Introducing JOKSOD student teachers 2022

At JOKSOD we provide opportunities for our senior students to further their development by assisting our qualified teachers in our junior school. The seniors get so much out of helping with the younger students and they form beautiful relationships over the year.

Our student teacher program is the perfect stepping stone for those who may be interested in pursuing dance as a career choice, whether that’s teaching or performance. The students also become wonderful role models for our younger school, it’s so lovely to watch.

In class the student teachers are there to support the main teacher in any way they can to keep the class enjoyable, supporting those that may need some extra help and demonstrating movements to the young ones.

We're so excited to introduce you to the 2022 student teacher team at JOKSOD:

Alyssa Brooke

Junior Classical and Pre-Intermediate Classical

“I’ve been dancing at JOKSOD since I was 4 years old, and it is practically my second home. The community here is absolutely amazing, it has been wonderful growing up in such a beautiful environment and making long-lasting friendships. I always looked up to the student teachers I had when I was younger, dreaming that I might get to be like them one day. A few years ago my dream came true, I was asked to help out, it is definitely the most heart-warming opportunity, and each week I get so excited to help. I’ve helped with the younger students from the ages of 5 to 13, and it is incredible watching them grow up and progress through the levels. I love dancing so much, I can’t even begin to imagine my life without it. Dancing at JOKSOD brings me so much joy and happiness, I am so grateful to have such spectacular teachers and peers around me. JOKSOD is my family.”

Paris Brooke

Pre-School Classical and Beginner Classical (Sat) Junior Jazz and Inter Jazz

“I started dancing at JOKSOD when I was 5 years old, originally it was in the hope to correct my pidgin toes, but growing up in such a positive and supportive environment has helped me grow in confidence and technique and I’ve made some lifelong friends along the way. Dancing provides me with a sense of happiness and freedom that is unlike any other and it’s a place that I know I will always be welcomed with open arms. I was lucky enough to be asked to be a student teacher a few years ago and it is something I look forward to doing every week. I personally get to help dancers from as young as 3 years old all the way up to 13 years old, and I love getting to see the progression through all the different age groups. My favourite part about assisting with the classes is getting to see how everyone evolves as both people and as dancers throughout the year and being there to watch as friendships form and their love of dance blossoms. Knowing I get to play apart in instilling some wisdom and happiness in their journeys is a really meaningful and special opportunity that I am so grateful for.”

Ashlea Rush

Primary Exam (Sat)

“I am so lucky to be helping with the younger students in primary exam this year. It’s so amazing getting to work with them and to see them grow as dancers and improve every week I see them. Miss Jo has taught me so much growing up at JOKSOD and I am so grateful that she has helped me become the dancer I am today. I am beyond excited to get to see their progress throughout the year.”

Lily Woods

Sub Junior Classical and 8 & Under troupe

“I first came to JOKSOD in 2019 and I felt at home straight away. I’m so thankful for the amazing guidance that Miss Jo and all my JOKSOD teachers have given me. I have no clue where or what I would be doing without JOKSOD. I’ve always had the idea that in my future I would love to be a dance teacher and this year Miss Jo gave me the opportunity to help with the younger students. After helping with sub junior classical for almost a term now I’ve been able to watch some of JOKSOD’s youngest students grow with their confidence and technique. I’m so excited to work with the under 8 troupes and watch them compete this year.”

Gerika Abbott

Pre-School Classical and Beginner Classical (Sat)

“I’ve been dancing at JOKSOD since I was six years old. I’ve been lucky enough to learn many styles of dance such as classical, neo-classical, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and lyrical. I love dancing at JOKSOD because it is my family and I am so appreciative of being taught from my beautiful teachers and also gaining lifelong friends. In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to be a student teacher. This opportunity has exposed me to the world of teaching which has affirmed my passion of being able to teach as part of my future career. JOKSOD is my second home and I can’t wait to continue to learn and grow from all of my teachers, be exposed to more opportunities, perform with my fellow dance friends and hopefully one day enter the dance world as a professional dancer and teacher.”

Savannah Laurito

Beginner Classical and Jazz

“I have been dancing at JOKSOD since I was 5, I can’t remember my life without it. Joanne O’Kelly School of Dance is like my second home. The environment is safe, happy, and welcoming, and I have made the most amazing friendships throughout my years here. When I was younger, I always aspired to be like the older girls and the student teachers, and now I feel like I have accomplished my goal becoming a student teacher to the younger girls aged 3-10. I hope I can be a role model to them, as the older girls are to me. I am so grateful to be able to see the younger students grow as young girls and dancers. I can’t imagine my life without JOKSOD I love to dance, and dancing at JOKSOD brings me so much happiness and joy I can’t imagine my life without all the students and teachers here."