Contemporary Dance
Our Contemporary Dance program is unique and highly structured.
Our program is based on the system of dance training created by Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey/Limon. The classes follow a set curriculum. Students develop strong technique, an emotive connection to dancing, coordination, flexibility and strength.
Cecchetti Ballet
The Cecchetti Ballet method is an internationally recognised program and widely used technique that was devised by the Italian ballet master and pedagogue Enrico Cecchetti (1850–1928). The classes are designed to give students a strong ballet technique; developing strength and stability, poise, coordination and grace in performance. The program involves a gradual building of skills as students progress through the grades and participate in examinations.
Pointe
Our Pointe class is designed to isolate pointe syllabi and specific pointe strength training for students who are approved by a teacher and physio. Utilising the foundations of the Cecchetti method, these classes endeavour to progress virtuosic technique.
Tap
Are you Singin’ In The Rain? Because we are! Tap dancing is one of the most widely used dance styles, heavily featured in musicals and films. In this class students will learn how to make music with their feet, developing skills in coordination, transference of weight and musicality through the many rhythmic patterns and timely beats! We also have a specialised Adult All Abilities Tap class.
Jazz
Jazz is lively, energetic, and creatively diverse- this is the ideal way to develop well-rounded dance skills. Students will learn a mixture of commercial and traditional Jazz techniques that are age appropriate. A great class for our Musical Theatre students!
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre combines singing, dancing and acting. Students take part in a comprehensive singing technique class, a Jazz technique class and develop acting skills. This class focuses on the development of routines for Musical Theatre repertoire.
Drama
Students are given the opportunity to explore drama concepts as actors, script writers and directors. Creativity flows abundantly as students explore classic and modern scripts, and also create stories and characters of their own.
Street
Street, also known as Hip Hop is an energetic form of dance, including breaking, popping and locking! This is a great class for students who enjoy dancing.
Diakosmos Dancing Darlings
This class is a great opportunity to introduce your little one to the joy of dance, movement and music. Children love to dance and to be creative. Dance combines the ability of a child to express themselves creatively whilst benefitting from developing skills in coordination, flexibility and strength.
Adult All Abilities Musical Theatre
This program is catered to students with additional learning needs who will benefit from a fun and interactive class. Students increase in confidence, develop social skills and engage in problem solving activities. Combining singing, dancing and acting, this class offers students the opportunity to be creative, learn new skills and meet other adults who also share a love for the Performing Arts!
Our Programs
All Embracing First Step Program
Our First Step Program is an exclusive program suitable for students who require one-on-one attention. The program is formulated to cater to specific developmental and creative goals.
VCE Dance and VCE/VET Dance
We offer tuition in both Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE Dance) and Victorian Certificate Education/Vocational Education Training (VCE VET Dance). These studies are suitable for students who would like a career in dance and to develop an appreciation of dance as an art form. We offer VCE Dance and VCE VET Dance for units 1, 2, 3 and 4. Students in Years 10 to 12 may enrol in the courses.
In 2023, Diakosmos Dance Academy established the VCE/VET All Abilities Certificate II in Dance. The unique program is offered to students of all abilities, with modifications made to suit the learning needs of the students. The program is taught by our Principal Dianne De Battista who has over 30 years experience, achieving excellent results. The qualification provides students with additional needs an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge as performers and dancers.
Aspire Program
The Aspire Program is a way for students who have a vision for their own Performing Arts journey to make those choices, and provides structure to follow their desired pathway.
Kindred Spirits come to Diakosmos with an interest and enjoyment of the Performing Arts.
As our students’ interests grow, we assist them to see what possibilities exist.
Every student at Diakosmos has a place within the Aspire Program, and every Aspire progression has inherent value and importance in a student’s Performing Arts journey.
We highlight these progressions to encourage students to set goals and aspire to achieve growth in their artistry, whilst moving through this pathway.
The Aspire Progression emblems were designed by some of our very own talented students!
OUR PRINCIPAL
Dianne De Battista
Dianne, a seasoned artist with 30+ years in performance, choreography, and education, has crafted an outstanding dance program at Diakosmos Dance.
Specialising in Contemporary Dance, she trained at the Martha Graham School in New York during the transformative ’90s. Dianne expanded her expertise through studies in London, New Zealand, and Australia.
A qualified teacher, she seamlessly blends her dual passions, focusing on individual dance journeys for mainstream and specialist school students.
Dianne’s philosophy emphasises self-expression, emotion through movement, improving physical strength and mobility in a creative setting.
Dianne holds a Bachelor of Education from Deakin University (Dance & Drama) and a Graduate Diploma (Choreography) from the University of Melbourne (VCA).
Dianne sees the potential in every student, and inspires them to flourish in performance, and in life.