Cathy-Lea Smith - studio director
(ballet, pbt, elite training, VET Dance)
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"Passion, Technique & Artistry"
Cathy-Lea Smith is a highly regarded teacher of dance and performing arts with 40 years experience teaching in primary schools, secondary schools and private studios. A quadruple-threat performer herself, Cathy is accomplished musician, singer, actor and dancer. Cathy took over a small studio in Mulgrave in 1990, and when she moved to Narre Warren in 1993, opened Cathy-lea Studios. Since then, Cathy has shared her passion for performing arts with thousands of students across South-East Melbourne. Cathy has dedicated her career to helping her students grow in confidence and achieve their personal best. She is a highly qualified teacher with multiple degrees in education, dance and communication. She is also a highly regarded dance instructor whose students win multiple awards and scholarships each year. Graduates from Cathy-Lea Studios are working all over the world in the performing arts as dancers, singers, actors, performing arts teachers and studio owners.. In 2021 Cathy worked for Ausdance VIC who are the peak body for Dance in Victoria, where she managed the delivery of VET Dance in studios and schools across Victoria. In 2009-2014 she led a campaign to build a new specialist school in Casey-Cardinia, which resulted in the Officer Specialist School being established. She received a Holt Australia Day Award for her volunteer work on this project. Cathy trained in Cecchetti Ballet to Licentiate with Rosslyn Charlesworth (OAM). She also in theatrical and commercial dance styles with Mary Charleston, Alana Clark, Louie George, Lisa Woolley, Ann-Marie Ryan and Annemarie Wilson. Before having her family, Cathy worked in secondary schools and was Director of Drama and Performing Arts at both Beaconhills College, and then Yarra Valley Grammar. In 2025, Cathy was appointed as the co-ordinator for VET teacher training for Cecchetti Ballet Australia, which sees her train dance teachers Australia-wide. She also teaches VCE VET Dance and Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Recently, Cathy has been invited to speak at several dance teacher conferences on Child Safety in Dance teaching, and dance teacher accreditation. Cathy says "Performing arts teaching is about developing passion, training technique and inspiring artistry. I aim to ignite a spark in my students that helps them fulfill their potential, and grow into super stars!" . Qualifications:
Experience:
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