Zoe Thornthwaite

ADA INTERMEDIATE TEACHERS DIPLOMA (Jazz and Tap), RAD Advanced 2

Zoe first started dancing at CSOD in 1999, aged 3. Zoe has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Irish, and Contemporary and has completed exams in jazz, tap, ballet and Irish dancing. 

In ballet Zoe has completed the prestigious Advanced 2 with the RAD in 2018. In Jazz and Tap Zoe has completed all grades and performance grades including Bar to Star in Jazz and Tap. Zoe has completed her Intermediate Jazz and Tap Teaching qualification with ADA gaining Honours with Distinction in her both Jazz and Tap. Zoe started her teaching training in 2010 with CSOD. 

In Irish dancing, Zoe has competed in State and National championships since she was 7 and in 2017 received a dedication award from the Australian Irish Dancing Association for competing up until the senior ladies age group. She also qualified to dance at the World Championships in 2017 in Dublin and danced at the North American Nationals in the USA in 2015 (gaining a place), 2016 and 2018 (gaining 12th place).

Zoe has performed at many events and venues around Australia including the Sydney Opera House, The Sydney Royal Easter Show, The Australian Youth Olympics, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Parkes Elvis Festival, Spotless Stadium and our amazing USA/Disneyland trips in 2014, 2017 and 2023.  Zoe has also has taken classes at Sydney Dance Company, Millennium Dance, Abby Lee Studios and Broadway Dance Centre in New York. 

Zoe has also completed ADA training in the newly created ADA contemporary dance syllabus Levels 1, 2 and 3, ADA Acrodance Level 1 and 2 and the teacher training program for ADA Little Gems pre-school dance program.

Wanting to further her knowledge and teaching skills Zoe has commenced her Certificate of Ballet teaching studies (CBTS) with the Royal Academy of Dance in 2022.

Zoe has graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Teaching (0-5 years). Zoe has a current working with children check and first aid certificate.

"I absolutely love teaching dance at CSOD, it is my home away from home. Being able to see children grow and be a part of all their successes is amazing and great to experience. 2018 was my 20th year of dancing and I still continue to dance and teach. It is my passion, and I would not trade it for anything.”