About us
10 YEARS+ OF ENCORE
Encore Dance Studios has been inspiring young dancers since 2010. Under the leadership of the school director, Sarah Difuccio. Encore Dance Studios is located in Doreen and is a place where children and adults learn the joy of dance. The studio has a strong community of teachers, students and families who are passionate about performing arts. Our goal is to create a positive and happy experience for all our members all while encouraging to strive, nurture and develop their talents. Celebrate their achievements, inspire a love and appreciation of all dance within the arts.
We pride ourselves in creating a fun dance environment which provides every student with opportunity for growth by encouraging determination, perseverance and discipline. The teaching staff at Encore emphasise safe, industry-led dance practices in an extensive range of dance and performance styles including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Tap, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading and Vocals.
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Our students are provided with a variety of opportunities to extend themselves in ATOD examinations, local competitions, and community events. Since 2010, students at Encore Dance Studios have been provided with opportunities to participate in music videos, sports games, and international tours including a trip to the United States and the chance to perform in Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.​
Classes For All Ages, And All Skill Levels
Specialised classes for all age groups from toddlers to adults, including a specialised pre-school Little Stars program. Classes are structured based on style and skill level, meaning there is a class for any aspiring dancer. Private tuition is also available, and highly encouraged for budding dancers!
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Our Studio Location
Encore Dance Studios is located in the heart of Doreen at the entrance to the High Street shopping precinct. 10 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen.
ATOD Syllabi & Examinations
Our classes utilise the syllabi of Australian Teachers of Dancing, who are industry leaders in dance education.
Students have the opportunity to participate in examinations coordinated by approved ATOD examiners.
Competitions
Students undertaking private lessons are provided with the opportunity ​to further engage their performance skills by competing in local performance competitions and festivals. Successful students may also be considered for Encore's Competition Performance Troupe!
Concert
The end-of-year showcase: our dancers' opportunity to show-off all their hard work and growth throughout the year on a theatre stage, embellished with costumes, performance make-up, and professional lighting.
Industry Opportunities
Since 2010, students have had opportunities to engage in industry experiences such as workshops, dance and arts festivals, music videos and sports entertainment! Who knows what awaits in 2022...
OUR TEACHING STAFF
Hover for more.
Sarah Diffucio
Director, Principal & Dance Instructor
2004 Advanced Diploma (Classical Ballet) at National Theatre Ballet School
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Career Highlights:
2005 My Fair Lady (ACT inc. & Arts Management)
2006 China Tour
2008 Melbourne Storm Cheerleading Team
2008 Acquired Manhattan School of Dance
2010 Founded Encore Dance Studios
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Over 19 years of teaching experience
Sarah's formal teaching career began in 2004 while she completed her Advanced Diploma majoring in Classical Ballet. She taught at the National Theatre Ballet School for 3 years whilst she studied her Advanced Diploma majoring in Classical Ballet, before commencing a primary teaching role at Manhattan School of Dance.
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In addition to her full-time dance education, Sarah brings years of industry experience to her roles as director and instructor at Encore. In 2005, Sarah made her professional music theatre debut by performing in My Fair Lady (ACT inc. & Arts Management) along side Alan Fletcher & Chris Durling. Sarah has also worked professionally overseas as a dancer in China for 2 years in 2006. In 2008, Sarah successfully auditioned for the Melbourne Storm Cheerleading Team.
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During her time as director of Encore, Sarah has choreographed a multitude of performances while facilitating the school's growth. In 2014, she successfully auditioned a group of dancers to travel to the USA , to perform in Disneyland, Anaheim, Universal Studios, LA and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (Explorer of the Seas). Sarah choreographed numerous shows for each performance and facilitated all the technical elements including lighting, music and costume design/coordination.
Teesha Irwin
Dance and Vocal Instructor
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Present: Bachelor of Education
2015 Diploma of Musical Theatre at Boxhill Institute
2014 Cert II VET Dance
(Jazz & Contemporary)
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Career Highlights:
2018-Present: Director & Principal of Melbourne Talent Co.
2015-2019 Model for Liptember Campaign
2014 USA Tour
2016 Teacher of Diploma of Musical Theatre at Boxhill Institute
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Over 7 years teaching experience.
Teesha has been performing for over 15 years now, beginning with a music theatre class in 2004. Ever since, Teesha has continued her passion of performing. Teesha assisted teaching at Encore from a young age, before taking students for solo singing lessons in 2013. In 2014, Teesha completed her VCE as well as a Certificate II in Dance (Jazz & Contemporary).
Since discovering her love for teaching, Teesha has accrued lots of experience teaching dance, singing & acting for studios around the area.
Teesha has also been featured as a model in Dancetrain Magazine & Chemist Warehouse Catalogues as well as a TV commercial for the Liptember campaign in September, 2015. Teesha's favourite dance experience to date was traveling to the USA with Sarah and all the other talented dancers in 2014. Singing and dancing in Disneyland, Universal Studios and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was something she'll never forget.
In 2015, Teesha completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre and was offered a teaching position for Boxhill Institute's Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2016. Teesha hopes to work professionally for Australian Music Theatre in the coming years.
Tayla Lincoln
Dance Instructor
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Cert IV Dance at Michelle Slater Performing Arts Studio
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Career Highlights:
USA Tour
Rock the Tap as featured on Everybody Dance Now and Australia's Got Talent
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Tayla has been dancing since the age of 2 in all facets of dance. She completed her Cert IV in Dance at Michelle Slater Performing Arts Studio, where she found her love for teaching.
Dancing has taken Tayla to America to perform at Disneyland, California Adventure Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and train at Millenium Dance Complex and IDA. As well as being apart of Rock the Tap which featured on Everybody Dance Now and Australia's Got Talent television shows.
Tayla loves working with children of all ages and is known for her nurturing and friendly rapport with all her students. Tayla thrives off the joy dance brings to everyone and it's reflected in her class environment. She is very excited to work with our dancers and pass on her knowledge.
