AUSTRALIA DANCES

Welcome to Australia Dances

a Podcast for Australian Teachers of Dancing

 

In 2020, ATOD produced Australia Dances – a podcast series of 10 influential dancers, studio owners, creatives, directors and educators.

Hosted by Kate Meade, Series 1 is a glorious library of meaningful conversations with these people as together, they explore and reflect on ideas, share stories and unpack current research. But more than anything this is a celebration of the artform we all love. DANCE.

Kate is the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Alumni 2018, the Founder of the Victorian Dance Festival, former Project Manager for ATOD and current breakfast host for the ACE Radio Network.

In 2022, Kate will once again be partnering with ATOD to produce Series 2, focusing on the dreams of 10 more influential dance industry professionals and how their dreams encouraged their passion for this artform.

 

LISTEN TO THE FULL SERIES HERE:

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/clips

INDIVIDUAL EPISODES

Leah Belford

 

Leah Belford is the President of ATOD, examiner, studio owner, wife and mother. Ever since Barrick Dance Centre, her own studio, opened its doors in 1995, she has been dedicated to providing a safe, happy and loving environment for kids of all ages to dance.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-leah-belford

Mark Pace

 

Mark has over thirty years of dancing, teaching and guesting experience in various international ballet companies and school settings. He was a professional dancer for 21 years, is a dance teacher, and now academic and dance scientist, currently teaching at the University of Edinburgh in the Dance Science and Education programme

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-mark-pace-the-world-was-his-stage

Donna Burland

 

The Dorothy Cowie School of Dancing was Donna’s second home and her life revolved around dancing.   Under the instruction of Miss Cowie, Donna participated in examinations in all dance genres, completing ATOD Teacher levels, competitions, exhibitions, eisteddfods and in 1987, was offered the acquisition of the studio by Miss Cowie.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-donna-burland

Justine Summers

 

Justine was accepted into the Australian Ballet in 1989 after studying at the Victoria College of the Arts. She was promoted to Principal Artist in 1996, she is known for her lyrical quality and interpretation of dramatic heroines. Justine is the Patron of the Australian Teachers of Dancing

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-justine-summers

 

Rhonda Burchmore

 

With a career spanning over 35 years, this vivacious, flame-haired beauty continues to turn heads wherever she goes and draw thunderous applause wherever she performs. Rhonda has forged a lengthy career in one of the toughest and most unforgiving industries, show business, yet as critics attest, she just keeps going from strength to strength.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-rhonda-burchmore

Frances Rings

 

In 2002, Frances made her main stage choreographic debut for Bangarra to outstanding critical acclaim and has followed this by creating six works for the company.  Frances has choreographed works for many of Australia’s leading dance companies as well as continuing a successful Independent career. Frances has danced in works by many of Australia’s leading choreographers and companies and internationally has been fortunate to establish important intercultural relationships with dance companies in Auckland, New Zealand.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-francis-rings

Marc Brew

 

Marc trained as a professional dancer at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and The Australian Ballet School. He has been working in the UK and internationally for the past 20 years as a dancer, choreographer, director, teacher and speaker.  Marc was a guest performer, collaborator and media spokesperson for the London Hand Over Ceremony for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony and in 2009 was appointed Associate Director with Scottish Dance Theatre – ‘Scotland’s principal contemporary dance company.  Since 2001 Marc has been dedicating time to his own choreography with Marc Brew Company.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-marc-brew

Mary Li

 

At the age of 16, Mary flew to London to train at the Royal Ballet School. It was here she met  Li Cunxin and their chemistry developed on and off the stage, falling in love and being the darlings of ballet. Mary’s Last Dance is her story of becoming a mother to Sophie, who at 18 years of age was diagnosed deaf.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/austdances-ep8-mixdown-1

Amy Lehpamer

 

With numerous award nominations and a Best Actress award already under her belt, Amy has enjoyed enormous success across the industry.  She has played in a diverse range of leading roles, recently playing Principal, Rosalie Mullins in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock.  She appeared in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical playing songwriter Cynthia Weil. She has also appeared as:  Dusty Springfield in Dusty, Maria in The Sound of Music, Tracy Lord in High Society, Janet in the encore seasons of The Rocky Horror Show, Reza in Once, Christine Colgate in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sherrie in Rock of Ages, Margaret in Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert.  Amy was part of the original cast of Shane Warne – the Musical.   

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-amy-lehpamer

Marie Walton-Mahon

 

Marie Walton-Mahon OAM is an Australian ballet dancer, ballet teacher and adjudicator. She is the founder of National College of Dance, Marie Walton-Mahon Dance Academy and the founder of the Progressing Ballet Technique. 

 

https://omny.fm/shows/australia-dances/australia-dances-marie-walton-mahon