About our school

Let them praise his name with dancing... Psalm 149:3

Genesis Performing Arts is a non-denominational Christian school which welcomes students from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds.

The school caters for students who wish to pursue a career in dance as well as those who wish to dance purely for enjoyment. Students are accepted from 2 years of age.

Our mission is to develop performing artists with a love of performing, not only for their own sense of self achievement, but to use their skills to brighten the lives of others. We aim to provide a well rounded performing arts education which promotes safe technique, and provides a supportive, God honouring environment. We conduct classes in a happy, relaxed but productive environment, keeping the physical and psychological health of our students at the forefront of our teaching methods.

Our beliefs

• God created us.

• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The school certainly does not aim to force the students into being Christian. The school promotes acceptance of those who do not hold the same beliefs. No student will be criticised for not believing in God or Jesus Christ.

Why we are unique

God is mentioned in class where appropriate. The music used in class is a mix of Christian worship music as well as popular music. The music is chosen to have age appropriate lyrics and themes.

Students will have an opportunity to pray e.g. before exams and performances, or at any other time they wish.

Students have an opportunity to perform at community events, church services, and at nursing homes to brighten the lives of the residents.

Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 8-12 students to teacher ratio, depending on the difficulty of the grade. This gives greater opportunity for teachers to give individual feedback on technique, and hence skills are learnt in a shorter period of time. Because of this we avoid excessive hours of training and hence decrease the risk of injury to developing bodies.

Students have a more significant role in each dance performance item, with only 2-12 students on stage at once. Students are never just one of the crowd. Students also learn about the process of choreography, and are encouraged to contribute their ideas when developing work. This leads to a greater sense of involvement in the production of dance items.

The principal is a Physiotherapist and international lecturer who has an extensive knowledge of anatomy, dance technique, and training methods. Dance students and teachers from all over New South Wales, including The McDonald College, as well as international acrobats regularly consult her to assist with their training. Classes are conducted in a way to ensure that they are safe for developing bodies.

Students will learn basic anatomy, so that they are aware how their body works. Students who require more flexibility or strength in their muscles will be given some exercise prescribed by a dance physiotherapist to do at home. This is important for injury prevention and so that students are able to keep up with the demands of dance, especially for those who are not blessed with natural flexibility!

Students are taught the most effective stretches, strengthening and warm-up exercises to help them achieve their best. They also have access to the dance exercise equipment at the Dance & Artistic Sports Physiotherapy. Students who are interested have access to the latest dance training methods used by overseas dance companies.

History

Genesis Performing Arts was previously known as Purnell Dance Academy which was established in 1997. Over the last five years the Principal, Melinda Purnell, has become more involved in performing as a Christian dancer, and she felt led by God to found Genesis Performing Arts.

The school has always had a policy of modest costumes and age appropriate routines. Because of this the school has attracted many students from Christian/Catholic backgrounds.

Previous students of Melinda's have achieved top results in dance exams, won many places at eisteddfods, including the first place McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge. Past students are now dancing professionally.