ABOUT TCDA
WHO WE ARE.
TCDA is Tamworth's largest and longest running Dance and Performance school with a newly renovated studio in Tamworth's main street. We are a member school of the highly respected Australian Teachers Of Dancing (ATOD) and Acrobatic Arts and our exam students earn internationally recognised qualifications.
We seek to create an inclusive dance community and offer classes catering to children as young as 18 months right through to Adults. In 2019 TCDA was crowned Small Business of the Year at the NSW State Business Awards, Winner of Regional Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year at the Regional Business Awards as well as Excellence in Small Business at the Tamworth Chamber Quality Business Awards.
​
TCDA'S
PHILOSOPHY.
We asked students at our open day "What does TCDA mean to you?" and the overwhelming answer was "Family".
At TCDA we endeavour to provide the best possible environment for young people and achieve this in a number of ways. We always say "Dance is the vehicle but life is the lesson". Thousands of dancers have called TCDA their home away from home since 2009 and we love to hear stories of how their time with TCDA was so special during their formative years.
We see our regional location as a real benefit and capitalise on these opportunities by staging our major production in the amazing TRECC, engaging with local businesses, community groups and charities and maintaining a close association with creative arts in education.
​
We will always strive for originality, creativity and innovation by looking forward, rather than over our shoulders. Our ultimate goal is to create a positive cultural change in this region where wellbeing and quality of life is increased through physicality, creativity and exposure to the arts.
OUR HISTORY.
TCDA is a family business based on vision and dedication. TCDA's Principal, Miss Kellie has been an ATOD Associate Teacher since 1993 and operated the Cadence Dance Studio in Sydney's Inner West for 13 years before relocating to Tamworth with her Family.
Miss Kellie and her husband, TCDA Studio Manager Paul, have been together since high school and their two daughters have both been active in TCDA as students, teachers and Troupe members. Paul has a film degree majoring in cinematography and worked as a commercial photographer and designer before deciding to challenge himself with a 10 year career as a NSW Police Forensic Investigator, during which time their family relocated to Tamworth n a Police transfer. This move reinvigorated Miss Kellie and the couple established the Tamworth City Dance Academy in 2009 with Paul coming on board in as a full time Studio Manager later that year.
TCDA's first classes were held in a church hall on Marius street before moving into the Belmore Street Studio after 10 weeks. We participated in the 2009 Cavalcade with a handful of dancers before we had even held our first class which is why the event still has so much meaning for us. Ten years on and Paul & Kellie's daughter Miss Lily has completed her ATOD training in dancer teaching and management, ushering in a new generation of TCDA and allow our vision to continue.
In 2017 TCDA relocated to Peel Street, fitting out the space with new mirrors, barres and a beautiful, massive sprung floor. In 2022 we continued our story with a move to even larger and better equipped premises at 184 Peel Street.
​
​
WHY
CHOOSE TCDA.
+ TCDA's flagship Peel Street studio is peerless in this region with large sprung STM dance floors built to the highest specifications and finished in professional Harlequin dance vinyl.
+ All Students have the opportunity to be independently annually in our own Tamworth studio by accredited examiners and receive internationally recognised grades from the Australian Teachers Of Dancing (ATOD) .
+ We abide by the ATOD Code of Conduct and the Ausdance Code of Ethics and are fully compliant with all relevant local and national regulations and legislation.
+ We stress the importance of safe dance practice and structure lessons to support the growing body. In over 25 years we have never had a serious dance injury occur in our care through reckless activity such as pushing people into the splits or rushing them onto pointe.
+ We train and recruit teachers from our own ranks which is why our culture is so strong.
+ You can have confidence that we will be here. We have seen many dance schools come and go but you can be sure that TCDA will always be there doing it bigger and better each year.
+ TCDA offers more performance opportunities to our dancers than any other school in this region and our major productions at the TRECC eclipse all others in terms of scale and production value.
+ We strive to create amazing humans as well as great dancers and stress the importance of community engagement and charity.
+ TCDA has built a wonderful reputation through years of hard work in our local community as well as in the Australian dance community at large.
+ Our elite show troupes are consistent high achievers at competitions and have an unparalleled reputation for their professionalism and skill.
+ TCDA are trailblazers for dance and performance education in this region and develop programs that many other studios follow.