Raised in the country, Donna De Paoli — dance principal of Elenya PAC in Williamstown and Sunshine Heights — focuses on the little things when it comes to teaching children about movement.
“Remembering each student’s name, taking the time to explain why, and truly caring are important,” Donna says.
The classical, tap, jazz, character and contemporary-trained principal loves to share her passion with fellow toe-tappers.
“I’m proud of all my students and the teachers who have encouraged them along the way.
“We’re lucky to have some of the best dance instructors, including Stephen Morgante (Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Australian Ballet), Gerard Carter (A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity on Broadway) and Megan Ibrahim (founder of Off the Street Hip-Hop and Suitably Laced Cabaret and Burlesque).”
Classes include classical ballet (Royal Academy of Dance syllabus), pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, singing, drama and acrobatics. The new Sunshine Heights studio, and Williamstown, Altona Meadows and Manor Lakes venues will host an upcoming ‘Mummy and Me’ program.
The beauty of each weekly, half-hour class is its small size: just 10 students.
Elenya PAC is at 324 Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown, and Mailey Street, Sunshine Heights. Inquiries: 13004DANCE (1300 432 623), mobile 0423 224 032, or elenyapac.com
