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EV Dance Studios (formerly known as Silver Swans with Alice) is a dedicated Adult Dance studio based in Newcastle NSW, specially designed for adults and older learners.
With a current focus on Classical Ballet, our classes will help improve your mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. Classes are open to people of all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners to those wishing to return to dance.
Ballet and Dance are also very social activities and EV Dance Studios can be a great place to meet new people with a passion for dance and joy for life.
ALICE MCKECHNIE
Director
Alice was born in the seaside town of Bournemouth in the UK and has been dancing since the age of 3. She studied RAD and ISTD at the local school alongside being a Junior and Mid Associate at the Royal Ballet School in London. She competed at competitions in all styles nationwide including the All England Finals, and also performed in such events as the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony.
She then went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Ballet Education from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, as well as the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD), Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD) and Registered Teacher’s Status. After teaching in numerous schools in the London area, she set out to travel the world, which has seen her settle in Australia to pursue her career as a dance teacher.
Now based in Newcastle NSW, Alice continues to teach her passion for dance with a focus on the adult community. She also assess trainee teachers for the RAD CBTS courses, and travels as a dance adjudicator.
COURTNEY LYALL
Ballet Teacher
Courtney is a Newcastle local with a passion for sharing the joys of dance. She began dancing at the age of 3, and has danced in competitions all over Newcastle and New South Wales. She has completed Advanced RAD Exams and LGTDA Tap exams, as well as her full time training in Sydney.
Courtney loves to perform and recently opened a Newcastle based entertainment company, Cailini Gaire Productions, where she produces work for other local professionals.
She loves being back home in Newcastle and sharing her passion through teaching. Courtney's teaching style is relaxed and fun, while developing great relationships with each of her students.
KATIE MCLEOD
Ballet Teacher
Katie has a passion for Ballet and Contemporary dance and has been dancing since the age of 5. She has completed RAD Ballet exams up to Intermediate and graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. While at university she trained in Ballet and Contemporary as well as completed RAD teacher training.
Her love for dance teaching started when she became an assistant teacher at her local dance studio during high school and has since taught at a number of different dance studios over the years.
In her classes Katie aspires to create a safe space for students where they are supported, encouraged and challenged.
LAUREN GALLIE
Admin Wizard
Lauren is our wizard for day-to-day operations, administrative & accounts support.
Lauren joined us as a student and became part of the EV team when she began pursuing her career as a Virtual Assistant, offering operational & executive support to small businesses.
ROSEMARY PONNEKANTI
Musician
Rosemary is an award-winning writer, musician, multimedia storyteller and festival director. She has lived on three continents with a career ranging from professional classical double bassist and church organist to magazine editor, newspaper journalist, digital content creator, festival director and orchestral manager.
She is a regular organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, and has accompanied on and taught piano for over 30 years. In her spare time she loves to do aerial circus, wild swimming, hiking and reading.
One-to-One Private Classes
Private lessons are also available for one-on-one sessions to further develop your technique. They are typically 30 minute to an hour session, directly focusing on whatever skill or goal you wish to work towards. These sessions allow us to work at your own pace and to suit your schedule.
PBT
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train and enhance students' technique by focussing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance.
Performance Group
Our new performance group class is a dedicated rehearsal time for those who would like to learn some choreography we can take to perform at events and competitions throughout the year.
Pointe Classes
That's right, we are offering pointe shoe classes as part of our weekly timetable!
This class is available for those who want to tick that box off their bucket list.
Silver Swans
Silver Swans classes are designed for participants over 55 and provides dance practice for older learners.
Variety Classes
Discover different styles of dance in our new Variety Class. We’ll dance through all the genres, changing style every week.
"Ballet is for anyone at any age, and these classes have shown me just that. I love learning and putting my brain to the test remembering the steps. Such a fun, relaxed environment. Highly recommended if you are looking for a new hobby" - Melanie
"Ballet is something I had been missing deep down in my soul for many years. I decided to take the plunge and try a class and I'm so glad I did. As soon as that beautiful music started and the first barre exercise was complete, I knew ballet was once again an important part of my life." - Janice