The Australian Dance & Talent Centre has been operating since 1981, and in 1995 moved to its current purpose-built studio in Cardiff. Unrivalled in the area, the ADTC is owned and operated by locals Philippa and Laurie Beisler and their daughter, Nicole Baker.
Former high school art teacher Laurie is a huge part of the Centre. He is involved in all the set design and construction, as well as making many backdrops which have been hired out to other local, Central Coast and Sydney dance studios. He also creates the lighting designs and operates the lighting board for all productions, and has an amazing ability to ‘bring to life’ the talents of the amazing students from the ADTC. Laurie is the main person responsible for making these dance studios what they are today. As he say .... "it's a work in progress"!
The Principal, Philippa, is a qualified Health and Physical Education teacher, and has lectured in Dance Education at the University of Newcastle for nearly ten years, training students enrolled in the Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary degree courses. She was also approached by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) London to work as a Practical Teaching Supervisor for students completing their final year of the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS), and travels throughout NSW in this role. In addition to this, she has also Mentored several teachers through the CBTS course, with 100% success rate.
Nicole Baker is the Studio Manager, and has completed her Masters in Early Childhood degree (MECh). She is also a lecturer in Dance Education at the University of Newcastle (at both Callaghan and Ourimbah Campuses). Former school teacher from Jewells Primary School, Nicole now enjoys teaching the University students who are training for their Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary degrees. She will be returning from maternity leave this year to teach both the Monday and Saturday Pre-School Performing Arts classes.
