08/06/2024
Welcome to our new Director of Dance Academy, Jess Mortlock.
Following an exhaustive interview process and amidst a pool of exceptionally qualified candidates, we are excited to announce the new Director of Dance, Jessica Mortlock.
Jessica completed full time training at APO Arts Academy in 2010, graduating with a Diploma of Dance and Certificate III in Musical Theatre. Jess also graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), holds an Associate Diploma with the Australian Institute of Classical Dance, is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and instructs reformer Pilates.
Jessica was a member of Vertical Shadows Dance Company from 2011, performing in principle roles for seasons Release the Stars (2011), On the Rocks (2012) and Parallax (2015). Her involvement in the company led to a Creative Associate/Rehearsal Director position for the 2014 production The White Prince, working with reputable Australian artists, Damien Welch and Teagan Lowe.
Other performance credits include Short Sweet Dance Festival, Kit Watts’ music video How Hard, Twisted Broadway, the Australian Open Ceremony, Melbourne Cabaret Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. She has performed in Magnormos’ Stephen Sondheim triptych, Anyone Can Whistle and worked on Jerry Herman triptych, Milk & Honey, as assistant choreographer. She has also presented her own choreographic work in Short Sweet Dance Festivals. Jessica was cast in the ensemble of CHESS with The Production Company in 2012. She received the Ausdance award for Victoria’s Favourite Female Dancer in 2014.
Jessica now teaches at several of Victoria’s flourishing dance schools, specialising in contemporary, classical, choreography and technique tuition. She is committed to ensuring that young dancers achieve strong foundational technique with creative flare, gain greater knowledge of safe dance practices, whilst encouraging positive mental health in the studio and beyond. Jess is incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Dance Academy Director at Sandringham College.