Main
About Us
Timetable
Dance Styles
Teachers
Studio Hire
Costume Hire
Feedback
Contact Us
|
 |
Principal: Louise Smith
(EXAMINER AATBD, TAP. DIP. AATBD, T. Th. DIP. AATBD, JAZZ DIP. AATBD, BALLET DIP AATBD, Adv. BALLET DIP. AATBD)
Louise has been teaching dance for 20 years. Louise is a member of the AATBD Inc. and has obtained her AATBD Inc. teaching diplomas in the fields of Classical Ballet (Advanced Diploma), Tap Dancing, Theatrical Dancing and Jazz Ballet. Louise was appointed an examiner of the Academy in 2003. Louise has completed a Certificate of Dance Teaching at Queensland University of Technology with High Distinction/Distinction marks in all subjects. Louise attends dance workshops and classes and AATBD Inc. functions to ensure her ongoing development. |
 |
Leticia Debert
Leticia has been dancing for approximately 19 years and is trained in all styles of dance, with her main focus being classical ballet, tap and jazz. Leticia has achieved a Grade 6 level in RAD Classical Ballet. Leticia has been teaching for the past 15 years and has undertaken a course in dance teaching at Box Hill Institute of TAFE. She is very passionate about teaching and thoroughly enjoys every aspect of it. Leticia aims to pass on her knowledge and love of dance to all students under her instruction. |
 |
Janelle Geisler
(TAP. DIP. AATBD, T. Th. DIP. AATBD, JAZZ DIP. AATBD, BALLET DIP AATBD, Adv. BALLET DIP. AATBD)
Janelle has been dancing for approximately 20 years and is trained in all styles of dance under the AATBD Inc syllabus. Janelle has been teaching for seven years and has an excellent knowledge of the AATBD Inc. syllabus. Janelle has obtained her AATBD Inc. teaching diplomas in the fields of Classical Ballet (Advanced Diploma), Tap, Theatrical and Jazz Ballet. Janelle has undertaken of a Diploma of Dance (Teaching and Management) at Box Hill Institute of TAFE. |
 |
Sally Kortekaas
Sally has had a love of dance from an early age, with a background in callisthenics, musical theatre, jazz, latin and ballroom. She has a Certificate 4 in Dance teaching from Box Hill Tafe. Sally believes that dance classes should be a place where students not only discover the joy of dancing, but also learn great technique, self confidence and creative expression. With 20 years dance experience and 6 years of teaching dance, Sally's love of dance continues to grow. She is looking forward to another exciting year with Yarra Heights Dance Academy. |
|
Heather Robertson
Heather Robertson has been dancing for 15 years and is trained in Vaganova, RAD and Cecchetti Ballet, hip hop, jazz and tap. She is currently studying for her Cecchetti Associate Teaching and Advanced 2 Cecchetti Classical Ballet Examinations. Heather has studied full time dance at Deakin University, Camberwell District Ballet and Dance Factory attaining Performing Arts/Dance Certificates 3, 4 & Diploma.
Heather has had various involvements including directing, choreographing and performing in Victorian Rock Eisteddfod, Shakespeare Festival and local dance competitions. She also performed in the musical 'Hair' (directed by David Atkins, choreographed by Jason Coleman) and as a dancer in music video clips for hip hop group 'Diafrix' and for the band 'Dekker'.
Heather has been teaching jazz, tap and classical ballet in various schools since 2004, to students aged from 2 years to adult. |
 |
Jessica Smith
Jessica Smith is a professional commercial dancer and teacher, working in all facets of the commercial dance scene. She has been training for over 15 years including full time with Robert Sturrock at Industry School of Dance. Some of her dance credits include working as a freestyle dancer in Melbourne nightclubs and events, performing as a featured dancer in a Bollywood film of 'Bonnie and Clyde’, choreographing and performing the Hip hop stop and show for the 2008 Myer Christmas Parade featured on Channel 7 and most recently can be seen as a featured dancer in Augie March's video clip 'Penny Whistle'. Jessica has been teaching classes in Hip hop, Funk, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Lyrical at studios all around Melbourne. Her classes are fun and energetic. |
 |
Alisha Lovatt
Alisha has been dancing for 17 years and teaching for the past four years. She began dancing at the age of six and has been trained by some of Melbourne’s best teachers. She is trained in jazz, funk, tap, R.A.D ballet / pointe, hip hop, contemporary, par de deux, acrobats, singing and drama. She has completed her ballet exams to grade 8, a Diploma in Performing Arts at Dance Factory and holds a D.F.T.A certificate in dance teaching. In the past three years she has worked professionally in the dance industry performing at corporate functions, fashion and hair shows, TV, nightclubs, cabaret shows and much more. Alisha has been chosen to perform as a ‘Honey bee’ on the Channel 9 program the ‘Singing Bee’ in 2009. Alisha hopes one day she will have the chance to perform in musicals and dance on cruise ships throughout the world and possibly one day have her own dance school. |
 |
Pamela Habjan
Pamela Habjan has been a dedicated member of the dance industry for over 20 years. She has worked as a professional dancer, choreographer and judge both within Australia and internationally for various live shows, contracts and events. These include NBL cheerleading, AFL live performances, Crown Casino fashion parades as well as being involved with coaching and training of state and national sport-aerobics. Pamela is renowned for her dynamic and emotive choreography in various styles; particularly jazz ballet, lyrical jazz, hip hop and contemporary. Most recently, she has performed internationally in Hong Kong for the 2008 Chinese New Year festivities and at a local level, coordinated and managed various charity events, helping to raise money for the Margaret Pratt Foundation, St Vincent’s Institute and Vision Australia, among others.
“The feet can learn the steps, but only the spirit can dance” |
 |
Ainsley McCall
(M.S.F.D) Ainsley has 23 years dance experience, during which she was the principal and owner of “Impulse Dance” (formally Montrose Dance) which, after five successful years, closed in December 2008. In 2002 Ainsley gained the Southern Federation of Dance (S.F.D) teaching certificate, allowing her to teach the S.F.D syllabus and enter students into exams for all S.F.D styles. She has guest taught at Primary and Secondary schools, choreographing routines for school productions, graduations, VCE and VET dance. Ainsley danced with the Victorian State Dances performing in two state school spectacular performances and a wide variety of functions for both government and private industry. Ainsley studied a Diploma of Dance at Box Hill TAFE and continues to train in dance and attend dance workshops and events. |
 |
Elise Rule
Elise has been dancing for 17 years and is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, funk, hip hop and contemporary. Elise has completed SFD exams in jazz, tap and ballet and also completed VCE dance years 11 and 12. Elise is currently training at Patrick Studios with some of Melbourne’s best teachers. Over the last few years Elise has worked professionally as a dancer including performances at the Annual Crown Palladium ball, in Bollywood film “Me and Mrs Kana” and in Kate Alexa’s “Teardrops” video clip. Elise has been teaching dance on a part-time basis since 2005 at various local schools. |
 |
Terri Gough
Terri has been dancing since the age of 4 and has trained in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatics and various other styles. Terri has been teaching dancing for the past 8 years. Terri completed her Diploma 1 in dance teaching and management in 2002, and attended Dance World Studios full time dance course in 2003 and 2004, where she graduated with a diploma in Performing Arts. Terri has a certificate III in fitness and is currently studying Certificate IV in Personal Training. During her dance career Terri has performed at numerous AFL Grand Finals, Corporate events and awards nights and performed as a cheerleader for the NBL. |
 |
Caitlin Connell
Caitlin began dancing at four years of age. She has been trained in classical, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop and song and dance. Caitlin is currently completing T.A.A.D examinations and hopes to complete her jazz and tap diploma next year. Caitlin has performed at various festivals in the eastern suburbs and has competed in many dance competitions across the state. She began teaching as an assistant at 13, and has since developed a strong passion for choreography, particularly jazz and contemporary |
 |
Jane Robinson
Jane trained in Jazz and Tap for 12 years. She has also trained in Contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, character and continues to train in Latin American, Street Latin, Ballroom and New Vogue dance. Jane is currently in her last year studying Dance at Deakin University.
In 2006, Jane danced in the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. She has competed in both solo and troupe sections of various dance competitions and also participated in various productions and performances.
Jane has taught and choreographed for various dance workshops, events, camps and youth groups. Jane taught Latin and Ballroom dance for Mark Wilson (Dancing with the Stars, Judge) and currently teaches Latin and Ballroom dance to students of all ages. |
 |
Jessica Hope
Jessica has been dancing for 12 years and is trained in jazz, tap, classical ballet, hip-hop and contemporary dance.
Jessica is currently undertaking examinations under the AATBD Inc syllabus in all styles of dance in preparation for her AATBD Inc teaching diplomas. Jessica has performed in numerous public events, displays, competitions and public examinations. In 2009 Jessica performed at Federation Square as part of the Ausdance 2009 National Dance Awards.
Jessica enjoys the challenge of teaching and sharing her passion of dance with her students. |
 |
Laura Flecknoe
Laura has been dancing for 14 years and has experience in the styles of jazz, classical ballet, tap, hip hop and contemporary. She has completed exams under Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) in jazz, tap and classical ballet, and has achieved her level 8 jazz certificate.
Laura has performed in numerous public events, shows, displays and competitions. In 2009 Laura performed at Federation Square as part of the Ausdance 2009 National Dance Awards.
Laura also has experience working in childcare centres for 3 years and is currently studying her Certificate 3 in Children’s services. |
Substitute and Guest Teachers
Substitute and guest teachers may be called on from time to time to teach at the Academy.
|
|
