Proudly family-owned, the studio has welcomed thousands of dancers through its doors over the decades.

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“Over this time there have been many changes,” said Dance ‘n Dazzle Principal Corynne Darcy.

“We used to have parents sew all the costumes by hand but now we purchase costumes already complete, music used to be played from cassettes, choreography was hand written and Medowie was a much smaller community.” The studio’s principal, affectionately known as Miss Corynne, was just 19 when she was asked to open a studio in Medowie.

At the time she was volunteering at Wirreanda Public School offering a dance program and studying primary teaching at Newcastle University.

The studio opened in March with 40 students and continued to grow.

Now Miss Corynne’s daughters – aged 16 and 19 – are keen to continue the legacy of dance education in Medowie.

It is no surprise they developed their mother’s passion for dance, given her lifeline commitment to the sport.

Upon graduating university Miss Corynne worked at Karuah Public School for eight years (where she also ran a dance program), before being transferred back to where it all began at Wirreanda.

Miss Corynne is still proud to offer dance programs at Wirreanda, is on the Hunter Schools Dance Festival Committee and is a choreographer for Starstruck, alongside teaching kindergarten and running her studio.

“One of the most rewarding things I have seen in the last 30 years is students who have grown up and matured into amazing adults, many with families of their own,” said Miss Corynne.

“I have many students who have been with me for over 10 years, a couple of 20 years, and one is 29 years this year.

“I also love having the children of my former students in the studio.

“In 2024 we had a family with three generations all dancing which was very special.

“This year we also have an exciting alumni class of former students who are returning to celebrate our 30th anniversary.”