Christa Anthony, Principal, Studio Dance NSW
Christa Anthony has been nominated for the 2012 Young Women of the West Award for providing the gift of dance, singing, drama and friendship to families of Blacktown, including children from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special needs.
At 24 years of age, Christa is a graduate of the University of Western Sydney's Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) program. She has also completed a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and is a qualified dance teacher.
During the day, Christa works full-time as a counsellor and case manager with the Penrith Women's Health Centre. As part of this role, Christa provides daily assistance for women and children who are the victims of violence and abuse.
During the weekends and evening, Christa runs Studio Dance NSW – a performing arts school in Kings Park that operates under the mantra that everyone, despite their backgrounds or abilities, should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of dance.
Christa was nominated for the 2012 Young Women of the West Award by her mother, Sarina Anthony, who describes her as an "exceptional young lady" with "a maturity and strength way beyond her years."
"Christa believes she is fortunate to have found not one, but two professions which she loves and cannot choose between," says Sarina.
"Her work with the Penrith Women's Health Centre is very rewarding and of course very emotionally draining... She leaves her day job to begin her other love of providing children, teenagers and adults with the joy of learning dance, singing and drama in a non-judgemental, safe and welcoming environment."
Christina Luzi, a friend and classmate of Christa's from St Andrews College in Marayong, explains that Christa was always a student who went above and beyond – particularly when volunteering for St Vincent De Paul.
"She would feed the homeless, give them blankets for warmth and just give them some company... It was no shock to me when Christa told me she wanted to go into counselling as a profession. Talking to her now, it is easy to see how much she loves her job and values the people she encounters," says Christina.
In establishing Studio Dance NSW in 2009, it was Christa's vision to provide her students with quality, affordable tuition in dance, singing and drama, and a place they could call their own. She welcomes students of all ages and abilities; offers "bonus" classes for free to help families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds; and encourages students with special needs by treating them the same as their classmates, irrespective of their skills and abilities.
Christa's nomination for the Young Women of the West Award is supported by a number of parents and students of Studio Dance NSW, who recognise the many ways that Christa goes above and beyond, to make a difference in their lives.
She is described by these parents and students as someone who is "always there with a smile and willing to listen," "and inspiration to all" and a "great, caring, genuine friend."
Christa considers this nomination as a way to show her students that, with a caring family and a sound education, it doesn't matter where you live or where you come from – what matters is that you can succeed and share your success by making a difference and giving back to your community.
Photo: Sally Tsoutas
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