In 2014 Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and during her road to recovery she was forced to look at life in a new light. This journey lead Susan to a better understanding of herself and allowed her to recognise the illusive nature of perfectionism. Blessed with an awesome support team, her resilience and her determination that only a career in dance can give you she was able to push through this trying time, learning the value of trusting one’s self. This is why Susan is now more passionate than ever about sharing her knowledge as a former professional classical and contemporary dancer and guiding students through innovative ways on their dancing journey with Ballet Essence.
Growing up in Lae, Papua New Guinea, Susan’s dancing career began with her mother’s ballet classes. Upon her return to Brisbane, Susan was introduced to the Queensland Ballet Company by her teacher Mary Heath, and later Garth Welch AM after working with him as his “Beauty” in the Queensland Ballet Theatre production of “Beauty and the Beast”.
Under the directorship of Harold Collins M.B.E., Garth Welch AM was commissioned to choreograph “Giselle” for Queensland Ballet Company in which Susan performed as a member of the Corps de Ballet.
Susan then moved to Sydney to study dance fulltime with Prudence Bowen, she completed ARAD Solo Seal and Intermediate Cecchetti, in 1986. She also performed in front of Princess Diana for the Royal Command Performance that year. The following year Susan began her studies at QUT Kelvin Grove and completed her Associate Diploma of Arts (Dance) 1988, while being employed by the Qld Ballet Company for seasonal works. During this time one of the highlights of her career was working with Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon (Sydney Dance Company) on “Vast”.
Susan was then introduced to the “Martha Graham” technique by Lenny Westerdijk. Wanting to explore Contemporary Dance further, she was given the opportunity to join ADC (Australasian Dance Collective) formerly known as Expressions Dance Company under the Artistic Directorship of Maggi Sietsma. During her time with ADC she appeared in all their major works and taught beginner to advance classes in movement, drama and choreographic workshops for the company. She has also appeared as a Key Note Speaker and Guest Lecturer at QUT and provided choreography for QUT students, and College Schools around Brisbane.
Susan returned to the Qld Ballet Company in 1994 and performed with them in their production of “Sleeping Beauty”. She also worked with Graeme Watson in “Backyard and Beyond” as Lindy Chamberlain.
Since leaving the Qld Ballet Company Susan has received her qualifications as a Pilates instructor and her certificate IV. She has remained involved in the ballet industry ever since and continues to be invited as a guest teacher in various ballet schools in and around Brisbane.
See below some snapshots of Susan's dancing career.
In 2014 Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and during her road to recovery she was forced to look at life in a new light. This journey lead Susan to a better understanding of herself and allowed her to recognise the illusive nature of perfectionism. Blessed with an awesome support team, her resilience and her determination that only a career in dance can give you she was able to push through this trying time, learning the value of vulnerability and trusting one’s self. This is why Susan is now more passionate than ever about sharing her knowledge as a former professional classical and contemporary dancer and guiding students through innovative ways on their dancing journey with Ballet Essence.
Growing up in Lae, Papua New Guinea, Susan’s dancing career began with her mother’s ballet classes. Upon her return to Brisbane, Susan was introduced to the Queensland Ballet Company by her teacher Mary Heath, and later Garth Welch AM after working with him as his “Beauty” in the Queensland Ballet Theatre production of “Beauty and the Beast”.
Under the directorship of Harold Collins M.B.E., Garth Welch AM was commissioned to choreograph “Giselle” for Queensland Ballet Company in which Susan performed as a member of the Corps de Ballet.
Susan then moved to Sydney to study dance fulltime with Prudence Bowen, she completed ARAD Solo Seal and Intermediate Cecchetti, in 1986. She also performed in front of Princess Diana for the Royal Command Performance that year. The following year Susan began her studies at QUT Kelvin Grove and completed her Associate Diploma of Arts (Dance) 1988, while being employed by the Qld Ballet Company for seasonal works. During this time one of the highlights of her career was working with Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon (Sydney Dance Company) on “Vast”.
Susan was then introduced to the “Martha Graham” technique by Lenny Westerdijk. Wanting to explore Contemporary Dance further, she was given the opportunity to join EDC (Expressions Dance Company) under the Artistic Directorship of Maggi Sietsma. During her time with EDC she appeared in all their major works and taught beginner to advance classes in movement, drama and choreographic workshops for the company. She has also appeared as a Key Note Speaker and Guest Lecturer at QUT and provided choreography for QUT students, and College Schools around Brisbane.
Susan returned to the Qld Ballet Company in 1994 and performed with them in their production of “Sleeping Beauty”. She also worked with Graeme Watson in “Backyard and Beyond” as Lindy Chamberlain.
Since leaving the Qld Ballet Company Susan has received her qualifications as a Pilates instructor and her certificate IV. She has remained involved in the ballet industry ever since and continues to be invited as a guest teacher in various ballet schools in and around Brisbane.
See below some snapshots of Susan's dancing career.
