the Mccormick dance centre Story
Our History
Our Past Students
Our History
In 1969, founder Shayne McCormick returned to Australia from a successful overseas professional ballet career, and established the 'Shayne McCormick Ballet Centre'.
For 55 years she has taught, inspiring students and coaching the next generation of dancers, choreographers, teachers, and industry leaders. Also a prominent figure within the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D), Shayne travels the world examining, bringing this experience and expertise back to Ipswich for her students. In 2025, Shayne starts to hand over the school to begin the next generation and continue her incredible legacy.
Our Mission
Our Past Students
Our History
Our mission at McCormick Dance Centre is to provide world-class ballet and dance tuition in a supportive, inclusive, and positive environment. Our aim is to develop strong all-round dancers, with strong technique, performance skills, resilience, and a love of the Arts.
We hope to provide an environment for students which encourages:
- Confidence, expression, awareness and discipline
- Coordination, musicality and awareness of rhythm
- Fitness, flexibility and strength
- Creative thinking and problem solving
- Development of dance technique and artistry
- Personal achievement through goal setting
Our Past Students
Our Past Students
Our Past Students
Countless past students have enjoyed professional dance careers. Some of these ballet contracts include the Australian Ballet Company, Queensland Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet Company, and Royal Danish Ballet. Other professional engagements include National Musical Tours, International Ballroom titles, and Expressions Dance Company.
location and facilities
Location
52 Glebe Road Newtown
Ipswich QLD 4305
Plenty of street parking is available.
Facilities
Our unique performing arts complex boasts a one-of-a-kind in-house stage and theatre- perfect for performance practise and annual concerts.
We also have:
- 2 large dance studios
- Full kitchen
- Toilet
- Student change room
- Parent waiting area
- In-house costume storage
Rhythm Rags Dance Shop
Rhythm Rags Dance Shop
Our on-site dance shop is open to the public on Saturday mornings and some afternoons. Please contact us for stock availability and times. Rhythm Rags sells:
- Ballet, jazz, and tap shoes
- Ballet stockings
- MDC school leotard
- 2nd hand dancewear and shoes
our teachers and staff
Hannah Platt
Hannah began dancing at just 2 years of age, and is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, attending the Shayne McCormick Ballet Centre from 2006. As a young dancer, Hannah was in the Australian Ballet Junior School program and performed with the Australian Ballet Company in Graeme Murphy's acclaimed production of Swan Lake. Hannah was also a company member of Ballet Theatre of Queensland for many years, before attending the Queensland Dance School of Excellence to train full time. Hannah then went on to study teaching at the University of Queensland, and has been a dance teacher and program coordinator at State High Schools in Ipswich for many years. In 2025 she returns to the dance school where she grew up, continuing Shayne's incredible legacy.
- B Education (secondary), B/Arts
- Diploma of Dance (Ballet)
-Commencing R.A.D teacher qualification in 2025 under the mentorship of Shayne White
-Current Blue Card Holder
Shayne White (McCormick)
MDC's founder and teacher for over 55 years.
-B Phil (Hons)
- Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance
-Tutor CBTS, CPD
-A.D.V. A.R.A.D. (London)
-Advanced Teachers Diploma specialising in Graded and Vocational levels
-Cert. 4 Training Trainers in the Workplace
-Current Blue card Holder
Bec Teese
Bec first discovered her love of performing during dance lessons at the age of 2. She has continued on her dance and theatre journey, teaching in studios, theatres, and working on projects across South East Queensland. Now an Australasian Dance Association teacher, Bec enjoys teaching young performers and is very excited to bring her love of dance and the performing arts to the SMBC community.
-Registered ADA teacher- Tap & Jazz
- ADA Level 4 Contemporary
- ADA Level 3 AcroDance
- First Aid and CPR
- Current Bluecard Holder