LAUNCH ACADEMY

The LAUNCH Academy was created to give students who are skilled in the Performing Arts an alternative schooling solution for completing their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Distance Education allows students the flexibility to take on extra dance and industry training whilst studying to qualify for university.

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A Unique Program for Ambitious Dancers

The LAUNCH Academy Program includes training in all dance genres, vocal and acting skills.

Our course takes a blended training approach that includes highly specialised dance training in both technical and commercial genres as well as personalised mentoring in the business aspects of becoming a successful commercial dancer.

LAUNCH Academy’s teachers, mentors and trainers are past and current industry professionals who are highly regarded in the industry.

Dependent on what year they are in, students also have the opportunity to complete a CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance during their time at LAUNCH Academy. Credit points are awarded towards their QCE certificate upon completion of these courses.

Dance Full Time and Complete Your High School Education

LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre recommends Cairns School of Distance Education. Cairns School of Distance Education is a Queensland State School and works as a sole academic provider, offering educational services to home-based and school-based learners from prep to Year 12.

Students who are accepted into the LAUNCH Academy must independently enrol with Cairns Distance Education or another Distance Education of their choice.

LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre will provide a letter of acceptance to successful candidates. Please request an information pack for Cairns School of Distance Education with our office team for more information.

Why Study with LAUNCH Academy?

Strong Technical Foundation

Students undertake several hours of technical training each week to ensure significant improvement in skill level and decrease the chance of injury.

Complete your (CUA30120) Certificate III in Dance

Dependent on what year, students also have the opportunity to complete a (CUA30120) Certificate III in Dance during their time at LAUNCH Academy.

Individual Coaching

There are so many different and exciting pathways to take within this industry. It is our job to guide and mentor you down your ideal path to ensure your best possible chance of success.

Take on the World

Our intention is to prepare students for their chosen pathway whilst ensuring that they are ready for all other options. Students are trained to be the best technicians and performing artists they can be.

Applications Now Open For 2024 and 2025 LAUNCH Academy

2024 & 2025 LAUNCH Academy Year Groups

For more information on LAUNCH Academy, please contact us at courses@launchpac.au or call us on 07 5527 7724.

Michelle Hopper Doyle

Course Director

Michelle exhibits over 25 years of extensive experience in the Performing Arts Industry, culminating most recently in her choreography work on seasons 3, 4 and 5 of The Masked Singer, under the creative direction of The Squared Division. Throughout her career, Michelle has worked with renowned directors and choreographers such as Baz Luhrmann, George Miller, David Atkins, Kelley Abbey, Wade Robson, The Squared Division, John O’Connell, Jason Coleman, Nathan Mark Wright and Dein Perry.

Her journey as a dancer has led her to prominent roles in major stage productions including playing the role of Cyd Cherise in the Australasian tour of Singin’ in the Rain and Grease Arena Spectacular featuring John Farnham and choreographed by Kelley Abbey. Michelle has also graced the silver screen in films like Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, Happy Feet 1 and 2, The Son of Mask and Goddess showcasing her versatility and talent.

On television, Michelle was a regular presence on prestigious shows like The TV Week Logie Awards, Helpmann Awards, MTV Music Awards, X Factor, Australian Idol, Aria Awards, The Nickelodeon Awards, Rove Live, SYTYCD, Hey Hey It’s Saturday and DWTS, performing with National and International Music Artists including Kylie Minogue, Jessica Mauboy, Boyzone and Adam Lambert, among others.

Beyond her performance accomplishments, Michelle is dedicated to mentoring pre-professional students. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, she has developed a course that not only imparts the necessary skills but also provides one-on-one feedback. Her commitment to offering personal attention ensures that students attending LAUNCH receive valuable guidance and support in pursuing their artistic aspirations. Michelle’s passion for mentorship underscores her belief in sharing the tools and insights needed for success in the performing arts industry.

Our Partner

LAUNCH has partnered with the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) to present our unique certificate course syllabus.

ATOD are Leaders in the field of dance education with a rich history in providing dance syllabus’ of the highest technical standard in order to provide students with performance and leadership opportunities.

ATOD is the registered RTO for the LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre (RTO #31624).

Testimonials

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In 2015, at the age of 12, I began my dance training under the guidance of Michelle Hopper Doyle at Launch Performing Arts Centre. Looking back, I can confidently say that I would not be the artist I am today, nor would I be anywhere close to where I am in my professional career, if it weren’t for her constant support and care, as well as the exceptional quality of training she provides.

Michelle not only imparts her knowledge and resources to her students, but she also shares the wisdom she has gained over her 20 years of being a professional in the industry herself. This is what truly sets her apart from many dance teachers today. 

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Sophie Zidar
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I am honored to write this testimonial for Michelle Hopper Doyle, who has had a profound impact on my professional dance training and career. Michelle’s expertise and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my journey and have given me the tools to thrive in the dance industry. 

Michelle possesses an in-depth understanding of our profession and has the ability to impart that knowledge to her students. Under her guidance, I have learned the ins and outs of our industry, gaining invaluable insights on how to navigate it with longevity.

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Devante Latorre
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I have been a part of Launch Performing Arts Centre since the beginning, and I can confidently say that it has been the best decision of my life. Being a student at Launch has not only shaped me as a dancer, but it has also influenced my morals and values as a person. Under the constant guidance of Michelle, the director, I have learned everything I know and I wouldn’t be the person and dancer I am today without her.

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Karin Mochizuki
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I made the decision at 22 years old to follow my performing dreams and train full-time at Launch. For me there was nowhere else I wanted to train more than under the direction of Michelle Hopper-Doyle. Nervous and with the singular goal to simply be open and see what comes out of the year, I began my journey. We had the privilege of learning from top industry professionals weekly, alongside a stellar line up of guest teachers. Their talent, artistry and knowledge was inspiring and their investment in our training and us as individuals truly transformed me as a performer.

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Emma Pavichievac
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For as long as I can remember dance has always been my biggest passion in life. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it was difficult for many dancers like me to maintain the busy dance schedule that we usually had and to enjoy dancing in our own homes. I reached out to Michelle during this Covid period, and she welcomed me to the studio with open arms. She sparked my love for dance again. Michelle speaks about dance with so much knowledge and passion behind her words that it’s hard not to want to train under someone like her.

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Michelle Leung
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At the beginning of 2023 I moved from Brisbane to the Gold Coast to train full-time at LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre, under the guidance of Michelle Hopper-Doyle. The decision to train at LAUNCH has been nothing but inspiring and fulfilling. The wide range of classes, choreographers, and performance opportunities available to us is unmatched. We receive a variety of styles taught by the industry’s most sought-after professionals, ensuring we attain a well-rounded education with the correct tools for succeeding with longevity. The experienced teachers not only challenge me but push me to surpass my own ideas of what I am capable of. They assist me to continuously strive to become the most well-rounded performer and ensure I reach my full potential.  

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Erin
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Starting as a newcomer to the performing arts world at a late age I never imagined the transformation that awaited me when I stepped into Launch. When I was entering grade 10 at my regular high school I decided to continue my studies through The ‘Launch academy’ without any prior dance training, just ambition and passion. Under the direction of Michelle Hopper Doyle, it didn’t matter my ability, but my determination.

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Kye Hall
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10+ incredible years of extensive training, performing and teaching at Launch Performing Arts Centre, have allowed me to pursue and craft a career of my own. Michelle Hopper Doyle, Troy Phillips and other key staff members of Launch nurtured, guided, loved and cared for me throughout my entire journey as a young performer and young individual. Their tailored guidance and direction across all genres of dance and performance instilled a work ethic and resilient mindset.

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Ryley Shaw