ABOUT US
With a background in Early Childhood Education and a passionate dance teacher from a young age, director Claire O’Shea was destined to combine her two great loves with the creation of Petite Performers Preschool Dance. Since starting her first dance studio at the age of 19, Claire has founded several more successful businesses including The Artsy Education Co, Dance Energy Studios and Assemblé Dance Studio Coaching.
Petite Performers is specialised early childhood dance studio dedicated to assisting busy parents find a healthy, creative (and most importantly) fun outlet for their little ones through movement and dance. Our program is so much more than just another ‘dance class’. The children learn technique and concepts of dance, while also developing their self-awareness, poise, social skills and confidence.We aim to make your child fall head over heels in love with dance (just like we did!). The lessons are customised to meet each student’s individual interests and goals. Scheduled performances are also included at Petite Performers, so the whole family can enjoy the wonderful world of dance alongside their children.
As they say, why walk when you can dance?
OUR AMAZING TEACHERS!
MISS CLAIRE
Principal & Owner
About MeDance Energy Studios was established in 2013 by Claire O’Shea. Claire was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast where she received her entire school education at Immanuel Lutheran College. These years at Immanuel were particularly special to Claire receiving many accolades during her time there, including the honour of being School Captain in her Senior year.
Our Principal Claire began to dance at the age of three at a local studio in Maroochydore where she continued to learn for 17 years. As she grew up her love of all things dance developed into a variety of successes. Claire completed all of her examinations with the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) company and represented Queensland in the genre of Jazz in the Australasian titles. From the age of 14 Claire began to assist with classes and her passion for teaching grew from there. Claire then completed both her Junior and Associate Teaching Levels with ATOD where she is now fully qualified to teach all genres of dance.
A passionate dancer, our Principal continues to this day to develop and grow her technical skills. This year alone, Claire has participated in many advanced technical workshops with international and nationally acclaimed choreographers and dancers. A keen learner, over the past 5 years Claire has been developing an in-depth knowledge for Dance Acrobatics, safe dance technique & trick progression in the classroom. Claire is currently finishing her Acrobatics Teachers qualification through Acrobatique and has attended many training days & professional development courses across Australia.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary) at University, Claire has a strong skill base in child development and teaching methods, which she believes enriches each and every child’s dance educational experience. Whether a serious dancer, or just for fun, our Principal believes a dance education can keep young people healthy and equip them with many life-long skills and friendships.
A passionate Educator, our Principal Claire also coaches other studio owners in the industry through business practices, curriculum & studio growth.
Claire appears at both studio locations.
MISS JACQUI
Teacher
About MeJacqui took her first dance class at the age of 4 and hasn’t looked back since. When she was 17, after a dance trip to Melbourne, she was offered a scholarship with ‘The Edge Full-time Dance’ school in Melbourne, which she took. She spent 2 years in Melbourne training full-time studying everything; Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Latin, and Commercial Jazz as well as Singing, Acting and a short course in Aerial Trapeze.
After receiving her Certificate 4 in Dance and Diploma of Musical theatre, and dancing professionally in Melbourne she decided to come home to share her knowledge and passion with new dancers and to also grow as a dancer herself.
There is nothing that she loves doing more than dancing and is excited to be back home teaching as part of the team.
Jacqui appears at our Maroochydore studio.
MISS SOPHIE
Teacher
About MeI started my dancing journey at the age of 12 in 2016 here at dance energy, and ever since I have been immersed into every aspect and opportunity the studio and Mrs Claire has given me. I have been a part of the competition teams since 2017, winning numerous awards and attended various competitions, including Showcase Nationals and ATOD International. I have also traveled to Melbourne for the Victorian Dance Festival (VDF). In 2017 I was lucky enough to be awarded with the prestigious Student of the Year award and the 2019 Spirit of the Year award. I have also completed and undertaken exams through A.T.O.D, who I am completing my Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management with to have full qualifications to pursue my teaching career.
From my personal dancing I have developed a passion for teaching over my last 5 years of teaching, I’ve been lucky enough to be a student teacher since 2016 , I am so excited to be able to further develop my skills as a young student teacher into a fully qualified dance teacher with Miss Claire’s assistance in 2020.
Sophie appears at Caloundra & Maroochydore studios.
MISS EMILY
Teacher
About MeEmily started her dance journey with Dance Energy in 2014, starting out with jazz and hip-hop and later on progressed into various dance styles like lyrical, contemporary, acro, and ballet. Out of all of them, hip-hop has always been her favourite.
In 2019, Emily joined the performance teams, discovered her love for the stage, and has been performing ever since. Her hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed, as in 2021, she were awarded the Performer of the Year award. This led Emily to realise that hard work really does pay off, and she will forever be grateful to Miss Claire, Miss Nicola, and all the Dance Energy teachers who have helped her get to where she is.
Currently, Emily is working as an assistant dance teacher for Petites at Dance Energy Caloundra. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch the students grow, and witness their personalities shine through their dancing. With teaching dance being a passion for Emily, she aspires to teach dance full-time and explore new avenues in her dancing career.
Overall, Emily is a passionate and hardworking dancer who never stops striving for excellence. They have proven themselves to be an asset to the Dance Energy community and we are excited to see what the future holds for her.
Emily appears at Caloundra & Maroochydore studios, plus school locations.
MISS CRYSTAL
Office Manager
About MeCrystal grew up on the mid-north coast of NSW and it was here, she developed her love of dance at the age of eight, when she started jazz dancing. She has since gone on to complete exams in jazz, ballet and tap as well as competing in many eisteddfods on the mid-north coast of NSW.
In 2015 Miss Crystal joined the DE team as part of our Teaching team and quickly took on more responsibility in the studio. In 2018, Miss Crystal took on the role of Office Manager & has been our ‘Maestro of Mayhem’ ever since! You will see Miss Crystal’s smiling face at the studio reception each afternoon to assist with enquiries, questions, uniforms and for a chat ❤️
Crystal appears at Caloundra and Maroochydore Studios.
DID YOU KNOW?
We offer every child a trial class!
Come and try Petite Performers today and you’ll see why we’re #1 when it comes to preschool dance programs.