OUR TEAM
PointCookDance teachers are qualified dance professionals with a real love of dance. Their combined energies and creativity are what makes PointCookDance a great place to learn dancing. The teaching team supports a positive attitude towards learning; has an approachable, friendly manner; and stays relevant by attending regular classes, workshops and in-service seminars. This ensures their expertise in both traditional techniques and up to the minute trends.
All PointCookDance teachers have a Current Working with Children Check.
Principal Dance Consultant
Experience
- Advanced Diploma of Dance Teaching (Distinction), The Australian Ballet School
- Graduate Diploma of Education, Visual and Performing Arts, RMIT
- Diploma of Teaching, Primary
- Fellow and Life Member of Southern Federation of Dance
- Member of Ausdance
Senior Dance & Drama Teacher
Experience
Dianne became involved in the performing arts at a young age and began with singing. She later found a passion for dancing and she trained in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Latin American, Tap, Character dance and Zumba…
Senior Dance Teacher
Experience
Kelly first started dancing at the age of 4. She spent her early years as an aspiring student at Barbara Lynch Dance Studios, attending numerous competitions yearly across Victoria in all styles of dance.
Kelly was rewarded with a scholarship to the Victorian College of Arts where she continued her training. Kelly had a real love for Classical Ballet and decided to take the next steps to pursuing her dreams. She was awarded with a spot at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet studying under Christine Walsh….
Senior Dance Teacher
Experience
Page has been part of the dance world for 32 years and has had the privilege of teaching in some of the best studios in Australia. She has travelled and trained under some of the most influential people in dance throughout Australia and the world. Recently she attended an exclusive workshop with Emmy award winning choreographer Mia Micheals….
Dance Teacher
Experience
Dancing has always been part of Tanya’s life, from the age of 3 when
she put on her first pair of Ballet shoes. 40 years later and she is
still dancing and loving every moment of it.
Tanya’s dance styles
include; Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Tap. Tanya attended an exclusive …
Experience
Bethanie has loved singing & music from a very young age, it is her lifelong passion. She enjoys sharing her passion with those around her and delving into any opportunity to perform. Bethanie started professional vocal lessons in 2004 with the Ken Murdoch, then continued on in 2014 at VOX Singing Academy…
General Manager/Owner
Experience
Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Arts, Deakin University
Mandy comes from a family with firm ties in the live performance industry. As a youngster she studied ballet, jazz, tap, gymnastics, clarinet & saxophone. After completing her Business degree she moved swiftly into music and events and worked with numerous event organisations, promoters and artists; building experience in all areas of event management. For 11 years Mandy worked for one of Australia’s best and busiest event companies; MTA Entertainment & Events; where she booked artists, managed corporate events, created and developed new acts, and ultimately assumed the role of General Manager. She also worked at the Palais Theatre for 7 years in various management roles and has managed and consulted to many performing artists and arts organisations. Mandy is passionate about building confidence in young people and providing opportunities in the performing arts for her local Point Cook community.
Experience
- Advanced Diploma of Dance Teaching (Distinction), The Australian Ballet School
- Graduate Diploma of Education, Visual and Performing Arts, RMIT
- Diploma of Teaching, Primary
- Fellow and Life Member of Southern Federation of Dance
- Member of Ausdance
The principal of PointCookDance, Janine McGrath has been teaching dance for more than 30 years. During that time she’s been consulted for syllabus design, lesson planning, teacher training and choreography. Coming from a combined professional dance and education background, she has a broad skill set to share with dance students.
Janine trained in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, National Character, Modern Dance, Contemporary, Flamenco, Folk, Ballroom and Song and Dance.
She originally qualified in the Cecchetti method of Classical Ballet, completing all her junior and major exams up to Advanced. She also studied SATD Jazz to Gold Bar and ISTD Tap.
In the 1980’s Janine worked both as a primary school teacher in the Victorian state system and dance teacher at private dance schools. As a school teacher Janine integrated dance and the arts with English, maths and science. As a dance teacher Janine’s students were noted for their high levels of success in dance examinations and competitions, particularly in the SATD Jazz Scholarships, for which she trained several winners.
Concurrent with her primary school teaching placements, Janine continued advanced dance training at leading dance studios in Melbourne. She also travelled to London where she took classes at Pineapple Dance Studios, and New York where she danced at The Joffrey Ballet School and Broadway Dance Center. Janine has completed numerous dance and human movement seminars and classes with renowned guest teachers from all over the world.
Approached in 1986 to create a new Jazz syllabus, Janine collaborated with Jennifer Newbold to generate 10 levels of jazz training. Southern Federation of Dance was established, and was immediately embraced by dance schools throughout Victoria and interstate.
SFD expanded to include a Classical Ballet syllabus, which Janine helped design, then went on to also offer Tap and Funk. SFD is now widely recognised in Australia and celebrated its 25th year in 2012.
Since its inception, Janine spent many hours as President, Secretary and committee member of SFD. She has examined thousands of dance students in SFD ballet, jazz and tap; and instigated competitions, masterclasses, teacher training courses, and workshops for SFD. She has also mentored trainee dance examiners for SFD.
In 1996 and 1997, Janine was a member of the steering committee for the Guidelines for Australian Dance Teachers, which led to the formation of Interim Competency Standards for Australian Dance Teachers (1998).
During 2001 and 2002, Janine lectured in Dance and Drama at Victoria University, in the School of Human Movement, Recreation and Performance.
Janine ran a large dance school for 16 years in the Bayside area before opening Dancentre Wyndham in 2009 (now PointCookDance).
In 2010 she finalised her unique Preschooler DanceFun program, which runs successfully for 3 – 5 year olds. She also created 5 Junior – Intermediate levels in Classical Ballet, Jazz & Tap.
Janine has energy and passion for dance, and believes in the importance of continuous professional development. She regularly attends dance lessons, dance industry seminars and amateur and professional dance performances to stay in touch with new developments.
“Quote from the teacher… quote from the teacher“
Janine McGrath
