Meet the Teachers: Miss Amy Browne

The next teacher we want to introduce you to in the 'Meet the teachers' series of blog posts is the sensational Miss Amy Browne!

Amy is another JOKSOD alumni who has been with the school since she was a young girl. Amy is a Musical Theatre sensation, with a beautiful voice she is renowned for choreographing and creating amazing musical numbers for our end of year concert. Her skills provide a diverse offering to JOKSOD's classes, giving students the opportunity to hone their acting and singing skills as well as dancing.  She also teaches some of our junior school classes including Pre-School and Beginner Classical and Jazz. 

Continue reading to find out more about Miss Amy.....

1. Where and what age did you start dancing?

I was 2 and a half when mum first enrolled me in a fairy ballet class in Somerville. It was meant to just be a bit of fun until I was old enough to try a few more sports, but she couldn’t get me out of there!

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

I have always loved kids and obviously loved dance, so growing up teaching dance was in the back of my mind. But when I was in year 12 I got my first job actually teaching, and fell in love with it, so was over the moon when Jo asked me to teach at JOKSOD once I graduated full time dance.

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

I love so many, but my absolute favourite is Broadway Jazz. There’s so many different styles within Broadway jazz, but each have a technical background, so I feel I can utilise all the ballet training I had growing up. I love then playing with musicality as well, as there are always so many accents to hit, and that’s where you can really make the style your own!

4. What do you love most about teaching?

I think I love watching my students confidence grow - it's always so exciting to see them work so hard, and finally get a step they have been struggling with, or watching them all shine up on the stage, and seeing how happy it makes them.

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

I still dance myself, so I take lots of classes, do dance gigs and continue to audition. I also am Manager of Bloch in Malvern East, so I'm selling dancewear and fitting pointe shoes.

6. What is your favourite day out?

No surprises here, but I love going to the Theatre! So a perfect day out would be going into the city, having a nice lunch or dinner followed by a show. Otherwise, I do really enjoy getting out in the sun, whether it’s the beach, a nice walk or something like that.

7. Do you have any pets?

Two dogs- they are both Cavoodles called Tilley and Sam, even if they do live at the old family home.

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

Definitely concert time. There always such a buzz around the studio in the lead up when everyone is putting together routines, costumes and props are being made. And then seeing students shine at the end, whether it's their first or fiftieth time on stage.

9. Do you still take dance classes and where?

Yes I do. I take professional casual classes in the city- mostly through Circle Studios but can vary depending on the choreographer I’m taking the class from.

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

To continue to learn myself so that I always work to be the best teacher that I can be. Then hopefully I can pass on as much knowledge as possible and inspire the younger students.

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

I love that at JOKSOD you always feel like one big family. Jo has created such a beautiful community, that I remember being so welcomed into when I made the move to JOKSOD when I was at school, and still feel now being on the other side. Dance friendships are always so special.

12. Where do you look for inspiration for choreography?

I often get inspiration from choreographers that I work with myself, seeing professional shows and also online through social media.

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

My favourite dance that I have choreographed would have to be Cats. I remember seeing Cats when I was a teenager, and thinking ‘that’s what I want to do’, so being able to choreograph a whole school musical theatre piece to it was amazing, and all the students worked so hard to make my vision come to life.

14. What is your favourite theatre show?

I always struggle when someone asks me this- I have a few and all for different reasons. Cats, Les Miserables, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago are just a few.

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

I honestly couldn’t imagine not teaching dance, or having dance in my life, but I have always been interested in how the body works and moves, so maybe a Physio? Or a school teacher!