STUDIO M TEACHER PROFILES

Emma Russell – Artistic Director/Principal

Emma started dancing when she was 3yrs old. From a very young age she always knew that teaching was her passion and started student teaching from the age of 14. After she completed her teacher’s exam she began to teach at a selection of coastal schools.

After performing and choreographing Emma has been artistic director/principal of Studio M Avoca for the last four years building up a very successful school and is now expanding her love of dance to include studios at Berkeley Vale, Bateau Bay & Ourimbah.

In 2007 Emma created and directed a travel experience of a life time, taking a large group of dancers to L.A to perform in Disneyland and many other dance experiences.  Emma is now planning another tour in 2010.  Emma teaches JFH (jazz, funk, hip hop), Modern Contemporary classes with passion, fun and commitment to all students.

Paige McDougall – Jazz, Modern, Theatre Jazz &Contemporary

Paige comes to Studio M after 17 years of teaching and 15 years of directing her own school “Paiges Dance Academy”. She is an exceptional teacher of all styles, teaching with vibrance and energy.
Her expertise being in jazz, modern and contemporary.

Paige joins Studio M with a wealth of talent and experience in teaching students of all abilities and ages.

Her students have 100% pass marks in C.D.A Contemporary Dance Association Exams.Paige also teaches our Theatre Jazz, she has a vast experience in this field having choreographed one of the largest Central Coast’s Rock Eisteddfod groups for the past 5 years.

Many of her students have gone on to full-time dance courses in Sydney and to work overseas.

Michelle Gorey – Classical Ballet

Michelle completed 2 years full-time Classical with the Halliday Dance Centre in Sydney completing all major R.A.D Exams to Advanced level.  Michelle also studied Spanish dance, contemporary, dance history, classical repitoire etc. Michelle spread her knowledge with a 12month dance study at the Bodenwiesser Dance Centre in Sydney also studying CDA contemporary.

After her 3 years of intensive training at professional level she travelled with Dance Encore Productions to Japan and Greece as a solo performer.

She holds certificates in Fitness Leader, Personal Training and First Aid. Michelle’s interest for fitness found herself as Fitness leader for 10 years at Crown Plaza Terrigal designing fitness and strength training programmes. 

Michelle is currently studying educational kinesiology Brain Gym educator (integrated movement programmes for children and adults).

With over 17yrs teaching experience on the Central Coast teaching R.A.D Classical, Modern Contemporary and various styles of Jazz we are extremely fortunate to have Michelle’s level of expertise at Studio M.

Natasha Hannan – Classical Ballet RAD

Natasha Hannan started dancing at 4 years of age. Natasha trained under Tracey McDonald, Tanya Pearson, and was fortunate to have also been taught by Janice Graham and Jenny Ham at the Tanya Pearson’s Classical Coaching Academy. Other dance teachers have included an array of professional teachers, some include Virginia Ferris, Suellen Chester, Michelle Townsend and John Byrne.

Natasha trained in RAD Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Modern Expressive, Jazz and Spanish Flamenco. Natasha completed all her RAD exams receiving Distinction for all her grade exams and some wonderful results in her major exams, up to Intermediate.

Throughout her years of teaching, all students of Natasha’s have passed their RAD exams with excellence and received amazing results at competitions and eisteddfods.

On completion of her HSC, Natasha decided to undertake the RAD Teacher’s Certificate Program, which she completed in 2004. In 2003, Natasha completed her Certificate III Gym Instruction at Fitness Institute Australia (FIA) and in 2004 Certificate III in Group Fitness, also at FIA. In 2009, Natasha was accepted to study Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science, at the University of Newcastle, with future prospects including Honours of Exercise Physiology and a Masters in Physiotherapy.

Kate Richmond - Classical Ballet

Kate won first place in the very high standard City of Sydney Eisteddfod. Kate’s level of dance was a product of intense classes at Bodenwiesser Dance centre, Sydney.

Kate began teaching for Helen France School of Ballet. Kate then moved to Western Australia attending classes at three different dance schools obtaining skills in Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Tap. She continued teaching R.A.D Ballet and performing in variety shows until she moved back to Avoca and started her family.

Kate began a small school called “Dance Steps that concentrated on dance in preschools over the coast. She has been teaching our younger ballerinas (even with nappies under their leotards!) since 2005.

Joshua Lucas - Tap

Josh is our Tap expert! After completing his Tap Exams he joined Studio M as a student and showed his potential to become a fantastic teacher.

Josh is famous for his fabulous Tap routines, always gaining a huge applause at our annual concert.  In 2008 Studio M introduced an all boys hip hop, tap class which has astounded everyone with its success. His male tap students start at the age of 4!!

All students loving the enthusiasm he brings to every class.  After learning the Glenn Wood Syllabus from Glen Wood himself he now teaches this passion to his students.

Krystal Stapylton, Ebony Bruns and Michelle Williams-Jazz, Hip Hop

All three are highly respected dancers with Paige’s Dance Academy. They all share a passion for teaching. Miss Paige showed them the skills they need to be great teachers.

The kids appreciate the vibrant and fun classes that these three provide. They are all adult teachers of Jazz and Hip Hop, we are truly excited to have them as part of the team.

Dominique has been dancing with Studio M since 2005. She won the Studio M Scholarship in 2006. Dominique’s love of dance lead her to teaching. She is also broadening her knowledge and skills at NSW University studying a Bachelor Of Dance.

Assistant Teachers