Lyrical dance is a dance style that embodies various aspects of ballet, jazz, acrobatics and modern dance.  It combines ballet technique with the freedom and musicality of jazz and contemporary.

Lyrical dance is strongly associated with clearly displayed emotional moods and the illustration of song lyrics.

Lyrical

Sharni began dancing at age 3 and will celebrate 21 years of dance in 2025. She has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Contemporary, completing all RAD Ballet exams and CSTD Modern Jazz and Theatrical exams. She started assistant teaching at 12, ran her own class at 17, and earned her CSTD Modern Jazz Teaching Certificate in 2019. Since joining Desiree in 2020, Sharni has taught Senior Hip Hop, Jazz, and Lyrical. She is passionate about helping dancers strive for their best. Outside of dance, she holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and works in the WA Health Department.

Senior Lyrical | School Year 11+ 

Air conditioning

Sound System

Sprung floors

Wifi

Car Parking

We are a family owned fun loving dance school who promotes fun and enjoyment as our main priority, because we believe learning different genres of dance in a safe, nurturing environment promotes self-esteem and positive attitudes.

At Desiree Dance Academy we focus on the sheer enjoyment of dance and strive to encourage everyone to do their best whether they are 3 or 73 years old, without the stressful atmosphere of exams and competitions.

We have 3 fully air conditioned studios with viewing access via 1 way windows and TV monitors in our 2 story purpose built studio in Butler.

Ballet

Jazz

Contemporary 

Hip Hop

Adult Dance

Acrobatics

Musical Theatre

Other

POLOICIES PROCEDURES 2026

Elly started her first dance school in England 46 years ago and is now in her 23rd year of teaching in Perth. After moving to Australia in 2000, she planned to be a full-time mum but couldn’t ignore her passion for teaching—Desiree Dance Academy was born 18 months later. Elly teaches all styles except Hip Hop and holds teaching qualifications under the British M.A.S.D. syllabus. While her UK school focused on exams, she founded DDA to offer a stress-free, non-competitive space where dancers can express themselves. After 47 years of dedication, Elly now teaches from a custom-built, two-storey studio—her dream come true.

Eleanor began dancing at 2.5 under the guidance of her mother, Elly. Surrounded by dance her whole life, she began teaching at 14 and is now in her 18th year. As principal teacher at Desiree Dance Academy, she teaches all styles, specializing in Acrobatics. She holds a Diploma in Dance Teaching (IDTS), plus qualifications in Zumba, Zumbatomic, and Acrobatic Arts Modules 1 & 2. Eleanor has performed in the U.S. (incl. Disneyland Parade), taught workshops in the UK, and choreographed tours to the Gold Coast and California. She also holds Cert III & IV in Education Support and worked in special needs education for 8 years. Eleanor believes every child deserves the chance to dance, regardless of age or ability.

Phoebe began dancing at age 2 with Desiree Dance Academy, where her love for dance quickly grew and the studio became her second home. She has competed nationally, taken part in workshops across WA and QLD, and led community dance groups in productions and events. Phoebe started student teaching in 2020 and has since progressed to teaching a variety of styles. She is passionate about creating a fun, supportive environment and aims to continue learning and growing as a teacher while sharing her love of dance with the next generation.

When her eldest daughter was identified as 2e, (Twice Exceptional), Brooke’s career in journalism and publishing suddenly shifted dramatically into advocacy, group programs and guiding educators. 

To better support her daughter’s evolving needs, Brooke undertook further qualifications in Counseling, Movement Therapy, Yoga, Cognitive Remapping, Play Therapy and Case Management. Her child focused sessions work on individual and group goals with a foundation in respectful therapeutic relationships.

Senior Lyrical | School Year 11+

Senior Lyrical | School Year 11+

Class schedule

Teachers

Sharni Cresswell

About the School

Amenities

Gallery