Curtain call for dance teacher

BELOVED local dance teacher Maxine Lockwood will perform on stage for the final time at the annual end of year production ‘Hats Off to 40 Years’ at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre this month.

Mount Gambier’s dance community celebrates a major milestone as Maryke Dance Academy reaches its 40th anniversary under the leadership of founder and principal Maxine Lockwood.

From humble beginnings with just 14 students, Miss Lockwood – as she’s referred to by generations of students – has nurtured thousands of dancers, creating a legacy that has shaped the region’s performing arts scene.

Maxine’s love for dance began early. Born into a dance family, her mother Fay Lockwood taught ballet and calisthenics across regional South Australia.

In 1962 at just two and a half years old, Maxine was already training with dance teacher Zelda Parker and by her teenage years, she was travelling to Adelaide regularly for advanced ballet classes.

“I loved going on stage. Ballet was my main genre but give me a tap solo and I couldn’t wait to perform,” Maxine said.

In 1972, the Lockwood family moved to Adelaide so Maxine could focus on ballet studies at Eileen Hogarth School of Dance, later training under renowned dance teacher Sheila Lang.

“It was very repetitive, every day was the same. We’d start with limbering, then two hours of ballet class and then we’d work on routines in the afternoon and exam work in the evenings.”

Her talent was soon recognised. In 1976, at just 16 years old, Maxine was accepted into the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London, an extraordinary achievement for a young dancer from Mount Gambier.

“It was a dream come true,” Maxine said. “The training was rigorous, but it gave me an incredible foundation and insight into the world of professional dance.”

After a year immersed in world-class training, learning repertoire, notation, pas de deux and character dance, Maxine faced a blunt reality.

“They told me my height – 5”2, wasn’t ideal. They offered me a three-year teaching course, but my parents had to raise money just to get me to London in the first place, so staying wasn’t possible,” she said.

Maxine returned to Adelaide in 1978 and turned her focus to instruction, completing her teaching qualifications under the guidance of one of Australia’s most respected dance educators Gwen Mackey OAM.

Not one to give up easily, Maxine continued to audition for dance roles, resorting to a creative ‘lift’ at one point.

“I did an audition for a cruise ship where you had to be 5”4 and of course I was 5”2, so I went in with character shoes on (to add to her height), but it didn’t make any difference,” she said.

She soon accepted a new path and returned to the South East.

“I got offered a job to run Zelda Parker’s dance studio in Millicent before she retired, so I did that for a year,” Maxine said.

In 1984, Maxine acquired a small dance studio above Arthur’s Photo Studio on Commercial Street in Mount Gambier and renamed it Maryke Dance Academy, focusing on ballet, tap and jazz.

With 14 students, Maxine began building what would become one of the region’s most respected dance schools. The studio moved to the Commonwealth Bank building in 1988 and then to its current location on Pine Hall Avenue at Suttontown in 1993.

From exams, eisteddfods and concerts, to choreographing a 30-minute ballet titled The Settlement for Mount Gambier’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1988, Maxine’s career is filled with memorable milestones.

She was commissioned for performances addressing local social issues and dedicated herself to mentoring students – guiding many from shy beginners to accomplished professional dancers.

“My goal was simple, to pass on what I loved and help someone reach the Australian Ballet. – We have achieved that and so much more,” she said.

Over four decades, Maxine has taught more than 4000 students, many progressing to prestigious schools and companies including the Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada and Sydney Dance Company.

Notable alumni include Luke Igham, Lisa Robinson, Madeline Harms, Anna Harms and Rachael Walsh, who have all graced stages worldwide.

The most recent success story is Charlotte Fewster, who commenced full time training at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth this year. Other students have pursued careers in choreography, teaching and performing arts education.

Former and current students speak fondly of Maxine’s influence and the studio culture she has created. Kim Pasquelin (née Smith) was one of Maxine’s first students in 1984 and began dancing at the studio at age eight. She remembers the discipline and structure that defined her early years of dance.

“Miss Lockwood was very strict. We didn’t dare to say a word in class. She had a stick/cane named ‘Martha’ to keep us on the beat. Between Miss Lockwood and Martha we were literally kept on our toes. Later, she gifted me my own cane named ‘Arthur’ – the son of Martha,” Kim said.

Josie Lang (née Lamb) danced at Maryke from age 3 to 18 and recalls the excitement and sense of belonging that came with being part of the academy.

“I’d sit at the front door dressed and ready hours before class because I loved it so much. I wanted to be a dance teacher just like Miss Lockwood. I remember seeing her do pirouettes while heavily pregnant and even washing the studio floor with Coca-Cola during school holidays to make it ‘grippy’,” Josie said.

“Without Miss Lockwood I would never have gone on to become a professional performer, tour the country, and train at ED5International. Today, I’m a specialist Primary School Dance, Drama and Music teacher – none of which would have been possible without my start at Maryke.”

Sharrae Muzaliwa (née Daulby) describes the Maryke Dance Academy as a sanctuary and credits Maxine for her unwavering belief in her students.

“Miss Lockwood was the best dance teacher I ever had. She believed in my ability even when I couldn’t see I,” Sharrae said. “She pushed me further than I thought was possible and created a sense of camaraderie that stayed with us long after we left.

“I loved being at the studio – it was a place of relief, a second home. I’ll never forget the Circus Concert where my duo partner and I made the audience roar with laughter. Those were some of the best years of my life.”

Anna Harms – now living in Germany where she continues her dance journey – credits Maxine for instilling the discipline that shaped her professional career.

“Miss Lockwood helped instil in me the work ethic and self-discipline required to become a professional dancer. Without her influence in my formative years, I believe I wouldn’t have been as successful in my career,” Anna said.

Lateasha Bruhn, a current student of 20 years, emphasised the importance of Maxine’s nurturing approach.

“Miss Lockwood creates an environment where you feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Her warmth, patience and kindness make every class uplifting, and her passion for dance inspires me to keep improving,” Lateasha said.

Shanna-Lee Locker, a current student of 16 years, said she treasures the moments when Maxine joins her dancers on stage.

“Miss Lockwood teaches a beautiful and classic style of dance that is hard to find in many modern teachers,” she said. “She pushes dancers to reach their highest potential, often knowing what we’re capable of before we do.

“My most memorable moments are when she joins our senior tap dances on stage for concerts, those are truly special. She instilled strong values of teamwork, togetherness, and a love of our art.”

Sophie Brown, who has danced at Maryke since the age of three and is now in her 18th year, said Maxine has had a profound impact on her life.

“Miss Lockwood has created an environment where we feel supported, challenged and able to laugh along the way. She is one of the people I value most in my life and someone who has been a constant role model growing up,” Sophie said.

Both of Maxine’s daughters Amber and Tara Batten, have grown up dancing at Maryke, but Maxine admits it wasn’t part of her original plan.

“I wanted them to do something different. We did swimming and I got them into tennis. I didn’t even bring them to the studio. Amber was seven when she asked to start ballet. I said, ‘well, if you really want to, don’t you want to do basketball or something?’ And of course, she started so Tara came along too.”

Amber has now been dancing for 22 years and recalls one of her most exciting milestones: getting her first pair of pointe shoes.

“Miss Lockwood would get the stopwatch out and time us tying our ribbons – I can proudly do mine in under a minute now, which helps with quick changes,” Amber said.

Amber paid tribute to her mother as a dance teacher and the inclusive spirit at the studio.

“Miss Lockwood is more than just a mother to me – she’s a mother figure to everyone at the studio,” she said. “She pours everything into the students and the studio, from hours spent sourcing music and making props to giving up weekends for rehearsals. Every milestone is celebrated with the same enthusiasm. That’s the family dynamic we all feel.”

Maryke Dance Academy also offers tap classes for adults, a tradition dating back to 1988. The current group has been dancing together since 2017, with participants aged from their mid-40s to mid-70s.

“They love performing in the eisteddfod and concerts and bring incredible energy to the stage,” Maxine said.

When asked what makes a great dancer at any age, Maxine emphasises drive, determination and respect. She recalls her former student Rachael Walsh, who she said began with “two left feet” and became a successful Queensland Ballet soloist.

“Rachael wanted to perform a solo at an Eisteddfod. I paired her with one of my senior dancers to help her prepare. She didn’t place, but from that moment, something changed – she blossomed. Rachael developed an artistic quality you simply can’t teach. Despite numerous injuries, she never let pain stop her. She just kept going,” Maxine said.

The annual end of year Maryke concert remains a highlight, showcasing the creativity and talent at the studio. Past themes include The Adventures of the Nutcracker, Snow White and the Giants, and Rhythm and Shoes and Maxine’s personal favourite from 1992 – Dreams at Christmas.

This year’s production, Hats Off to 40 Years, will celebrate the history of the academy and will be especially memorable, as Maxine makes her final on-stage appearance, a fitting tribute to a lifetime devoted to dance.

“This will be my last time performing on stage. I’ve taught the routine, and now I’ve been talked into joining in. It feels like the right way to celebrate 40 years,” Maxine said.

Tickets are now on sale for two performances of Hats Off to 40 Years at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on Friday. December 12, at 7pm, and Saturday, December 13, at 2pm.

Even after more than 40 years, Maxine plans to continue teaching and mentoring.

“Seeing students grow in confidence and achieve their dreams – that is what keeps me going. Dance is more than steps; it’s discipline, creativity and joy.”

Maryke Dance Academy enrolments are open for 2026, from age three to adult classes.

“Whether you dream of a professional career or simply want to experience the joy of movement, there’s a place for you at Maryke. We’re more than a dance school, we’re a community.”