Spotlight on ... Dymphna Carew

Our much loved head teacher - Dymphna Carew - returns from Paris

Returning to her post as a head teacher here at Big Steps Little Feet, Dymie is quickly casting her magic and finesse deep into the hearts and minds of all the dancers in her classes.

Back in 2010, Dymie came on board to open a Big Steps Little Feet branch in Balmain, where she quickly grew the enrolments from 11 (in week one) to 120 happy dancers 8 months later - which is a testament to her craft. Dymies' rapport with students and families is divine, her ability to give all of herself to each class and commitment to our teaching philosopy which lies at the junction of function and aesthetic expression is incredible and we are blessed to have her back leading the classes in Balmain and weekends in Bondi.

Dymie is a dancer, choreographer and actress and has just graduated from the acclaimed drama school Ecole Internationale de Theatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris (aside from Dymie ;) well known graduates are Isla Fisher & Geoffrey Rush). 

I asked Dymie to share a little about her time in Paris & what she learnt...

"When I first arrived in Paris I was filled with excitement, hope and curiosity. I was also completely and utterly terrified of what I had got myself into. My two years in Paris were filled with many ups and downs which forced me out of comfort zone and allowed me to explore different sides of myself.

I spent two years studying acting, movement and writing at L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq. It was incredibly challenging having all of my classes taught in French and I often felt completely lost in translation.

One of the most difficult obstacles was the fact that every single day felt like an audition as the school culled students throughout the two years. I managed to be accepted into the second year and graduated in July 2014. It was certainly a life changing journey and something I am so fortunate to have experienced.

Upon my return I have worked with some wonderful theatre companies and will continue to do so throughout the year.

The most important thing I have learnt is that you need to do things in your own way. Be your own creative self. So, I am doing it in my way and using what I learnt to create exciting, inspiring and challenging classes in a safe and nurturing environment. I am thrilled to be back, doing what I love and doing it my way."

I also interviewed Dymie allowing you to get to know her a little better; she really is one fabulous and inspiring young woman.

When a child attends my class I hope they... learn to express themselves through dance and gain confidence. But most importantly I hope they have a wonderful time stepping into the magical story we create every week at Big Steps Little Feet.

The most rewarding thing about working with children is... There are so many rewarding parts of working with children! I learn so much from each and every child I teach, I am so lucky to be able to work with them. Seeing the kids smile and laugh throughout my lesson is the most incredible feeling.
 
Every year, I always... Want to do more. Learn more, travel more, and achieve more.
 
My tertiary/teaching qualifications are...  Graduate from L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, (Paris), Certificate IV in Performing arts (ED5 - Sydney) and I have studied drama at NIDA.
 
Years of teaching experience…..  Student teaching – 5 years. Teaching – 10 Years.
 
As a child I was...  Constantly dancing. I never stopped, I would brush my teeth and dance around the house! I couldn’t get enough!
 
The best advice I ever received was... Take time each day to remember how lucky you are.

My favourite place in the world is... I love Paris and New York City. My favourite place though, is anywhere my family is.

My favourite style of dance is…. It changes all the time! Depending what mood I am in. I love ballet because it is the base for all dance – master ballet and you can master anything! Contemporary is wonderful, it is a huge creative release.
 
The person I most admire is... My parents, they are amazing, I wouldn’t be where I was today if it weren’t for their continual support
 
At the moment, I’m reading... Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.
 
Something I can’t do, but I wish I could is... A backflip.
 
I recommend that everyone should...  Dance! And try chilli chocolate, so delicious!
 
Five minutes ago I was... In a meeting.
 
Five minutes from now I will be... Doing the washing.
 
Five years from now I want to be... Continuing to perform and create interesting theatre... And starting a family!!!

Has Dymie been your child's teacher?
Please comment below and share your experience.

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Comments

  • "How lovely!! Will you/she be joining the Wed afternoon 4.20pm class? all the best!!"
    By Andrea on Mon 16th, February, 2015 at 03:53 PM