The Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy

For over three decades this studio has offered students an environment where young students can develop dance ability, body conditioning and performance experience while developing relationships with fellow students that can last a lifetime.

Marie Walton Mahon has an international reputation in dance tuition excellence derived from her innovative teaching techniques and commitment to creating an holistic approach  to dance education and personal development which encourages a positive learning experience. Being one of only a few RAD Vocational Examiners internationally, Marie is able to pass on her training and expertise to the students training for their RAD exams.

Students of all abilities are welcome to join classes and a fun nurturing atmosphere is encouraged by all teachers.

The classical dance curriculum is based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique which teaches music appreciation, body discipline and poise. These classes are complemented by the contemporary and jazz classes (available from Grade 1) which have been developed by nationally recognised Miss Debbie Linnert Ellis, also guest choreographer on the television show 'So You Think You Can Dance"  

Students are encouraged to join the ensemble groups which perform and compete in the Mc Donalds Performing Arts Challenge, Sydney both at the University of New South Wales, and often at the Opera House. Group work gives students the opportunity to work as a team, learning to achieve goals as individuals and as a group. At the end of each year a concert extravaganza is produced for the Civic Theatre in Newcastle. All students (Tiny Tots - NCD students) are involved and have the opportunity to experience stage life in the theatre by participating in the pantomime section (pictured above) and the older students perform their classical technique in traditional ballets arranged by Marie Walton Mahon followed by a highly charged jazz and contemporary section under the direction of Debbie Ellis. These performance experiences gives students the opportunities to enjoy the magic of dance, building confidence while having fun.

Photo: End of year concert performance at the Civic Theatre, of Mary Poppins 2006

Students have the opportunity to have private tuition with one of the teachers. In these classes, timetabled around the students regular classes, are designed to suit the childs needs. In some of the classes students will concentrate on their exam work or they may chose to prepare specially choreographed solo dances for competition. Many competitions are held throughout the year both in Newcastle and in Sydney. These solo dances, classical, contemporary and jazz, are prepared to suit the students ability while ensuring they are continued to be challenged to achieve their personal best. Students learn skills in choreography, as well as how to work with choreographers of varying styles. While preparing their dances, teachers emphasise good technical skills as well as musical interpretation and body awareness. Students learn how to work with costume, stage makeup, mental preparation and good sportsmanship. Over the years, MWM Dance has nurtured many young dancers who have won competions, scholarships and bursaries, and all students have gained essential skills that can be applied to all areas of life.

Photo: Rosa Quinton, age 12 with MWM since primary. Rosa won the 2008 U12 Contemporary Championship at Newcastle Eisteddfod and the Junior Contemporary Award. She is also an IJP with the Australian Ballet School.  photos: Lightbox Photography

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 The Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy offers

• Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Classical Ballet classes from Tiny Tots to Advanced 2 levels
  
• MWM developed Contemporary & Jazz classes
• Specialized jazz/street classes for young boys
  
• Coaching for Eisteddfod solos and group performances
  
• Coaching for Scholarships, Bursaries & the International Genee Award
• Preparation for the Comprehensive Full Time Course at the National College of Dance
  
• HSC Dance Courses accredited with the Board of Studies NSW
• Annual Internal & External Scholarships & Scholarship concert
  
• Professionally produced annual Gala Performance at the Civic Theatre Newcastle
• Fund-raising activities for purchase of group costumes & exam hire uniform
  
• Winter Workshop for Exam preparation for juniors and seniors
  
• Teacher training mentor program
  
• Official studio photographer at all concerts
• End of year concert professional DVD
• Preparation for audition process in International dance schools
• Parent and friend involvement and support group

 

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The Marie Walton Mahon  Dance Academy Studio Patron - Miss Suzanne Davidson OAM

Following a distinguished career as a dramatic ballerina performing throughout the UK and Europe with Les Grands Ballets du Marquis de Cuevas, Maurice Béjart and Western Theatre Ballet (now Scottish Ballet), Suzanne Musitz was invited by Dame Peggy Van Praagh, Founding Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet to return to Australia for the company’s 1962 inaugural season as Senior Artist.  She left The Australian Ballet in 1965, to marry.  

In 1966 she founded an educational program designed for secondary and tertiary level students, which, under her guidance, evolved into The Dance Company (NSW), incorporated in 1970.  It was the NSW’s first professional ballet company offering 12-month contracts; the ballet company which appeared, to general acclaim from critics and audiences alike, during the Royal Opening Season of the Sydney Opera House,.

As The Dance Company’s Founding Executive Director, Suzanne was responsible for artistic direction and general management during the company’s first eight years. In this period, without government funding, the company was established in its first home base.  It toured in its own bus throughout NSW, Victoria and Queensland, performing to enthusiastic audiences, whilst encouraging and supporting the work of emerging choreographers, composers and visual artists.  Later, under the artistic direction of Graeme Murphy, the company was renamed Sydney Dance Company.

In 1975 Suzanne established Sue Davidson Publicity, a successful business focussed on the arts, tourism and leisure industries, as well as an artists’ management service.  

In 1979 Suzanne accepted an invitation to return to The Australian Ballet as its National Media Director.  Over the next 18 years, Suzanne introduced a number of major initiatives. During her second career with The Australian Ballet, her areas of responsibility included those of NSW Manager, National Media Director, Director Community Relations & Special Events, and Director Film & Television.   In 1992 Suzanne was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia for services to the arts.

Also in 1992, Donald McDonald AO (then General Manager of The Australian Opera) nominated her for membership of the Rotary Club of Sydney, where she initiated the Corporate and Business Leaders’ Dinner held annually at the Art Gallery of NSW.   A sell-out event, it became a traditional social occasion for the ‘big end of town’, and was sponsored for the first four years by ING.  It benefits the annual Rotary Club of Sydney President’s Program.    In 2002 Suzanne was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary International’s highest honour.

From 1998 to 2002 Suzanne set up and managed Davidson Management, a consulting business specialising in strategic marketing, profile building, event management and fundraising advice, particularly to the arts and the non-profit sector in general.

 In 2002 Suzanne founded Artists International Pty Limited, with the aim of facilitating the export/import of the best in local and international performing arts.

Photo: Miss Davidson performs as Coppelia

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