“The lessons I have learned while training at Caulfield School of Dance I will take with me for the rest of my career… Dancing has taught me so much about myself and for that I will be forever grateful.” – CSD 2020 Graduate, Shanna Lilley
Shanna Lilley is a very special young woman with a deep love for dance. She has a real a gift for teaching and gave generously of her time to helping younger dancers for years as a devoted Teaching Assistant. This year Shanna continued to develop herself as a teacher, earning Certification in the Progressing Ballet Technique® and working as an excellent Teacher Trainee.
Shanna Lilley started dancing at Caulfield School of Dance in 2010 when she was one of those little dancers. I asked her what she remembers from her childhood days here and she said, “I remember my first Performance Training Company audition. I was nervous and didn’t spot any of my turns. I was so scared of the older girls but Kaia Goddard was there so at least I wasn’t the only young one.” And Shanna says she remembers, “getting to dance in Disneyland my first year of Company. I remember at the end of our tap piece we hit the final pose and it felt so good to hit that last sound all together.”
Though accepted into Alberta Ballet School’s two-year Teacher Training Program, Shanna has chosen to pursue a B.A. (Hons.) in Dance Education through the Royal Academy of Dance. “I believe that dance will always be a part of my life,” Shanna says, and she will also pursue a parallel performing career. “When I’m not dancing, I’m thinking about dancing, running my pieces in my head, visualizing corrections, listening to my music.”
Look at this little Cutie! Shanna at the Surrey Art Centre
Shanna has worked passionately to improve her own skill and artistry and devotedly to support the achievement of her teams. Shanna is funny and caring and a delight to teach. She has grown much as a person and as a dancer; and I am so happy that she is committed to continuing to develop herself and her abilities through and in this art form.
When I asked Shanna what her time at this School has meant to her, she said: “The lessons I have learned while training at Caulfield School of Dance I will take with me for the rest of my career. I have learned patience, leadership, perseverance, and determination. Dancing has taught me so much about myself and for that I will be forever grateful.
“Training in the performing arts has given me the highest highs and the lowest lows. I have learned to push myself, to never be satisfied, and most of all it has taught me to trust myself and the knowledge I have. I have all the information I need to succeed; I just have to remember to use it.”
I asked Shanna what she will remember from her time at Caulfield School of Dance and she said: “My favourite memory is from our yearend shows in 2019, the last time I would get to perform ‘Can’t Take my Eyes Off of You’ with the cast of this dance. We walked onto the stage in a blackout and got into our opening positions. I was hugging my partner and right before the lights turned on he squeezed me a little bit, the lights warmed my skin, and the music started. It made me feel so loved.”
Shanna, you are SO loved!
With all our hopes for your happiness and success always,
Ms Cori and your Caulfield School of Dance Family