Welcome to Innisfail’s premier dance studio
Graham Academy of Dance is a safe haven for artistic expression, where dance education meets excitement.
We encourage our whole school to follow our 2024 values. Smile!
Smile – Self-discipline, Manners, Inclusion, Laughter & Embrace.
Class Styles
Classical
The true foundation to all dance is classical ballet. During each class, the dancers quickly learn to enjoy the discipline and self-drive classical ballet brings to their lives. The dancers’ bodies benefit from the beautiful lines, and a well-learnt ballet posture stays with a dancer for life. Here at GAD, we offer classical exams in all levels with Christine Walsh’s “The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet” syllabus, which is based on the Russian Vaganova System. Our aerial & acro students are encouraged to attend at least 1 ballet class per week, to improve their core strength and co-ordination.
We offer Twinkle Star Ballet & Jazz, and a firm favourite Acro. Our tiny dancers can start their dance and performance journey with us from 3yrs, however, we’ve had many 2-year-olds begin their training, it really depends on the child. Each child is different, each will be ready when they are ready. Any of our iTots classes would be a wonderful introduction into dance, and we adore helping our little ones navigate their way through those fun, exciting, crazy and nervous first few years at GAD.
Jazz
Our dancers learn all the GAD style jazz skills: – jumps, turns, travel combinations, isolation’s, timing, athletic components and floor work in a variety of jazz and funk styles. Combining funk, Commercial Jazz, Cabaret, Retro and even a dash of an old school disco. GAD jazz dancers all dance with the school’s signature – Jazz-itude.
Contemporary
Based on abstract and artistic movement, all contemporary dancers need to attend ballet or conditioning classes to acquire the agility and strength of a contemporary dancer’s body. This inventive style of dance requires flexibility, strength, and wonderful core base to the body line. Contemporary is for the dancer who wants to be creative and dance outside the “Box”.
Lyrical
A dance style favourite at GAD. Tip – Lyrical dancers need to learn Classical Ballet to take part in these classes, as it is technically ballet-based. Lyrical is becoming the most-watched and followed a style of dance on YouTube. Depicting Lyrics of songs – this style of dance is not only soulful and touching to watch, but the dancers can also immerse themselves in this stunning dance style.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics classes are a combination of Pilates, stretch, core strength and acrobatic tumbling and skills. GAD dancers are known for their strong flexible bodies, thanks to this class. We have a wonderful affiliation with NICA, our past students who have graduated from NICA have shared much knowledge, and these amazing techniques (learnt from the Russian and Chinese coach’s) have been combined into these classes.
Cheer Leading/Pom Pom Squad
2019 GAD introduced a community “Pom pom squad”, the response was incredible. 2023 will see the introduction of another younger squad. The squads will learn to tumble, learn choreography, drills and stunts – and perform their routines for the community. Our squads will not compete at cheer comps, these teams are purely for having fun whilst working with teammates and providing our community with some “Cheerful” entertainment.
Aerial Silks
2022 saw GAD introduce their dancers to the incredible aerial world. Silks have been one of the disciplines. The GAD girls’ who joined these classes have flourished and gained an incredible amount of experience in such a short time. GAD is thrilled to include Silks classes in our term 1 timetable. If you or your dancer is interested in trying a silks class, please ensure a weekly acro class is part of your training at GAD. A silks class will teach you fabulous aerial skills, but an acro class will condition your body to be able to do the skills.
Aerial Hoop (Lyra)
GAD is so excited to introduce Lyra to our students. We started Lyra classes term 4 in 2022, and fell in love with the beauty of this stunning apparatus. We really encourage the dancers who would like to learn Lyra to also put themselves in a weekly ballet class. The Lyra lines are so closely connected to classical ballet ballet and lyra are the perfect combination. Lyra really is the feel and look of “Ballet in the Air”
Hip Hop
2022 saw an introduce to a new hip hop teacher. GAD’s very own Zoe Borgelt. To say the students love Zoe’s laid back and cool teaching style is an understatement. Her students have adapted to her clever choreography, and she can handle both boys and girls in the same classes. Like we said – the kids LOVE her. They learn all the fundamentals of hip hop, some breakdance and the confidence to perform improvisation. great class for the kids who want to dance with attitude, groove and have a ball doing so.
Tap
GAD follows the Glen Wood Tap syllabus. Mr Wood has a motto – there are 2 speeds of tap – fast and faster. We call tap the “Showman” of dance and it teaches dancers amazing timing, rhythm and a wonderful sense of presence. We offer exam classes or dancers can attend lessons just for the pleasure of learning Tap. Our resident tap teacher Miss Rachel is a master at tap, our students are in very capable hands when attending her classes
I’m so honoured and proud to be a part of Graham Academy of Dance .
My daughter Tayla started dancing around the house from an early age. So at 3.5yrs old I finally signed her up for some lessons… and she has never looked back.. she absolutely loves to dance and it is never a struggle to get her to dance practice. Whether it was for one class or many, the studio offers payment plans to make lessons affordable.
GAD, and teaching staff over the years has given Tayla so many great life skills, some that she would never have gained from me – discipline, confidence, responsibility, resilience, kindness, inspires to do your best, and to always remain humble.
Miss Karen is an amazing teacher, mentor and second mum to many… she is always honest and respectful to all parents and dancers. Karen has a unique talent and can speak and instruct all ages – from the tiny tots to seniors, to the adult dance class in a way that gives you confidence and feel capable to give it a go!!! There are never any favourites, or special treatment at GAD..all dancers are the same no matter what level…
Most importantly, GAD is like family, a second home with many valuable friendships and memories to be gained… Jo O’Brien
Our 2025 term 1 timetable will be posted mid-January.
For more information click here to visit our GAD in 2024 page ….
