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Jamie Marquis named Gympie’s best dance teacher 2023

With a hop, a skip, a jump and a twirl, Jamie Marquis has moved from being an avid dancer, to a student teacher to taking on a dance school and now winning the title of Gympie’s favourite dance teacher. Meet her here as she tells her story:

Jamie Marquis, pictured with her niece and student Zalee, has been voted Gympie's best dance teacher of 2023.
Jamie Marquis, pictured with her niece and student Zalee, has been voted Gympie's best dance teacher of 2023.

One dance teacher has come out on top as Gympie’s best despite a neck and neck competition that went right down to the wire.

Jamie Marquis from Focus on Dance is the inspiring teacher and winner of the 2023 title, bringing poise and grace to her pupils and getting 30 per cent of the vote, edging out Michelle Weber of Cooloola Dance.

The 22-year-old winner has been dancing since she was four years old and never stopped.

As a teenager she found her dance home at Focus on Dance and quickly became a student teacher, before running her own classes and choreographing routines with Miss Leaha Hosking.

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Jamie Marquis has been awarded Gympie's best dance teacher of 2023.
Jamie Marquis has been awarded Gympie's best dance teacher of 2023.

In 2021 she made a huge leap and took over the dance school with her co-owner Shea Turner.

“We have worked hard to breathe new life into the studio, and in turn have experienced huge growth, now offering award-winning programs, and having over 130 students in our Focus on Dance family, and many more who join us for holiday workshops,” Ms Marquis said.

She said she loves watching the kids grow, reach their goals and “seeing their face light up when they manage to do a certain skill they’ve been trying so hard to do”.

“As a dance teacher I try and build a connection with my students and their parents.

“I want my students to consistently feel encouraged and supported in whatever their goals are.

“I want to make sure that every student that leaves my class, leaves with a smile on their face and can take something positive away from their class, regardless of whether they’re a brand-new student trialling a class, or one who has been attending for years.

“I would just like to thank everyone who did vote for me, or cheered our team on even if they couldn’t vote. I couldn’t do what I do every day without their support and encouragement.”

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/business/jamie-marquis-named-gympies-best-dance-teacher-2023/news-story/1d518312f9af61ba62918a27446e2492