13 May 2023 18:58

Celebrating Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the special bond between mothers and their daughters who share a passion for dance. Whether it's attending classes together, celebrating each other's successes and challenges, or simply bonding over a shared love of dance, these relationships are truly something to be celebrated.

At the Royal Academy of Dance Australia, we have been humbled and inspired by many of the amazing mother and daughter duos who have contributed to the dance community. These women have not only shared a love of dance, but also helped support and nurture each other through all the ups and downs that come with pursuing a shared interest.

In recognition of all the amazing mothers and mother figures out there, we would like to say thank you for your contributions to the dance community, and wish you all a very happy Mother's Day. Your love and support is an inspiration to us all.

One of the beautiful things about dance is the love of the art that is often  passed down through generations. Today we'd like to highlight three Mother & Daughter duos in the RAD Australia Community.

Tracy Caldwell & Isabella Osterman

Newcastle Dance Academy

“A mother and daughter dancing together is more than just graceful movements. It’s a bond that started with me teaching Bella how to dance and now continues as we work together in the studio, sharing our passion for dance and creating memories that will last a lifetime.” It is a journey that started when she was just 2 years old, she is now 28! I hope I have been her inspiration; I know she was born into it, but she certainly has a very special gift” -Tracy

Teresa & Antonia Johnson

The Teresa Johnson Ballet School 

“Dance Mums are so much more than just mothers. Thank you mum for being my teacher, hairdresser, makeup artist, travel companion and both my biggest supporter and biggest critic. I am so blessed to have gone through this ballet journey with you as a mother, teacher, and now mentor as I continue my career alongside you as an RAD teacher” – Antonia

Vivienne Winter & Natanya Andonas

Vivienne Winter School of Ballet

“What a wonderful experience it has been for me to share my love of dance with my daughter, Natanya.

I began learning ballet at age 5 and studied the syllabus of “The Royal Academy of Dancing” as it was called back then all the way through to Advanced.

When I was lucky enough to have my daughter, I of course encouraged her to attend ballet classes.

Natanya took to it immediately and was extremely talented and also completed all RAD Examinations through to Advanced 2 with Honours.

After she had danced with  Rex Reid Dance Company in Australia and also European Ballet company Wiener Ballet Theatre she returned home and joined me teaching in our ballet school, “Vivienne Winter School of Ballet”

I started the school in 1967 and 30 years later we were a partnership, which has seen thousands of students go through the school over nearly 57 years.

It has been a wonderful experience and although my input over the last few years has diminished I still feel joy and satisfaction when teaching a class of young enthusiastic students who love dancing.

I am always extremely proud of how my daughter trains our Senior students and prepares for Vocational Graded Examinations including Solo Seal Awards, also how she choreographs and directs our end of year performance as she is very artistic and imaginative and always produces a very entertaining show.

These days I’m the one who is in the background,  costuming the shows and answering difficult questions.

This works well for both of us.

I know that the affection that Natanya and I  feel for our students is reciprocated and the connection is lifelong!” – Vivienne