A Day in the Life
Transit Dance
1. What does a typical day look like for a student at Transit Dance?
A typical day at Transit Dance runs from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Mornings begin with technique classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, or yoga to prepare the body for the day and focus on the foundations of our craft. Midday sessions focus on creative workshops, repertoire rehearsals, or improvisation tasks, allowing students to explore their artistry. Afternoons are dedicated to career-focused sessions such as acting, screen performance, audition preparation, and industry mentoring. Following this, students are also regularly working towards performance, providing real-world experience of the demands and pace of a professional rehearsal process.
2. What different artistic pathways do you offer for students to specialise in?
Transit Dance offers five full-time, career-focused pathways designed to support the diverse ambitions of emerging artists across multiple disciplines.
The Contemporary Program is ideal for dancers passionate about contemporary and ballet technique, with a strong emphasis on creative development, performance, and choreographic exploration. The Performing Arts Program is tailored for those pursuing careers in commercial dance, jazz, musical theatre ensemble, and screen performance, providing versatile training aligned with current industry demands.
The Musical Theatre Program delivers comprehensive, triple-threat training in singing, acting, and dance, preparing students to be confident, stage-ready performers capable of thriving in both commercial and independent productions.
The Academy Program offers high school students the opportunity to undertake elite pre-professional dance training while completing their academic studies. Designed with an ethical and balanced approach, the program places equal importance on creative practical learning and academic achievement, ensuring that students are supported holistically throughout their development. It provides advanced technical training and artistic growth without compromising their educational foundation.
Newly introduced, the Pre-Professional Bridging Program is a one-year course for dancers aged 16 and above who are preparing for full-time professional training. With expert coaching, personalised mentorship, and a structured evening and weekend schedule, students refine their technique, build versatility, and gain real-world experience through major performance opportunities. This nationally recognised qualification serves as a powerful stepping stone into diploma-level training and long-term careers in dance.
Each pathway is led by industry professionals and provides room for personalisation through electives, creative development opportunities, and guest artist intensives, ensuring that every student’s journey is as unique as their artistic voice.
3. What do your students say about their experience?
Students consistently describe their time at Transit Dance as transformative, empowering, and deeply supportive.
Montana Stutley, a Third Year student of the Performing Arts Program, shared her experience: “ Training at Transit has been such a wonderful experience. Choosing to study my Diploma here was honestly the best decision I’ve made for my career. I am so fortunate that the team at Transit creates incredible opportunities within and outside the doors. Getting to train under leading industry professionals, hearing all of the incredible insights they have to offer and seeing how much the team consistently strives to assist each individual pursue their career in the arts is so inspiring and unmatched. Transit has created such a loving and safe environment for everyone who walks through the door. It honestly feels like home.”
Byron Lewis, a former High School Academy and Contemporary student, shares: “My experience at Transit was more than technical dance movements. I was shown how to hold myself as a professional. From communicating productively, showing up and remaining present even on the toughest of days to problem solving on a dime.These skills have greatly benefited my dance career but all aspects of my life”.
Angelica Menta, a proud alumni, adds: “During my time at Transit Dance, I experienced consistent support from both my teachers and fellow students, alongside an inspiring culture of creativity and dedication. Within this safe and inspiring environment, I was encouraged to explore my artistic voice, gaining the tools and confidence necessary to embark on my journey as an artist.”
4. Who are your faculty members, and what styles do they teach?
Transit’s faculty is made up of celebrated, working professionals who bring their extensive industry experience into the studio every day. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jayden Hicks, the Contemporary Program is guided by artists such as Lachlan Hall (Technique and Tumbling) and Kaitlin Malone (Contemporary Choreography and Improvisation). Students also work regularly with leading industry guests, ensuring a balance of strong technical foundations and evolving creative perspectives.
The Performing Arts Program features renowned educators including Priscilla Stavrou (Jazz and Musical Theatre) and Kim Adam (Technique and Choreography). These students also engage with prominent industry guests throughout the year to stay connected with current professional practices.
The Musical Theatre Program is led by acclaimed director and choreographer Andrew Hallsworth, and supported by a powerhouse creative team including Stephanie Jane Lewendon-Lowe (Vocals and Musicology), Nick Simpson-Deeks (Acting, and Kate Cole (Audition Preparation and Industry Skills), who bring expertise in acting, voice, and performance.
Our Academy Program is coordinated by experienced high school educator and musical theatre performer Casey Davis, ensuring younger dancers receive high-level dance and academic education tailored to their developmental needs.
Across all programs, students benefit from ongoing workshops and masterclasses with some of the industry's most influential creatives, keeping their training current, connected, and industry-relevant.
At the heart of Transit’s training philosophy is a commitment to mentorship, individual growth, and preparing students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the performing arts industry.
5. What performance opportunities are available to students throughout the year?
Transit students gain extensive performance experience across a range of formats, with each term offering a distinct outcome that builds both creative and professional skills. These include short-form works, creative development seasons, external tours, commercial performances and fully staged productions. Students consistently apply their training in real-world contexts. This structure allows for continued artistic growth, technical development, and industry readiness, supported further by opportunities for film projects, auditions, and professional engagements throughout the year.
6. What do you look for in a dancer auditioning for your programs?
At Transit, we are looking for artists who are open, passionate, and ready to train at an elite level. In auditions, we focus on potential rather than perfection, looking for strong physical awareness, artistic expression, and the willingness to grow. We value individuality and encourage dancers to bring their unique personality and perspective. Whether you're classically trained, creatively driven, or commercially focused, we’re interested in your work ethic, your commitment, and your passion to be an artist.