About Us
The Academy
Aspire Dance Academy is an accredited ballet school with the internationally recognised Royal Academy Dance (RAD) syllabus laying the correct foundation for students to develop confidence, strong technique and artistry, resulting in balanced training.
Exceptional teaching methods nurture the individual’s artistic and technical prowess, preparing them for higher levels of training
Mission Statement
Aspire staff believe in providing comprehensive training which develops each child’s potential through commitment, determination and perseverance. A part-time course that improves perception and mental capacity as well as confidence by an enjoyable and nurturing program.
Philosophy
Our highly skilled and passionate staff develop young dancers through careful study of movement with joyful tones. Classes are presented in a positive instructional environment to assure ultimate stimulation, acquiring skills to manage physical and mental participation in developmental activities.
Meet the Team
Genevieve Mc Court
Director
Having had her own dance studio in South Africa for more than 30 years, Genevieve Mc Court has a long history in the field.
Many of her past students have gone on to become successful professional dancers, teachers and examiners.
Since moving to Perth 12 years ago, she ran the Full-time Program at Academie Etoiles for Samantha Leeman and has also served as Assistant Director at The Graduate College of Dance. She continues to work as a teacher at Dynamic Performing Arts, where she has been for over 11 years. She has vast teaching experience in ballet, contemporary, and stretch and conditioning, while also preparing students for assessments, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams, and competitions such as Alana Haines in New Zealand.
Genevieve has studied dance psychology, the History of Dance and Anatomy to achieve her registration with the RAD. Her areas of expertise encompass ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap dance, along with Spanish, which she studied extensively over several years. Her musical studies aid in fostering a profound understanding of the relationship between music and dance for her students. With a deep passion for ballet, she finds joy in guiding young dancers towards achieving their aspirations.
Testimonial
“You have taught me so much that I will never forget. You’ve taught me that if something isn’t working there’s another solution. You’ve taught me to be patient, to know that victory is worth the hard work and the toughest battles. You’ve shown me how to be a leader; to aspire, to inspire always and to never give up on yourself. You’ve taught me to be respectful, well mannered, reverent, polite and courteous.”
Renate Cumalkovs A.R.A.D.
Faculty
Renate started dancing at the age of six under Barbara Thomas in Mt Hawthorn.
At 18 years of age she left for Melbourne and danced for television, cabaret and musical theatre.
However, classical ballet was where Renate’s interests remained so she returned to Perth and founded her school ‘Dance Venture’ in 1981. The school has assisted many young people in their endeavours and former students are working in choreographic, teaching and dancing careers throughout Australia and overseas. Students have been (or currently are) dancing in companies as diverse as The Australian Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Ballet de Geneve, Sydney Dance Company.
Renate was employed for many years at John Curtin College of Performing Arts as a specialist ballet teacher and choreographer/director. She is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance, contributing to R.A.D productions and adjudicating at ballet competitions.
She has worked as ballet mistress for Perth City Ballet and choreographed for musical comedy and drama in various Perth productions.
Staff Certifications
Our staff have current Working With Children Checks.