“I believe that the performing arts give everyone touched by them a deeper humanity, and a deeper appreciation of the power and beauty of expressing our individuality, of striving for excellence, and of the interconnectedness of all of us.” − Cori Caulfield
We value each and every student, whether with us for a single class each week, or training in the most intensive program. The overall health and happiness of our students is always our paramount concern. Caulfield School of Dance programs are taught by expert and dedicated instructors, many of whom possess the most extensive teaching credentials, as well as performing experience. All are deeply educated, passionate and dedicated. As a faculty, we believe that the building of character is as important as the development of skill.
As individual teachers, we were mentored with care and dedication. Now we derive our own sense of purpose from passing on not only the fundamental skills, but also the joy of discovery, that comprise best practices in performing arts training. You cannot learn what we teach from books or even video. It requires mentorship. It requires providing our students the support they need to pursue true mastery and success. This support crucially includes providing the space and time for experimentation, and the freedom to fail. To learn to sing, you have to be willing and able to make some truly terrible noises! To learn to dance you have to be willing and able to fall down – and get back up again.
We strive always to model integrity, honour, loyalty, and the adherence to values emphasizing compassion and cooperation. With a caring and fun approach, we foster a learning environment that is as positive and nurturing as it is rigorous and disciplined.
At Caulfield School of Dance we have deep love of the theatre and respect for the skill and passion it takes to create meaningful and moving art. There is nothing like the collaboration, athleticism, refinement, risk-taking, and expression of human potential that is embodied in the performing arts.
Those who work to achieve their personal best in any field of endeavour become better and more able people. Those who work with others to be part of creating something greater than they could create alone, gain an understanding of their capacity to create a better world. What we do here, what young people learn here, is that what you bring with your presence, with your intention to be the best that you can be, with your sweat, matters. We depend on each individual’s personal efforts to make what we do here happen. Caulfield School of Dance is a place where young people learn to be accountable, to their community, and to themselves.
As a faculty, we continually strive to give a rich experience of the performing arts to all our students, and provide the professional training necessary to those who wish to pursue careers as performers, choreographers and/or teachers. Our philosophy impels us to teach our students not just a dance, but how to dance, not just a song, but how to sing.
We have high expectations for dependability, punctuality, responsibility, respect, and teamwork, as well as performing arts skills. High expectations empower our students to excel in every aspect of their lives. Caulfield School of Dance is a place where students learn not only to develop personal discipline, but also to build teams, and develop friendships strong enough to last a lifetime. We actively encourage our students to support one another.
We intend that lessons at our school enhance self-esteem, and an understanding and appreciation of dance, theatre, music, and indeed all forms of art. We take pride in our students both present and past who live their lives to fullest capacity with joy and confidence. Former students (and their parents) say that Caulfield School of Dance is where they learned essential life skills that have led to real success in wonderfully diverse pursuits.
At Caulfield School of Dance, excellent work habits are developed, wonderful memories are made, and lifelong friendships are formed. This is a great place to grow up!