Teachers

	Miss Cathy Principal and Teacher With more than 20 years under its belt Cathy Makin Dance Academy (CMDA) is one of the longest standing dance schools on the coast. Cathy Brown the Principal and owner of Cathy Makin Dance Academy started the academy whe she as 18 years old by advertising in the local paper - The Central Coast Advocate. 20 years later she now has 2 fully equiped studios on the surrounds of Toukley's Village Green with more than 150 students, eight fantastic teachers and many assistant teachers - most are Cathy's Students. Original students of Cathy are now bringing their own children in to learn the magic of Dance at CMDA. Read more Cathy maintains to her students that dance is such a wonderful art for them to be involved in, they gain confidence, posture and many wonderful friendships. It is a discipline and what you end up with is a life skill. Cathy is a fuly accredited R.A.D Classical Ballet Teacher and believes that classical ballet has been one of the best choices her parents Jill and Terry Makin ever made for her. "It isn't easy but what I have gained from it is amazing." CMDA offers many genres of dance - R.A.D Classical Ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz and some very popular boys casses. The academy aso has classes for adults in Yoga and Zumba. Cathy is very proud of the academy and everything her students have achieved. Many now have their own career in dance - Miss Tiff G, one of Cathy's longest standing students and teachers now has her own academy in Morisset as well as teaching at CMDA. Some students studied dance at university and now teach dance in educational schools and many have starred in varied music videos. Just recently the new children's DVD with Jay Laga'aia (to see the video Click Here). Cathy also mentors new teachers studying their R.A.D classical ballet teaching certificate. "It's busy, but its fantastic" says Cathy who is a mum to her 3 boys Josh, Isaak and Bede and wife to Darren. This year the students are touring Disneyland California where they will be performing in Disneyland, the Disney Parade, Hollywood Boulevard and Universal Studios, as well as taking classes in America to enrich their experiences.Close
	Miss Tiff G Teacher I began dancing at the age of 2 at “Cathy Makin Dance Academy” I had always loved to dance around the house and I think my mum wanted me to use up some of my energy!!! I was hooked and have been ever since, not only did I learn to dance but I made lifelong friends and decided to make a career of my hobby. I did exams in ballet up to teaching level and tap, competed in eisteddfods (group and solo) I couldn’t get enough of performing. Read more I began student teaching at Cathy’s when I was around 14 and she hired me as a full time teacher once I was 16. Since then I have continued teaching in between working full time at a pre-school and completing my diploma in childcare. I also completed my HSC in dance which I studied at “Hunter School of Performing Arts”. I now own my own dance school “M.A.D. Dance Morisset” which I took over in 2011 and is doing excellently, I love still teaching and dancing at Cathy’s because it has always been my family. It has always brought me such joy to pass on my skills and knowledge to others and I am dedicated to provide a stress free, FUN dance school that I will be so proud of. Close
	Miss Bianca Teacher Miss Bianca has been dancing at cmda for 20 yrs and has been teaching for 7 yrs. She has studied Ballet Jazz Modern Contemporary Tap and Hip hop. I started solo work at the age 4 and have competed in eisteddfods all over Nsw. And won showcase nationals for 2 years running for modern expressive. Read more I toured Japan at the age 10 and 12 with the Central Coast Ballet Company doing Swan lake and many other ballets. I performed in Peter and the Wolf (the cat) with the Laycock Street Theatre Company and a Bondi ballet choreographed by Michael Montgomery in 2000. Performed at the NRL grand final pre entertainment show 2002. Performed in star stuck 2002 and 2003. I then decided to focus on my ballet and successfully completed all my RAD Exams up to Advanced in 2005. I finished my HSC in 2005 and was nominated and selected for Callback. Performed at the mardi gra 2006. Kerri Anne show 2006. James Kannis and Lee Hardy film clips 2006. I then went to Brent Street and completed their full-time performing arts course in 2006. I completed Zumba basic 1 certificate in 2010. Dance not only gives us good posture, co-ordination, but also teaches respect discipline and builds confidence. I love watching all my students learn, improve and grow. I get a lot out of teaching. Close
	Miss Lindsey Teacher Miss Lindsey has been involved in the dance industry for 21 years. Lindsey started dance on the Central Coast at the Central Coast College of Dance with Tracy McDonald. Performing, participating and competing in shows, eisteddfods and workshops around Australia. Read more In 200 Lindsey moved to Sydney to study full time dance at Tanya Pearsons Classical Coaching Academy. During this time she completed the remainder of her R.A.D. exams to Advanced. While completing her technical training, Lindsey auditioned for a number of Ballet Schools in Europe and was accepted into the Schweozerosche Ballett Berufsschule. Lindsey gained her teaching diploma in Luzern Switzerland. After teaching in Luzern for a number of years it was time to return to Australia. Lindsey now teaches at Expressions Dance Studio and CMDA. Lindsey also freelance teaches and is a personal trainer on the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie areas. Close
	Miss Tiff D Teacher Miss Tiff has danced all around the world! She's danced with companies such as UDC, Sydney Dance Co, LA Danceforce, Universal Studios (LA), Disney Magic Music Days (Anatheim, USA) and Nacho Pop, to name a few. She has also performed in Stage Productions such as, Troubled (Featured Dancer), Monte Blanc (Featured Dancer), Alladin (Featured Dancer) and Arts Challenge (Finalist). Miss Tiff was also an extra in the local band Short Stack's Video Clip. Read more Miss Tiff was an assistant at Sydney & Central Coast for LA Choreographer Micharl Schwandt in Feb 2010, and did ADTS Syllabus training with Chris Duncan & Ritz Dance co. from 2009. Close
	Miss Rachel Teacher Rachael grew up on the Central Coast and began dancing at the age of 12. She trained at Marni’s Studio of Performing Arts and became a full time teacher there for many years. She moved to Melbourne and trained at Dance World 301, completing a Diploma of Dance, Performing Arts and later became a teacher for their Junior School, Part Timers & Certificate Students. She was awarded Distinction & Diligence awards both years of her training there. Read more She has choreographed for events such as Rock Eisteddfod, School Spectacular, Grand Prix & Laycock St Theatre Productions. After full time, she spent a year dancing with Carnival Cruise Lines throughout the Caribbean. Rachael has spent the past 4 years touring with the Wiggles. As their dancer and suit operator, travelling each year with the guys to Asia, Uk, Dubai, USA, Canada & appears in several of their DVDs. Whilst being in the show she was able to learn many skills such as acrobatics, trapeze, lyra & Spanish web. Now she is also working with Nickelodeon doing shows around Australia, such as Dora The Explorer & will continue to perform in the Dorothy The Dinosaur live show. Rachael is a dedicated teacher and very much looks forward to the start of term and meeting all the students at Cathy Makin Dance Academy! Close
	Miss Ashlea Teacher Miss Ashlea is 19 years old and has been dancing at Cathy Makin Dance Academy for 15 years. She has been teaching for 6 years and has voluntarily taught children from ages three and up just for the love of it. Ashlea has a passion for dance and studied styles from ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary to alternate styles of dance including traditional Aboriginal and Native American dance. She has completed all her R.A.D grade exams up to grade 7, including two major exams (pre intermediate and intermediate). Read more When she was 5 she lived in Thailand for two years and danced at a professional ballet school 'Rising Star Dance Studio' and was in productions of 'The Nutcracker' and 'Sleeping Beauty'. Ashlea has a love of performing has performed in many dance eisteddfods and dance competitions from a young age. Ashlea attended Mackillop Catholic College and has also performed at Rock Eisteddfods in major parts as well as being in many selective school dance troupes and competing against other schools. Ashlea took Dance as a major subject from years 9-12 and received a grade 92 for her major performance mark and an 86 for her core composition. Ashlea graduated in 2010 and was determined she wanted a career that involved childcare. She was accepted and studied at Macquarie University but after a semester she was unsatisfied at the lack of hands on experience and prac that the course offered so she decided to take a different approach and get an apprenticeship at a preschool while studying her childcare certificate III at tafe. Miss Ashlea has also been offered a teaching position at Miss Tiffany’s dance school 'M.A.D dance'. Close
	Miss Naomi Teacher Miss Naomi is 22 years old. Her love for dancing began at the age of 2. Naomi has taken classes in all different styles Jazz, Tap, Modern, Ballet & Hip-Hop. Naomi took my first hip hop class at age 15 it instantly became my Favourite style. Read more I began my teaching career at the age of 17 as an assistant teacher at Simone's school of performing arts, then became a full time teacher at Amanda Orourkes at age 20. I knew teaching is what I wanted to do. It is so rewarding being able to pass on your love and passion of dance to your students. I now takes classes at urban dance centre to keep myself updated on the latest styles to share with my students. Close
	Miss Ellie Assistant Teacher Hey I'm Miss Ellie, I'm 17 and I'm in year 11 at Wadalba High, I study dance as one of my majors. I have been dancing at Cathy's since I was 2 years old. 2011 was my first year of teaching dance. I have always loved to dance and do many different styles including classical ballet, moder, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and tap. I started doing eisteddfods when I was 3 and couldn;t get enough of the stage. Read more I have completed my R.A.D classical ballet exams, primary through to grade 7 and have also completed Intermediate and Intermediate Foundation Major R.A.D ballet exams. I have recently been involved in a children's DVD with Jay Laga'aia where I choreographed and performed dances for two of his songs. Here are the two links to the YouTube clips of the songs: Song 1 - Kitchen Conga Song 2 - Dance Dance I was elected by my school in 2010 to attend a senior dance camp with teh Sydney dance Company where I met and worked with some great choreographers. I was also the female lead in school performances at Talentstorm and Central Coast Dance Festival in 2010. Close
	Miss Danni Assistant Teacher I have attended Cathy Makin dance academy for 12 years now and I have always loved to dance. I have studied many different styles including jazz, modern, contemporary and ballet (R.A.D) where I hold my inter foundation certificate. I have also formed a lot of new friendships throughout my experiences which will last me a lifetime. Read more Throughout my school life I have been involved in school musicals and dance festivals including the Schools Spectacular and Star Struck. These commitments have given me great experiences and many memories to take with me where ever I may go. The thing I love most about teaching is seeing the kids try their hardest then noticing them improve every week. I believe once you start dancing it becomes an addiction, no matter where you are you find yourself dancing and I wouldn't give that up for the world! Close
	Miss Tegan Assistant Teacher Hi, my name is Tegan Robson and I am in year 10 at Hunter School of the Performing Arts. I have been dancing for 9 years now, and absolutely love it! I compete at eisteddfods, doing solos and groups. I am studying R.A.D. Advanced Foundation, after passing my Intermediate exam last year. I do most styles, including RAD classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern expressive and tap. I have also completed my Pullars Tap Syllabus exams from grades 1 through to 5, and am learning the grade 8 Glen Wood Tap Syllabus. Read more The opportunity to teach gives me the chance to try new things and gain new experiences. Teaching the girls and boys at Cathy Makin is always a pleasure and everyone is always so nice, polite and extremely enthusiastic about their dancing. Close
	Miss Jess Assistant Teacher Hi, my name is Jess and I am currently in year 11 and studying at St Peters College. This year will be my first year of teaching and I am really looking forward to helping out with the 14 & under dancers this year. I have been dancing for 13 years now and have been with Miss Cathy at CMDA for 10 years! I have now completed up to my 7th Grade Classical Ballet Exam, as well as well as 2 RAD major exams. I am currently studying Advanced Foundation. I have always loved to dance and have studied other forms such as tap, jazz, lyrical and contemporary. I have danced in many different competitions and eisteddfods in groups and as a soloist, winning various awards. Read more I have always loved to dance! I started dancing solos when I was three years of age and haven’t looked back. These next two years I will be studying Dance as a subject for my HSC and I am really looking forward to developing my dance skills and knowledge. I’m so happy to be a part of the family at CMDA and wouldn’t choose to dance anywhere else. Close
	Miss Bronte Assistant Teacher Hi I'm Bronte and this will be my first year as an assistant teacher at CMDA. I am very excited to be a part of the teaching staff not only to help with the kids but to also gain invaluable knowledge and to be mentored by one of the coasts most talented teachers "Miss Cathy". I started dance at the age of 3 and joined CMDA at age 8. My mum changed schools because of CMDA's reputation for excellence in teaching the RAD Syllabus. I am so glad she did as I love it here and I wouldn't want to dance anywhere else. Read more I am currently studying my Advanced Foundation in RAD and Dance is my major for the HSC at Mary Mackillop Catholic College. I toured Japan with Central dance Company which was a fantastic opportunity and I played the lead role in Annie with Wyong Musical Society when I was nine. I have competed in many Eisteddfods and have one championships in both Classical Ballet and Modern Expressive. I have been the lead dancer in J Rock and have been selected by HSC students to perform their major works for the HSC Examinations. This year will top all this with both teaching at CMDA and our tour of USA . I cant wait to START! Close
	Miss Sarah Assistant Teacher
	Miss Chelsea Assistant Teacher Hi, I’m Chelsea Thompson and I dance at CMDA. I have been dancing for 10 years and I am enjoying it. I love working with the Mini movers as they call me Miss Chelsea. I love to see them dancing and having fun at such a young age. So far at this academy, I have achieved numerous awards and academics such as 3 achievement awards in 2004,2007 and 2011 and many ribbons for scoring high in eisteddfods. I do many solo’s and now I have pointe shoes. I hope to be dancing for a long time as I am passionate about it and willing to try hard.