History

In 1994, Queensland World Dance Academy (QWDA) found its humble origins in a rented studio with eight diligent students. Back then, principal Susan Wang had just begun to work on her vision as a versatile artist. Her teaching focused on classical ballet and oriental dance, both of which would become the foundation for QWDA’s iconic identity.

QWDA’s first concert production Cloud and Shadow was held at the Brisbane Suncorp Theatre in 1998. This concert was described by VIP guest Kevin Rudd as: “unmatchable, a perfect bridging of Western and Eastern cultures continually fulfilling and enriching Australia’s diverse multiculturalism”. From there on, as QWDA reached more and more audiences, the diversity of the school was recognized as a true specialty. Eventually, QWDA would become a part of every major multicultural event across Australia.

In 2007, QWDA became the first ever registered training organisation in the country to offer Certificate IV and Diploma accredited courses in Western and Eastern dance. This further solidified QWDA’s influence as an energetic life force, propelling the evolution of dance. The fusion of styles that is both traditional and modern is something yet to be touched by another Australian dance school. QWDA is proud of its prominence as a community dedicated to the beautiful complexity that captures the humanistic essence of dance.