In the December 2016/January 2017 issue of Dance Australia we ran a special "Teachers' Spotlight" feature, celebrating dance teachers from around Australia. Lucinda Dunn OAM, artistic director of Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, is one of the wonderful teachers profiled in this special feature.
A former prima ballerina, Lucinda Dunn danced with the Australian Ballet for 23 years, twelve of these as a principal artist. She is currently Australia’s longest-serving ballerina.
Dunn had her early training in Sydney with Janece Graham and Tanya Pearson. After receiving a scholarship from the Prix de Lausanne, she spent two years at the Royal Ballet School, London, aged 15-17. On graduating she was offered contracts with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Australian Ballet, accepting the latter. During Dunn’s time as a dancer she had two daughters. She retired from the stage in 2014 as one of Australia’s most loved and revered ballerinas.
Dance Australia: Describe your pathway to becoming a teacher.
Lucinda Dunn: I had never envisioned I would teach, nor take over such a prestigious ballet academy. The offer came to take over the artistic director role of Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy whilst I was still dancing. I feel very thankful that I had a smooth transition from performing to my new career, as teacher, coach and director.
DA: What do you enjoy about being a teacher?
LD: I enjoy passing on all I know, the good and the bad, of what is expected in a professional career.
DA: What is it that drew you to this profession?
LD: I’m drawn to the physical and the mental strength that teaching requires.
DA: What keeps you engaged as a teacher?
LD: The variety of what I impart to students… from technique, to artistry and etiquette, plus work ethic. I’m trying to instil a strong work ethic in students - drive and self-motivation… especially in this generation and touch button age!
DA: What has been your funniest teaching moment to date?
LD: I recently had nine graduates head overseas to complete training in esteemed academies across Europe and USA. I’m known for the hot pink pants I wear to teach, so they all had copies made up and came prancing in to the studio on their final day!
DA: What is your proudest achievement as a teacher?
LD: I’m most proud of guiding my students to a professional career in Australian companies direct from Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy.
DA: What tips would you give someone considering a career in teaching?
LD: To be a teacher, you must watch and listen. Be selfless in your approach, and give, give, give!! Planning helps me feel prepared and confident to deliver. Have a full understanding of female and male technique and requirements, that are age appropriate.
DA: What is something about you that your students would be surprised to know?
LD: In my first few months of my scholarship to the Royal Ballet School, I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my lower spine, and spent three month in plaster from my arm pits to my hip bones. I could not dance a step! Can you imagine, ON A FULL SCHOLARSHIP?!
www.classicalcoaching.com
Pictured: Lucinda Dunn in the studio.
PHOTO: ERIK SAWAYA