Ella Jayne Daniel | Darcy Greenwood | Talia Stoker

Published in Print July 2025 order now!

By Danielle Brown

In the heart of Western Australia’s performing arts scene, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) continues to shape the next generation of dancers. Renowned for its rigorous training and holistic approach to performance education, WAAPA attracts aspiring dancers from across the country—and beyond—who are hungry to refine their craft, expand their artistry, and find their voice on and off the stage.

We sat down with three passionate students who are living the WAAPA experience from the inside: second-year contemporary student Ella Jayne Daniel, third-year ballet student Darcy Greenwood, and third-year ballet dancer Talia Stoker. Each brings a unique story to their journey at WAAPA—and all of them share a deep appreciation for the transformative nature of this institution.

“It Always Felt Like Home”: Ella Jayne Daniel’s Contemporary Journey

For 19-year-old Ella Jayne Daniel, choosing WAAPA was instinctual.

“It always felt like home,” she shares. “I always had a look in depth at other dance schools, but this one seemed the most in-depth with its technique and theory work. That really helped me go where I needed to go.”

A former student of the Catherine Mantle Academy of Performing Arts, Ella admits the transition into WAAPA’s training environment was a challenge—but a welcomed one.

“It was different, but it was good because it helped refine the knowledge I already had,” she says. “We stripped back to basics, but it was nice to be able to expand on those and learn how to elaborate them more.”

Ella also speaks highly of the academic balance WAAPA provides. “I think it’s a good mix—it pushes you mentally, but it’s not so hard that you can’t focus on classes. The anatomy and physical physiology we learn ties into ballet and contemporary so well. It really strengthens our technique. We do four ballet classes and five contemporary classes a week.”

Working part-time on weekends, Ella uses her weekdays to make the most of learning opportunities. She strongly encourages others to consider the program.
“The family you end up creating here—you’re with them every day, so you get really close. And the training pushes you without over exhausting you. I came from a school where I was overexerted, so it’s refreshing. Plus, you get to explore different styles and even cultural dances. It’s so valuable.”

Ella plans to continue into WAAPA’s third-year LINK Dance Company and is even considering Honours. “Each year you improve. You get different teaching styles and methods, and you expand your choreographic skills. Even if you didn’t like a class or a teacher, it all helps. Last year, we had a huge range of ballet experience—some with none, some with 16 years like me—and now we’re all on the same level. It’s amazing.”

From Karate to Centre Stage, Darcy Greenwood’s Ballet Evolution

Twenty-year-old Darcy Greenwood’s journey into ballet began unconventionally—with karate.

“It’s a bit of a Billy Elliot story,” he laughs. “I did karate from pre-primary to Year 4, but I realised I didn’t like hurting people as a hobby. I was watching a dance TV show and thought it looked cool. I started with acrobatics, hip hop, and contemporary before a friend at Kim Baker Ballet Academy suggested ballet.”
From Year 7 to Year 12, Darcy trained rigorously at Kim Baker. “My teacher saw a future for me. I was there four to six days a week. They really shaped me.”
Originally hoping to transition into musical theatre, WAAPA ended up redefining his goals. “I thought I’d come in for dance and maybe move into musical theatre. But once I started training full-time, I just fell in love with dance even more.”

He describes his passion for ballet as an addiction to the process. “You just get hooked on improving. And I’ve always had this innate desire to perform—music just makes me want to move.”

Darcy also shares the challenges of being a male-identifying ballet dancer. “I wasn’t bullied too badly in high school—I went to an all-boys Catholic school—but being gay definitely made me a target more than the ballet. The stigma around male dancers is tied to femininity and sexuality. I copped more judgement for being gay than for dancing.”

Still, his attitude remains resilient. “I didn’t care. I knew I was being true to myself. I focused on dancing and the people who mattered. But I know not everyone finds it that easy.”

For Darcy, WAAPA’s vibrant arts environment has been life-changing. “It’s cool being here. You’re surrounded by musical theatre, acting, music—everyone’s doing their thing. It’s inspiring. It pushes me to dance with more soul.”

Having grown up in a highly academic household—both parents are scientists—Darcy originally imagined a different future. “I worked really hard in school and thought I’d follow in their footsteps. But I’ve always wanted to live an extraordinary life, and WAAPA gave me a pathway to something greater.”

Now, he’s committed. “I’m dead set on becoming a dancer. I’ve narrowed in on what I want—and WAAPA is helping me get there.”

Resilience in Motion, Talia Stoker’s Dance Comeback

Talia Stoker, 20, knows what it means to push through adversity. After years of full-time dance training and completing her ATAR via the School of Isolated and Distance Education, her path took an unexpected detour.

“I was trained to get a job straight out of school. But I had knee issues and ended up needing double knee surgery in 2022. I wasn’t even sure if I could dance again,” she explains.

During her recovery year, she started a psychology degree at Curtin University, considering a shift to performance psychology. But her rehab journey reignited her passion. “I realised I still wanted to make a career out of dance. WAAPA was perfect—it combines academics and dance, so you’re prepared for more than just one outcome.”

Talia credits the program’s structure for her smooth return to form. “The progression through each year is steady—it helps you kick old habits and retrain your body. By third year, you’re ready for the workforce.”

Having experienced multiple injuries, Talia is already considering a post-performance career in physiotherapy or teaching. “I’ve been through so many injuries, and it’s taught me so much. That gap year really changed my mindset. Now I’m thinking about giving back—maybe teaching, or working in dance-related physio.”
What does she love most about WAAPA? “The learning. Every class offers something new. The teachers have such diverse backgrounds and bring unique insights. It pushes you to grow in ways you wouldn’t if you were training alone.”

The WAAPA Experience, More Than Just Dance

Each student echoes the same sentiment—WAAPA is more than a training ground. It’s a community, a place for growth, a space to dream big and discover resilience. Whether it’s Ella’s passion for theory, Darcy’s drive to perform, or Talia’s journey of recovery, the heart of WAAPA beats in the stories of its students.
Their journeys remind us that dance is not just about movement—it’s about becoming.