Meehan

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Tiana Meehan

Tiana is one of Australia’s most exciting emerging artists.

Tiana trained extensively in RAD Ballet from a young age and it was from here that she grew to love other styles of dance and working hard to become a versatile dancer.  Tiana has had first class education in dance, singing and acting from Newtown Performing Arts High School, Ettingshausens, Brent Street and Screenwise.  Internationally she has also had the opportunity, via scholarships, to train with Ann Reinking, Angelica Stiskin at Joffrey Ballet New York, Broadway Dance Centre New York, Broadway Arts Community and with the New York City Rockette Summer Intensive Program.  

Still only 19 years old, Tiana has already performed professionally across the world including for Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. 

Tiana’s modelling and catwalk skills along with her philanthropy have seen her represent Australia in pageants on the world stage, and she is currently a National Finalist for Miss Universe Australia 2021.

Tiana is passionate about sharing her dedication to hard work and developing multiple and diverse skills with children and teens. Tiana encourages her students to never give up, believe in themselves and always know there is also someone else who believes in them too.  

Chiara Assetta

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Chiara Assetta

Chiara Assetta is one of Australia’s true triple threat performers who is also an in-demand creative. Chiara trained at Glenda Yee School of Dance and went on to graduate from ED5 International with a Diploma in Performing Arts.

Chiara was most recently seen on stage in Cry-Baby (LPD Productions). Her credits also include the role of Teresita in Handa Opera Australia’s West Side Story on Sydney Harbour and Siblingship, the cabaret she co-created and performed in alongside her brother Daniel. She has also played ‘Brian’ in Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s  Good Omens(Squabbalogic), the ‘Bride of Frankenstein’, ‘Hip’ and ‘Hop’ in Universal Monsters Live (Universal Studios Japan) as well as appearing as a Frog Choir vocalist in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Japan).

Chiara originated the choreography for the Australian production of The Dismissal which will be playing at the Sydney Opera House in late 2021. Siblingship, which she co-created and choreographed won ‘Best Cabaret’ in the Broadway World Australia Awards of 2020.

On screen, Chiara’s credits include Dance Academy and So You Think You Can Dance Australia as well as campaigns for brands such as Lynx. As a vocalist, she has performed the national anthem for the opening of Bankwest Stadium and backing vocals for Delta Goodrem on The Voice and The Footy Show.

Chiara’s depth of knowledge and passion for the arts – and musical theatre in particular – as well as her effervescent personality, make her a favourite mentor for so many young performers.

WHAT PEOPLE
ARE SAYING

THANKYOU so much for the fantastic experience of the two day workshop, my daughter had a brilliant time and learnt so much.

After the first day she came home on an all time high, rewrote all her notes and didn’t stop talking about it all night. She was over the moon and very keen for the next day.

I was so impressed at the presentation. Not only was it so professional and well organized, all the girls and boys looked like they had been walking the catwalk for years not just two days! Also the information you gave us as parents was well appreciated and very much taken on board. I wish you had a workshop for us (parents) as it’s a tough business to be in as a mother of two girls..

I’m just so thankful that we and the kids in this industry have someone like yourself and your team to look up to and admire and most importantly LEARN from. You have the student’s best interests at hand and that has been made very clear. I look forward to my girls continuing to learn from you. It was a priceless experience that I will share with others and hope they too will give their children the same opportunity that we were so lucky to have.

Renee (Parent)

 

PJ Clarke has been an inspiration to the students and teachers at our school and dance challenge on the Central Coast of NSW for a number of years.

PJ has mastered the ability to present his extensive knowledge of both the entertainment and fashion industries with finesse and obvious passion to people of all ages. Simply glowing with positivity and creativity, PJ is a joy to work with and learn from. If you have the opportunity to partake in his Electric Safari workshop – take it.

If you ever have the chance to work with or be taught by this amazing talent, it will be an experience you will never forget. Thank you PJ for everything you have done for Lee Academy Dance & Performing Arts and The Central Coast’s Dance Attack Challenge.

Jo Cotterill (Studio Director of Lee Academy)

I am writing to you to express my gratitude to you and your staff. My daughter attended your workshop at Showcase and I have to say that she came back a changed girl.

Within the short period you had her she went from a little girl doubting her ability (thinking that she was no good at anything), to a girl who has confidence and believes in herself. It was so evident when she went to compete the next day – she held herself beautifully and really connected with the audience. 

I don’t know what you did in that short period of time but it was truly appreciated. I will definitely be sending my daughter back to you year after year. And her photo is beautiful! I would appreciate if you could let me know when you are conducting your next course.

Charmaine (Parent)

Thank you… All the tutors at JK have noticed a huge change in our JK kids that did your course. My own daughter  is extremely shy at school and her teacher has commented on the positive change. Thank you so much for all the opportunities you have brought to us, I am truly grateful.

Kirsty Allpress (Studio Director/JK Danceworks)

OUR UPCOMING
WORKSHOP DATES

 

JULY 2024

8th, 9th and 10th

TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON!