About us

Dance in motion & Performing Arts (DMPA) is the new banner of the former Society for Education in Dance and Theatre Arts (SEDTA). Founder Director, Daphne MacDonald formed SEDTA in 1974 inspiring an Australian based organisation that brought together a range of performing arts under the one umbrella.

A new generation has been formed under the banner of Dance in Motion & Performing Arts.

Our Founder

Daphne MacDonald trained under the Royal Academy of Dance. At 15 she continued her studies under the Cecchetti method and holds a Life Membership as a Full Licentiate with that society. She is an Accredited Teacher of Al Gilbert (Holywood Style Tap) and has gained qualifications in Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America..

Her career has included teaching, writing, television work, and as a well known choreographer and examiner. She has had the pleasure of seeing many talented students come under her direction, and continue into professional careers in the world of dance and theatre.

Her passion is to pass on her knowledge, ensuring teachers and students are well educated in all the performing arts presenting training programs from Tiny Tots to Teacher Graduates. Her ambition is to share this wonderful adventure in friendship and fellowship and to further the education of students in dance and theatre arts.

Membership

Full Member

Teachers with their own academy for a period of ten years and holding a graduation in dance.

Registered Teacher

Teachers with their own academy, teaching dance and willing to learn and teach Dance in Motion and Performing Arts.

Registered Gilbert Tap and Jazz Teacher

Teachers wishing to teach subjects from the Gilbert syllabus.

Registered Drama Teacher

Teachers wishing to teach levels from the Drama in Motion syllabus (DMPA)

Registered Associate Teacher

Having reached Associate Technique and Theoretical may open an academy on the subjects they have been qualified while continuing to study and may attend meetings.

Teacher Trainee Registration

Students may change to this qualification at senior level and may attend meetings

Assistant Teacher Registration

A student in training who is assisting with classes under direction of the principal of the academy. The student may attend meetings.

Affiliate Registration (non teaching)

Interested students once passing senior and still studying. May attend meetings. Affiliate registration is also open to interested adults.