Melbourne’s best dance teachers revealed
The moment to seize the spotlight is finally here with the hunt for Melbourne’s finest dance teacher coming to an end. Find out who is the best dance teacher in Melbourne.
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Roll down the red carpet and cue the drum rolls because the countdown is over, and Melbourne has decided who is the best dance teacher.
The Herald Sun went on the hunt and asked the people of Melbourne who they thought was the best dance teacher.
We received hundreds of entries nominating the finest dance gurus and masters of choreography.
You voted, and the race is over to crown the best dance teachers.
BEST DANCE TEACHER IN THE WEST
EMMA SCOTT, ELS SCHOOL OF DANCE
Crowned the best dance teacher of Melbourne’s west is Emma Scott.
Ms Scott, who started ELS School of Dance eight years ago, said she wanted a space for dance that was unique and safe.
“I wanted our focus to be on community and inclusion to create a safe dance space for everyone, no matter their background, experience, or goals. I just wanted it to be a space where everyone could come and experience the benefits of dance,” she said.
“Dance is more about finding that community, having fun, and finding confidence than just learning the steps. As a teacher, it‘s very important to let kids be kids and not push them in a way that could make dance and negative space.
Ms Scott said she was thrilled to be winning the title of the best dance teacher.
“Dance was such a huge part of my life growing up - it was where I found my confidence and sense of belonging. So to be able to pass that on to the next generation of kids, whether it‘s something they want to pursue, or it’s something they do for a year for fun, just being able to pass on that sense of belonging, passion and community that you can find within a dance school is so rewarding”.
BEST DANCE TEACHER IN THE EAST
JORDAN SAISI, JORDAN SAISI DANCE
Taking the title of the best dance teacher in Melbourne’s east is Jordan Saisi.
A professional ballroom dance instructor at his namesake Jordan Saisi Dance studio, Mr Saisi from early childhood understood how “special” dancing was.
“For me, dancing is the ability to express yourself to music through movement and connection; it‘s something you can share. But more than anything, it’s a place where you can find a sense of mindfulness and presence,” he said.
Mr Saisi said it was a “massive surprise” to win the best dance teacher title.
“This win means I‘ve had some effect on the community that I teach and take care of, and that’s pretty special to me. Because this means as much as I love dancing, it’s the ability to share that with other people and impact their lives in a way that helps them grow and become immersed in the world of dance,” he said.
Mr Saisi said he tries to make teachings as “relatable” as he can for his students.
“I try and always draw their own life experiences into the development of their dancing, which means you have to know the individual quite well.”
BEST DANCE TEACHER IN THE NORTH
TINA PAIZIS, ELITE DANCE STUDIOS
Director and founder of Elite Dance Studios Tina Piazis takes northern Melbourne’s best dance teacher crown.
Ms Paizis, who started her dance studio with her sister, said she was “shocked” to be winning the best dance teacher title.
“It means a lot to me because that shows my students respect and love me,” she said.
“Dance is a big part of my life. It‘s actually saved me in so many ways mentally and emotionally. I started at the age of 10, and I have never stopped, and I’m 57 now”.
Ms Paizis said the inclusivity at her dance studio made her stand out from the rest.
“The vibe we have created in the studio is a safe place for the kids. We have a lot of kids on the spectrum, we have kids who are trans, and we have so many variety of students. My studio is such a beautiful place to be in, and all the kids feel very comfortable, and that‘s what we wanted to create,” she said.
BEST DANCE TEACHER IN THE SOUTHEAST
POPPY DONALDSON, NEXT GENERATION DANCE STUDIO AND TRILOGY DANCE COMPANY
Taking the title of the best dance teacher in Melbourne’s South East is Poppy Donaldson.
Ms Donaldson, who started dancing at age three and began teaching at 15 years old, said she models to be the kind of teacher she “needed” when she was a student.
“I love my job and teaching dance, and I always want the best for every student, and I want them to be their best. For me, it’s not about being the best but their best, which is important,” she told the Herald Sun.
“The biggest thing with dance is we‘re teaching kids more than just dance; it’s life skills, creativity, confidence, and I’m just really grateful to be a part just a small part of their life journey.”
BEST DANCE TEACHER IN MORNINGTON PENINSULA
TIED BETWEEN: Dance Lab’s Taylor Fraser & Tahlia Sweatman of Creation School of Dance
In a competition first, two leading dance teachers were tied for the title of best dance teacher from Mornington Peninsula.
TAYLOR FRASER, DANCE LAB
Dance Lab’s Taylor Fraser said she was “shocked” and ”quite humbled” to win the title.
“Dance means everything to me; I‘ve been dancing since I was three, and it’s a huge part of my identity. I’ve grown up dancing nearly every day of the week, and as soon as I finished high school, I became a teacher,” she said.
Ms Fraser said sharing her love and passion for dance with the younger generation meant everything to her.
“I bring a fun environment to the kids. I love making them laugh And just not taking it too seriously. But also sharing the importance of looking after their bodies and health and ensuring they‘re following safe dance practices while still having fun.”
TAHLIA SWEATMAN, CREATION SCHOOL OF DANCE
Founder of Creation School of Dance, Tahlia Sweatman, said dance had shaped her into who she was today.
“I started dancing at four, and it’s been a part of my being; I’ve grown up with dance for 40 years,” she said.
“Dance can be an outlet, both emotional and physical. It‘s not just a fitness outlet; it’s a creative space and helps with mental clarity.”
Ms Sweatman said being recognised as the ‘best’ outside her “own little circle” was a big deal.
“My heart is swelling with all the support and love because it‘s come from outside,” she said.
Ms Sweatman, who also teaches in the “disability dance world,” said she loved sharing her passion for dance.
“The disability dance world is where I fill my own bucket. Dance is one thing for me, but to teach it to this group of kids of all ages, with varying levels of ability, be it physical, mental or intellectual disabilities and to be sometimes often the best part of their day is the greatest thing that I will ever take away from it all.”
“Sometimes in this industry, as you’re getting a little bit older and the younger generations coming, who will be dancing far better than you can do at the moment, you often question yourself and feel like a little bit of an impostor at times, but when you go back to the roots, you see you’re more than just the dancer - you are the inspiration, the mentor, the sparkle, the joy and the guiding light.”
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