Purpose!
I am passionate about passing on my love of movement and dance to students of all ages, in the studio or at dance competitions. With a strong focus on providing and encouraging quality dance education, it is hoped that the art form and perception on recreational dance training is lifted in the community. Solid foundation is essential, as too with the mental health of the dancer, both of which can be achieved, developed and improved through dance training. Being technically proficient will ensure a safe, happy and artistically expressive dancer to lead into the next generation.
Media Bio
Janis has been involved in the Performing Arts Industry for over 40 years first beginning training in Callisthenics and figure skating, eventually moving into dance training. Janis’ teachers in the early 1970’s, were Channel Nine dancer Fayette Corlass-Brown and former Katherine Dunham dance company member, Antonio Rodriguez.
Janis also trained at Paul Hammond Studios Melbourne and in 1978, became a freelance dancer with Tasman Talent Agency (still operating today) joining a touring performing group called ‘Mr Whytes Disco Fantasy’ where dance and drama routines were displayed in various city and regional venues.
Janis joined Eve Reddish School of Dance learning Borovansky Classical Ballet, Society of Australian Teachers of Dance (SATD) completing exams and taking SATD Associate Teacher Certificate.
Janis became a foundation member of Southern Federation of Dance (SFD), taking SFD Jazz Teachers Certificate
Janis now holds many qualifications: Bachelor of General Studies with Griffiths University majoring in Law, (studying Intellectual Property Law and Copyright Law); Graduate Diploma in Creative Industries (Dance Teaching) with Queensland University of Technology; Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Media Studies) with Monash University; Diploma Certificate of Dance Teaching with ATOD; Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management; a current Certificate IV in Assessment & Training, initiating and tutoring Certificate 111 in Dance (VET in VCE) course to many East Gippsland students over a three year period for East Gippsland TAFE – now known as Federation University.
In 2016, Janis was invited to become an online assessor for Australian Dance College (ADC) in NSW.
Janis was the secretary of East Gippsland Shire Committee initiating and co-organising the first Dance Eisteddfod in 1994, known as Riveria Festival.
Janis opened her own Dance School – Jan Pianta School of Dance in 1982. The dance methods taught are Cecchetti Classical Ballet Method, ATOD dance genres that include Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, National & Musical Theatre. Glenn Wood Tap.
Over the years, JPSD students have been successful in local, Melbourne, State and International Dance Eisteddfods, winning many championships and scholarships; with five students receiving a place at Australian Ballet ITP School in Levels 1 to 3; full time positions at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School; National Theatre Ballet School, Conservatoire of Classical Ballet and Transit Dance. Part-time positions with former Melbourne City Youth Ballet, SCIMM, State Youth Ballet Company and Lion Heart Youth Dance Company.
Janis has many years’ experience and knowledge with the performing arts; attending numerous workshops and teacher conferences over the years. Janis holds two awards for Choreography (2009 & 2022), as well as choreographing for her own students many competition solos, End of Year Performances, schools and theatre company p;roductions. She is a Certified Teacher of Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) with Marie Walton, has taken voice tuition classes with former Opera Australia Member Golden Mercer and East Gippsland singing tutor Yvonne van Delden.
In 2021 successfully completed Transit Dance & Australian Institute of Education and Training Dance Adjudicator Course with tutor Karen Malek.
Janis is looking forward to discuss the opportunity of being the Dance Adjudicator at your next Dance Eisteddfod / Competition.
Contact Information
info@janpiantaschoolofdance.com.au / 0437853570
