Welcome to our WSDA website! We are one of the most prestigious and sought after dance schools where we treat each student as an individual and love the fact that all children and parents are a part of our WSDA dance family! A place where your child can develop and nurture their dancing talents in a fun environment with highly trained and passionate teachers. We encourage each child to reach their full potential whilst making it an enjoyable experience along the way of becoming the best dancer that they can be. We provide tuition to children of all levels and ages with beginner tiny tots classes commencing from the age of 2 right up to pre-professional level.
Whitney Schofield
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Artistic Director
L.C.B.A - C.I.C.B & Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
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Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Lyrical, Private Lessons, Eisteddfod Work & Elite Training
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Whitney's journey in dance began at the age of two, training with her grandmother, Kerry Barends, and quickly blossomed into a remarkable career. A prodigy of South African dance, Whitney earned numerous accolades from the age of three, participating in competitions nationwide. She was honored twice with the opportunity to represent South Africa in international competitions, including the prestigious International Cecchetti Competition. As a soloist in her state’s Youth Ballet Company during her final years in South Africa, Whitney performed in celebrated productions such as The Nutcracker and Coppélia with NAPAC in Durban. Eisteddfods played a significant role in her development, as she participated from the age of three, showcasing her versatility and passion for performance. Her talent led her to tour the United States, where she danced in New York, Atlanta, and Boston, training at Broadway and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Recognized as an Outstanding Dancer in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Tap on multiple occasions, Whitney achieved unparalleled success by earning top honors in every ballet exam and Honours with Distinction in every jazz and tap exam from the age of four until her graduation at 17.
After immigrating from South Africa at 16, Whitney advanced her training at the Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, learning under esteemed instructors such as Miss Tanya Pearson herself, Julie Wells, and Kim Trainor (to name a few). At 18, she earned her Cecchetti Associate Teacher qualification with exceptional results and launched her own dance school, WSDA.
Whitney has since completed her Associate, Associate Diploma, and Licentiate teaching examinations with Cecchetti Ballet Australia. She now holds Licentiate status with the organization and is actively working to further her qualifications to become a certified examiner.
With a wealth of global experience and expertise, Whitney is passionate about inspiring and nurturing the next generation of dancers. She strives to instill technical excellence, artistry, and a love for dance in all her students, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential.
Demi Schofield
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Co-Director
A.(Dip) C.B.A. - C.I.C.B & Bachelor of Business Management
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Classical Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical, Jazz, Private Lessons & Eisteddfod Work & Elite Training
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Demi Schofield was born into a family deeply connected to the art of dance and has been immersed in it since the age of three. Her journey began under the expert guidance of her grandmother, Kerry Barends, at the esteemed Kerry Barends Academy of Dance in Durban, South Africa. There, Demi demonstrated her dedication and talent, excelling in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, and completing all her exams with exceptional results.
Eager to expand her skills and gain international experience, Demi trained at the prestigious Jean M. Wong School of Ballet in Hong Kong and participated in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet examinations. This invaluable experience enriched Demi’s technical and artistic abilities, shaping her into a versatile and accomplished performer.
Eisteddfods became a cornerstone of Demi’s dance career, as she began competing at the age of four. Over the years, she achieved numerous titles, showcasing her passion for performance and her commitment to excellence. Her technical achievements are highlighted by her completion of all major Cecchetti Ballet examinations with the highest distinction of Honours.
During her final year at Brigidine College St. Ives, Demi’s leadership qualities and talent took center stage. As Dance Captain, she guided her peers to multiple Eisteddfod victories, won the audience vote at the prestigious Dance of Champions and was honored with the Most Outstanding Dancer Award.
After completing her Higher School Certificate, Demi pursued her academic interests, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Management. However, her love for dance remained unwavering. She decided to follow her true passion and began teaching alongside her sister, combining her extensive training and leadership experience to mentor the next generation of dancers.
Demi is a fully qualified Cecchetti Ballet teacher, having excelled in her Associate Diploma examinations. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in equipping young dancers with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive both on and off the stage. She takes pride in fostering a positive and inspiring environment where students can explore their creativity, build technical proficiency, and develop a lifelong love for dance.
Emma Foster​
RAD Teachers Diploma
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Classical Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical, Private Lessons, Eisteddfod Work & Elite Training
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Emma Dulvey began dancing at the age of four at Ballet Academy Northside where she studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Tap.
At the age of 15 she started an intensive full time course at Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy where she studied Classical Ballet and Contemporary, including The Martha Graham Technique under instruction of a large variety of highly regarded teachers including Julie Wells, Kim Trainer, Julia Regi, Paul Boyd and many more. In the duration of her Studies at TPCCA she performed soloist roles in three of the Sydney City Youth Ballet Productions choreographed by Paul Boyd who was Principal dancer with Oper der Stadt, Bonn, Germany, Basler Ballett, Basel, Switzerland and company coach and choreographer with The Queensland Ballet Company. In 2010, Emma Toured Europe with TPCCA, auditioning for Vocational Schools around Germany, Switzerland, Austria and The Netherlands. From The Schools she was selected for, she accepted a place in the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, In the Netherlands, Which was currently directed by Vim Broekx. At the Conservatoire, Emma was trained by ex soloist of the Paris Opera Ballet Pierre Darde, Ex soloist of Het National Ballet Esther Protzman, Ex Dancer of Nederlands Dans Theater Tessa Cook and once again, many more Prestigious Teachers and Guest Teachers. The School also offered Nederlands dans Theater Repertoire that was taught by Members of the company where Emma learnt work by World renound Choreographers such as Jiri Kylian, Hans van Manen and Paul Lightfoot. At her time in the Netherlands she had the privilege of performing such pieces as Jewels by George Balanchine, Brahms- Schonberg, part 3 by George Balanchine, Over grown Path by Juri Kylian, she performed at Festival Classique dancing ‘Planets’ by Thom Stuart and performed with ‘De Dutch Don’t Dance Division’ in a soloist role performing their production of Abdullah.
Shayarne Matheson​
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Contemporary, Lyrical, Classical Ballet, Private Lessons, Eisteddfod Work & Elite Training
Shayarne started dancing when she was 3 years old. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary and Acrobatics. In 2005, Shayarne was offered a half scholarship for the Classical Ballet Stream at The McDonald College of Performing Arts. During her 3 years at McDonald College she completed all of her R.A.D Major Classical Ballet Examinations with High Distinctions, Performed the principle roll of "The Sugar Plum Fairy" in The Premiere State Ballet's production of The Nutcracker and won the schools Robert and Elizabeth Albert award, which gave her a full scholarship. Shayarne was also part of The Australian Ballets Interstate Associates Program for 5 years.
In 2008 Shayarne was accepted into the full-time course at Tanya Pearsons Classical Coaching Academy. During her time there Shayarne performed in two of Sydney City Youth Ballet's productions. Performing soloist and principle rolls in "The Polar Express" and "The Nutcracker." Shayarne also went on Tanya Pearsons European Tour where she was accepted into the Pallucca Schule in Dresden, Germany and The Geneva Ballet Company. Shayarne also competed in the Genee Medals International Ballet Competition, where she was a Finalist. Shayarne was also a finalist in The Sydney Eisteddfods, McDonald’s Challenge Classical Ballet Scholarship. Shayarne was also the first place Scholarship winner of the Society of Dance Art Awards Australasian Competition. Shayarne has completed her Solo Seal which is the highest level of R.A.D Examinations.
In 2011, Shayarne travelled to New Zealand for the Alana Haines Awards where she was The Supreme Winner and also received a Full Scholarship for the Graduate Year to The Royal Ballet School in London. During Shayarne's year in London she performed in the Royal Ballets production of Paquita in Athens, Greece and also the Royal Ballets Production of Alice In Wonderland in London. Shayarne has also performed in The Queensland Ballets productions of La Sylphide and The Nutcracker. Once Shayarne finished her career as a ballet dancer she began training at Sydney Dance Companies Pre Professional Year to further her knowledge and education in contemporary dance.
Shayarne has trained and worked with Gailene Stock (Director of The Royal Ballet School), Gary Norman (Ex Principle Artiste of The Australian Ballet), James Tudor (Ex Dancer with The Rambert Company), Parish Maynard (San Fransisco Ballet Company), Vicki Attard (Ex Principle Artiste of The Australian Ballet), Amy Hollingsworth (Ex Dancer and assistant director of Sydney Dance Company) and Rafael Bonachela (Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, Li Cunxin (Director Queensland Ballet), Linda Gamblin (Ex Principle Royal Ballet Company) and many more.
Shayarne’s passion for teaching and choreography has had her award winning students and pieces performed all over Australia, New Zealand, America, Europe and Asia.
Bella Perry​
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Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap & Eisteddfod Work
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Bella began learning ballet at the age of 5, completing RAD exams up to and including Advanced Foundation at The Ballet Class Rose Bay. As a prodigy of Dein Perry (one of the foremost exponents of Tap in the world and the creator & choreographer of TAP DOGS), Bella has been fully trained through the Tap Pups program and continues to share in their knowledge. She then continued her studies at Village Nation, training in Jazz, Contemporary, Hiphop, Tap and Musical Theatre, and completed years 11 and 12 at Village College. Bella won a scholarship to study full-time dance in 2020 at Village Nation, completing her Certificate 4 and Dance. Since then Bella has been signed with Presley Management, has performed for artists including Samantha Jade, G-Flip, and Becca Hatch, touring around Australia. She has performed for the Lord Mayors Christmas Carols, Mardi Gras, T20 World Cup, Ferrari 75th Anniversary and much more, travelling both interstate and Internationally. Bella has a passion for helping her students reach their goals within the Performing Arts Industry.
Charlotte Hanna​
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Jazz, Technique, Classical Ballet, Private Lessons, Eisteddfod Work & Elite Training
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Charlotte is originally from London, United Kingdom she has had a varied career in Dance and Musical Theatre over the years.
Charlotte graduated from the prestigious ‘Laine Theatre Arts’ in 2012 with a National Trinity Diploma in dance alongside many other credits including her DDI ISTD Ballet teaching certificate.
Charlotte went on to train with Scintilla Dance Company in London and has worked on many pantomimes up and down the UK as a principal dancer and understudy to leading roles, she has also danced at Wembley Arena in the opening of the FA Cup Final.
Charlotte has worked on various cruise ships over the years including Cunard’s flagship ‘Queen Mary 2’ and Princess Cruises ‘Crown Princess’ and flagship ‘Regal Princess’ in which she was cast in Stephen Schwartz’s shows ‘Magic to Do’ and ‘Born to Dance’.
Charlotte’s film credits include ‘ The Muppets…Again’ and ‘Marvels Avengers, Age of Ultron’.
Charlotte has worked with many students over the years in both England and Australia sharing her love for dance.
Robyn Ross
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F.C.B.A – C.I.C.B (Dist), Life Member, Cecchetti Examiner, Maestro Cecchetti Diploma Holder (Dist),
ARAD, RAD RTS (Dist),
Certificate IV
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Classical Ballet
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Robyn trained with Audrey King and Lynne Fouche in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she successfully completed all her ballet examinations in the Cecchetti method.
After leaving school she danced as a Principal with the Johannesburg Youth Ballet Company, performing in Scotland, Israel, London and South Africa.
In 1974 Robyn gained her Associate Teaching qualification, and in 1979 she gained her Licentiate Certificate from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (London). In 1986 she completed her final Cecchetti Teacher’s Examination for which she was awarded Fellowship Status with Distintion.
In 1992 Robyn gained the prestigious Enrico Cecchetti Diploma with Distinction.
In 1999, under the training of Hilary Kaplan, she gained her RAD Teaching Certificate with Distinction and was appointed an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD).
In 2000 Robyn was appointed to the position of EXAMINER of Cecchetti Ballet Australia, examining both in Australia and overseas.
In 2003 and 2004 Robyn danced as Mrs Cratchett in the Sydney City Youth Ballet’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Glen Street Theatre. In 2006 Robyn was once again a guest artist with the company, performing in ‘The Polar Express’.
Sophie Vilensky
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Tiny Tots & Classical Ballet
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Sophie has been a dedicated student at WSDA since the age of 4, training under the expert guidance of Kerry Barends, Whitney Schofield, Demi Schofield, Robyn Ross, and other distinguished faculty members. She has successfully completed all her Cecchetti ballet examinations, achieving the highest distinction of honours.
Over the course of her training, Sophie was a valued member of the WSDA representative eisteddfod teams, participating in a wide range of dance genres for over 10 years and contributing to their continued success.
In 2023, Sophie graduated from Brigidine College in St Ives, where she was recognised as a high achiever for her exceptional results in HSC Dance. Her 'Major Work' and 'Core Performance' pieces were nominated for Callback, an annual selection of the most outstanding major works by HSC Dance students.
Currently, Sophie is working toward her Cecchetti teacher's qualifications. She is passionate about sharing her love for dance and ballet with others, inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Mallory Silva​​
Certificate IV in Circus Arts
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Acro
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Mallory has been an acrobatics coach for over eight years and is passionate about helping others discover the joy and artistry of movement. She holds a Certificate IV in Circus Arts from the National Institute of Circus Arts and began her movement journey as an artistic gymnast at the age of three. After competing at a high level until the age of 16, Mallory transitioned into acro dance and circus arts, where she found her true passion.
Throughout her career, Mallory has shared her expertise at Infinite Edge Movement and Acro Co., working with students of all levels to develop their skills and confidence. Her coaching focuses on building strong foundations, fostering creativity, and cultivating a love for both the technical and artistic aspects of acrobatics.
Deeply committed to the dance and acrobatic industry, Mallory strives to inspire her students to push their boundaries, embrace their unique potential, and find joy in movement.
