What is your job?

I am a dance teacher, and I also run Castlereagh School of Performing Arts. I teach some of our drama and singing classes and I run the choir at the local public school.

How did you get it?

I was born into it. Castlereagh School of Performing Arts was started by my mother in 1977 or 1978 before I was even born. I grew up in a very dramatic or artistic family, my father worked as an actor (and a school teacher) and my mother ran the dance school.

Why do you love it?

I get to have a very strong positive impact on young lives, particularly young women. I provide a safe space for them to be able to develop and grow in a way where they are valued for who they are. They also get to express themselves in a way that they wouldn’t get to in other areas of their lives.

What is your connection to Penrith?

I grew up here, I have always lived here. I went to Newtown Performing Arts for a few years but apart from that all my schooling was in Western Sydney. My children go to local schools and I run a business in the local area. My husband also runs a business in the local area.

Winsome Barker owns and runs Castlereagh School of Performing Arts. You can check out their Facebook page here, their Insta feed here and their website here. If you are interested in sending your children to a school that is truly focused on developing your child in a sport in a way that is safe for their bodies, and in a bully free positive environment, then you should check out Winsome’s dance school.