Learning Onstage
& On-site

Written by Jessica Poulter

On stage and on-site: Transit’s performance opportunities replicate real-world artist experiences

At Transit Dance, performance is not just what we do, it is who we are. As an experienced team of dance production professionals, Transit fosters student confidence by partaking in up to 13 seasons a year across all performance courses to ensure students are harnessed with industry skills and expertise of a well-rounded artist. 

To help shape the future of performers for an industry that is ever-changing, our courses are all performance-based. Our graduates feel accomplished and confident to take their first step into their future and be ready for a world of adaptability and versatility. 

“The best place to reach the level required to ensure the transition from student to professional is to perform in a professional context as many times as possible. With practice comes great preparation for future success. Budding young artists and passionate families see this and understand it is one of the major reasons Transit is the place to take their next step,” said Transit Dance director Paul Malek. 

One of the many reasons dancers choose to train at Transit is because of real-world experience that students receive in both dance but also across all facets of production including marketing, stage direction, lighting, sound design and makeup. Transit Dance has invested in a purpose-built theatre on-site to encourage performance confidence within our dancers.

“Having our own theatre is so very special. 180 seats is nothing to laugh at. If someone told me ten years ago we would have our very own black box theatre with a full lighting rig I wouldn’t have believed them. It’s really amazing,” said creative director, Chris Curran. 

“The students also work at each other’s performances at ushers and production assistants. Transit is filled with multi-skilled staff who are all very passionate about making sure the students gain as much knowledge as the students are willing to receive. The learning potential is endless,” said High School Academy creative director Jayden Hicks. 

The training philosophy at Transit Dance centres around the key pillars “prepare, expand, unite”. This philosophy translates into all aspects of our courses, including performance. When it comes to performance, there is so much to consider in order to achieve a successful show—mindset, physical strength, stress management, adrenalin, stamina—are just some of the considerations from a performer’s perspective, which are all well versed here at Transit. 

Graduate Lucy Wong said, “My experience studying at Transit gave me an incredibly special community to be a part of. It prepared me to enter the industry as a professional and helped shape me into the performer and human I am today.”

Transit graduate Georgie Brockenshire added, “My choice to spend my full time experience at Transit Dance is one I won’t ever regret. I grew as an artist and a person. There were lessons that I will carry with me for life.” 

“All the performance opportunities available to us and every piece of advice given to me was a step in the right direction. Performing helped me find my feet and gave me the confidence to make some bolder decisions, both in class and on stage,” said another Transit graduate, Jess Cranage. 

The Transit production team is all in-house, utilising our skills and strengths across multiple areas of performance. By having everyone in the team readily available, teachers are able to develop a rapport with students on both an industry and educative level. 

“There are so many aspects that go into transforming an in-studio rehearsal to backing up performance after performance after a production week and rehearsal weeks. It is about knowledge, understanding and fitness in all aspects including working in a company, a team and what it takes to bring something together as one,” said Paul.

The pivotal team of professionals behind Transit’s productions include Paul Malek (choreographer, photographer, videographer), Chris Curran (marketing manager/creator, digital design, visual effects, costume design, set design, videographer), Jayden Hicks (choreographer, lighting designer, sound engineer, production and technical Manager, stage Manager, technical operation) and Stephanie Newton (FOH co-ordinator, ticketing and sales). 

“The directors, teachers and co-ordinators are so invested in all the students and they truly do have our best interests at heart,” continued Jess Cranage. 

Do you love to perform? Transit Dance can nurture your passion and potential. Apply now at by clicking here