Canberra Dance Development Centre

philosophy promotes excellence in

dance training and related subjects. It

recognises that each student is unique

in his/her pattern of development,

interest and talents. It encourages and challenges all

students to obtain the highest personal standard through

participation in the development of Australian dance.

Through diverse studies, Canberra Dance Development

Centre develops awareness of the role of dance within

the community and prepares students for future study

and future employment.

Our Story

The Director

The Teachers

Our Courses

Our Studen

The Studios

International CDDC

Our Story

The Director

The Teachers

Our Courses

Our Students

The Studios

International CDDC

Our StoryCanberra Dance Development Centre (CDDC)

has seen generations of dancers pass through it’s doors, it offers a supportive and nurturing

atmosphere with dance classes for everyone from tiny tots to fun and fitness classes to challenging courses for experienced performers.

CDDC also offers industry accredited vocational training courses for those who are serious about a career in the performing arts and many students have gone on to have exciting careers in dance, gaining contracts with companies such as: The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra, West Australian Ballet, Chunky Move, Buzz Dance Theatre, Tasdance, English National Ballet, Diversions Dance Company of Wales, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Bejart Ballet Lausanne, Alonzo King LINES Ballet and many more have gone on to excel in choreography, film work, musical theatre, commercial dance and teaching.

Jackie Hallahan, founding and current Director, began CDDC in 1985 driven by her vision to create a unique dance centre which provided a diverse range of dance classes and allied dance subjects. From its humble beginnings the centre has grown into a flourishing creative arts environment providing a springboard to a professional career.

”Inspiring and energetic... Stunning!

“

The Director

“Jackie Hallahan, Director CDDC

Recipient: 2013 Services to Dance Education (Australian Dance Awards), 2003 Stuart and Norma Lesley Churchill Fellowship, 2010 Canberra Critics Circle Award.

In her 30 plus years of dance teaching, Jackie Hallahan has nurtured and developed the careers of many young dancers, contributing a wealth of talent to

both Australian and international dance industries. Her passion for dance along with her extensive knowledge and experience as a dance teacher, choreographer, director and producer defines Jackie as an important contributor to Australian dance.

In 2013 jackie was awarded the Services to Dance Education award at the Australian Dance Awards for decades of leadership and excellence in dance education, and for her holistic and inclusive approach to producing dancers who are versatile, mature artists and independent thinkers.

Jackie was awarded the Stuart and Norma Lesley Churchill Fellowship in 2003. This gave her an extraordinary chance to travel and study in the centre of the dance world, USA, UK and Europe, her experiences were very inspiring and life changing.

Other highlights have been seeing her students successfully achieve their performance goals, choreographing, producing and directing major dance events in the ACT and being awarded the Canberra Critics Circle Award (2010), for services to dance in the 25th anniversary year of CDDC.

”

... youth dance abounds with success stories, due in part to one quiet achiever.

- Jennifer Kingma, Canberra Times

INNOVATIVE

EDUCATION

Guest teacher

The TeachersCDDC is home to a diverse and exceptional

teaching staff who have dedicated themselves to teaching and know precisely how to share

their knowledge of technique, style and performance with the students. They focus on making dance enjoyable for everyone, in a supportive and professional environment and are committed to nurture and develop the student’s confidence and to encourage achievement of their personal goals.

CDDC is committed to bringing the professional dance industry to our students and presents regular guest teachers, master classes and school holiday programs hosted by international and national stars of the dance world, including CDDC Alumni. They inspire students with their unique experience, passion and expertise.

Regular master classes hosted by international and national stars of

dance

“Exceptional & Inspiring”

Our CoursesClassical BalletPas De DeuxRepertoireYouth BalletYoung Dancers IntensiveStrength & ConditioningContemporaryUrban ContemporaryStreet Jam

From beginners classes, to fun and fitness classes, to challenging courses for experienced performers. CDDC offers over sixty classes a week. Styles offered include:

TapJazz FunkHip HopTiny TotsDramaSingingFencingPerformance Groups

CDDC’s vocational dance course for years 7 – 10 students and Dance Studies A-T course for years 11 – 12 students allows young dancers to participate in a graduated training course from part to full time daily dance tuition alongside the students’ academic studies in public or private high schools and colleges in the ACT. Students are able to specialise in classical ballet, contemporary dance or musical theatre/commercial dance.

CDDC dances in NY via Instagram

The Students

energy passion dedication ambition

The CDDC spirit has been glowing for almost thirty years due mostly to the energy and electricity of it’s dance students. Turn on the lights and

they’ll show you what it means to be part of the CDDC family: energy, passion, dedication, ambition and a whole lot of fun. Known for their strong sense of community, good humour and abundance of talent, CDDC students thrive in performance.

A long list of high achievements line the history of this amazing centre, but the students don’t rest on that. With each new year a fresh crop of student’s progress with and adapt to the ever changing world of dance. With the help of their fantastic teachers they strive for the highest rungs in the professional dance world.

”“

The Studios

Above & Opposite, CDDC Studio One is a new york ‘Fame’ like studio with a wall of windows for those eager to watch the action going on inside.

Right, CDDC Director Jackie Hallahan’s office is a vibrant hub of activity, this tiny room has all the right moves.

Left, CDDC Studio Two is ideal for tap and jazz with it’s wood floor and abundance of space and with no doors between the studio and foyer, the public have a front row seat to watch classes.

Worlds away from the performance space, set amongst the gum trees in the leafy suburb of Spence is CDDC’s home

studios. Where magic, perspiration and ambition splash against a retro NY or perhaps ‘Fame’ like bare-brick backdrop and the mirrors reflect the ambition of the next generation of students to come.

The hallways are littered with images of the past and present as the students zigzag from class to class, but it’s when the music begins to play and the students take their stance, that the age old joy to dance is once again ignited within each and every individual.

Featuring three spacious dance studios, office, changing rooms and amenities, the current location was opened in 2001 by former Australian Ballet Principal Dancer, Justine Summers.

International CDDC

Photos, students and teachers travelling through international dance communities experience first hand what dance means to the rest of the world.

CDDC is an internationally recognised cultural hub creating new and strengthening existing relationships with dance centres

around the world through their continual participation in reciprocal cultural exchanges. The students and teachers travelling through these international dance communities experience first hand what dance means to the rest of the world.

These cultural exchanges expose students to different cultural, religious, geographic and socio-economic backgrounds and in doing so, provide the opportunity for students to develop a greater understanding of diversity - both in Australia and around the world.

“In my wildest dreams I did not know CDDC would be going strong in its 30th year. I have many plans for the future and I know this is what keeps CDDC innovative.... our best is yet to come! Jackie Hallahan

”

Director: Jackie Hallahan

Studio Address: 55 Crofts Crescent, Spence ACT 2615

Post: PO Box 257 Belconnen ACT 2617

Website: www.dancedevelopment.com.au

Email: j.hallahan@bigpond.com

Office: (02) 6259 1550