BA VCA, RAD/BBO AFFILIATE MEMBER, LISA HOWELL PERFECT FORM PHYSIOTHERAPY DANCE TEACHER TRAINING LEVEL 1 & 2 (2016)

 

Trained in Australia’s classical hub (Ballarat) from the age of three, Nicole studied Classical ballet (RAD, Cecchetti and BMAAD), Jazz, Contemporary and Tap (ATOD) at the Terri-Maree Dance Academy and Anita Coutts School of Dance.

 

Nicole later studied a Bachelor of Dance and Drama at Deakin University before being accepted in 2002 into the Bachelor of Dance course at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) where she majored in contemporary/classical dance and choreography. Her studies included classical ballet, contemporary/modern, jazz, tap, drama, anatomy, physiology, character and psychology, kinesiology, duo work and contact improvisation.

 

After completing her Bachelor and pursuing an extensive career in freelance teaching, performing and competing throughout Victoria, Nicole founded Independent Dance Studios (formerly Contemporary Independent Dance) in early February 2009. ​

 

For over three decades Nicole has dedicated her life to dance, enabling many dedicated students to pursue dance as a career and lifelong passion.

 

Nicole’s wealth of experience and passionate approach has enabled her to achieve what has taken others several decades – a supportive, inspiring community, talented, technical, passionate dancers, a credible, professional, committed faculty, state-of-the-art studios and amenities and award winning choreography, soloists and troupe teams.

 

Nicole’s colleagues, peers, students and families alike enjoy her deep sense of commitment, knowledge, professionalism, artistry, technical mastery and teaching style. She has built around her, a supportive network of teaching staff and impressive industry connections. She believes that whilst students may not choose dance as a career, it is vital that correct training be taught right from the beginning, so that the doors of opportunity are wide open.

 

IDS has been recognised with multiple industry awards, including the Matt Lee (SYTYCD) Technique Award at the 2013 Phoenix Festival of Dance and winning troupe performances at the prestigious Royal South Street Ballarat (established for over 125 years).

 

It is often commented that Nicole's commitment to her dancers, her supportive nature and kind, experienced approach ensures IDS students enjoy their dancing years as well as their childhoods.

​

Former students of IDS have been accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), The Australian Ballet School (ABS), Queensland Ballet Academy (QBA), The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), National Theatre Ballet School (NTBS), Queensland University of Technology, Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, Studio Tibor Sydney, Spectrum Full Time Dance, Transit Dance and are now themselves choreographers, teachers and performing professionals.​