Deanna

After graduating from the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, Deanna attended the Queensland University of Technology where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Dance. Throughout her degree, Deanna worked with leading artists such as Natalie Weir (former Artistic Director, Expressions Dance Company), Anton (Adelaide Dance Theatre), and Harold Collins (former Artistic Director, Queensland Ballet), and was selected to perform at the Tari Dance Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

After completing her degree, Deanna went on to perform for several years with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines during which time she progressed to the role of Dance Captain.

Deanna has extensive experience both teaching, choreographing and adjudicating pre-professional students. She has also coached students in contemporary variations for the Prix de Lausanne (Switzerland), Youth America Grand Prix (America) and Alana Haines (New Zealand).

For many years, Deanna has taught and choreographed for leading pre-professional and full-time dance colleges and is currently the head of Contemporary Dance at the Queensland College of Dance.

Most recently in 2023, Deanna was invited as on the judges on the panel for the prestigious PACANZ competition in New Zealand.

In 2017 and 2018 Deanna’s choreography in Merge Dance Theatre was nominated for an Australian Dance Award (Outstanding achievement in youth dance).

Deanna’s passion lies in contemporary dance, and the creation of new and exciting, collaborative work.

Her vision is to incorporate an integrated and holistic approach to educating, training, and mentoring aspiring, young dancers to enhance their artistic abilities and lift their contemporary dance skills to a professional level.