Meet the Teachers: Miss Ava McSweeney

Are you ready to meet our next teacher in our Meet the Teacher series to kick off 2024? Our incredible Ava, such a beloved member of the JOKSOD family. 

Ava is JOKSOD alumni, graduating in 2023 and is now studying Early Childhood Development whilst working locally at a childcare centre. Ava has long been a favourite with our youngest dancers at JOKSOD and is the perfect addition to our Parents and Tiny Dancers and Pre-School class on a Thursday. 

She has already made such an impression on our new families who can see the value she brings to the class and her beautiful nature with the dancers. 

Carry on reading for more about Miss Ava.....

1. Where and what age did you start dancing?

I started dancing at north shore dance academy in Sydney, and I started at age three. I moved to Melbourne and started at JOKSOD at the age of 10. 

2. When did you know you wanted to become a dance teacher?

I knew from a young age of about 13. I always loved children and being able to help them and watch them grow and develop new skills. It really took off when I started my first student teaching role at JOKSOD.

3. What’s your favourite style/genre of dance and why?

My favourite style of dance would be contemporary. I feel it has its own individual style where everyone is able to be their best in their own way

4. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching children is to watch them grow. Watching them learn new skills and develop relationships with not only me but the other children in the classes. 

5. What do you do when you’re not teaching at JOKSOD?

When I am not teaching at JOKSOD you would find me working and studying my degree in early childhood education or with family or friends. 

6. What is your favourite day out?

My favourite day out is a trip to the Aquarium!

7. Do you have any pets?

I have a cavoodle called Barnaby

8. What is your favourite time of year at JOKSOD and why?

My favourite time of year at JOKSOD would be the hot summer afternoons preparing for concert when we’re all in doing finale rehearsal. I feel we’re all bonding together as we reach the end of the year and there is so much to look forward to.

9. Do you still take dance classes and where?

I do still take dance classes at JOKSOD. I sometimes do adult ballet with my mum, and I do the alumni jazz class on a Thursday. And will be picking up a contemporary class when I’m settled into work.

10. What are you hopes and dreams for the future as a dance teacher?

My hopes and dreams as a dance teacher is to go up in age groups one day and to grow my knowledge and skills with specific age group so I can help and teach them to the best of my ability. 

11. What do you love most about the JOKSOD community?

The JOKSOD community is so inviting and welcoming. From teachers to students from the second you walk into the studio gates you feel such a warm welcome. I also love how engaging the older students are with the younger students and there is such a strong bond between age groups. 

12. Where do you look for inspiration for choreography?

For inspiration in the classes I am teaching this year, I look at all my dance teachers styles and moves. From the way they nurture the classroom to what sort of exercises and routine we have. I have learnt the most from my teachers at JOKSOD - they are such an inspiration to me. 

13. What is your favourite dance you’ve ever choreographed and why?

I have not choreographed a dance yet, but look forward to reaching that milestone by the end of the year with my class! 

14, What is your favourite theatre show?

My favourite theatre show is the Moulin Rouge! I have seen that a number of times and it amazes me every time!

15. If you were not a dance teacher what would you be doing instead?

If I didn’t have the opportunity to be a dance teacher I would be continuing with my study and work in childcare, as I just love working with young children so much.