Dance Principal / Owner
I have been dancing since 1998, after my school teacher recommended dance to help build coordination, focus, confidence, memorization skills, spatial awareness development and overall learning skills. From the very beginning, dance became a powerful tool for both personal growth and education. I now specialises in teaching Acrobatics and Early Childhood Dance Education, combining strong technical foundations, following progressions and using a nurturing, play-based approach to learning. 

With experience dancing and teaching across multiple dance schools growing up, alongside teaching recreational gymnastics, My journey took a meaningful turn through an unexpected pathway when I realised that my experience in the roles she had previously dedicated her training too, was highly benefiting the dance community with the differently structured environment, learning structure and, accommodating individual needs. I turned my hobby of teaching dance classes after work, into my full time career, to what we now know as, Dance It South West. This caring background together with raising my own neurodiverse children, has shaped my inclusive teaching philosophy. I am a qualified Early Childhood Educator, hold a Certificate IV in Special Needs Education Support, Supervisory Qualifications, Senior First Aid, and a Working With Children Check. I am also proudly a Certified Acrobatics Arts Instructor with annual licensing, a registered member of the Discover Dance Syllabus, with a focus on Early Childhood Dance Education and Acro Pre-School and is trained in Alixa Flexibility Safe Stretching Technique. I am passionate about ongoing professional development and regularly participates in online teacher training workshops to stay current with safe, evidence-based dance practices. Following my passion for providing a supportive space for all, I also hold certificates in Stress Management, Anxiety & Depression Support, and Mindfulness Support Strategies, Including Breathing & Stretching excercises to regulate the nervous system. 

What I love most about teaching dance is connecting with students as individuals, understanding how they learn, supporting their needs, and watching them thrive in a safe, inclusive environment. Dance is far more than movement; it builds confidence, resilience, teamwork, discipline, creativity, emotional expression, and lifelong friendships. I believe dance can truly change lives for the better and feels grateful every day to be part of that journey.

Fun Fact:
I live life in fast-forward! When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me volunteering at schools and community events, supporting neurodiverse communities, or near the water, thanks to growing up around speed boats and motocross. These days, though, I’m the first to remind everyone about safety… after assessing the risks, of course!

Dance Teacher
I teach Hip Hop and Jazz and have had a lifelong passion for dance as I have been dancing since I was very little. I’ve been teaching at the studio since its opening, growing alongside the studio and inspiring dancers from the very beginning.

I hold training and certificates in - Certificate III and IV Education Support - Certificate III Community Services (aging and disability support) - First Aid - Diabetes Awareness Training - Anaphylaxis Awareness Training - Working with Children's Check - Police Clearance As a mum of three, I'm passionate about helping children thrive and grow into confident individuals in a supportive and fun dance environment.

I watch every child on stage at our end of year concert with the same pride and care as if they were my own! Seeing how far they have come throughout the dance year is the highlight of my night!

Fun fact - My favourite place to choreograph is in the kitchen while cooking dinner!

Dance Teacher
I specialise in Jazz and Hip Hop and have been dancing since I was just 3 years old. I began assistant teaching in my teenage years and, as my experience grew, progressed to teaching my own classes.

I am a qualified childcare educator with over 13 years’ experience working with children. I hold Senior First Aid and Anaphylaxis training, along with a valid Working With Children Check and Police Clearance.

I love seeing children’s faces light up when they master a move or perform confidently on stage. Watching their excitement and pride after nailing a routine is what makes teaching dance so rewarding for me.

Fun fact—many of my routines are planned while driving or even in the shower, where my best creative ideas come to life!

Dance Teacher
I’ve been dancing for 17 years and teaching for the past 5 years, with a passion for tap, ballet, hip hop, and occasionally jazz. Having danced my whole life, I have been blessed to be guided and mentored by Miss Tamara, who helped shape me not only as a dancer but also as a confident and caring teacher.

I love teaching because of the joy it brings each week seeing my students’ smiling faces, building strong friendships from a young age, and watching them grow and shine both in class and on stage. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing my students perform with confidence as proud DISW dancers.

Fun fact: I hate watching movies! (Sorry movie lovers!)

Dance Teacher
I teach Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical (including neo-classical and contemporary) and have been dancing for over 30 years—since I first started… don’t try to work out the maths! I’ve been teaching at Dance It SW for 6 years and absolutely love being part of the studio.

My training includes BAL dance exams in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, along with performance experience in local eisteddfods, dance festivals, and musical theatre productions. I also had the opportunity to attend Brent Street Summer School and hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. After returning to dance in 2020 alongside my daughter, my passion was reignited, and I continue to complete online dance training to grow as both a dancer and educator.

I love watching students gain confidence and express emotion through movement, creating routines that allow every dancer to shine. Dance It SW is like a second home to us! It is passionate about fostering a positive, supportive, and inspiring environment for all students.

Fun fact—I returned to dance with my daughter, and I can’t roll my tongue!

Dance Teacher

Dance Teacher
With over 20 years of dancing experience, I specialise in Ballet, Jazz & Tap. I bring many years of teaching experience to the studio and have completed CSTD examinations through to teaching level in Ballet and Theatrical dance. I love sharing my passion for dance while nurturing technique, creativity, and confidence in students of all ages.

I have recently returned to dance after a 10 year break. I love the atmosphere at DISW and how supportive and friendly the staff, students and families are. I am excited to see what 2026 has to bring.

Administrator
I’ve been dancing around my house for as long as I can remember and but only started dancing as an adult in Adult Hip Hop and Adult Jazz . I became an active member of the DISW Committee in 2021, a year after my son discovered his love for dance, and I’m now proud to be an official staff member supporting all areas of the studio.

I am a mum of four boys and would never have guessed I would be brought into the dance world by my son in 2020. I live in a house full of boys ADHD and Autism and this allows me to have a understand of children’s needs and support they may need.

I love helping around the studio and watching students of all ages discover their passion, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of self. At Dance It SW, Miss Mara and the team create a truly magical environment where every student is supported and encouraged to be themselves—it’s a wonderful place we’re lucky to call our second home.

Fun Fact- I have a horrible obsession for collecting Funko Pops!

Dance Assistant Teacher
I have been dancing for fourteen years, beginning my training at the age of three. I started assisting with younger students when I was eleven and quickly fell in love with teaching. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing students grow in confidence and develop the skills they have worked so hard to achieve.

I strive to create a positive, supportive, and professional learning environment in every class, and I believe that laughter is a superpower!