PEARL YEAR EIGHT PROGRAM
Our Pearl Program is designed for dancers in Year 8 at school.
At this stage, dancers are generally considered senior students within our studio, which is why some classes are now separated to best support their growth and development.
Dancers from our Pearl and Diamond programs come together to form a supportive and inclusive senior group. They grow not only as dancers, but also as kind, confident role models within our dance family.
From a dance perspective, students are refining their technique, building strength, and enjoying their recreational classes. For those involved in competitions, there is a strong focus on performance experience—both as individuals and as part of a team—while maintaining a positive and encouraging environment.
Ballet students at this level begin preparing for pointe work, focusing on the strength and technique required for this important milestone.
Dancers participating in our Dancestepper Assistant Teaching Program continue to develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills each week. This is a busy and important year, laying strong foundations both in dance and personal growth.
Most importantly, our studio becomes a place where these dancers feel safe, supported, and truly at home—a place where they belong, are always welcome, and are valued.
Dancers do not need to have completed prior programs to join at this level. We warmly welcome students of all backgrounds and experience levels into our Pearl Program.
Our Pearl Programs
Contemporary
Our Contemporary Dance Classes for Year 8 students and above are designed to inspire and challenge senior students, offering a dynamic and expressive exploration of dance that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Our students will explore the fluid and expressive movements that define contemporary dance, emphasising seamless transitions and organic flow, while developing their own personal style and artistic voice through each movement. Exploring techniques that connect the body to the floor fosters a sense of groundedness and stability, supporting strength, control, and confidence in every step.
Lyrical Program
Welcome to our Lyrical Dance Classes for students in year eight and above, where movement becomes a powerful form of expression and storytelling.
These classes focus on fluidity, emotion, and musicality, giving dancers the opportunity to connect deeply with the music while exploring their creativity.
Students refine their technique while learning to express emotion through every movement, developing strength, control, and grace.
Designed for senior students, each class encourages artistic growth, confidence, and personal expression in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Turn/Jump/Stretch
Our Turn, Jump & Stretch class is a fun and supportive way for senior students to build confidence and improve their technique. The class focuses on developing strong turns, higher and controlled jumps, and increased flexibility in a relaxed, encouraging environment.
Dancers work on balance and coordination while exploring a variety of jumps and traveling movements to feel more powerful and confident.
Stretching is also included to improve flexibility, body control, and overall strength. This class is perfect for dancers who want to develop their skills, stay active, and enjoy dancing.
Acro Program
Our Acro program for senior students is a challenging and exciting way to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. Classes focus on more advanced tumbling, balances, and acrobatic skills, allowing students to refine technique and progress at a pace suited to their abilities.
Through focused exercises and guided practice, dancers build power, control, and precision, while also developing confidence, focus, and resilience. The program encourages creativity, safe risk-taking, and personal expression, giving older students the opportunity to push their boundaries.
Jazz Program
Our Jazz classes for students in year eight and over are designed to explore the vibrant and versatile world of jazz dance, combining technique, musicality, and performance skills.
Dancers refine their jazz technique through isolations, coordination exercises, and rhythm work, developing sharp, precise, and confident movements. Classes mix both classic and contemporary jazz styles, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of choreography and performance styles.
Designed for senior students, each class encourages creativity, expression, and confidence.
Comp Classes
Our comp dancers work closely with experienced choreographers to develop routines that highlight both their technical skills and artistic expression. Training in performance dynamics—including stage presence, projection, and connecting with the audience—is fully integrated to help dancers elevate the overall quality of their competitive performances. Dancers are encouraged to take responsibility for their roles within the team. From learning and remembering choreography to attending every class and supporting teammates, dancers discover the importance of commitment, reliability, and teamwork.
They quickly discover that their individual contributions have a direct impact on the team’s success, fostering a strong sense of accountability, teamwork, and pride.
Ballet Program
Our Ballet program for senior students focuses on refining technique, strength, and artistry while exploring the elegance and precision of classical ballet. Students work on advanced positions, alignment, posture, and movement quality in a supportive and focused environment.
Ballet helps older dancers develop strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and musicality, while also enhancing focus, confidence, and body awareness.
Alongside technical training, students are encouraged to express themselves creatively through music, performance, and choreography, allowing them to build artistry, personal style, and a deeper love of ballet.
At CMDA we follow the RAD ballet syllabus.
Hip Hop Program
Our Hip Hop Program is a dynamic and energetic way for teens to explore the world of hip-hop dance.
Classes focus on developing technique, rhythm, and musicality while giving students the freedom to express their own style and personality through movement.
Students work on more advanced combinations, footwork, and choreography, as well as freestyle sessions that encourage creativity and improvisation.
Along the way, they build confidence, coordination, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Tap Program
Where rhythm meets fun, and every step is a beat of excitement! Our senior students very much enjoy our tap classes.
Tap offers a dynamic and joyful experience that enhances both their dance skills and love for movement.
Tap dance classes are a lively and rhythmic dance form where dancers use their feet to create percussive sounds by striking the floor with tap shoes. These classes offer a unique blend of musicality, coordination, and artistic expression
Our Senior Tap class is the best time for the students and always an entertaining surprise in our end-of-year concert.
Pearl Program Capped Weekly Fee
$58
At CMDA, we strive to provide exceptional dance instruction and opportunities for growth to all aspiring dancers. As such, our fee structure reflects our commitment to quality education and a nurturing dance environment. Our fees are designed to be competitive and affordable, ensuring that dance education remains accessible to all.
We offer various payment options for different financial situations, including monthly instalments and discounts for siblings or multiple classes. Additionally, we understand the importance of transparency when it comes to fees, which is why we provide detailed breakdowns of costs, including tuition, costumes, and competition fees.
Please note fees are $11 per class until you reach the capped fee.
* Additionally, CMDA charges a one-off, non-refundable registration fee of $25 per student for life. Once this fee is paid, you won’t be asked to pay it again.We believe in the value of investing in your child’s dance education and are proud to provide exceptional instruction at Cathy Makin Dance Academy.
Capped fees do NOT include private lessons or any extra costs associated with rehearsals for concerts, eisteddfod, or any extra performances.