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Miss Tamara Davidson - PRINCIPAL
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Song & Dance, Acrobatics & Competition solos, troupes
Miss Tamara has taught dance for over 25 years and has a diverse teaching background with an emphasis on Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Flexibility, Song & Dance and Acrobatics. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Diploma of Performing Arts, DFTA Dance Teachers Certificate and Australian Gymnastics Coaching Certificate, Australian Teachers of Dancing Affiliate, along with many years of experience in teaching students to a high standard for entry into exams, and select Performing Arts Programs such as the Victorian College of the Arts and Australian Ballet School. She is also sits on the Board of Dance Arts Alliance and is an RAD Mentor for the RAD teacher training program. Tamara is also the Managing director of State Youth Ballet Company. Miss Tamara truly enjoys passing on her love of dance to her students.
Miss Kylie Fenelon- STUDIO MANAGER & TEACHER
Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Competition Solo's & Troupes, Musical Theatre, Pre-School, Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet and Ready Set Move with me.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Miss Kylie studied in all forms of dance including Ballet , Character, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Competitive Ballroom and Jazz. After studying Drama full time for 2 years she returned to her first love ........dance. After performing with local and international artists she returned to the classroom and persued her desire to deliver quality dance education. Her passion and enthusiasm for the performing arts is what drives her to inspire a new generation of dancers and performers!
Iona Marques
Extension Classical Ballet and Classical Coaching
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Iona began her professional career with Cia Dance 2000 in Brasilia, where she performed in Swan Lake (Moscow Ballet version), among other productions. Since then Iona has worked with a number of companies and independent choreographers in Europe such as Opus One Dance Company, Lorn MacDougal and Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam, Holland. Also in Amsterdam she has been a guest teacher with Dance Street studios and co founded the production company Movement Network. Iona joined the West Australian Ballet in 2006 where she performed in various productions, including Simon Dow’s Red Shoes and Alice, and danced a featured sole role in Francis Ring’s Debris. In 2008 Iona joined Queensland Ballet where she worked until January 2013 under the direction of Francois Klaus and later Li Cunxin. During the time with the company she toured to Japan, China and Europe, as well as Northern Queensland tours, and performed in countless productions. Her favorite roles are Carabosse in Francois Klaus’ Sleeping Beauty, Eunice in Streetcar named desire and her favorite ballets are Gareth Belling’s Refraction, Nils Christie’s Sink and Fearful Symmetries and Mario Schroeder’s Erdbeermund.
Hayley Arundel
Classical Extension, Classical Coaching, ACB Classes, Solo Coaching, Classical Troupes
A highly skilled, passionate and sought after dance educator, Hayley is excited to share her knowledge and experience of Classical Ballet (English & Russian styles) with the students of Academy of Dance Victoria. Hayley trained at The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) and gained a degree in dance from the VCA, before embarking on an international career. In the United Kingdom Hayley worked with two of the countries most acclaimed dance companies: English National Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. Her role as dance artist for both companies saw her tour extensively through England, Scotland, China, Hong Kong and parts of Europe delivering repertoire based workshops, classes and large scale choreographic projects. In addition Hayley performed for Biserk Dance Company (UK), Project Volume (UK), Moore Entertainment and Sankio Promotions (Japan). On returning home, Hayley was appointed manager of The Australian Ballet’s Dance Education Ensemble touring workshops and performances to thousands of school children Australia wide. Now also a professional pilates instructor, Hayley has an artistic, anatomical, inclusive approach to Classical ballet technique teaching.
Susan Sargison
Classical Guest Teacher
Susan commenced her performance career at an early age starring as Clara in the Tasmanian Ballet Company’s’ production of the Nutcracker. In 1979, Susan moved to Melbourne to attend the Australian Ballet School performing with the Dancers Company and the Australian Ballet under the direction of Dame Peggy Van Praggh. Her professional stage appearance’s included productions of Coppelia, Carmen, Giselle, and The Three Musketeer’s. Susan was also fortunate to be the choreographic muse for Robert Ray’s productions of Poems and City Dances. After graduation, Susan worked with the Heidelberg Ballet Ensemble, Rex Reid Ballet Company and The Victorian State Opera in their production of Aida. Moving into Musical Theatre, Susan undertook overseas contracts to dance in Singapore and Japan.Continuing her dance journey Susan proved herself a reliable Australian dancer and was engaged in regular work in the West End’s Commercial and Musical Theatre industry. As one of Charles Augins Dancers at Pineapple Dance Centre she undertook contracts to dance in Portugal and Vienna. Returning to Australia in 1987, Susan performed as a member and Understudy to the lead in the original cast of ‘Seven Little Australians’. Other credits include a dancer on Countdown and the Melbourne commercial circuit as a Jillian Fitzgerald dancer. Ms. Sargison operated her own dance school in metropolitan Melbourne in the capacity of Artistic Director for 25 years. During this time, she also taught at Tertiary Dance Institutes teaching Certificate IV and Diploma students in Classical Ballet, Pas De Duex and Contempory. Since 1991 Susan has been an active Adjudicator at numerous Dance Competitions and Eisteddfod’s throughout Australia. In 2012 Susan was appointed to the board of Examiners for The Royal Academy of Dance and also the Southern Federation of Dance.
Vanessa Brown
Classical Ballet RAD
Bachelor of Arts (Swinburne University). Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management (Box Hill TAFE). Vanessa grew up in the regional Victorian town of Mildura, Victoria, and started ballet classes at the age of seven. She completed RAD exams both recreational and vocational, finishing Grade 8 and Advanced 1 with Distinction. Beginning as a student teacher at the age of 12, she soon developed a keen interest in teaching as a career. Following a move to Melbourne for tertiary studies she studied a Diploma of Dance (Teaching and Management) and was employed as a freelance dance teacher at various ballet schools around Melbourne. She is currently completing her CBTS with the RAD, and continues to share her love of ballet and dance with her students. Vanessa is also a keen adult ballet student, and fits in a class whenever she can!
Taylah Evans
Singing School Manager, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Private Singing Lessons
Taylah started performing at the age of three at Jenina’s Dance Workshop, she also trained at the Exitleft Performance Academy, Barbara Todd Ballet School, React drama school & vocal training with Jane Edwards before moving to Melbourne to complete her diploma in musical theatre at Patrick Studios Australia under the guidance of Andrew Hallsworth. During her time at Patrick Studios Taylah had the opportunity to perform in the Beyond Blue Priscilla Queen of the Desert performance at the MCG and the feature film “Spencer” produced by interlude productions. Taylah finished her time at Patrick Studios playing the role of Velma Kelly in her graduating musical “Chicago”. Since then she has has performed the role of Waitress no. 1 in “Rock of Ages” the musical with Norwegian Cruise Lines and most recently performed as the lead singer for the entertainment at the MCG for the “2020 Big Bash Games”
Bailey Glen
Contemporary, Acrobatics
Bailey was born in and raised in a Perth, Western Australia. He danced from the ages of 9 to 15 at Toodyay Ballet School, studying the Cecchetti Method of ballet as well training in contemporary, jazz and acrobatics. At the age of sixteen bailey was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts where he completed his Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance). Since completing his time at WAAPA Bailey continued his training at Transit Dance, also completing his Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Bailey has worked and performed with many choreographers such as Daniel Jaber, Adam Wheeler, Tara Samaya, Zoee Marsh, and has collaborated with artists such as George Alice. Bailey is a member of Scimm Dance Company and has performed in ‘Senseless State 2018’ and ‘Aetherium 2019’ and has worked as an assistant choreographer for Platforms Youth Company’s 2019 season of ‘Within Us’.
Chelsea Byrne
VCE VET Dance
Chelsea has studied dance extensively, completing a B Arts (Dance) / B Education (UNSW 2007), Post Graduate Diploma in Performance Creation (VCA 2012) and Master of Dance (VCA 2017). She is dedicated in mentoring young people in deepening their understanding of dance as an artform; using improvisation, composition and reflection techniques to expand movement vocabulary, foster individual style and develop artistic voice. Chelsea has written curriculum for Certificate III in Community Dance Theatre and Events, Certificate IV in Dance and Diploma of Elite Dance (Performance). She has taught and developed school dance programs in Sydney, London (UK) and continues to provide contemporary dance, improvisation, choreography and conditioning workshops across Victoria. In addition to arts education, Chelsea works in the health and fitness industry as Pilates and Barre instructor and as an independent dance artist, collaborating in interdisciplinary performance and film, incorporating dance, video art, animation and interactive sound design. She was an inaugural member of Austinmer Dance Theatre, performed in award winning Tangi Wai… The Cry of Water in Dance Massive 2017 and successfully produced Body Acousmonium in Melbourne Fringe Festival 2019.
Nikki O'Shea
Classical RAD, Classical Academy & Private Classical Coaching
Nikki O’Shea commenced vocational training aged 11 at The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary schooland completed a Diploma in Performing Arts at The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts with Distinction.
Professionally Nikki has danced with the West Australian Ballet Company and Sydney Dance Company, and throughout Germany Holland and Belgium over a 13-year international career in ballet, contemporary dance, and musical theatre.
After becoming a Mum, Nikki returned to Australia and worked as a dancer with Opera Queensland and Opera Australia, while simultaneously transitioning to the roles of assistant Director, Dance Captain, and teacher.
Since retiring from the stage, Nikki has been bringing ballet to a broad range of students, sharing her love and passion for the art form. A kindy Dance Time teacher, RAD grades from pre-primary to Advanced 2, designing a complete program of ballet for gymnasts, ballet for opera singers, adult ballet from beginners to professional, vocational ballet as head of ballet at The Space Dance and Arts Centre and Transit Dance, and most recently ballet for tweens and adults with Down’s Syndrome. Nikki is currently creating a specialised ballet program for the disability sector.
Nikki has a Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance), a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management. A CertIV in Training and Assessment, CertIV in Small Business Management, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Dance Teaching through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She is also a qualified Progressing Ballet Technique teacher.
Nikki is currently working towards a Masters in dance teaching and loving being a new member of ADV.
Lisa Cullinane
Tap, Jazz & Competition Solo Lessons
Lisa Cullinane Diploma Dance Teaching and Management, Cert IV Dance Teaching and Management, Cert IV Assessment and Training, Affil.ATOD, WWC, First Aid Level 2.
Lisa started dancing at the age of five and has been dancing ever since. She trained at the May Downs School of Dance in Melbourne in tap, jazz and classical ballet. Lisa has been teaching dance for 25 years at various dance schools throughout Melbourne. She is an affiliate member of the Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD) and has taught this syllabus since 1997.
Lisa loves teaching, choreographing and learning. Lisa continues to further her knowledge with study and training so she can pass on her passion and knowledge to her students in a fun and exciting way.
I am so excited to be a part of the Academy of Dance Team. I can’t wait to match the students love for dance, with my passion for teaching.
Benjamin Cure
Jazz/Lyrical & Competition Solo Lessons
Benjamin Curé was born and raised in Melbourne, training on full scholarships at both The Edge Performers School and the Space Dance and Arts Centre. In 2015, he founded Lion Heart Dance Company which has since produced multiple seasons of work.
Curé's performance career has witnessed him work with a diverse range of companies, including Vertical Shadows Dance Company and Opera Australia, in conjunction with reaching the top 100 of So You Think You Can Dance Australia (2014). Recently, Curé performed in Graeme Murphy's 'Turanndot' with Opera Australia in December of 2019.
Curé is an esteemed choreographer with a history of choreographing for music videos, international conferences and industry events. His founding company Lion Heart has produced 6 seasons of work, and has twice acquired Arts and Culture grant funding from the City of Stonnington. Lion Heart has also been commissioned by the City of Boroondara, produced an interactive dance festival, performed at global conferences and has created a space for local and international dancers to train and collaborate on new projects. These achievements are a powerful testament to Curé's unswerving devotion to his craft.
Additionally, Curé has mentored a number of young people through the process of creating their own work and has developed a professional development course (Next Steps) to see local artists empowered to succeed. His staged works have also been paired with a schools engagement program; this facilitates young dancers to investigate more deeply into the arts, by means of an immersive learning experience alongside industry professionals.
Curé creates works which are engaging and meaningful. He possesses an attention to detail and an intuitive understanding of his audience. Moreover, he has displayed an indomitable work ethic and resilience, thus reinforcing a robust and abiding career which has already offered so much to the wider community.
Esther Thomas
Classical Ballet RAD & Solo Competition Lessons
Esther began her dance journey at the age of 6 in Auckland, New Zealand. She trained in RAD Ballet all the way through and gained a Distinction for her Advanced 2 Ballet exam at Mt Eden Ballet Academy. Esther picked up as many dance styles as she could along the way, including Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary Dance, Ballroom & Latin, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Flamenco, Neo Classical & Urban, as well as singing gigs and acting. Esther moved across the ditch to Melbourne in 2015 to study dance full time at Dance World Studios where she gained an Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance).
Esther enjoys a career spanning 12 years in teaching dance, singing & acting, as well as choreographing & performing dance & music across New Zealand & Melbourne, & is currently the Director for Neuma Worship Dance.
Esther loves to inspire a high standard of technique, artistry & story telling in her students & to help them find their full potential.
Lora is a professional singing teacher and children’s music educator with a Master of Arts in Music (performance), Master of Teaching and a Bachelor of Music Education. She is a passionate singing teacher with many years of experience and loves to nurture each student to their full potential.
Lora Luo
Private Singing Coach
Caitlyn Pawlus
Classical Ballet RAD
Caitlyn started ballet at the age of 6 at Hilary Debden Academy of Ballet.
She was accepted into the Australian Ballet School Associates Program at a young age, before attending the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS).
She has completed her R.A.D Advanced 2 and was a Solo Seal applicant. She also was selected as the Victorian representative for the prestigious RAD Bursary award.
She then spent 3 years dancing upon various cruise ships with Royal Caribbean cruise lines before settling back home in Melbourne where she found her love of teaching.
Caitlyn has since achieved her certificate in ballet teaching (CBTS) and is a registered teacher with the RAD. She is also a fully qualified Acrobatic Arts teacher.
Maxine Regos
Pre-School Manager, Petite Ballet & Ready Set Dance
Mia Fenelon
Jazz, Tap, Petite Ballet, Pre-Primary Ballet, Acrobatics & Competition Solo Lessons
Alessandra Negro
Junior Hip Hop & Ready Set Dance
Ruby Davidson
Circus & Acrobatics