Throughout primary school, Miss Gemma was selected for numerous dance ensemble groups. She participated in many talent quest shows. Multiple styles and genres were explored whilst at Inspiration Dance academy. Throughout primary school, she participated in recreational Jazz classes. Eventually over time, other styles were added to her repertoire including Contemporary and Jazz. During early high school years, Gemma studied and thrived on all common dance styles. This included Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical and an Eisteddfod team.
She began her extracurricular activity within her school, being selected in the Wakkakirri Group. She performed in a number of matinee and evening performances at NIDA Theatre Sydney. Gemma then joined the school dance group where they practiced every Thursday morning prior to start of the school day. She was specially selected in year 8, 9 and 10 for multiple dance group performances. Combining as a team, she contributed her effort and dedication in representing her school at many performances. Including the Dance Festival at Seymour Centre, Dance Festival at Hurstville and Dance festival at Sutherland Entertainment Centre. Her amazing efforts and participation in the school dance group, lead to performances at school open nights and year group assembly performances. She was awarded one of the few selected positions to perform at School Spectacular held at Qudos Bank Arena in 2017.
Continuing on with Miss Gemma's dance experience and achievements at Inspiration Dance Academy, she studied and completed the RAD ballet syllabus from grade 3 to Intermediate Foundation and Pointe. She completed the Glenn Wood Tap exam and received high 90's for all exams. Throughout her dance career, she participated in multiple performances.
Gemma achieved great results. She gained high marks for her mid year Demonstration Day Concerts. She was individually recognised and presented with a Teachers Award at the annual dance concert in 2013. Also awarded Tap Dancer of the Year in 2016!
Miss Gemma competed in many team Eisteddfod competitions. The team achieved commendable results, including 1st, 2nd and Highly Commended. Other opportunities were experienced whilst representing IDA. This included dancing at the half-time NRL Cronulla Sharks Dance Spectacular in 2017 and 2018.
Continuing to showcase her dancing ability with the IDA team she also performed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2018 and many local school fetes, including Oyster Bay Arts and Crafts Festival. A highlight in Gemma’s dancing career was her passion toward a Lyrical Solo Dance. Competing and performing it in many competitions throughout the Sutherland Shire. She was awarded Highly Commended and 1st Place!
One of Miss Gemma's most recent and honourable achievements was her trip to America in 2018. She performed with twenty one dance peers from IDA during a thirty minute show. They auditioned their routine and were successful, allowing them the opportunity to perform at Universal Studios and Disneyland in Los Angeles. Gemma also participated in many open dance classes and workshops throughout the trip. These were at well-known Dance Companies in LA, being Millennium Dance Complex, The Edge Dance PA and Disneyland Studios.
Adding to her accomplishments, Miss Gemma became a selected and trained Student Teacher at her previous dance studio. She assisted teaching her young students from preschool age to primary school age. Throughout this period, she gained many skills in communication, teaching techniques and extra responsibility. She built many special bonds with her students and parents. She was well-known, recognised and highly regarded throughout the IDA community. Gemma always supported and helped other students at rehearsals and concerts. Miss Gemma was known as the Student Teacher with the kind and friendly face.
Miss Gemma has now lived in the beautiful Coffs Coast Region for just over 2 years now. She currently just completed her HSC. One of her subjects she studied throughout year 11 and 12 was Dance. Throughout both her Year 11 Preliminary Studies and Year 12 HSC studies she ranked 1st in her course. Throughput 2019 Gemma was lucky enough to experience performing in School’s Spectacular again. This time representing Coffs Harbour Senior College and performing in the Rural and Remote Segment. 2019 also saw Gemma to continue her dance training, competing in the Coffs Harbour Dance Eisteddfod and also performing in the Mid North Coast Dance Festival. November 2019 also saw Miss Gemma representing FirstStep Dance Academy Mid North Coast as she guided, taught and performed with her dance partner Gia Crowhurst in the Stars of Coffs Coast Dance For Cancer Event.
She is very excited to continue putting her experience, love and passion into FirstStep Dance Academy Mid North Coast and to keep sharing her love for seeing her students grow, learn, improve and having fun. And according to Gemma, that is the best part of it all!
