SOMETIMES you come across a person whose passion for their work is infectious.
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Elizabeth Polson-Galloway is one such example.
As a teenager, she trained tirelessly as a dancer, enjoying a successful career in the spotlight.
Her love of dance hasn't wavered over the decades, but nowdays she prefers to stay behind the scenes, nurturing local children with the same fire in their belly.
This month, La Vive Classique Academy of Dance celebrates 30 years in business. As many would know, that is no small feat.
With studios in Jambali Road, Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie Community Hall, the academy's achievements are impressive to say the least.
Students have gone on to win the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance Isobel Anderson Awards, metropolitan eisteddfods and Ajkun New York Scholarship and been accepted into Australian, Hong Kong, Irish, Dutch National, Canadian and Queensland ballet companies.
Dancers with roots back in the Hastings have also gone on to perform with: Sydney Dance Company; Vienna State Opera Ballet; New Zealand School of Dance; the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts; National Theatre Ballet School and; acclaimed musicals and dance productions across the world.
Many have also followed in their mentor's footsteps by opening their own dance school.
The La Vive Classique story started back in 1995, when Mrs Polson-Galloway took the leap from running a dance school in Sydney and teaching under the guidance of renowned artistic director John Byrne.
At the time, there were no ballet or dance classes in Wauchope or Laurieton, so with the encouragement of local parents La Vive Classique was born.
What Mrs Polson-Galloway loves most about teaching has never changed.
"The students are my inspiration and driving force. Many have chosen to pursue a career in dance and it's so satisfying to watch the development of all of my students.
"They often rise above what is expected of them and they display incredible dedication and talent," she said.
The seed was first planted when Mrs Polson-Galloway started dancing with Wendy Burke at the Taree School of Classical Ballet.
"I remember my days in the church in Manning Street very well and have fond memories of Mrs Burke holding annual concerts with a theme, which is something I've kept in my teaching all these years. Mrs Burke instilled a love of dance in all she taught," she said.
The future continues to look bright for La Vive Classique, with students rehearsing for their annual concert on November 29 and ambitous goals to one day build a purpose-built complex complete with a pilates room, warm up studio, lap pool and homework area.
Mrs Polson-Galloway's dream studios would also have an expresso bar and gym for students' parents.
