CATHERINE EDWARDS
Principal and Physiotherapist
Catherine brings over 30 years of teaching and performance experience within the dance industry. She is deeply passionate about dance and takes great joy in sharing that passion with her students. Catherine believes dance is a powerful pathway for developing essential life skills, including resilience, perseverance, commitment, self-esteem, self-discipline, and teamwork.
Her vision is to create a school where students feel safe, supported, and inspired—an environment that nurtures confidence, personal growth, and a lifelong love of dance.
Catherine trained in Sydney in Classical Ballet (RAD), Jazz, and Tap. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, a Certificate IV in Business, and a Certificate in Child Safety. She is currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. Catherine is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, a member of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a registered Glenn Wood Tap (GWT) teacher, and has extensive experience in the Pilates Method.
JASMIN BURNS
Classical Ballet
Jasmin is a Registered Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Teacher with nearly 30 years of teaching experience and an extensive professional performance background. She is the former owner and principal of Narrabeen Dance / Little Feet Dance Classes, where she successfully built the school to over 250 students, managing all aspects of training, staff leadership, and performances.
Jasmin has taught ballet and multiple dance styles across leading studios and schools, including Monsters of Dance, Basement Dance Studios, BHDS, and North Balgowlah School of Dance. She also served as Head Academy Dance Coach at Narrabeen Sports High School, overseeing the development of high school dance programs, competitions, and major performance events. Her teaching experience spans early childhood through to advanced and company-level training, with a strong focus on technical excellence and performance development.
Her professional performing career includes work with the Opera Australia Dance Company, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Showboat Follies, and Carnival Cruise Lines, bringing a depth of industry knowledge and artistry to her teaching and mentorship.
KELLY CALLAGHAN
Jazz, Hip Hop and Performance Groups
Kelly is a professional dancer and educator who completed her Diploma of Dance at Brent Street in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Primary Education from the University of Technology Sydney. She has performed as a backup dancer for Australian artists including SneakySoundSystem and Becca Hatch at major live sporting events. Her on-screen credits include Paper Dolls, Last King of the Cross, Home and Away, Uber Eats, and a range of other television commercials and productions across Channel 7, Stan, Paramount Plus, and Netflix. Now in her sixth year of teaching dance, Kelly is passionate about inspiring and challenging her students as they work towards achieving their goals within the performance industry.
AMELIA CHAPMAN
Ready Set Dance, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Classical Ballet and Performance Groups
Amelia Chapman holds a Bachelor of Music Theatre from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, The University of Adelaide and a Diploma of Music Theatre from Brent Street, bringing strong professional training to her work as both a performer and educator.
A former Dancexcel student of eight years, Amelia grew up competing in performance groups, and as a soloist. Returning to teach at the studio that shaped her is a meaningful full‑circle moment.
Her performance background spans musical theatre, character entertainment, and live events, and she is known for expressive storytelling and vibrant stage presence. Amelia has extensive experience working with children of all ages — including those with additional needs — and is passionate about creating classes that are inclusive, supportive, and filled with creativity and confidence‑building.
Amelia is thrilled to rejoin the Dancexcel team and is dedicated to inspiring young performers through imagination, technique, and joy.
MIKAYLA COOPER
Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Performance Groups
Mikayla began her dance training at the age of five, studying ballet and jazz, and has since developed extensive experience in both performance and teaching. In 2012, she completed a Certificate IV in Performing Arts at The Village Performing Arts Centre. Her performance credits include a wide range of events such as children’s entertainment shows, charity galas, Mardi Gras, and corporate engagements for ABC, SBS, and Channel 9.
Trained across multiple styles, Mikayla’s expertise includes jazz, modern, classical ballet (RAD), Russian character, hip hop, and musical theatre. In 2014, she travelled to the United States to train with some of the world’s leading choreographers and performed at iconic venues including Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Mikayla began her teaching career in 2013 and joined the Dancexcel team later that year. She currently teaches jazz, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre, working with both performance groups and soloists. Mikayla is passionate about inspiring young dancers to achieve their goals while fostering a fun, supportive, and engaging environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
ROISIN COURTNEY
Ready Set Dance, Classical Ballet, Technique and Stretch & Conditioning
A dedicated member of the Dancexcel community since 2016, Roisin has transitioned from a competitive soloist and troupe dancer into a valued member of the teaching faculty. With nine years of training at the studio and extensive experience as an assistant, she now instructs a diverse range of students aged 3 to 14. Roisin is deeply committed to her professional development, currently pursuing a Diploma of Musical Theatre and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management to complement her existing qualifications.
In the studio, Roisin prioritises a strong technical foundation and physical conditioning, ensuring her students dance safely while reaching their full potential. She balances challenging, skill-based instruction with an engaging atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable. Driven by her own passion for performance, Roisin aims to inspire a mindset of continuous improvement in every student, fostering the same growth and dedication that defined her own journey at the studio.
BRIANNA EDWARDS
Management and Administration
Brianna has been part of the Dancexcel family since the age of three, training in jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. Her lifelong involvement in dance has given her a strong appreciation for both the artistic and professional sides of studio life.
Brianna’s role at Dancexcel is diverse and integral, with a primary focus on administration and management. She has a deep understanding of the studio’s values and ethos, playing a key role in student and parent relationships, event management, and the development and implementation of policies and procedures that support a positive and professional environment.
Alongside her work at Dancexcel, Brianna is a professional athlete and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology, further enhancing her ability to communicate effectively, support wellbeing, and contribute thoughtfully to the growth and success of the Dancexcel community.
SIOBHAN EDWARDS
Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Performance Groups; Administration and Marketing
Siobhan Edwards is a passionate dance educator and professional athlete with a lifelong dedication to the performing arts. She trained at Dancexcel from the age of three, studying jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet.
Siobhan began teaching at just 18 years old, quickly finding great success in eisteddfods, coaching both groups and soloists to outstanding results. Her teaching is strengthened by her Diploma in Social Media and Marketing, bringing a modern, professional approach to communication, promotion, and student engagement.
As a professional athlete, Siobhan brings discipline, focus, and high-performance mindset into the studio. She is deeply committed to inspiring students to achieve their personal best, while fostering teamwork, resilience, perseverance, commitment, and dedication—values she believes are essential both in dance and in life.
MADDY GRATTAN
Ready Set Dance, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Performance Groups
Maddy began dance at the age of three and has been at Dancexcel for over ten years where she has trained in a wide range of styles including jazz, classical ballet (RAD Advanced 1), tap, musical theatre, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary. At Dancexcel, Maddy found her love for dance and gained experience as a competitive soloist and group dancer.
Maddy has been a part of the Dancexcel team as an assistant teacher for the past five years where she has found a passion for mentoring students and helping them achieve their personal best.
In 2026, Maddy is studying at Village Nation Performing Arts and working towards a Certificate IV in Dance to further her dance training and professional development.
HOLLY HAMILTON
Ready Set Dance, Jazz and Ballet
Holly has been dancing since the age of four, training in RAD Ballet and competitive Jazz, and developing a strong foundation across a range of styles. Holly’s own dance journey started at Dancexcel as a student, making her return as a teacher a true full-circle moment.
Having experienced the studio culture from both sides, she understands the importance of creating a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel safe to try, grow, and express themselves.
Alongside her dance career, Holly is currently studying Actuarial Studies and Commerce, bringing strong organisation, problem-solving, and analytical skills into her teaching practice. Holly is passionate about helping students build confidence, technique, and a genuine love for dancing. She strives to make every class engaging, positive, and inspiring, while supporting each dancer to reach their personal best.
IMOGEN KIRKHAM
Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Performance Groups
Imogen’s passion for dance began at the age of 6 when she took her first class at Dancexcel Performance Studio. Her journey as a student at Dancexcel continued for over a decade, during which she trained in RAD ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. During this time, she competed both as a soloist and in performance groups, and in 2019 took part in Dancexcel’s USA tour, performing at Disneyland LA and Universal Studios.
Imogen began student teaching at the age of 13 under the guidance of the Dancexcel teachers, where she discovered her love for sharing her passion for dance and supporting students in their technical growth. In 2022, she furthered her training at Brent Street in their Performance Training Program, learning from some of Australia’s leading choreographers and industry professionals. In 2023, she was selected to be part of the Dream Creative Elite Program, where she trained under renowned choreographer Marko Panzic and performed alongside The Dream Dance Company in their professional show Collide.
Imogen now brings a disciplined, creative, and supportive approach to her teaching. She strives to foster a positive environment in which every student can grow in confidence, build strong foundations, and develop a genuine love for dance.
EMMA PAVICHIEVAC
Classical Ballet and Technique
Emma began dancing at age 4 and since graduating high school has been working professionally as a teacher and performer for 10 years. Emma is a registered ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and holds a Bachelor Degree in Dance from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Emma’s performing credits include the new Rebel Wilson film “The Deb” as a dancer, dance captain at the Alexander Kunz Theatre in Germany, dancer and backing vocalist in “Ooh La La” Cabaret show on the Gold Coast, tap dancer and fire artist in “Hughman: Live” by Hugh Sheridan at the Brisbane Arts Festival, dancer in the pre-production cast of “Musicology” for P&O Cruise Lines and dancer at Warner Brothers Movie World and Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. Emma’s passion for dance and the industry is ever growing, and she is enthusiastic about sharing this love and knowledge with the next generation of dancers.
LAURA PINON
Jazz and Lyrical
Laura’s dancing journey began at 10 years old, following her competing in national level figure skating. She has trained in all styles of dance, learning from industry professionals at Constant Groove Dance Studio. Over the years, Laura has competed as a member of troupes, crews and as a soloist, earning placings at prestigious competitions across Australia and Internationally. Most recently Laura competed with her hiphop crew, ’Sploove’ last July at the prestigious ‘Hip Hop International’ competition in Phoenix, Arizona where they placed 6th in the world against 50 other countries. In 2025, Laura completed her full-time training at Village Nation Performing Arts, mentored under Briden Starr and many working industry professionals, where she also obtained her ‘Cert IV’ qualification in Dance. This year she is excited to share her love for dancing and teaching at Dancexcel!
PIPER WEBB
Classical Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical
Piper has been immersed in the world of dance from a young age, training across multiple styles, including commercial jazz, musical theatre, ballet, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop. She began her training at Jayz Dance Company in Canberra, where she progressed through the Open Age Elite Troupe Program and completed Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Glenn Wood Tap examinations.
Piper’s passion for performance led her to Dynamite Studios on the Gold Coast, where she trained as a dancer and was a member of the Full-Time Performance Team while completing her Certificate IV in Dance. She has performed at high-profile events, including the Caboolture Show as part of a Nickelodeon flashmob and as a guest dancer on The Next Step Australian Tour in 2019.
Beyond performing, Piper is a dedicated dance educator with experience teaching multiple syllabuses, including Ready Set Dance. With a strong foundation in both performance and teaching, she is committed to fostering a love of dance in the next generation. She believes in creating a positive, inspiring studio environment where students can grow as dancers and individuals while embracing movement and artistic expression.