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Studio & Artistic Director
Jo cotterill.jpg

JO COTTERILL
Studio & Artistic Director

Having founded Lee Academy in 1993 & continuing to lead us today, our Studio & Artistic Director maintains her vision of an ever-evolving Lee Academy for generations to enjoy.

From the small dance studio Lee Academy once was, to what we see today, Miss Jo is there to ensure Lee Academy moves in the right direction, always.

 

Building on the foundation of inclusiveness, kindness, respect, strength, unity & excellence that is Lee Academy, Miss Jo takes us all into the future continuing this vision. 
 

Faculty

LEE ACADEMY
Faculty

Senior Management Team
Jo Cotterill : Studio & Artistic Director
Lee Academy since: 1993
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Dance Teaching & Management
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment


Senior Management Team
Katherine McCarthy : Talent Development Manager
Lee Academy since: 2009
Masters in Media Practice
Bachelor of Arts (Art History & Psychology)
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
Certificate IV in Performing Arts

​Senior Management Team
Alyssa Casey : Director of Studies
Lee Academy since: 1995
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Dance Teaching & Management
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment

Senior Management Team
Colleen Grigg : Director Of Corporate Services, RTO & General Manager
Lee Academy since: 2016
Graduate Diploma of Management
Graduate Certificate of Management
Advanced Diploma of Management
Diploma Occupational Health & Safety

​​Abbee Smith
Lee Academy since: 1999
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
Certificate III in Dance

Senior First Aid

​CJ Shuttleworth
Lee Academy since: 2013
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Diploma of Dance
Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management

Isabelle Lutze
Lee Academy since: 2009
Certificate IV in Dance

Jacob McPherson
Lee Academy since: 2011
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Arts Administration

Senior First Aid

Lauren Tierney
Lee Academy since: 1997
Photographer
 

Michael Stone
Lee Academy since: 2002
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
Diploma of Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Dance
Senior First Aid

Natasha Clancy
Lee Academy since: 2014
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Dance
Certificate IV in Dance
Senior First Aid

Rebecca Little
Lee Academy since: 2017
Diploma of Dance
Certificate IV in Dance

Sarah Jane Kelly
Lee Academy since: 2019

Advanced Diploma of Dance

Diploma of Dance

Certificate IV in Dance


Tahlia Watton
Lee Academy since: 2019
Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment

Angela Stone
Lee Academy since: 2003
Diploma of Dance
Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
Certificate IV in Dance

Senior First Aid

Damian Tierney
Lee Academy since: 1993
Photographer, web design & media

Dianne Banks
Lee Academy since: 1998
Lee Academy lifetime membership
Bachelor of Education
Diploma of Physical Education

Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
Senior Coach & Examiner in Acrodancer

RAD Solo Seal 
Levels 1 - 5 Artistic Gymnastics

Senior First Aid

Emma Tara Paliashchuk
Lee Academy since: 1995
Certificate IV in Dance

Cert. III & IV in Fitness

Cert. IV Trainer & Assessor

200hr Yoga Teacher Training

Cert. IV In Marketing & Communications

Jemma Crump
Lee Academy since: 2021
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Dance – Acrobatics & Aerial
Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Arts Administration

Kirsten Anthony
Lee Academy since: 2002
Advanced Diploma of Dance

Diploma of Musical Theatre

Diploma of Dance

Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
Senior First Aid

Lucas Hughes
Lee Academy since: 2013
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance)
Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
RAD Advanced 2
Senior First Aid


Zac Smith
Lee Academy since: 2007
Advanced Diploma of Dance
Diploma of Dance – Acrobatics & Aerial
Certificate IV in Dance
Certificate III in Dance

Facilities

LEE ACADEMY
Facilities

A stunning multi-studio facility fitted out with the highest quality flooring, equipment & amenities.

The natural light, spaciousness, cleanliness & design of the building inspires a positive & happy working environment for everyone who walks through the doors.

Lee Academy is within a short walking distance from Tuggerah train station, Westfield shopping centre, Tuggerah super centre, the central business district, local cafes & many local parklands, lakes & beaches.

testimonials

LEE ACADEMY
Testimonials

  • Georgia Caulfield - Showgirl/Commercial Dancer for The Venetian

Work hard always but never forget that you dance because you love it... That passion will get you through anything!

  • Caitlin Drysdale - Dancer for Norwegian Cruiselines & House of Magic

It was a no-brainer for me to do Lee Academy Fulltime and it was the best decision I ever made. Not only did Lee Academy Fulltime jump start my career, it also gave me lifelong friends that I now consider family.

  • Mathew Greenland - Singer/Dancer for Universal Studios Singapore

Such versatile and incredible training with world class teachers that will prepare you for an amazing future, and no matter where your career takes you around the world, Lee Academy is always a home to come back to.

  • Danni Hegarty - West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Opera Australia

I’ve had the most amazing opportunities because of the huge diversity in the training that I have received. In my Advanced Diploma year alone, I went on secondment with ADT (Australian Dance Theatre) and became a dancer with Opera Australia.

  • Laura Golcman - Dancer & Aerialist for Dragone Entertainment Company

Lee Academy is an amazing place to learn all the skills you need to become successful in the performing arts industry. Because of the guidance I received from the staff at Lee Academy & the skills I learnt, I now have a wonderful career doing what I love.

  • Mick Stone - International corporate adagio performer

Lee Academy Fulltime is the best. It gave me everything I needed & then some. I had a job to go to before I even graduated, through an audition that Lee Academy had sourced for me. Returning for further training & professional development throughout my time as a performer has meant I have always had the opportunity to go from strength to strength.

  • Brianna Owen - Dancer & Company Performance Manager for Princess Cruiselines

Lee Academy is an absolutely incredible place to undertake fulltime studies in the performing arts. My training experience at Lee Academy has provided me with the technical abilities I have needed in my professional career, but beyond that, it has also provided me with the mental and emotional skills needed. When the word ‘versatile’ is used to describe the training gained at Lee Academy, I feel that goes far beyond just physical training.

  • Phillipa Owen - Mother of Brianna Owen

Lee Academy teaches our children so much more then dance steps and counts. It teaches confidence, precision, time management, sharing, and many more life skills, all of which I have seen grow in my daughter during her time at Lee Academy.

  • Tasmin Cummins - Dancer with The Wiggles

I came to Lee Academy straight after Year 12 from regional Australia, in my interview for the school I spoke of one of my ultimate dreams, to work for The Wiggles in childrens’ entertainment. It happened!

  • Taneesha Dixon - Dancer for Royal Caribbean Cruiselines

WORLD CLASS facilities & teachers. Lee Academy gave me the courage to pursue my goals in a dancing career & taught me how to work hard. Very proud to be a part of a team that teaches quality values & lessons not only in the performing arts industry but in life.

  • Bryony Munro - Performer for Tokyo Disney

Lee Academy Fulltime enabled me to achieve goals I didn’t realise I could reach. The brilliant team of staff and teachers will shape you into the performer you have the potential to be.

  • Georgie Walsh - Dancer for Princess Cruiselines.

Lee Academy taught me everything I needed to know in preparation for a career in the arts. Not only do they have an extremely diverse curriculum but also an incredible work ethic. I am forever grateful.

  • Bri Emrich - Performer for A Midnight Visit

Moving across the country to train at Lee Academy was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and my career. It has changed my life!

  • Glendene Rout – Dancer with The Moulin Rouge, Paris

Dream as big as you can. Because at Lee Academy there is everything you could ever need to achieve it. Spectacular facilities, amazing teachers, and a beautiful Lee Academy family. I did it, and so can you.

  • Mary Rout - Mother of Glendene Rout

Lee Academy has excellent teachers. Most importantly as a parent, they provide and instill respect, support, care for
everyone. Also, they teach and correct the dancer. Then allow the parent to watch and enjoy.

  • Jasmine Heggs - Dancer for Royal Caribbean Cruiselines

I trained at Lee Academy from a young age. When I was old enough, I transitioned into Full time dance. Lee Academy has supported me the whole way and provided me with amazing opportunities. I am a graduate and I still train there and absolutely love it.

  • Emma Macpherson - Performer for Cirque Du Soleil

I started my training with Lee Academy in 2002 and it was one of the best decisions my parents did for me! I’m forever grateful for the constant love and support from Lee Academy, and all the opportunities I’ve been able to achieve during my time including reaching a dream of mine of performing for Cirque du Soleil!!

  • Tiarna Johnson - Dancer for Universal Studios, Japan

Lee Academy exceeds all expectations and helps you get to your full potential mentally and physically.

  • Lindsie Johnson - Dancer for Universal Studios Japan

Lee Academy is the place to be to work hard and to achieve your goals and to reach your biggest dreams!

  • Shiree Johnson - Mother of Lindsie & Tiarna Johnson

As a parent we always wish for our children to turn their dreams into reality. Lee Academy makes this possible with their professional, expert training whilst offering so many exciting opportunities and support. Joining the Lee Academy Family has been one of the best decisions our family has made.

  • Zac Smith - Performer for Cirque Du Soleil

Work hard, dream big and be present in the room - there is no place like Lee Academy anywhere in the world, make the most of it!

  • Kym Smith - Mother of Zac Smith

As a mum of a boy who’s dream was to join Cirque du Soleil it was important to find the perfect place that would both
nurture his passion as well as push him to be the complete professional performer needed to fulfill his goal. Lee Academy provided this and more and by the time Zac turned 19 he was living and working with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.

  • Emmalene Tinson - Dancer for Infamous the Show

I’m forever appreciative of my Lee Academy family. All of my beautiful teachers helped me set out my goals and supported me when I achieved them. It’s such an honour to be a part of Lee Academy and using all of their inspiring lessons that I learnt at Fulltime to be a better performer.

  • Natasha Clancy - Dancer for House of Magic, Macau

Lee Academy for me was a life changing decision. The support, the professionalism & nurturing experience from all of my mentors is forever appreciated. I am honoured & grateful to have spent my fulltime years in the world class facility that is Lee Academy.

  • Tania Emrich - Mother of Bri Emrich

The best decision 6 years ago has given our daughter the most professional training, personal development and
successful career opportunities far beyond any expectations we had. Jo Cotterill has a unique ability to guide, inspire and develop strengths and talents so that dreams become a reality.

  • Tiegan Rockliff - Dancer for Norwegian Cruiselines

In the past 6 years Lee Academy Fulltime has given me so many amazing opportunities and new experiences. It has made me the performer I am today and I have become a more versatile and all rounded dancer. For this I will be forever grateful to Lee Academy and the coaches.

  • Madeleine Bailey - Performer for Disney Paris

Lee Academy provided me with the perfect combination of skill development & confidence building, allowing me to
successfully audition, & equipping me with the knowledge to transition smoothly to working professionally.

PROVEN
PATHWAY TO
SUCCESS

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