A little over 11 years ago when I received a flyer in my mailbox for Lee Academy Dance Techniques (now Lee Academy Dance and Performing Arts) little did I know what that the ensuing phone call to enrol my then 2 year old daughter would lead to.
First and foremost my daughter Abbee and my son Jed and even myself have between us received almost 20 years of the best dance training available on the Central Coast. Lee Academy offers a great variety of performing arts classes and I would be safe to say that in our time at L.A. we have between us tried every style from ballet to acrobatics and every level from beginner to advanced. So it is with a wealth of experience that I can say Lee Academy provides a performing arts education of the highest standard whilst catering to the abilities, knowledge and interests of individual students.
Lee Academy also provides students with many opportunities to take part in extra training and performance activities. Some of the events my children have been a part of have included workshops run by LA and by outstanding industry professionals, guest teachers such as Joshua Horner and Keith Hawley, performing at Westfield Tuggerah and Wyong Leagues Club Christmas Toy Raffles, performing at various eisteddfods’ and dance competitions (both in troupes and as soloists) and travelling to Queensland to participate in the Showcase National Dance Championships. By far the greatest experience was when Abbee travelled with LA to America last year to perform at Disneyland and Universal Studios and take part in workshops at The Edge. I assure you that when I made that phone call 11 years ago there was no way I thought that within a decade that little girl would dance on stage at Disneyland!
I believe that the greatest asset Lee Academy possesses is its wonderful staff. Having known Studio Director Jo Cotterill for many years I can not begin to express how proud I am of Jo and what she has achieved. Her dedication and perseverance in achieving her dreams is nothing short of amazing and I honestly doubt there is anything Jo could not achieve if she put her mind to it. Over the years I have also had the honour of watching talented students become dedicated and talented teachers, each of them now passing on their knowledge and passion for performing arts to another generation. The LA staff are honestly amazing teachers however on top of this they are amazing people… kind, friendly, full of energy, fun to be around and always positive. Personally not only do I feel blessed that these people are providing my children with such a positive influence and performing arts education I also feel incredibly fortunate to call them my friends.
Through the many years we have been part of Lee Academy we have also been very blessed with wonderful friends we would have never met otherwise. No stereotypical “Razzle Dazzle†mums at Lee Academy just genuine friendly people who want their kids to have fun doing something they love.
I firmly believe that many of the positive attributes I see in my children as they grow up are there because they have had the incredible influence of Lee Academy in their lives. Not just the education provided but the support, encouragement and love of the teachers and staff as well as the positive energy that oozes from Lee Academy as a whole.
Rachel Schryver – Mum to Abbee & Jed
