DONNA
LIERSE
Curriculum Vitae
Miss Donna Lierse is a professional, experienced and qualified dancer/teacher
and choreographer within the creative and performing arts world. At the young
age of 5 she began her training at Coral Brown School of Dancing where she
continued her tuition for 20 years. In this time she obtained Honours and High
Distinction qualifications within all grades of the ‘Cecchetti Method of Ballet’
and ISTD syllabus in Modern and Tap syllabus in genres of Tap, Jazz, Ballet,
Character and Folk.
Gaining Distinction in both her Associate and Licentiate Teaching Cecchetti
Teaching exams, Donna at the age of 25 gained her Cecchetti Fellow Teaching
Certificate a prestigious teaching qualification rarely studied by teachers today.
Donna has completed a Bachelor of Education in Home Economic.
Over the years Donna has trained extensively in many different dance genres
including: Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical,
Hip-Hop/Funk, Character/Folk, Irish, and Musical comedy/theatre. Donna also
has a passion and flair for Drama and Singing in which at the age of 10 years
she pursued singing and drama lessons.
Curriculum Vitae
For: Miss Donna Lierse Fellow C.B.A.-C.I.C.B (Distinct) L.C.I.C.B. ,A.C.I.C.B.
A.I.S.T.D. (M.T.D.B.) (London)
Special Skills: Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern,
Contemporary, Hip-Hop/Funk, Character/Folk, Irish, Song and Soft Shoe, Song
and Tap, Musical Comedy, Vocals, Dramatic skills.
PERSONAL
Name: Donna Lierse
Address: 11 Londonderry Way
Epsom 3551
Victoria
Telephone-Home: 0437469619
Telephone-Mobile: 0437469619
Date of Birth: 15th of April 1968
Email: donnabynon@girton.vic.edu.au
Personality: Reliable, Responsible, Enthusiastic, Focused Individual, with a
Friendly and understanding Disposition; particularly with children.
Exceptional aptitude in producing equitable judgements, which are entirely
based on performer’s abilities, skills and talent.
OBJECTIVE
To achieve all goals and objectives set in place, in all facets and areas of my
chosen career working for and within the creative and performing arts field. To
obtain such a position and to carry out all responsibilities with the utmost of
importance and care, providing a professional level of knowledge and
experience. Aspiring to teach dance to the highest standard of technique and
artistry, within an atmosphere of safety and nurturing, allowing each student to
reach their full potential.
QUALIFICATIONS
Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet; Fellow C.B.A-C.I.C.B
Licentiate L.C.I.C.B (Distinction)
Associate A.C.I.C.B (Distinction)
Associate Modern Theatre- A.I.S.T.D
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Home economics, Victoria College,
Rusden. Major study areas included Home Economics, Food and Nutrition,
general Science, Biology, Health Education and Human Development and
Society
EDUCATION
VICTORIAN COLLEGE RUSDEN-(1986-1990) Bachelor of Education
(Secondary) Home Economics, Major study areas included Home Economics,
Food and Nutrition, General Science, Biology, Health Education and Human
Development and Society
WATSONIA HIGH SCHOOL (1980-1985)
Higher School Certificate (HSC) studied and completed with achievements
above 89%.Major focus units studied were: Dance, Human Development and
Society, Legal Studies, Biology, English and Accounting. Awarded highest
achiever in Dance and Human Development and Society
PLENTY PRIMARY SCHOOL (1973-1979)
AFFILIATIONS
Member Cecchetti International Classical Ballet
Member Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing London
Affiliate Member Australian Teachers of Dancing
Victorian Institute of Teaching Registered Member
DANCE TRAINING
1975-1985 Completed and achieved Qualifications in all grades with
‘Honours’ Cecchetti ballet system from Pre-Primary through to Advanced 1.
1987 Completed and achieved Qualifications in Advanced 2 with Credit
Cecchetti ballet system.
1988 Completed and achieved Qualifications in my Associate Cecchetti
teaching exam with Distinction
1989 Completed and achieved Qualifications in my Licentiate Cecchetti
teaching exam with Distinction
1994 Completed and achieved Qualifications in my Fellowship Cecchetti
teaching exam.
Completed from 1979-1993 Pre-Primary to Advance in the ISTD Modern and
Tap exam systems with Honours.
1997 Completed and achieved Qualifications in my Associate Modern and
TapISTD teaching exam with Distinction
1992 Anatomy and History-One of the first two candidates to undertake the
written Anatomy and History examinations papers, which became a criteria
prior to entering Cecchetti Fellowship exams, receiving distinction for both
these written examinations.
1992 Anatomy Thesis successfully passed and completed on Nutrition and Diet
with Distinction.
EXPERIENCE
My Dance/Music/Drama experience started in 1973 when I was 5. I was
enrolled at Coral Brown School of Dance‟ and trained consistently 4
sometimes 5 days a week up until the age of 21. This included: Classical ballet,
Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Character/Folk, Irish,
Song and soft shoe, Song and Tap, Musical Comedy, Singing and Drama
lessons. This training has presented me with multiple opportunities in the
Creative and Performing Arts world, as a child/teenager and now at present as
an adult.
In 1984 my beloved dance teacher Coral brown passed away, I continued dance
studies with Debra Henderson and Shirley Jones. I studied Cecchetti
Elementary to Advanced 2 with Shirley Jones and passed my Associate and
Licentiate exams with distinction and continued with my Diploma and Fellow
with Shirley.
1984-1996- I performed and competed at multiple events including:
Eisteddfods, Shopping Centre entertainment shows, Fetes, Charity Events, Half
Time Football Game entertainment, Talent Quests, Parades and Character suit
work.
1988- Opened Donna Lierse School of Dancing in Eltham and Epping. The
school was established to provide people of all ages the opportunity to
experience the magic of dance and theatre. The Academy trained students from
3 years of age to a higher technical/artistic level, offering the best preparatory
level of training for the vocational student and for entry to external professional
tertiary dance courses. The Academy allowed the recreational and ‘once a
week’ student the ability to achieve the best possible standard. Also completed
four years of tertiary studies, gaining Bachelor of Education in Home
Economics and Nutrition.
1989- Instructor of Dance seminars for Primary School Teachers in Central
Melbourne, ranging from the years of Kindergarten to Year 12.
1990- Implemented new educational programs in VCE Dance and Dance Styles
at Eltham High School, Bendigo Senior School and Box Forest Secondary
College.
1990-2000- Taught full time and part time in the State Secondary School System
teaching Home Economics, Human Development, VCE Dance and Science.
1996- Moved to Bendigo and opened another branch of Donna Lierse School of
Dancing whilst still maintaining two schools in Melbourne. Owned and
operated a private studio for the arts in which instruction was given in
Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern. Aging from 3 to adult. Managed a staff
of eight artists/instructors. Handled all financial aspects of the studio from
payroll to the accounts of approximately one hundred and eighty students.
2000- Closed Donna Lierse School of Dancing in Melbourne due to having
children and developed further Bendigo site. Also changed name to Bendigo
Dance Academy to incorporate all genre within the school. Principal of
Bendigo Dance Academy teaching all Cecchetti Method levels and
choreographing Solo/Duo/ Troupe routines in multiple dance genres. Within
this time from1996 to 2011 I was approached by three dance schools to take
over and integrate their schools they were Megan Beckworth School of Dance,
Jenny Flint Dancers and in 2005 The Julie Heydon School of Dance.
2001-Taught Dance and VCE Dance at Bendigo Senior Secondary College and
guest artist and teacher for Golden Square High School.
2012-Sold Bendigo Dance Academy and it reopened as CMS Danceworx were
I am currently working 3 times a week as Director. Also doing guest teacher
and workshops in the Central Victorian area.
AWARDS
Junior Encouragement Award Winner-Annie Jones
Bronze Medal Test Winner-Erinn Arnel
Graduate of Australian Ballet School-Erinn Arnel
Graduates of Junior Australian Ballet Program-Emma Cheeseman, Rachel
Waight
Currently dancing and on tour in Australian Ballet Company-Christopher
Ead
Silver Cecchetti Test Winner-Rebecca Duke
William Carse Award Winner-Rebecca Duke
Junior Cecchetti Scholars-Rachel Waight, Emma Cheeseman, Erinn Arnel,
Jayde Ermel, Paige Davis, Annie Jones, Sarah Seery, Alexandra Trahair.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line currently- Ryan Walsh and Erinn Arnel
Senior Cecchetti Scholars- Rachel Waight, Emma Cheeseman, Erinn Arnel,
Jayde Ermel, Paige Davis, Annie Jones, Sarah Seery, Alexandra Trahair,
Ryan Walsh, Jennifer McLean, Rebecca Duke.
2001-2011- Received Teachers Classical Solo Duo and Troupe aggregate at
Bendigo Eisteddfods
2011-National Bank Recipient of $500.00 from the Australian Ballet.
Conventions, Medal Test Finalists, 100% Scholarships for results, junior
Encouragement Award Finalists,Scholars, Summer Schools, Boys Program,
William Carse Awards, Ballet Teachers Workshops, McDonalds Sydney
Eisteddfod.
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
CHOREOGRAPHER AND DANCE Director CMS Danceworks in Bendigo
(Present)
Current Role/s: Current Role/s: Head Classical Teacher-Teaching all levels of
the Cecchetti Method from Pre-Primary to Diploma also teacher training
program. Also choreographing solo/duo, troupe routines in areas of Classical
ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Broadway and Modern.
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER AT GIRTON GRAMMAR BENDIGO
(Present)
Current Role- Work 3 days a week as a primary teacher and 2 other day’s
liaison officer and co-coordinator of dance programs.
ADJUDICATOR
Current Role/s: adjudicating dance eisteddfods, competitions and talent
quests throughout Australia- Judging all age groups from 4 years of age right
through to teens and adults. This includes all sections in the forms of: Solos/
Duos/ Trios/ Troupes/ Improvisations and Championships. All levels
adjudicated in all genres of dance ‟
REFEREES
Carlie Sutton: Current Employer Creative Principal and Director of the CMX
DANCEWORXS.
Phone: Mobile: 0412 929 924
Mrs Julie Heydon-Former Artist and teacher of RAD and Cecchetti .
Phone: 0431236191
Viv Bath -Current Employer Deputy Head of Girton Grammar School
54416917
John Matthews: Committee Member of Bendigo Eistedford-0401688998
Shirley Jones-Director and Principal of Shirlene School of Classical ballet.
F.I.S.T.D (CSB) F.C.B.A
Phone 93543781