The studio opens
Julia Macalpine Dance Studio is established in Cairns.
Passionately inspiring and nurturing young dancers, for over 40 years.
Julia Macalpine Dance Studio was established in 1982 and has been giving the children of Cairns the joy of dance ever since. We strive to provide the very best training, so every student can reach their full potential in an atmosphere of friendliness and fun.
Whether for fun or serious training, students take classes from beginner to advanced in classical ballet, modern, commercial jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary, acrobatics, tap and Progressive Ballet Technique. Alongside their exam work, dancers perform with the studio at eisteddfods, competitions and community events throughout the year.
The studio is led by principal and director Julia Macalpine, with teacher and choreographer Shannon Treanor, across two studios: Reservoir Road in Manoora and Railway Hall.
The art of dance gives children the chance to express themselves through movement, improve their fitness and have fun. It builds discipline, poise and confidence, and nurtures friendships in a shared interest.
How we teach.
- Every dancer
- Children grow and develop at different rates, so students are placed in the class that suits their ability, skill and standard, not just their age.
- Real syllabi
- Royal Academy of Dance ballet and ISTD modern and tap, with exams optional up to Inter Foundation and senior levels by selection.
- On stage
- A studio concert every second year, where every student has the chance to perform, plus eisteddfods and competitions around Cairns and beyond.
- Team players
- A school for friendships and team players. Courtesy is expected, and bullying is never tolerated.
On Cairns stages.
Some of the milestones, productions and performances from over 40 years of JMDS.
Senior Cultural Award
Julia receives the City of Cairns Senior Cultural Award at the Australia Day celebrations.
A Night of Stars
The Julia Macalpine Dancers perform at the Cairns Choral Society Gala Spectacular, Cairns Civic Theatre.
Peter Pan
A studio production of the classic story, from the streets of London to Neverland.
A Christmas Celebration
Guest artists with the Cairns Choral Society at its Christmas concert.
A student's concert
Graduating student Shannon Treanor, aged 17, writes, directs and choreographs the studio's concert.
Escape to the Circus
The studio's 2019 production.
Down the Rabbit Hole
The studio's 2021 production.
Lullaby of Broadway
An all singing, all dancing Broadway tribute at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
Tale as Old as Time
The studio's production at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, December 2024.
Adventure in Neverland
Sunday 22 November, Trinity Bay Performing Arts Centre, 11am and 5pm.
Choral Society shows
Julia has choreographed Cairns Choral Society productions including Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Mr. Pinstripe Suit and Miss Saigon.