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ORIEL COPELAND
Biggest performing achievements?
I’ve been very lucky to be a part of several different companies and shows over my last 15 years of dancing, including being in the cast of Toowoomba Choral Societies ‘Annie’, Brisbane City Youth Ballet, Innate Dance Company and Ballet Theatre of Queenslands ‘Sleeping Beauty’ where we performed in QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre. Dancing at QPAC is definitely one of my favourite performing achievements.
What classes did you take?
From starting at Bayside Dance in 2018, I’ve done Acro, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Ballet from Elementary to Advanced, where I sat my exam in my final year at BD. I have also been a part of the Dance Step Program, recently completing Level Four. I’ve also been a part of the Young Dancers Company, Performance Teams, and Talent Development Program where I did private lessons.
Favourite memories at Bayside Dance?
I have so many fond memories from my time at Bayside Dance from concerts, competitions and working on reception and as a relief teacher. My favourite memory however would be my very first lesson at Bayside; it was Jazz with Miss Kate and I was anxious to be starting at another new studio but it was the most refreshing experience being welcomed into a dance studio where people were kind, class was exciting, and dance was about having fun.
How have BD staff prepared you? 
The Bayside Dance staff have prepared me in not only my dance skills, but my life skills, and I leave knowing how to take care my body, my wellbeing and how to thrive in a career in dance. They have also prepared me to go to my dream uni, WAAPA, which I am very grateful for!
Advice to other dancers?
It’s good to take on challenges and work hard, but the most important thing is to care for yourself; maintain your body and mind and everything you’ve been working for will be ten times more worth it!!!
Biggest ambitions? 
One day I hope to perform in stages across Australia and the world (Broadway may be a stretch but it’s definitely a goal!), and eventually I hope to teach and be a part of the next generation of dancers’ journeys.
CALIESE McEACHERN
Biggest performing achievements?
I was cast as Amanda Thripp in Matilda in The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Australasian tour in 2017. I also played young Cosette in the 2019 Savoyards production of Les miserables. I also competed overseas for Acrobatic Gymnastics women’s trio twice at international competitions placing 6th in Las Vegas World Cup  in 2019 and 10th in the Portugal World Cup in 2020.
What classes did you take?
Over the years I’ve taken jazz, musical theatre and ballet but I’m currently in Elementary ballet.
Favourite memories at Bayside Dance?
Taking private lessons with Miss Maddison and Miss Kaitlin! They both made dancing so enjoyable and were supportive of all my passions both in dancing and outside. Recently I have been lucky enough to have Miss Kate as my ballet teacher. She  has helped me grow as a dancer and person, constantly pushing me to be the best dancer I can be.
How have BD staff prepared you? 
I have had the privilege of being taught by Miss Kaitlin, Miss Kate and Miss Maddison. They have constantly pushed me to achieve my goals whether they be in dance or in life in general.  I have grown up with amazing role models who I aspire to be like in the future and they have taught me how hard work truly does pay off
Advice to other dancers?
Sometimes the best memories are made when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone. Don’t let your fear of the unknown stop you from trying new things because that is how we grow as dancers.
Biggest ambitions? 
My biggest ambitions would be to perform a lead in a professional musical again, and to join a profession where I can help people to reach their goals just like my teachers have.
PAIGE McKAY
Biggest performing achievements?
My biggest achievements so far have been getting into the Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium straight out of high school! Some of my big achievements during University was performing as a solo artist at QPAC with the Queensland Pops Orchestra, performing with Patti Lupone & singing at the Brisbane Helpmann Award Nominations.
Since graduating I got a scholarship to work with Dead Puppet Society last year, and was in the Top 30 for the Rob Guest Endowment 2020.
And next year I’ll (hopefully) be touring Australia in Margaret Fulton the Musical!
What classes did you take?
I started in the first year of Bayside Dance and took Ballet, Tap & Jazz.
Favourite memories at Bayside Dance?
Taking classes in the Wynnum hall, and being the only student of my age at the studio, so Kaitlin taught me a dance solo in the first concert! I remember being so nervous. And I also did my first ever tap exam!
How have BD staff prepared you? 
The staff at Bayside Dance were always so supportive, from helping me develop my dance skills to audition for university, to being an assistant teacher and now having my own class in Musical Theatre! I couldn’t have done it without their support, particularly Kaitlin who always goes above and beyond for everyone! Very grateful to have come across Bayside Dance in that small hall six years ago!
Advice to other dancers?
Always work hard and keep setting goals for yourself, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Never forget how much you love it and how lucky you are to be able to dance. Oh and always be respectful and grateful to your teachers, they always want the best for you!
Biggest ambitions? 
This is such a tricky question! I think having a career in the arts is wonderful for its versatility and constant new challenges and changes in your life. But if I can keep working in the arts industry in Australia, whether that be in musicals/plays, tours across the country or teaching, and keep that up as my career for a long time, I think that’s my biggest ambition.

What our clients say

My 2 year old absolutely adores her dance lessons and teachers. Miss Kate and Aimee go above and beyond to make lessons interesting and fun for the children. My daughter was happy to go in to her lessons without me after 2 weeks, which is huge because she’s quite shy. We drive 45 mins from our house to get to Bayside dance and it’s well worth the drive!

Rose

Parent

My daughter has been dancing with Bayside Dance since she was 2. She started in the Tiny Tots for ballet and moved on to Hip Hop when she was 7. Bayside Dance is a welcoming and accepting place for kids of all ages and sizes. I hope she continues for many more years to come. I could not recommend Bayside Dance more.

Kylie

Parent

We absolutely love Bayside Dance. The teachers are amazing and it’s like a little friendly community. My daughter just competed her first year of dancing and her confidence has grown so much and has made lots of friends along the way. We also love the end of year concerts and many other great events during the year.

Amanda

Parent

My daughter Charlotte is three years old, loves Miss Kaitlin, her new friends and her Saturday ballet class. She has learnt so much, and role plays at home and has developed a passion for ballet.

Natalie

Parent

I call Bayside Dance my second home because I always know that I can come to class and be cheered up by your generosity and love for dance.

Mary

Student

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