Lachlan McIntyre 

(HSC Dance class of 2018, nominated for CallBack for 2 HSC Categories)

“This year I’ve commenced full time vocational training at Lee Academy studying my cert IV in dance leading into my Diploma of dance and acrobatic live performance.

Training full time at Lee Academy so far and has provided me with multiple professional development and live performance opportunities.

Solid work ethic and continual self assessment and commitment to my training and personal improvement has also allowed me access to unheard opportunities as a first year to be seen by casting departments of The Moulin Rouge, Dragone and Cirque du Soleil.

My goals for the future remain to soon work professionally for the best companies In the world and continue to push my skills and artistry in order to become the best performer I can in the time that I have.

My advice to anyone wanting to pursue performing arts would be to stay committed to your craft and take every opportunity to grow as an artist and also to continually try to do things differently and go outside of your comfort zone.

So stay curious and never settle, the best and worst thing about art is that there’s always room to be better and to be more creative, the endless opportunity is what makes it exciting.“

Natasha Knight 

(HSC Dance class of 2017, nominated for CallBack for 2 HSC Categories)

"To me dance was more than just a subject to pass, it was my passion and creative outlet and I am grateful I had the opportunity to study it during the HSC. What I loved most about dance is that it allows everyone to apply their own individual strengths into a performance, it is not just the typical one size fits all exam but rather gives you the opportunity to compose your own pieces to build and invest in exploring what you are passionate about. 

I never felt like studying for dance was a chore which provided a huge relief during the stressful times of the HSC. It contributed to a balanced study load which I believe enabled me to achieve the marks I needed to get into studying physio. Not to mention it helped me maintain my physical fitness which improved my concentration and focus overall during the HSC. 

Naturally, dance instilled discipline into my studies as I would get up in the morning and start my days in the dance rooms practicing my performances and if it wasn’t in the morning, I would be in the dance rooms during the breaks as dance was my mental break. This discipline transferred throughout the rest of my subjects and has endured along with me into my university studies. Additionally, dance has taught me invaluable skills relating to performing under pressure, how to learn from my mistakes and reflecting on not so successful performances. Studying dance helped me to discover my passion for learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body and its biomechanics which has led me to the career pathway as a physio. I love studying physio at uni and excited to apply all I have learnt to help others in the future with human movement."

Jasmin Constantinidis

(HSC Dance class of 2016)

I finished school in 2016 and went straight on to do full time dance in 2017. I studied in Sydney at Ev and Bow under the direction of the amazing Lisa Bowmer and the unparalleled Sarah Boulter. After two years of  everyday 8am-4pm dance training, and a diploma in elite performance later I ventured out into the “real world”. I auditioned for everything and anything I could (still am to an extent) and have been lucky enough to have had several amazing performance opportunities. Some including Nickelodeon slime festival, “Day with Keune” international hair expedition, music videos and more. I love being creative and am grateful to also be able to choreograph and teach dance to people of all ages. 

In 2019, I decided to train in something that I’m also very passionate in. I took a 200 hour yoga teacher training in September and then in January of 2020 took my 300 hour yoga teacher training under the same company through their scholarship program. I now am an assistant trainer for this company (Exhale Yoga Retreats) and am so very grateful to be able to travel to so many places around the world with them. 

My time at MCC really encouraged me to do what I love, and the dance program was extremely beneficial as it challenged me both intellectually and creatively.

Mathew Greenland 

(HSC Dance class of 2012)

Mathew Greenland started at Mackillop Catholic College in year 7 in 2007. During his time at school, he was a part of many performing arts groups such as; dance troupes, Rock Eisteddfod, school musical productions, theatresports teams and choir. Mathew has always had a passion for dance and after he graduated in 2012, he took his performance career to the next level studying dance and singing full time at Lee Academy Dance and performing arts in Tuggerah. In 2014, Mathew started his professional performance career by securing a position as a dancer for Carnival Cruise Line in the USA. Throughout his time with Carnival, Mathew was able to see many parts of the world and make many new lifetime friends. While working  for Carnival Cruise Line, Mathew was also able to step up and become a singer as well as a dancer, enabling him to learn new and strengthen his skills holistically. Mathew returned home after completing his 6th contract with Carnival Cruise Line to start his Diploma of Musical Theatre at Lee Academy, Dance and Performing Arts and has been studying again full time since January 2019. Although he hasn’t been home for long, Mathew is about to start a new journey in his career as a singer at Universal Studios in Singapore, where he has secured a new contract for 14 months.