Biography

Nicola commenced ballet classes at the tender age of three, studying the Royal Academy of Dance Examination Syllabus to Solo Seal level, and was awarded the title of Associate (ARAD) aged eighteen. She continued her professional dance training, obtaining a Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance), specialising in Choreography & Pedagogy.

Following a brief performing career, with The South Australian Ballet Company, Nicola realised that her heart lay with Dance Education, so returned to the University of Queensland to complete a Bachelor of Science in Human Movement Studies, majoring in Anatomy, Child Growth and Development, and Dance Aesthetics. On completion of her degree, she was invited back to become a lecturer and practical tutor in Laban Analysis and Educational Dance and became involved in teaching and designing dance music programmes for children with Downs Syndrome and other special needs.

Nicola was awarded the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Diploma with Distinction, in addition to the BBA NDA Highland Dance Teaching Certificate, also with Distinction. She used her wide background in dance styles to gain extensive experience throughout Australia, employed in various private ballet and theatre schools, government educational institutions at both secondary and tertiary level, guest teaching for holiday programmes, and adjudicating for state dance competitions.

As Co-Director of Brisbane Dance Centre Australia, she helped to set up a full-time vocational dance course, including the associated academic subjects such as Dance History, Body Mechanics, and Anatomy for the Dancer.

Nicola has a keen interest in choreography and has created works for Brisbane College Dance Co, pantomime, advertisements and talent quests for national television, conventions, and charity benefits.

A move to Dubai in 1990, enabled Nicola to focus on the establishment of DanceHorizons, where she has nurtured many students from their first steps to advanced level. Many past students have continued to study dance around the world or moved into associated fields, but all have taken away with them a strong love of the arts, and lifelong friendships.

Nicola was the recipient of “Outstanding Teacher Mentor” at the 2020 RAD Centenary Dance Teacher Awards, honouring the excellence of RAD Registered Teachers from around the world. She is also honoured to have been given the title of “RAD Life Registered Teacher”

Having now passed DanceHorizons on to a dedicated staff of previous pupils, Nicola is now focussing on Dance Consultancy, Coaching, Choreography and Teacher Mentoring in a freelance capacity, worldwide.

As an approved Royal Academy of Dance Mentor and External Advisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) programme, as well as a Tutor for the RAD Continued Professional Development courses, Nicola has for many years, passed on her knowledge and love of Dance Education to student teachers. She looks forward to further involvement with the RAD Education Dept in London in training a new generation of dancers and teachers..