Principal: Suzanne Atkins (Creer)

RAD RTS Teacher Cert, ADA Advanced Diploma (Jazz, Ballet & Tap), Reg Teacher RAD & ADA, Licentiate A.I.M.E.B. Speech and Drama (TD), CERT IV in Training and Assessment

Having a passion for teaching dance Suzanne started classes at Carlingford and has trained students in jazz, tap and ballet for exams, performances, auditions and competitions.  Many students have gone on to make dance an important part of their lives through performing and teaching.

Suzanne was a student of Dawn and Joy Ransley in Sydney, where she studied extensively in classical ballet, Jazz with Karen Mortimer and David Atkins, tap and Irish dancing.  As a young ballet student Suzanne was selected to dance with the Australian Ballet in Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.  

Suzanne went on to study full-time Dance and Drama at the Sydney College of Advanced Education training under David Spurgeon and Margaret Chapple.  

 Suzanne is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance completing the 3 year Teaching Certificate course as well as completing papers in Child Psychology and Anatomy.  

Suzanne has been a teaching member of the ADA (formally FATD) since 1987 and has completed all major teaching exams in jazz/modern and tap dancing under Kim Griffin. In 2006 Suzanne was awarded with the newly created Advanced Diploma in Modern and Tap Dancing with the ADA. In 2020 Suzanne was honoured to accept a position as probationary examiner with ADA. Suzanne has completed teacher training with the ADA on AcroDance syllabus (level 1 and 2) and Contemporary syllabus.

 A passion for theatre, drama and musical theatre has led Suzanne to complete her examinations with the IMEB in drama gaining her Licentiate with the AIMEB for Speech and Drama.

Suzanne loves sharing her knowledge and love of teaching. She has been an integral part of the ADA creative team, playing a key role in developing the new preschool program, ADA’s Little Gems.

In 2021 Suzanne completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (Dance) and is a registered RAD mentor.

Teaching highlights include the magical moment in 2024 when CSOD students were selected to lead the Disneyland Dance Around the World Parade down Main Street Disneyland– an incredible honor, our annual dance performances, where all students have the chance to showcase their talents in a professional performance setting. Additional highlights include trips to Los Angeles in 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2024, where students performed at iconic locations such as Disneyland, Universal studios and on Hollywood Boulevard as well as attending the World Irish Dancing Championships in 2013 (Boston) and 2018 (Glasgow) in support of our Irish dancers taking part in this wonderful event.

I can honestly say that I love what I do …

I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to take something I love and share it with the dance students that come through our door from our youngest to our senior students - it is my greatest joy! x