Dancing Sisters: A Family Affair at Santa Maria College
Dance is more than just a movement; it’s a powerful outlet for creativity, expression, and connection. At Santa Maria College, we see this passion reflected in our thriving Dance program, which boasts over 150 students in curriculum and co-curricular classes this year. What makes our program even more special is the presence of several sister pairs who share a deep love for dance, both inside and outside the classroom.
Gemma and Gia: Finding Peace Through Dance
Gemma (Year 11) has been dancing for over 11 years, and her sister, Gia (Year 8), has been dancing for 9 years. Both girls are passionate about contemporary dance, finding peace and freedom in their movements. For Gemma, dance is a way to express emotions that are hard to put into words. “It creates a feeling of absolute peace in my mind, which is a blessing in stressful times,” she says.
Both girls train at K2 Dance, while Gia also trains at the Pevnev Ballet Academy. Gia echoes her sister’s sentiment, saying, “Dance makes me feel free and helps me let go of everything on my mind, all while keeping me fit and spending time with my friends.” These sisters share a deep bond through their love of dance, making every performance a testament to their dedication and passion.
Nina and Adele: A Hip-Hop Duo
Nina (Year 11) has been dancing since she was just 3 years old, starting with tiny tots ballet. Now, with over 14 years of dance experience, hip-hop has become her favourite genre. For Nina, dance is an escape from the every day, offering a platform for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. “Dance allows me to step out of my comfort zone, embody my values, and experiment with movement,” she shares. Nina also competes with The Society Academy’s travel team, The Faction, where she continues to refine her skills under the guidance of world-renowned hip-hop teachers.
Her sister, Adele (Year 8), has been dancing for seven years and shares a similar passion for hip-hop. Adele loves the freedom of movement that hip-hop provides. “Dance is synchronised and mesmerising, yet it allows each dancer to be unique. It’s where I make new friends and strengthen bonds,” Adele says. Both sisters also dance at The Dance Collective, where they continue to grow as dancers and individuals.
Ivanka and Giselle: Dancing with Joy and Friendship
Ivanka (Year 9) and Giselle (Year 8) have been dancing for most of their lives, with Ivanka starting at age 3 and Giselle at the tender age of 2. Ivanka has been dancing for 12 years and enjoys the friendships she’s made and the opportunity to perform on stage. “I get to express my feelings and be myself,” she says, finding joy in the various dance styles she loves, including lyrical, jazz, ballet, and tap.
Giselle, who has been dancing for 11 years, finds pure joy in dance. “I love dance because it’s all about having fun and making amazing friendships,” she shares. Giselle’s favourite styles include jazz and acro, though she enjoys every genre she tries. Both sisters dance at Jody Marshall Dance Company, where they continue to hone their skills and build lifelong memories.
Allegra and Sierra: Masters of Jazz and Hip-Hop
Allegra (Year 12) and Sierra (Year 9) have been dancing since they were very young, with Allegra starting at just 1.5 years old and Sierra following closely behind at the age of 3. Allegra, with 16 years of experience, finds joy in the expressiveness of jazz and the rhythm and creativity of hip-hop. “Dance is a perfect blend of art and exercise,” she says, highlighting the freedom and creativity it offers.
Sierra, who has been dancing for 12 years, shares her sister’s passion for both genres. She finds herself drawn to the energy and intricate movements of both jazz and hip-hop. “Each style lets me express myself in a unique way, whether it’s the smooth elegance of jazz or the urban vibe of hip-hop,” Sierra adds. Together, these sisters bring a dynamic energy to every performance.
These sisters embody the spirit of our Dance program, where passion, expression, and connection come together to create something truly special. At Santa Maria College, we’re proud to support our students as they pursue their love of dance, helping them grow both as individuals and as part of a vibrant community.
- Creativity, Dance, DanceProgram, DanceStudents, Featured, IGSSADance, SiblingDancers
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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