Teaching Background

We believe that dance teachers should educate, inspire and motivate children by example so that you can be assured your children are not only taught by the best people in the field but that your child will be taught in a highly interactive, supportive and positive learning environment.

As principal and director of Dancescene, Lisa Purchas has a dance background that includes training to an advanced level in classical ballet (RAD) and National Character Dancing (ISTD) and was awarded for outstanding achievement in contemporary dance (Ray Gibbons Cup, Easter Competitions 1984 New Zealand).  She has previously taught in New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia and currently teaches at the Dancescene studio at 134B Stirling Hwy, Nedlands.  She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Asian Studies and International Relations (2000) and a Masters Degree in International Business (Curtin) 2006.  In collaboration with creative illustrator Prue Van Wyck, Lisa wrote and published the children’s ballet book ‘Andweina & Lucy Love to Dance’ in 2004 and in 2007 jointly produced and launched with The Media Agency W.A., the first of several volumes of the DVD “Teach Me to Dance” –  Ballet Basics for 3-5 year olds.  Volumes I & II (2008) are now available online via the YouTube channel ……. The videos are highly interactive presentations full of beautiful visual concepts, repertoire and ideas for nurturing the joy of dance in young children.

As principal of Dancescene Wembley, Mikaila Godfrey has a dance background that includes training to an advanced level in classical ballet (RAD) and training at the Graduate College of Dance.  Mikaila has previously taught children at Dancescene studios in Claremont, Nedlands and Dalkeith.

Dancescene also employs the very best young teachers in Perth and these talented individuals comprise retired professional dancers, WAAPA and former Graduate College of Dance students, and Brent Street Performing Arts graduates.  All teachers are selected on the basis of their dance competency and capability and also on their ability to positively impart their passion for dance to our young ‘Dancescene’ students. The amazing Amelia Sagrabb and Tashi Bullan join us again in 2023 for Open Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz and Hip-Hop classes.

In addition to substantial dance experience, our Dancescene teaching collective enjoys diverse professional training including business, occupational therapy, psychology, the Arts, and early childhood education.

We look forward to meeting you and your child soon.

With best regards,

Lisa Purchas & Mikaila Godfrey and our Dancescene team!