Extension+
Accredited Courses
About Us
"Because Elite Training Deserves Formal Recognition"
The primary focus of our vocational training program is to help students achieve their potential by providing quality training and education for dancers wishing to further their skills, as well as for those preparing for auditions for tertiary dance institutions or industry related work.
By enrolling in a Certificate in Dance you have indicated your desire to focus the next 6 - 18 months on your development as a dancer and or teacher. Our Certificate courses in Dance formalize your practical training beyond the physical. These courses provide dancers with the technical, theoretical, and professional knowledge required to work safely, sustainably, and intelligently in the dance industry.
Our Story
Extension+ was created to fill a clear gap in the dance industry across Melbourne’s North West—a gap between talent and opportunity, passion and pathway. We saw young, aspiring dancers training hard but lacking access to structured, recognised education that supports long-term success in the industry. Our mission is to provide dancers with clear, achievable pathways that sit alongside their studio training, giving them the knowledge, credentials, and confidence to move forward with purpose—whether their future lies in performance, teaching, or further study.
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Formal qualifications matter. They demonstrate dedication, work ethic, and professionalism, while equipping dancers with critical knowledge about how their instrument—their body—works and how to care for it for longevity and sustainability. Too often, dancers and teachers are expected to “figure it out” without proper education, leading to unsafe practices and limited career lifespan. Extension+ is not designed to replace dance training; it is an essential add-on. Students complete practical hours within their regular classes while committing to minimal additional education hours for theory and assessment, making professional education accessible, realistic, and relevant. This is about raising standards, protecting dancers, and building a stronger, more informed dance industry from the ground up.
The Industry is Evolving
The dance industry has changed significantly, with most full-time training providers now embedding nationally accredited qualifications into their programs—often beginning at Certificate III level. This shift reflects a growing understanding that dancers need more than physical ability alone; they need formal education that supports professionalism, safety, and long-term career pathways.
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At Extension+, we recognise that many dancers are already training at a highly proficient level from their mid-teens and are more than capable of beginning vocational study while still at school. By completing a Certificate III in Dance during their senior school years, students can potentially gain credit toward their VCE while also preparing themselves for the demands of full-time training or professional work. This early start allows dancers to enter the next stage—whether Certificate IV, Diploma, or the professional world—already equipped with trade-level knowledge, experience, and confidence. It’s a smarter, more strategic pathway that reflects the realities of today’s dance industry.
Meet your Trainer & Assessor
Kristie has over 25 years of teaching experience up her sleeve, having owned and operated her own performing arts studio for 22 of them. Kristie has trained in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre with her biggest passion being Classical Ballet. Kristie is a fully qualified teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and currently acts as a mentor, tutor and practical teaching supervisor to the trainee teachers on the RAD’s Classical Ballet Teachers Course. 2015 saw Kristie complete her training as an RAD Examiner. Since then, Kristie has had the privilege of teaching and examining all over the world.
Kristie originally trained on the Central Coast of NSW under Angela Denman and later was mentored by and trained with industry professionals such as Hillary Kaplin, Robin Hick, Mary Pass, Dario Phillips and Nacho Pop. Kristie danced professionally as a burlesque and Show girl performer on the Tivoli club circuit through Sydney and Newcastle. She has supported artists such as Wayne Cornell, Nathan Foley and multi-award winning artist Jennifer Green. Kristie was lucky enough to gain leading rolls with several theatre and pantomime companies being casted in Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz and Grease to name a few.
Kristie not only sees the importance of astute technical training but is passionate about guiding well rounded performers with Musicality, Artistry and Acting skills playing an equal role in her teachings. Kristie loves to share her experience in Drama, Singing, Musical Theatre & Script writing, having written and directed more than 20 original stage productions during her time as a studio owner.
Kristie has taught countless students who have now gone onto full time training and professional careers, achieving contracts on various TV series, Cruise ships, Disneyland, Universal studios and some even now running their own studios.
Kristie holds a BA Psychology and Sociology and is also a qualified member of Ballet Australasia Limited and the National Dancing Association. Kristie holds a Certificate IV in Dance, Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Kristie also holds credentials in fitness, progressing ballet technique and Zumba instruction.
Meet our RTO
Empowerdance is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that partners with Extension+ to deliver our nationally accredited dance qualifications. An RTO is an organisation authorised by ASQA to deliver and assess nationally recognised training, ensuring qualifications meet strict industry and education standards. Through this partnership, Empowerdance holds the formal accreditation and compliance responsibilities, while Extension+ delivers the training, assessment support, and student guidance—allowing dancers to receive high-quality, industry-relevant education with the assurance that their qualification is nationally recognised and compliant.
