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The Director of the Academy Ms Rita Eicens established the dance school in 1980 to provide people of all ages the opportunity to experience the magic of dance and theatre. The Academy situated in Reservoir Melbourne, trains students from 3 years of age, to a higher technical/artistic level, offering the best preparatory level of training for the vocational student for entry to external professional tertiary dance courses. The Academy also gives the recreational and 'once a week' student the ability to achieve the best possible standard. Most importantly, dance is a spiritual art form which brings the student very close to achieving perfect balance between the emotional and physical being. Dance should not only be fun, but be of the highest tuition for correct education in Dance Training.

 

There is no audition process to become a member of the Academy; all potential students are welcome regardless of ability or physique. Dance should be fun, but it must be of the highest quality to ensure that students are trained correctly. Class sizes are limited, so that you feel comfortable as you learn to dance in a personal environment with individual attention.

Some students have been with the Academy through all its moves and changes, and are really part of the big family. Students have been very successful in scholastic studies for which our students were awarded the Premiers Awards for Excellence in Dance for VCE. Students have successfully auditioned for Victorian College of the Arts School of Dance, National Theatre Ballet School, Australian Ballet School and Company, Queensland Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Rusden Dance and Drama, Box Hill TAFE Dance Management and Instruction courses, Jason Colemans Ministry of Dance, Kelly Aykers, Dance Factory Full time courses and other Theatrical Tertiary degrees. Many of our past students that trained for teaching degrees or completed many years of tuition with RVDA are now out in the Dance Industry teachng in their own dance schools or the education department. So our legacy continues through the next generation.

 

The Academy beside being an institution that teaches people to dance, also incorporates a very important purpose of learning to all ages of: gross motor skills, social interaction, improved co-ordination and most importantly it is a very spiritual art form which brings the dancer very close to achieving the perfect balance between the emotional and physical being.

 

The Academy is continuing its efforts to reach all members of the community, embracing the disadvantaged, physically impaired and socially alienated children. It supports the Australians Against Child Abuse, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Variety Club efforts for terminally ill children and the Safety House program for school children. 

The Academy over the years has performed for fund raising functions such as P.A.N.C.H. and The Bundoora Extended Care Centre, Nursing Homes, Preston Charity Show in aid of Preston Rotary Club, Moomba Parade, Corporate Functions, Promotions. Other auxilary performances have been for the International Rugby Unions opening performance for matches between Australia vs New Zealand at Olympic Park,  Commonwealth Games opening and Closing ceremonies, Preston Creative Living centre,  floorshows in shopping complexes, Fashion and Dance displays for “Pipeworks”, Hair shows at the World Trade Centre, Darebin Festival, Commonwealth Games opening, and other functions.

 

The Academy has taught over the years hearing impaired children,  sight impaired children, downs syndrome children, physically disadvantaged children and others. The Academy took part in the 3 year study of Bone Health and growth by the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The Academy does not receive any government funding or any other assistance or sponsorship, but it does give the community a positive and purposeful reason for being in existence.

Our vision for the future is to continue to grow. Maintaining the strong foundations that have been set in the past 37 years without losing the friendly family atmosphere. The Academy will continue to offer the highest possible level of tuition in all areas of dance, so that if at some stage in your training you are able to pass on your enjoyment and appreciation of dance, then this will keep the traditions of Riga Victoria Dance Academy and the art form of dance alive for many generations into the future.

 

We hope that your time spent with the Academy, whether it be long or short, will be a memorable phase in your life that you may look upon with pride and admiration.

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