Ashgrove Dance Studio

Nellie Lawrence (1899 - 1912)

Katie Cannan (1913-1922)

Thelma Robertson (1922 - 1938)

Brenda McCullough (1932 -1935)

Phyllis Danaher (Guest Tutor)

The Ashgrove Dance Studio originates from the oldest ballet school in Queensland. The original school commenced in 1899 under the direction of Nellie Lawrence and was continued by Katie Cannan from 1913 to 1922. At that time it came under the direction of Thelma Robertson who with Brenda McCullough taught until 1935, when Thelma Robertson continued the school alone for a further three years. 1938 saw Joy and Faye Bassett take the reins and in 1945 their sister, Nell, joined them. The Bassetts conducted studios in the inner city, Camp Hill, Mitchelton, Southport and Ashgrove.

In January 1973 they passed their Ashgrove School to Wendy and Judith Lowe who had gained their early training with the Bassetts, and who have built it into the vibrant Studio that it is today.

Wendy and Judith also studied with Frankie Thompson and Phyllis Danaher completing all their examinations in the RAD syllabus and becoming fully Registered Teachers of the RAD.

Phyllis Danaher, one of the early RAD examiners also taught at the studio as a guest teacher giving extra lessons to students prior to exams.

Today the studio has former students dancing overseas in both classical and modern dance companies and some have made a career of lecturing in dance at Queensland University of Technology. Students sit annually for the Royal Academy of Dance examinations with excellent results being attained in both the junior and senior examinations.

We hope to instill in our students a love of dance and for them to gain enjoyment in learning from our studio as well as achieving a high level of expertise in their chosen field.

Wendy and Judy Lowe
Principals
Ashgrove Dance Studio