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, Accelerate Extension & Musical Theatre.
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 Academy Director
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!
Isabella Panagios
Preschool, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet
Mia Fenelon
Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Private Lessons, Skill Extension & Competition Teams
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.
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.
Jasmin Johnson
Ballet, Classical Academy, Conditioning & Private Lessons
Jasmin Johnson took her first ballet class at the age of three and immediately fell in love with dance. She grew up in Marietta, GA training in ballet, jazz, contemporary and modern at the Georgia Dance Conservatory. She began intensely studying ballet at the age of 12 upon acceptance to the North Carolina School of the Arts. Over the years she has trained at the American Ballet Theatre, the Orlando Ballet and the Rock School of Dance Education and received scholarships to the Joffrey Ballet, BalletMet and the Orlando Ballet.
At the age of 15, Jasmin left home to continue her training at the prestigious Nutmeg Conservatory of the Arts in Connecticut. There, she was fortunate enough to work with a number of incredible choreographers such as Elearnor D’Antuono, Victoria Mazzarelli, Moses Pendleton, Alexi Tchernichov, and Kirk Peterson. While attending Nutmeg, Jasmin was fortunate enough to perform for Pope Benedcit XVI with the cutting edge contemporary company, Momix. Upon graduation Jasmin relocated to Orlando, FL where she was a member with the Orlando Ballet II.
Jasmin moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and signed with the Movement Talent Agency to begin her commercial dance career. She performed with a number of the leading choreographers such as Christopher Scott and was honored to work with him at the Teen Choice Awards dancing with the famed pop group Paramore! She can also be seen on the popular TV show Glee. She was also in the Samsung commercial “Smart Switch” choreographed by Michael Rooney.
She has lead and directed the Vaganova program at the San Marino Dance Academy in Pasadena, CA since 2014. She has also created the Youth American Grand Prix program at the studio, where many of her students have achieved scores over 92.
Jasmin relocated to Melbourne, Australia in March of 2022 and is looking forward to sharing her love of ballet with students across the country!
Ashlee Burns
Ballet, Contemporary & Private Lessons
Ash has been dancing since the age of 3 taking classes in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and completed her RAD Advanced Foundation ballet exam. She has a Certificate IV of Dance Teaching (Dance factory), a Diploma of Dance teaching (The RAD), a Bachelor of Science (Monash University) and a Master of Nutrition (Deakin University).
Ash loves to travel and has taken class all over the world including Pineapple Dance Studios, London and Broadway Dance Centre, New York. She has attended the Dance Excellence Festival in Los Angeles multiple times and was the lead Dance counsellor at Camp Blue Ridge in Pennsylvania USA.
She has been teaching at several schools across Melbourne since 2008, preparing students for RAD exams, competitions and concerts and she loves to share her passion for technique and performance with her students.
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.
Bridget Stackpole
Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary & Preschool
Bridget Stackpole trained in classical ballet for 16 years. She trained in the ACB syllabus from pre primary to level 5, she also contemporary and jazz. Bridget attended the Australian Ballet School extension program and worked with the Australian Ballet Company in the performance of ‘Nutcracker - Story of Clara’ in 2017. She then went on to Melbourne School of Classical Dance where she continued her training. Bridget was accepted into the Victorian college of the arts secondary school where her technique strengthened in many dance styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap. She graduated from VCASS in 2023 as Dance Captain.
Charlotte Jones
Ballet, Conditioning & Private Lessons
Charlotte started ballet at the age of 3 in Sydney, Australia. She was accepted into Newtown High School of the Performing Arts for year 7, and whilst at the school, was selected to represent Australia in China, dancing at various festivals and galas.
At the age of 15, Charlotte received a scholarship to study full-time ballet at Alegria Dance Studios in Sydney. At Alegria Charlotte completed her RAD Advanced 2 examination with Distinction whilst also studying the Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus and Spanish Dance.
At the age of 16, Charlotte accepted a place at the prestigious English National Ballet School in London. At English National Ballet School Charlotte studied ballet in the Russian, Cuban, French and English styles.
In 2021 Charlotte graduated from English National Ballet School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance and a Diploma in Professional Classical Ballet and Dance Performance. In 2022, Charlotte joined Victorian State Ballet company.
Charlotte is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with her students, and helping them strive to be the very best they can be.