The Rachel Symons Dance Studio opened in 2008 with the aim to provide students with a safe, inspiring and encouraging environment to dance. Classes are taught by experienced and qualified teachers in a friendly, supportive and child-focused atmosphere. Our staff are experienced in a range of different dance genres which provide our students with a well rounded approach as well as consistency of instructors and training styles. We are focused on developing students’ to their full potential, as long as they wish to learn. We also assist gifted students by advancing them at a pace that will challenge and develop their strength and abilities but will not overburden them.
In every aspect of our work we instill a culture of integrity, achievement, respect and professionalism, which is what we’ve come to expect and receive from our students and dance families.
CHILD SAFETY POLICIES
We encourage our teachers and staff to have open communication with every student that attends the studio. We ensure that every child is treated equally and with dignity and respect. We make sure that teachers and staff are aware of the indicators of abuse and they know what to do if this situation occurs. All staff at RSDS are aware of their obligation to advise the studio director of any concerns about the safety, welfare and wellbeing of any child that may arise. We ensure that teachers and staff are aware of mandatory obligations to report suspected risk of significant harm and of the procedures for doing so. The teachers and staff of RSDS have a strong commitment towards the safety of children and young people and establishing and maintaining a child safe and child friendly environment.
About Rachel:
Director: Rachel Symons
Rachel has been involved in the dance/entertainment industry for over 30 years and is a highly experienced and successful dance teacher and choreographer. She began her dance training with Ms Shelley Wright and then studied a wide range of dance styles with one of Australia's best dance teachers, Gwen Mackey, OAM. At age 18 Rachel moved to Melbourne and studied Performing Arts and Dance full-time under scholarship at the Dance Factory.
After completing full-time training, Rachel continued to train students in a range of elite performing arts schools throughout Victoria. On return to Adelaide a few years later, she gained a Teaching Diploma in CSTD Theatrical as well as Classical Dance, once again under the guidance of Ms Gwen Mackey. Rachel has taught all forms of dance and performance skills, educating students in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. Since opening the studio in 2008, RSDS students have been accepted into tertiary courses in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, gained entry into specialist Adelaide performing arts school programs, are highly successful in Eisteddfods both in SA and interstate and are forging professional careers in Dance and Musical Theatre.
Rachel began her professional career at the age of nine performing in JC Williamson's production of 'Annie' at the Festival Theatre and from there was of member of the Australian Dance Theatre's Children's Company for many years. Rachel participated in Dance Eisteddfod in both SA and Vic for many years and gained skills in piano, cello and vocal training during her youth. Rachel has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as a singer, dancer and actor. Some of her experience includes theatre restaurant shows, corporate functions, TV commercials, children's holiday shows and for six years she worked as an assistant director, choreographer and performer for Oz Force Production Company (Children's Entertainment – Vic).
Rachel also lived and worked in London in 1995. She assisted Arlene Phillips on the Production of 'Billy' as well as studying at Pineapple Dance Studios. Rachel continues to maintain her skills by training interstate and overseas when she can. Rachel also has had experience as a dance eisteddfod Adjudicator both here in South Australia and Victoria and has recently qualified as a full CSTD Examiner (3rd only in SA).
As students of Rachel Symons know, she prides herself on running classes that are fast paced, challenging and fun whilst also creating a supportive and caring environment. Rachel is extremely passionate about her studio and is extremely committed in the pursuit of helping each RSDS student attain his or her goals, in dance and in life.
Our Staff:
- Rachel Symons All levels – Jazz / Tap / Contemporary / Acrobatics / Music Theatre / Classical / Dance Teams / CFAC / Teacher Training Comdance Certificate & Diploma/ Comdance Full Examiner / Comdance Diploma Classical, Theatrical, Tap / Bachelor degree Social Work
- Joanne Cosmai Perrini: Office Administration / Comdance Teachers Certificate Tap (2021), Tap Classes
- Niamh Keller: Jazz, Ballet & Contemporary Classes / Eisteddfod Coaching / Cert IV in Dance Performance / Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) / Progressing Ballet Technique / Eisteddfod Organiser
- Charlotte Lewis: Comdance Teachers Certificate Jazz (2023) All Genres
- Julian Perrini: Acro & Hip Hop Classes / Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Certified
- Sue Lloyd: Comdance Teachers Certificate Tap / Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Certified / RSDS Studio Assistant
- Alexandra Osborne: Comdance Teachers Certificate Theatrical Performing Arts (2022)
- Lauren Booth: Comdance Teachers Certificate Jazz (2023) All Genres
- Olivia Grandison: Comdance Teachers Certificate Jazz (2022) All Genres
- Concetta Amuso: Comdance Teachers Certificate Jazz (2022) Jazz / Teachers Cover
