Southern Dance Academy is a dance school located in Balclutha, New Zealand, catering to aspiring dancers in the Clutha and surrounding districts. The academy was founded with the goal of providing a safe space for students of all ages and abilities to explore and express their creativity through dance and movement. As a faith-based institution, Southern Dance Academy is guided by Christian values of respect, honour, and integrity. This is evident in their commitment to clean music and choreography and modest attire.
The principal and dance teacher at Southern Dance Academy is Nicola Simpson. Nicola began her dance training at the age of four, starting with Cecchetti Ballet and later adding Jazz, Street Funk, Ballroom, and other contemporary styles to her repertoire. Alongside her dance training, Nicola also became involved in local musical and theatre groups both as a performer and choreographer. She has taught dance for community and church groups and in 2012, she took a teaching and managerial position with Spot On Movement in Oamaru.
In 2015, she opened her own dance school, Living Arts. Nicola is passionate about the creative process of dance and performance and its therapeutic benefits. She has designed classes specifically for special needs students and is excited to bring her passion for dance and the arts to the Clutha District.
Jessica Neal, an assistant dance teacher at Southern Dance Academy, grew up in a musical family and started formal dance training at the age of four with ballet and later jazz and tap. After taking a break to try out netball, she rediscovered her love for tap and worked through American Tap grades 3-6 before moving to ISTD and completing Intermediate grade. Jessica has had numerous performance opportunities, including a stint as a background dancer on a children's TV programme. In 2021, she joined the SDA team as an Assistant Teacher and helped establish the Tap dance programme.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Chemistry with Honours from the University of Otago and is married with three children.
Southern Dance Academy offers a variety of classes for different age groups and skill levels. They have a unique curriculum called LDI Living Dance International Creative Pre-Dance, specifically designed to promote the development of essential skills in students aged 6 and under. These skills include coordination, muscle tone, balance, and more.
In conclusion, Southern Dance Academy is a dance school in Balclutha that focuses on providing a safe and nurturing environment for dancers of all ages and abilities. With their commitment to Christian values, clean music and choreography, and modest attire, they offer a unique dance experience for students in the Clutha District. Under the guidance of experienced teachers like Nicola Simpson and Jessica Neal, dancers at Southern Dance Academy have the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop their skills in a range of dance styles.