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 MARIAH
Marketing Manager
About MeMariah was raised on the Sunshine Coast and began her journey of dance at the age of three training in all styles of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre and acrobatics. She competed in numerous eisteddfods and completed her ballet, jazz & tap exams.
At the age of 12 Mariah grew a passion for hip hop and wanted to focus purely on that. She moved to The House of Sole where she competed in Hip Hop Internationals, World of Dance, World Supremacy Battlegrounds, travelling to Los Angeles, Las Vegas & San Diego with her crews Checkmate, Genetik & Sole Fam where they became Champions of each National competitions. Mariah travelled to Cancun, Mexico to represent Australia and compete with her crew at Dancers Paradise where they became the world champions for two years in a row. After a massive 5 years of competing, Mariah aimed her work into professional gigs such as performing at the Rugby League World Cup, Mercedes Benz Car Launch, Empowering Women Forum and more. Whilst consuming so much knowledge in hip hop Mariah wanted to share her passion to other up and coming students. Mariah has now been teaching at Dance Energy exclusively for 4 years.
Mariah appears at our Caloundra & Maroochydore Studio.
MISS ELLA
Teacher
About MeHi! My name is Ella and I have been dancing since the age of 3 at my home studio. I have trained in a variety of styles through the ADV syllabus, with my highest exam styles being in Ballet and Jazz. However, I have a big love for musical theatre and theatrical jazz ~ I love to perform.
I have been assistant teaching at my home studio since 2019, where In 2022 I started studying my Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching. I have worked with the tiniest and most senior dance students and I cannot wait to meet and teach some of DE’s fabulous students!
MISS NICOLA
Studio Director
About MeNicola has been dancing since she was 5 years old and trained in all styles from classical to hip hop. She competed in competitions and eisteddfods across Australia with both solos/duos and troupes and gained an extensive amount of knowledge for the dance industry.
Being a trained Acrobatique instructor, she travelled to Melbourne in 2015 as a student, to be one of the first students to undertake a mock exam before acrobatics exams were introduced, whilst taking workshops by industry professionals such as Kelly Aykers Fulltime and Jason Colemans ministry of dance. Following this in 2017, Miss Nicola travelled to Sydney to participate in the British Ballet Organisation (BBO)s dance days, taking workshops in the genres of tap, ballet, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and pas de deux from teachers and choreographers from Boston Ballet, Australian Ballet and the Mcdonald college.
These opportunities have led Nicola to find a passion for dance and teaching and continue to inspire her to become a better teacher.
Nicola appears at Caloundra and Maroochydore Studios.
MISS SOPHIE
Curriculum, Creative Co-ordinator & 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 and Maroochydore Studios.
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 Maroochydore Studio.
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.
MISS PHOEBE
Studio Manager & Teacher
About MePhoebe is a Sunshine Coast based dance practitioner equipped with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance degree. After recently graduating with Distinction from Queensland University of Technology, Phoebe is determined to share her knowledge and passion for dance with the upcoming generation of dance enthusiasts.
Phoebe has been dancing since she was four years old, training in a range of styles including classical, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, somatics, tap and musical theatre. Through her extensive history of dance, Phoebe has practiced with several troupes and studios throughout the Sunshine Coast with whom she has competed and placed with at eisteddfods across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast areas.
Among her studies in the industry, Phoebe has obtained various awards and qualifications in recognition of her achievements. These include a position on the Deans List and Golden Key International Honour Society as well as CSTD Jazz certifications.
Phoebe is incredibly excited to be apart of the Dance Energy Teaching team where she hopes to not only educate the students, but also inspire them to follow and embrace their passion for dance.
Phoebe appears at Caloundra Studio.
MISS BRIDIE
Teacher
About MeI started dancing at the age of 3 in 2006 at a Brisbane based dance studio, ever since then I have fallen in love with every aspect about dance and the amazing opportunities it can provide.
Since moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2012 and attending a different studio, my passion for teaching became something I knew I eventually would pursue as my career. I’m currently studying my Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management through ATOD and have completed a teaching qualification through AcrobaticArts. My focus as a dance teacher is to create a healthy, supportive and safe learning environment for all students. In addition to maintaining and installing quality teaching, technique and passion into the next generation of dances through my own passion and love for dance.
Bridie appears at Caloundra Studio.
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.