Student Journey's
Jack Dowling- Class of 2027 - AFL Journey
Stronger Than Ever: Jack’s Comeback Story with Ivanhoe Edge
When Jack first joined the Ivanhoe Edge program, he was an aspiring AFL player with drive, potential—and a growing pain in his foot. What seemed like a minor issue escalated dramatically in the summer, when a barefoot race with a friend ended in disaster: a serious stress fracture f his foot. The injury left him on crutches for nearly five months.
But Jack didn’t sit still.
Instead, he turned his focus to recovery through the Ivanhoe Edge Strength & Conditioning Program. Training five days a week in the gym, he worked intensively on both his upper and lower body. As his recovery progressed, so did his performance—most notably, shaving his 100m sprint time from 13 seconds down to an impressive 11.30 seconds.
“I didn’t expect to come back stronger than before,” Jack says. “But Edge gave me structure, support, and the tools to do just that.”
His progress didn’t stop at faster sprint times. Jack returned to athletics, competing in an age group one year above his own. In football, his improved speed and physicality earned him the captaincy of the Northern Knights U16 Futures squad, a spot in the Ivanhoe Grammar firsts and a trial spot in the Vic Metro U16s.
With guidance from AFL legend Matthew Kreuzer and a tailored conditioning plan from Ivanhoe Edge, Jack’s kicking, strength, and confidence have all surged.
His journey is more than a comeback—it’s a testament to resilience, and the power of structured, holistic support.
Audrey Polidoros- Class of 2030 - Dance Journey
From Auditions to Anaheim: A Dancer’s Dream Comes True
In April, one of our Edge dancers embarked on the experience of a lifetime — performing at Disneyland and Universal Studios in California as part of an elite team of performers.
Selected from a pool of hopefuls after rigorous singing and dancing auditions in 2023, she was one of 73 students chosen to represent the May Downs School of Dance on an international stage.
“We were split into two groups based on age,” Audrey explained, “and each group had to learn a 25-30 minute original routine. On top of that, we all had to learn choreography sent directly from Disney for the Main Street Dancers Parade.”
After 18 months of intense rehearsals, the moment finally arrived. Her group performed at Disney California Adventure Park, a day she described as both “nervous and exciting.” Having performed on many stages before, this one stood out.
“The Disney stage felt extra magical,” she said. “Seeing the crowd gather just for us was incredible.”
Her final performance took place on the iconic CityWalk Stage at Universal Studios.
“It was just as special, but I felt a little sad knowing it was the last time I’d be performing that routine in America,” she shared.
But perhaps the most unforgettable moment came during the Disneyland Main Street Parade, when her school was selected to lead the dancers through the heart of the park. “Dancing past the Sleeping Beauty Castle with thousands of people smiling and cheering us on — that was a dream. I’ll never forget it.”
Beyond the performances, the trip included once-in-a-lifetime training experiences. She participated in two workshops — one at the Disney Imagination Campus, where students learned choreography from classics like High School Musical, and another at the world-renowned Millennium Dance Complex. “That was a huge highlight,” she said. “I’ve dreamed of dancing there for so long.”
Between rehearsals and workshops, there was still time for fun. “We got to hop between the two Disney parks, ride all the attractions, and meet the characters,” she said with a smile. “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was my favourite – but be warned, you will get drenched!”
The adventure also included exploring Los Angeles, including Santa Monica Beach, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Griffith Observatory. “Seeing the Hollywood sign in real life was amazing,” she recalled.
But above all, it was the friendships that made the journey unforgettable.
“The best part of the whole experience was that I got to do it with my friends,” she said. “I hope to continue dancing and see where else in the world it leads me.”
Audrey's journey with Ivanhoe Edge has allowed her to improve her point work and classical technique. Her teacher Anna has showed her how to perfect her posture, hold herself and to break in her point shoes. In addition, Anna has worked with Audrey on he breathing and movement to help her remain calm and confident during performances.