The Dorothy Cowie School of Dancing has been established for over 70 years. Our teachers are experienced and have been a part of our team for several years. Many of them, including Principal Donna are former students of our founder Dorothy Cowie.

Our syllabus for Ballet, Tap and Jazz is the ATOD (Australian Teachers of Dancing). This popular dance syllabus was developed by Miss Cowie and is now taught in hundreds of schools throughout Australia. Our year consists of students learning the relevant grade syllabus, with the possibility of an exam (optional) to progress to the next level. Achieving passes in all grades means eligibility for Teachers Certificate.

There are also Troupe Groups, Selective Performance Classes, Dance Scholarships, Dance Eisteddfords, Dance Competitions and dancing at venues such as Fetes and Dance Expo. We are also quite famous for our annual end of year Concert. A wonderful evening where all students participate to create a fantastic show - an exciting Lights, Camera, Action spectacular ! ! !

Mission Statement

The Dorothy Cowie School of Dancing’s mission is to encourage the enjoyment of dance.  The celebration of this enjoyment is for students of all ages to participate in a friendly, safe and supportive environment.

We strive to ensure our student’s talent is nurtured and to recognise a student’s full potential if graduates wish to pursue their dancing career further.

Our teachers are trained and committed to teach students all aspects of dance and at the same time promote confidence, strengthen their ability, encourage individual personal achievement and focus on their enjoyment and love of the performing arts.

Principles Bio Profile

Miss Donna started her dancing lessons at a very early age of 3 years old. She started at preschool level with the Dorothy Cowie School of Dancing in Burwood under Miss Cowie. As the years progressed Miss Donna's classes increased to 5 days a week in classical ballet and then tap and jazz. She competed in many dance competitions, scholarships and went on to dance in shows and musical productions. Miss Donna is ATOD and BBO trained with teacher and diploma qualifications in all genres of dance.

Her teaching career has spanned nearly 20 years and was very honoured to take over the Dorothy Cowie School of Dancing as principal in 1987 when Miss Cowie retired.

Miss Donna has been instrumental in the dancing career of many of her students, who have gone on to further their dancing here in Australia and Internationally. The school since its foundation, and with Miss Donna's commitment, has been a friendly and safe environment for young people to develop and grow into wonderful people with a love of the performing arts.

Miss Donna has been personally and as Principal, very generous to the community with charity performances and dance scholarship.

The dancing schools family has increased over the last years with Miss Donna as Principal. She can be very proud that many students remain to finish their ATOD examinations to teacher level and then continue as qualified teachers in the school.

Australian Teachers Of Dancing

Dance Syllabi

• Designed to technically develop students to either a recreational or vocational level from beginners to advance.
• Designed to enhance individual creativity with student choreography and improvisation included in major levels
• Includes teacher’s own choreography in most levels or the opportunity to use set dances provided.

Dance Examinations

• Examinations available in each genre (Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pre-school)
• Comprehensive and modern reporting system
• Students receive certificate/report and medal on successful completion of examinations

Teaching Diplomas

• Extensive training methodology and psychology
• Safe dance practice and studies in anatomy and physiology
• Studies in business management in relation to dance teaching
• Studies in choreography/dance design

Dancing Competitions

• Held annually in all states in each genre
• Available to all ATOD students

Dancing Scholarships

• Available in each genre in each state
• Criteria for scholarship entry is based upon examination results
• State representatives compete nationally at the prestigious ATOD Australasian

Dancing Awards

• Monetary awards for State and Australasian scholarships

Testimonials

"I think that Dorothy Cowie School is a wonderful Dance School. My 3 girls have been coming since the eldest was 3 years old, that's 13 years!  My girls love coming and the teachers are so nice"
Colleen Cattell

"I have been bringing my little one for 3 years now and she has enjoyed 2 Annual Concerts so far. She can't wait to perform in the next one"
Debbie Siganos

"The Dance School is a family friendly school with lovely teachers that encourages my daughter to enjoy dance"
Young Shin Martin

"My child started this year, as she needed to gain more self confidence & interact with other children. So far I can see some positive changes, and she enjoys coming to dance class"
Liliana Nardo

"As I was an ex student, I now bring my children to dance classes, and they enjoy it so much. The school is friendly and fun" 
Vanessa Newman

"I took my 2 girls to this school when they were young and now I bring my grandchild. The teachers are still wonderful and I would recommend the school to anyone" 
Lynette Marslew

"The Boy's Hip Hop Class has grown in numbers this year, as by word of mouth they know the class is great, with young & cool boy teachers!  Great atmosphere for my son"  
Lindy Vulic

"I am a mother of grown up girls, that have been coming to the Dance School since Pre-school. They like coming every week, not only for the dance education, but they love the friendship and social aspect of it all" 
Maria Politano