Star Train Academy
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Our Place
We operate out of clean, air-conditioned and recently updated premises.
Welcome to Star Train Academy
Celebrating 17 years of operation in 2012
WE ARE NOW TAKING ENROLMENTS FOR 2012. CLASS INQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL US OR PHONE ON 0402111510
Paula and Tom Grunbaum, the owners, believe that children who participate in song and dance increase their self-esteem and self-motivation. They develop a discipline that provides them with the poise and foundation that are invaluable in any future endeavour, whether in the theatrical arts or in a profession where confidence and discipline are essential.
We maintain a standard of excellence and nurturing that benefits our students in the body, mind and spirit.
TRY A CLASS FREE OF CHARGE! Contact Paula today.
News Updates
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"We're off to Disneyland and Universal Studios in 2012!"
Meet our staff
We have a dedicated and committed team of professionals.
We know what our families want. The best available staff and teachers. That's why we employ the best.
Our spacious facility coupled with our highly trained staff ensures your child receives the best training possible. All of our teachers are qualified and also chosen for their caring nature in the teaching of children. They continue to work in the entertainment industry providing up to date knowledge to the students.
Tom Grunbaum
Tom has a background in sales and promotion that is a great asset for Star Train.
"Showcasing talent in not like it was years ago. There are no longer television shows etc. for young performers to hone their singing and dancing skills. We endeavour to find venues that are supportive and safe for our more experienced students enabling them to feel confident in getting up on a stage and having a go. It is the only way to gain experience and put what they have learnt to the test. I'm proud to have showcased our students as part of the holiday entertainment at Knox shopping centre, Eastland s/c, Boxhill s/c, Brandon Park s/c, festivals and charity events."
Paula Grunbaum
Before Star Train, Paula had worked at the Johnny Young Talent School in Richmond.
Her background in administration enables her to take care of the day to day running of the school.
"I love what I do and it allows the teachers to do what they're best at and that is to teach. Young Talent Time ran for eighteen years and produced some amazing talent. I was so fortunate to have been a witness to that and part of the Talent school. Tom and I want every child to enjoy their time at Star Train Academy and develop a love of music."
This is Kate's 15th year at Star Train and along with her training at S.T.A. has been having (and continues to have) private singing lessons since she was ten.
In September 2008, Kate gained the lead role in the off Broadway smah hit musical Zana Don't - A Musical Fairy Tale.
Kate also has performed extensively all over Melbourne, Europe and Canada. After singing, her second love is acting and Kate has appeared in television productions such as Saddle Club, Blue Heelers, Neighbours etc. After completing VCE voice, in 2008 Kate starts her degree in Musical Theatre.
Kate Osborn
Erin Skurrie
Erin commenced teaching at Star Train at the beginning of 2009 and our recent concert demonstrates the progress and achievements her students have made under her guidance.
Erin has won numerous awards, a ballet scholarship and worked on varous musical productions as dancer and choreographer. She is trained in RAD ballet, jazz, tap, Irish and contemporary.
She continues to perform and hone her craft through dance classes. Her rich and varied training is impressive but as Erin explains, "I believe that while skills and abilities are important, underlying values and attitudes impact enormously on the way that we live and work."
Students and Star Train are very fortunate to have Erin as their teacher.
Laura Di Mattina
Dance Tutor
Bio to come....
Classes at S.T.A
What to wear
Once students have committed to a class we ask the following:
At S.T.A. we utilise a number of dance, song and music styles that target a range of personal preferences, age groups and / or developmental stages.
Children will generally progress through each stage according to age however some children are given additional responsibilities or opportunities according to their progress throughout the term.
Jazz - Girls.
Black three quarter leggins with black tee shirt or singlet. In winter black jazz pants can be worn over the leggins with black cardigan or wrap around. Flesh coloured jazz shoes. Long hair tied back in a ponytail, short hair either a headband or clipped off the face.
Tap - Girls.
Same as above with Flesh coloured tap shoes.
Jazz - Boys.
Black bike shorts, pants or similar and black tee shirt. Black jazz shoes
Tap - Boys.
As for the jazz. Black tap shoes.
Hip Hop - Girls and Boys.
Appropriate dance wear no jeans or cargo pants. Black jazz boots.
All students must have their own drink bottle and if doing singing, a folder from home for the words of the songs.
3-4 year-old Creative Jazz
This class introduces the student to the basic steps in Jazz dance.
Using their favourite music, the teacher encourages them towards a routine that will be part of the mid-year demonstration and/or the end of year concert. Our aim in this forty-five minute class is to assist in developing co-ordination and create a love of music and movement.
Pink ballet slippers are a prerequisite.
5 year-olds Song and Dance
A one hour class comprising Jazz dancing with some singing. Proper vocal training does not commence until the student is aged six.
5 years and above - Tap Dancing
This forty-five minute class is designed for beginners through to advanced covering a wide range of tapping styles from traditional to contemporary.
Tap is an excellent compliment to Mainstream.
6 years and above -
Mainstream
The student does forty-five minutes of modern jazz with a dance teacher followed by forty-five minutes of singing with their vocal teacher. The student develops an understanding of diction, microphone use and breathing. Both classes incorporate aspects of performance presentation.
Jazz classes require some form of stretching in order to warm up the muscles. Plus over time, the student will learn centre control which is the focal point from which all movement emanates.
Also, spotting is important as a turning technique. Jazz dancers strong and sharp movements are greatly aided by a good background in ballet technique.
Flesh coloured Jazz shoes for girls and black for boys are a prerequisite.
6 years and above - Hip Hop
A forty-five minute high energy, fun filled class comprising of the latest dance moves as seen on video hits and movies.
Performance Group
By invitation only
These classes are designed for the student who wants to do more and perhaps pursue a career within the entertainment industry.
A greater level of commitment is required from not only the student but also the parents. Classes are longer and students are expected to work at a higher intensity.
As part of their course students must perform at various venues outside of the school.
Events at S.T.A
At Star Train Academy we offer the invaluable experience of live performing for students who want to do more. Every student participates in the end of year concert as well as our mid-year demonstration.
We also offer Star Train Idol for any student participating in song and jazz. Apart from these, if a student indicates a desire to do more performing we have the Performance Groups. Please speak to Paula and Tom for further information.
In the past and up to the present, the Star Train Performance Groups have been part of the school holiday entertainment at Knox City shopping centre, Eastland, Box Hill and Brandon Park. They have performed at the Crown Casino, fetes and festivals.
In 2006 students from Star Train Academy were included in the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, Moomba 2007 and 2009, Knox Performing Arts Centre annual holiday entertainment and the annual Myer Christmas Parade.
End of Year Extravaganza
Concert 2010 was our best yet, just ask everyone who attended. To view photos click here .
Our end of year concert is a big event for students, teachers and parents. We are gaining a reputation for one of the best concert shows around.
Star Train Idol
Sunday the 30th of August 2009 saw another successful Star Train Idol.
Congratulations to everyone who participated. Split into two age groups, Lucy Morabito won in the older category with her amazing rendition of Stand by me.
In the younger, Nikki Wison won with Butterfly fly away. Both girls will repeat their performances in the end of year concert.
Thanks to Nikki Nichols, our Idol judge, who had the difficult task of choosing. Photos to follow.
Mid-Year Demonstration
Each year Star Train has a Mid Year Demonstration.
Every class performs and experiences what it is like being on stage withour having to wait until the end of year concert. The students peform what they have learnt in term 2.
Students wear their own dance clothes or street wear.
The date for this years mid year demonstration was Sunday 15 June 2008. This was a fun packed day and a great opportunity for family and friends to see the progress of their own children as well as other classes.
Moomba Parade
Students from Star Train Academy participated in the Moomba parade in 2008.
The Moomba Parade is a Melbourne icon and Star Train Adcademy was thrilled to be part of the 1500 performers who marched down Swantston Street.
In 2008, our students were part of the History of Migration, Victoria's Legends, the Coastal Region and Rural Production.
2010 Moomba Parade was spectacular due to the rain stopping long enough for the parade to make it down Swanston Street. Star Train students shone in the section Four Seasons In One Day which turned out to be very appropriate.
2011 Moomba Parade sees us in the November section dancing behind Wilbur Wilde's float who is our mad conductor.
Royal Children's Hospital
Thanks from the Star Train students who performed in the Starlight room on Saturday, August 8th.
Captain Starlight and staff at the Royal Children's Hospital made the performances all the more entertaining with your support and enthusiasm.
We can't wait to go back in 2011!!!
Dance Out Loud
"Dance Out Loud at the Knox Community Arts Centre, gave our Performance Groups another opportunity to shine.
From the opening of Dreamgirls through to the finale of Happy Endings, it was a singing and dancing extravaganza. Not only do these students get to sing live and dance to the general public but also utilise the space they are taught in.
Opportunities to perform outside of the normal performing year is an added bonus and we are thrilled that it is through and for our local community."
Star Train Academy's Lifetime Achiever's Award
In 2008 Star Train Academy introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award. The inaugural inductees go to Alex Robinson, Kate Osborn and Tamara Hollett and Carmen Celeste.
Alex Robinson
Tamara Hollett
Carmen Celeste
Melways Reference page 64 Map G:3
Cnr of Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road
Phone: (03) 90788261
Mob: 0402 111 510
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We acknowledge that without the support of our friends we would be limited in our capacity to serve the community. On behalf of Star Train a big "THANK YOU" to the following:
Melbourne Business and Investment Corporation
(MBIC) is an established, family business, built on strong values and principles.
MBIC is well recognised in the marketplace as the property investment and business sales specialists.
Contact MBIC on 9813 8188 or click on their logo (above) to go to their website.
"Complete recording and music production services for all vocalists, instrumentalists and bands, tailored to your needs and budget. Expert and friendly service, with a complete satisfaction guarantee."
Call Steve Vertigan today on (03) 9754 1182 or 0415 236 303. All enquiries welcome. Only 42km from the Melbourne CBD in the Dandenong Ranges.
"Do take the time to visit our studio in Knoxfield....We have so many different flavours to choose from."
Everyday is a great day for a cake from Special Treats By Carolyn.
Keep an eye for Special Treats By Carolyn displays around town at all the best Bridal Fairs.
Remember us when when you or your friends are having a birthday. Not only do we make award winning Wedding Cakes but our special events cakes will really surprise you!
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For great food, service and atmosphere - Star Train Academy recommends Raffaele's.
Drop in and see them at 4/66 Main Street, Croydon.
Phone 9725 1047
Raffaele's Italian Cuisine Phone 9725 1047
Hinga Web Solutions
Soggy Dog Recording
Special Treats by Carolyn
Laubman & Pank- Optometrists
Moomba Parade 2010
More Updates
Congratulations
Everyone from Star Train wishes to congratulate students, Jessica and Natalie Vosinthavong on successfully auditioning for the Production Company's production of the King and I at the State Theatre in July. Well done, girls!!
Click on icon to view Knox Leader
and News >>>
More Congratulations
Everyone from Star Train sends their congratulations to our beautiful teacher, Carmen on her recent wedding.
New Sponsor
Star Train welcomes sponsors, Laubman & Pank Optometrists. Further details on our growing Supporters page.
Once again we were thrilled to have been asked to perform at the Moomba Parade in March 2010 - shown live on Channel 7.
Knox Festival
Check out new photographs taken from our Knox Festival held recently in February.
Publication1.pdf
Mid Year Concert 2010
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