Meet Maggie and Murphy — the dynamic duo behind Mid-Coast Performing Arts, a studio that started with a shared love for the stage and evolved into a thriving, inclusive community for dancers of all ages and abilities.
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How did your club start?
Our journey began in 2013 when we (Maggie and Murphy) were cast together in an amateur production of Hairspray. A few years later, while teaching at the same studio, we realised how closely our teaching values and styles aligned. We decided to start by offering an adult class and an acro class purely for fun, curious to see what interest there might be. Since then, our little community has continued to grow and thrive—something that brings us so much joy and pride.
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How many students do you train and what skill levels?
Currently, we work with nearly 70 students ranging in age from 2 to almost 60 years old. Our studio welcomes anyone with a passion for learning. We offer classes for all skill levels—from beginners to intermediate and advanced competitive dancers. Each class is carefully designed to meet students at their current stage of learning, while ensuring they are surrounded by peers of a similar age group.
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Do you offer any inclusive programs for children with special needs?
All of our classes are inclusive and open to anyone with a desire to learn dance. We proudly welcome many neurodivergent students and teachers, and are deeply committed to adapting our teaching methods to support each individual's unique learning style. While we do not own our studio space and therefore face limitations in terms of physical accessibility, we strive to be as accommodating and supportive as possible within those constraints. One day we hope to have our own studio designed to welcome anyone who wants to dance!
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What is your organisation's mission statement?
Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive space where students feel welcome to explore their creativity, challenge themselves, and connect with others. We focus on building strong technical foundations through safe and age-appropriate progressions in technique, flexibility, strength, and performance. Above all, we value confidence, resilience, and community—encouraging students to support one another, embrace mistakes, and find joy in the process of learning.
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What are some objectives of your club?
Our primary objectives are to foster a nurturing community where dancers and performers can grow both technically and personally. We aim to inspire students to take on new challenges, explore their creative potential, and build confidence through movement. Core values such as respect, compassion, and commitment guide everything we do.
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What are you most proud of in your club?
We recently celebrated our fifth anniversary—an incredible milestone and we are so proud of everyone who helped make that happen. Every time one of our students takes the stage feels like a huge milestone, seeing how far our students have come personally and as dancers is so incredibly heartwarming. Putting together our first squad and seeing them working towards their individual and team goal is amazing! Another one of the most special moments is seeing the joy and pride on a student’s face when a skill finally clicks—whether it’s a clean turn or a first successful aerial. Being part of those moments is a true privilege.
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Why is your club important to families and the community?
Our studio provides a safe and supportive space where students from all walks of life can come together, learn new skills, and build lasting connections. For many, dance becomes a meaningful escape from daily pressures and somewhere to focus their attention as they develop their passion and technique. We strive to create an environment where individuality is celebrated and creativity is encouraged.
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What piece of advice would you give to a gymnast or student?
Work hard and stay true to yourself. Consistent practice and dedication are key, and your passion will always shine through. Believe in your unique abilities, embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—this is where true growth happens.
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Visit Mid-Coast's Instagram and Facebook to learn more about them and what they get up to in the studio!
