In 2003 she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Dance (with Distinction), from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). During her final year she was one of the coordinators of the WAAPA 2004 Dance Calendar, a successful, student-run fundraising project. Ellen was one of three students nominated to speak at the Edith Cowan University/WAAPA Graduation Ceremony in 2004.

Ellen completed her Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) majoring in Drama from Murdoch University in 2004, whilst working as a Teacher's Assistant at Beehive Montessori School in Mosman Park. In 2005 Ellen taught dance part-time at Lynwood SHS, conducted workshops for Barking Gecko Theatre Company's 'Gecko Bytes' and "MajKids" workshops.

In 2006 Ellen is teaching Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop and Jazz as a Specialist at various Perth high schools, is continuing to tutor and choreograph for Barking Gecko Theatre Company, working in a Community Affairs and Training role at a Bunnings Warehouse and also pursuing her own performance opportunities through collaborations with artists involved in the 3minutes.net project.

Qualifications
UNIVERSITY
2004: Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) Majoring in Drama, Murdoch University
2001- 2003: Bachelor of Arts (Dance), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University (ECU)
1996- 2000: Secondary Graduation, John Curtin College of the Arts

Overseas Professional Development

Ellen McCarthy, along with Kat and Jasper from VJZOO were invited to Spain to perform at Lux 2006 in Seville. The improvised dance and multimedia performance was the first time the trio have performed outside Australia and the sold out performance was a huge success, receiving incredibly positive feedback. Photographs of the performance are available on the 'past productions' page and video is available by request.

Whilst overseas the trio explored performance opportunities in Barcelona and made an extensive network base for future International performances. Ellen also returned to London to brush up on the latest Hip Hop and Street Dance moves as well as watching Contemporary Dance performances at The Place.

In April 2005 Ellen returned from a professional development trip to Madrid, Paris and London where she spent time with the Compania Nacionale de Danza Madrid and was able to meet the Artistic Director Nacho Duato and watch Ballets, choreographed by him, being rehearsed by both the senior and junior companies. Ellen also met Peter Appel, who was at the company as a guest teacher, and was able to observe him conducting ballet classes and also Mats Ek whom she was lucky enough to observe creating a new ballet for the senior company.

In Paris Ellen visited the Moulin Rouge to learn more about putting together large-scale commercial shows and in London she participated in ballet, streetdance, hip hop and breakdance classes at Pineapple and the Dance Attic and watched performances by Theatre O at the Barbican theatre and also the Scottish Dance Theatre who performed at The Place. For more information about this professional development period please contact Ellen McCarthy directly.

* A list of Referees can be obtained if requested, please email Ellen McCarthy