ROOKIE PROGRAM

“Developing the next generation of confident, skilled and passionate dance teachers”

What is the Rookie Program?

The Rookie Program is a year-long development pathway for passionate senior students who are ready to take the next step beyond assisting. It acts as a bridge between our Power Up Program (open to all assistants) and paid teaching positions at Dance Energy.

This program is highly selective, with only 3–4 students accepted each year through an application and interview process.

Students chosen for the Rookie Program will work 1:1 with Miss Claire (Studio Owner) and alongside our experienced teaching team. Through weekly guidance, classroom experience, and structured learning, Rookies develop the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to transition from assistant to independent teacher.

While there is no financial cost to join the program, it does require commitment, consistency, and a genuine investment of time and effort.

Who is it for?

The Rookie Program is designed for students who are passionate about dance and inspired by the idea of teaching the next generation.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be in Grade 11 or 12 (16–18 years old)

  • Be actively training in their own dance classes

  • Be reliable, resilient, and committed to weekly assistant teaching

  • Have strong respect for communication and teamwork (responding to emails, staying up to date with information, etc.)

  • Be ready to invest consistent time and effort into their development

  • Have an intention to remain on the Sunshine Coast for study or work after school, ideally continuing to teach at Dance Energy for at least 1–2 years after their internship

Only 3–4 students are selected each year through an application and interview process.

What’s Included?

Rookies are given a structured pathway that combines real-world teaching experience with personalised mentoring. The program includes:

  • Teaching – Weekly involvement in assigned classes, working alongside an experienced teacher to observe, assist, and gradually take on leadership roles

  • Mentoring with Miss Claire – Weekly 1:1 or group check-ins to discuss progress, set goals, and reflect on experiences in the classroom

  • Practical & Written Tasks – Designed to build skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and syllabus understanding. One assignment is set each term

  • Class Observations – At least once per term, students will sit in on a class outside their usual teaching schedule to broaden their perspective

  • Optional Learning Opportunities – Opportunities to explore other areas of the business, such as social media, reception, holiday events, or concert preparation

We understand that students are balancing the demands of high school, so assignment timelines will be flexible. However, Rookies must be prepared to commit and put in the work consistently throughout the year.

Program Focus Areas

By the end of the Rookie Program, you will know how to:

  • Understand and apply curriculum to lesson planning

  • Teach syllabus content and break down skills into clear, achievable steps

  • Plan and deliver lessons tailored to different age groups

  • Manage behaviour and set positive class culture

  • Communicate effectively as part of a teaching team, including professionalism in emails and staying across studio information

  • Give feedback and corrections in a supportive and effective way

  • Reflect on your own teaching to continue growing as an educator

Rookies will be expected to choreograph and take full classes within two terms. This is an intensive course designed to fast-track your teaching ability. Assisting and leading parts of holiday camps also provide opportunities for further training in an immersive environment.

Outcomes

By completing the Rookie Program, you will:

  • Be ready to run your own classes independently with confidence and professionalism

  • Have choreographed, planned, and delivered full lessons across multiple age groups

  • Gain real-world experience leading both weekly classes and intensive holiday workshops

  • Build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills that will support you beyond the studio

  • Develop strong communication and teamwork habits, including professionalism in responding to information and working as part of a staff team

  • Complete a class evaluation and a final interview to demonstrate your readiness for future opportunities

  • Be considered for a paid teaching role at Dance Energy in 2026

While a paid role is not guaranteed, students are only accepted into the Rookie Program if we believe they have strong potential for future employment.

Commitment Expectations

Rookies are role models within the Dance Energy community. We expect you to:

  • Show reliability in attending your assisting classes and communicate promptly if you are unwell or unable to attend

  • Continue your own training and set an example in the way you learn and participate in your own classes

  • Demonstrate professionalism in and out of the studio, including respectful communication with staff, students, and parents

  • Stay across studio information and respond to emails/messages in a timely manner

  • Display confidence and initiative, including being comfortable talking with parents when needed

  • Represent the culture and values of Dance Energy at all times, both in the classroom and as part of our wider team

There should also be a genuine intention to continue teaching at Dance Energy for 1–2 years after completing the program. We put significant time and energy into each Rookie, and we value those who are committed to giving back to the studio community.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application by clicking ‘Apply Here!’ (Google Form) - Submit your application by Friday 29 August 2025.

  2. Teacher nomination - Once submitted, students must speak directly with one of their teachers about their interest in the program. If the teacher supports their application, they will then contact Miss Claire to provide a nomination.

  3. Shortlisting - After the closing date, applications and teacher nominations will be reviewed. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview.

  4. Interview - A 20–30 minute interview with Miss Claire to discuss your goals, commitment, and fit for the program.

  5. Offers - Our 2025 Rookie Program will be a pilot program and an intensive experience, with the intention that students will be ready to take classes independently in Term 1, 2026. Where applicable, co-teaching opportunities will be provided, or Rookies may teach under the supervision of a qualified and experienced teacher. Participants will also be asked to give feedback as we launch the full-year program officially in February 2026.

  6. Onboarding - The formal induction and first Rookie training session will take place on Wednesday 1 October, 11.00am – 2.00pm. Students must be available for this date.
    Students must also be available to assist and teach at the September holiday workshops on either Monday 29 September or Tuesday 30 September (exact times within the day will be confirmed).

  1. Program commencement
    The Rookie Program officially commences in late Term 3, 2025. Class placements and mentoring times will be confirmed ahead of the start date.