About Us
Celebrating Over 40 Years of Dance in Rockhampton
Celebrating Over 40 Years
Founded in 1981 by Narelle Aspinall, a former student of the esteemed Valeria Hansen, Capricorn School of Dancing has shaped generations of dancers in Rockhampton and beyond. What began as a small studio with big dreams has grown into a vibrant, multi-generational dance community.
With a foundation built on classical technique, discipline, and love for the arts, our school continues to foster confidence, creativity, and connection through dance.
Where Every Dancer Shines
We believe dance is more than movement—it's a lifelong gift. At Capricorn School of Dancing, students are nurtured in a supportive, family-like environment that encourages self-expression, resilience, and joy.
Whether it's a child's first class or a teen preparing for the stage, our mission is the same: to help every dancer feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Leaders with Heart, Teachers with Vision
Our school is led by Principal Narelle Aspinall and Co-Director Natalie Jahnke, supported by a team of highly qualified, passionate educators.
Narelle Aspinall
Principal & Founder
Natalie Jahnke
Co-Director
Since 1981
For more than four decades, Capricorn School of Dancing has remained grounded in what works: disciplined training, proven syllabi, and teachers who understand that technique is the foundation of artistry.
Trends change. Standards matter. The work endures.
A Dance Family That Grows With You
Many of our current students are the children—or even grandchildren—of past pupils, and several of our teaching staff are proud alumni who've returned to share their passion. Over the decades, we've built a trusted, inclusive studio culture where students of all backgrounds can thrive.
We proudly support community performances, local theatre productions, and events across Central Queensland—sharing the joy of dance beyond our studio walls.
The Alumni
Alumni success is not accidental. It reflects decades of disciplined, foundation-first training. Our graduates perform on international stages, lead companies, and return to teach the next generation. This is what systematic training produces.
Gretel Scarlett
CSOD Graduate
From Rockhampton to International Stages
An exceptional CSOD alumna, Gretel's journey from Rockhampton to the world stage reflects the transformative potential of our training. After foundational training with us, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre from WAAPA, graduating with awards such as the Finley Award, Leslie Anderson Award, and Hal Leonard Award for outstanding performance.
Her professional breakthrough came as Sandy in the Australian production of Grease (2013–2015), before she went on to star as Kathy Selden in the 2016–17 national tour of Singin' in the Rain. Gretel also appeared in major international shows like Wicked and Mamma Mia across Australia, Singapore, and South Korea, often understudying leading roles such as Elphaba and Nessarose.
In 2021, she joined Disney's Frozen in Sydney as the understudy for Elsa and then rejoined for the Singapore season, before being invited to join the North American tour of Frozen in 2023 as head handmaiden and Elsa understudy.
Jessica "Jess" Bock
CSOD Graduate
From Rockhampton to Sydney's Professional Stage
One of many talented graduates who trained with us until age 17, Jess then pursued further study at Village Nation Performing Arts in Sydney, earning a Diploma in Musical Theatre in 2021. Originally from Rockhampton, she moved into the professional industry—performing regularly in Sydney's commercial theatre scene.
Jess also choreographed workshops and performed in productions including The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour. Her rise from regional student to professional performer is a testament to the quality of training and guidance at CSOD.
Jorja Millgate
CSOD Graduate
From Local Stages to International Seas
A dedicated CSOD student throughout her formative years, Jorja went on to full-time training at Dynamite Studios, where she blossomed into a powerhouse performer. In 2024, she landed her first professional contract with The Pink Flamingo on the Gold Coast, followed by an international contract with Royal Caribbean as a featured dancer.
Jorja's career is only just beginning, and we couldn't be prouder to watch one of our own take the stage, both at home and across the world.
Hannah Bourke
CSOD Graduate
From Rockhampton to WAAPA
Hannah is a graduate of the Capricorn School of Dancing who continued her training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she completed the Musical Theatre program.
She represents the next generation of CSOD alumni pursuing professional training at Australia's leading performing arts institutions.
Donta Whitham
CSOD Graduate
From Darumbal Country to Bangarra Dance Theatre
Raised on Darumbal land in Central Queensland, Donta trained at CSOD across all styles of dance but always connected most deeply with contemporary movement and storytelling. In 2022, he competed at Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge, where he was awarded three scholarships to study full-time at Australia's leading performing arts institutions.
After accepting his scholarship to Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance in Melbourne, Donta gained experience in corporate and commercial work, with opportunities to dance internationally and feature in music videos.
In 2024, Donta joined Bangarra Dance Theatre as a Russell Page Graduate, one of Australia's most prestigious positions for emerging Indigenous dancers.
Imogen Chen
CSOD Graduate
From Rockhampton to the European Cabaret Stage
Imogen began her dance training at Capricorn School of Dancing before continuing her studies at the renowned Tanya Pearson Academy in Sydney. She was then selected for the prestigious Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year, where she developed her technique, versatility and performance artistry within one of Australia's leading contemporary dance environments.
Since completing her training, Imogen has built an exciting international career as a commercial and heels dancer, performing throughout Asia and Europe across professional productions, commercial performance opportunities and European cabaret-style shows.
Her journey from regional Queensland to elite full-time training and international performance reflects the value of strong foundations, discipline and a commitment to continued growth.
Begin the Conversation
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