Celebrity body double opens studio

Ipswich performing artists Angie Fleming (top) and Elerrina McPherson have opened a new performing arts school in Ipswich to nurture talented local youngsters.

Sarah Harvey

TALENTED Ipswich children can reach the top of their game, thanks to a new performing arts school started by a celebrity's body double and a choreographer to the stars.

Angie Fleming and Elerrina McPherson have launched DreamWave Entertainment, a company that currently teaches dance, singing, and drama to children in the Ipswich and Lowood areas.

The pair have years of extensive performing arts experience, ranging from state-level instrumental and singing competitions, to choreographing music videos, to acting with famous Aussie Toni Collette.

Ellerina studied at the Australian Acting Academy, is ranked as one of the top three singers in south-east Queensland competitions, and has had many brushes with fame.

The 27-year-old, who was born and raised in the Ipswich area, has directed music videos and concerts for Australian Idols Shannon Noll and Paulini, and has acted in stage productions The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Romeo and Juliet.

Angie had an equally impressive performing arts portfolio, including studying at a renowned Sydney dance studio, working as an actress on a Japanese TV show, and performing in music videos.

She also acted alongside Toni Collette as a body double in new film The Mental.

Angie said one of their shared career highlights was trialling the routines for popular television show So You Think You Can Dance.

"We got to work with all the choreographers for So You Think You Can Dance, trialling and developing the routines before they went to air," Angie said.

"Also, working with Toni Collette was an amazing experience; I got to travel around New South Wales and Queensland for the filming."

The pair hopes to help Ipswich children achieve similar performance achievements.

Angie said Ipswich was the perfect place to open their studio.

"There's nothing out here like what we're offering, so it's very exciting" Angie said.

"The city's also growing fast, so it was a perfect opportunity to be able to grow and expand with the community.

"It's a massive vision; we want to have photography classes and more regular drama classes."

Classes are held in the CWA Building in Ipswich on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, with all ages from toddlers to adults catered for.

Phone Elerrina on 0430 157 376 for more details.