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Mrs Hollie Ison
Our Academy Director -
Gallery
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ARAD, RAD CBTS, Dip.Dance T&M, Dip.Musical Theatre, Cert.IV Trng & Assmnt
Miss Hollie began her training in Central NSW at the age of 3. After successfully auditioning for the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School at age 11, she moved to further her full-time dance training in Melbourne. Miss Hollie has performed professionally in commercial dance productions, operas and awards ceremonies.
Miss Hollie has completed all RAD examinations with Distinction and CBTS RAD Teachers Certificate, CSTD Modern Jazz examinations and Modern Jazz Teaching and Diploma Certificates. Miss Hollie holds a Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, a Certificate IV in TAE, Pilates instructor certificate, as well as a Diploma in Musical Theatre and has studied full-time acting for film and television with the Film & Television Studio International. Miss Hollie is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science in order to better her coaching abilities and improve the standards of training for young dancers. Miss Hollie is passionate about the training benefits of the Russian training method in classical ballet. She dedicates her own professional development time to the authenticity of this teaching style for the betterment of her students. Miss Hollie has also studied extensively in both Pilates and Yoga, practising these daily both professionally and personally. Over the past 18 years, Miss Hollie has taught multi-faceted dance to students from pre-professional to beginner in Canberra, Newcastle, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Miss Hollie is passionate about professional dance training to an outstanding level of fitness and performance. One of her greatest goals is to facilitate and assist much needed improvements in both performer and teacher training levels. |
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Miss Lucy Green
Advanced Guest Tutor
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Our Academy's Advanced Classical Ballet Tutor
Lucy was born in Sydney and studied ballet at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Upon graduating Lucy joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2010 where she danced for 7 years. In December 2015 she performed as a Guest Principal Dancer with Scottish Ballet for their season of Christopher Hampson’s Cinderella. Lucy joined Queensland Ballet as a Soloist in 2017 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in October that same year. Lucy has coached our classical ballet students in pointe, technique, stagecraft and classical ballet variations including Le Corsaire, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and many more. Lucy is a valued member of the Arete coaching team. |
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Miss Sarah Thompson
Advanced Dance Tutor
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Our Academy's Advanced Classical Ballet Tutor
Sarah Thompson started her early dance training at the Yvonne Britain Dance Academy on the Gold Coast before attending the Queensland Dance School of Excellence where she was awarded the Partricia McDonald Memorial Scholarship. In 2008, Sarah was accepted into Queensland Ballet's Professional Year program during which she performed with the company in many of their productions. In 2010 Sarah was offered a traineeship with the Queensland Ballet and was promoted to Company Dancer in 2011.
During her time at the Queensland Ballet Sarah performed in countless productions under the directorship of Francois Klaus and Li Cunxin. Sarah's highlights with the Queensland Ballet include; 'Princess' in Francois Klaus' The Little Mermaid, 'Leading Swan in Francois Klaus' Swan Lake, 'Miettes Fairy' in Francois Klaus' The Sleeping Beauty, 'Myrtha, Queen of the Willies' in Ai-Gul Gaisinas Giselle, 'Rosaline' in Sir Kenneth MacMillans Romeo and Juliet, 'Sugar Plum Fairy' and 'Arabian Princess' in Ben Stevensons The nutcracker, 'Swanhilda' and 'Prayer' in Greg Horsmans Coppelia, 'The Sylph' and 'Effie' in Peter Schaufus' La Sylphide. Sarah toured to Europe, China and to London with the Queensland Ballet where she performed the lead role of 'The Sylph' on the London coliseum stage. In 2016 Sarah took her career to Europe accepting a Soloist contract with the Staatsballett Hannover in Germany. After retiring at the end of 2019 Sarah moved to Sydney where she now resides teaching ballet and strength & conditioning whilst furthering her studies and training in Pilates. Sarah is passionate about sharing her love of dance in a joyful manner creating an inclusive and uplifting class environment for all her students. |
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Miss Lily Smith
Advanced Dance Tutor
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Our Academy's Part-Time Advanced Classical Tutor
RAD ADV 1, Dip. Artist of Ballet, Dip. Classical Teaching Discipline - Russia Miss Lily began dancing at the age of 3, and upon moving to Brisbane studied at Annette Roselli Dance Academy from 2004 until 2015. During this time, she completed R.A.D pre-primary to grade 8, as well as intermediate through to advanced one, receiving all distinctions. Furthermore, Miss Lily spent several seasons performing with the Ballet Theatre of Queensland and performed in several Queensland Ballet performances while studying in the Queensland Ballet’s junior program.
In 2015 she was accepted into the Bolshoi Ballet Academy summer intensive in New York (USA), from which she was invited to move to Moscow, Russia, and train at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography (Bolshoi Ballet Academy). While in Russia, she completed the Traineeship year, scoring top marks in all dance and academic subjects. From there she was accepted into the Academy’s Diploma course, studying for two years to receive a “Diploma as an Artist of Ballet of the Russian Federation”, as well as a separate “Diploma of classical teaching disciplines” (pedagogy) of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, also scoring top marks in all dance, language and academic disciplines. During 2016 and 2017 Miss Lily travelled with to New York to represent the academy at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy summer intensives. While studying in Russia, she also was selected to perform in several Moscow State Academy of Choreography performances, namely in Swan Lake and Chopinana. Further, Miss Lily was also selected from the Academy to join the corps de ballet of the Stanislavsky and Kremlin Theatres respectively in their performances of La Bayadere at the Stanislavsky Theatre and Kremlin Palace in Moscow. While living and training in Russia Miss Lily also studied academic disciplines in Russian, as well as a first level diploma in the Russian language from the Russian Federation. |
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Miss Jemma Thomas
Advanced Dance Tutor -
Qualifications & Career Highlights
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Our Academy's Intermediate Classical, CSTD Latin & Jazz Coach
CSTD Modern Jazz Diploma, ARAD, CSTD Ruby Latin, CSTD Adv. Bronze Tap Miss Jemma has been part of Arête Arts since 2016 and has been involved in all areas of the studio including student coaching, exam preparation and coaching the Performance Squad.
As a dancer, Miss Jemma has performed overseas and around Australia with Pen2Stage Productions, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Lifelike Touring, The Entertainment Store and Opening Night Entertainment. As a dance educator, Miss Jemma has taught dance throughout Australia and Hong Kong. In 2018, Miss Jemma adjudicated the Mt Isa Eisteddfod. Miss Jemma is passionate about choreography, dance education and developing professional dancers. Miss Jemma is currently studying Bachelor of Education at QUT. |
Miss Jemma began her training in Brisbane QLD at the age of 8. At 18, Miss Jemma continued to dance training studying full-time at Conroy Performing Arts College. Miss Jemma has performed professionally in children’s entertainment, commercial dance productions and theme parks. Miss Jemma's active performance career has taken her around the globe, including teaching dance in Hong Kong, Japan.
Miss Jemma has completed her RAD Advanced 2 and her CSTD Modern Jazz Diploma. Miss Jemma is passionate about musical theatre and wishes to share her love for the industry with her students. Miss Jemma has been commissioned to choreograph for musical theatre productions, children’s shows, and numerous pop singers
Miss Jemma has completed her RAD Advanced 2 and her CSTD Modern Jazz Diploma. Miss Jemma is passionate about musical theatre and wishes to share her love for the industry with her students. Miss Jemma has been commissioned to choreograph for musical theatre productions, children’s shows, and numerous pop singers
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Mr Shane Dechavez
Advanced Commercial Dance Tutor
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Shane started dancing at the age of 5 learning mainstream commercial pop style dance inspired by Michael Jackson and Backstreet Boys - as most young kids in the 90’s. Shane started formal training at age 16 in Street Styles (Hip-Hop), Jazz, Contemporary & Ballet and in 2010 achieved Intermediate Certificate (Distinction) in RAD Ballet. Shane is also skilled in Aerial Silks and is a Blackbelt in Taekwondo….so best not to mess with him! Shane has danced in film clips for local Australian MC/Singer artists Forbes Heaton (2008) and Tara Simmons (2011). He has also danced in film clips for local choreographers Anna Johnston and Matty Balaba (2013). Shane has travelled internationally for dance performing in the Miss Papua New Guinea Beauty Pageant (2012) directed by choreographer Errol Cenita. In 2011 Shane studied with Raw Dance Company’s Full Time Course improving his versatility. Whilst studying at RAW Shane performed in several major corporate events for the company. During 2012 and 2013, Shane worked full-time for RAW Dance Company as a company member. Shane has been teaching and instructing students for over 17 years with his 26 years of personal dance experience. Whilst working alongside dance schools, he is also employed as a character suit performer and entertainer at two major theme parks on the Gold Coast, Movie World and Sea World. As well as a mascot performer for the Silver Bullets (Brisbane Bullets Basketball Cheersquad)
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Ms Deborah Thomas
Advanced Vocal Tutor
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Our Academy's Advanced Vocal Tutor
A.Mus.A., B.A. Deborah Thomas trained in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. In Canberra, she trained with David Parker at the Canberra School of Music and here in Brisbane with Paul Neal. Deborah loves to sing opera and classical music and has a passion for musical theatre and all aspects of vocal production, whether in a contemporary or classical style. She has performed in many recitals and productions. Deborah holds a bachelors degree in psychology and an A.Mus.A in singing. Her philosophy for teaching singing is that a good sound technique allows you to sing any style well and believes singing should be a joy. She wants every singer she teaches to be the best singer she or he can be. Deborah Thomas is the director of Dolphin Studio, which was established in the Wynnum area in 1998. Since that time, people of all ages have attended Dolphin Studio, learning how to sing, improve and develop vocal technique and take part in the joy of making music. Dolphin Studio provides excellence in all aspects of singing tuition through private lessons, choirs and regular concerts.
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Miss Aysia Emery
Australian Curriculum Dance Tutor
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Our Academy's High School Curriculum Tutor & Full Time Contemporary Coach
Bachelor Fine Arts Dance QUT (Distinction), Master's Education QUT Miss Aysia fosters a supportive class environment where movement and creativity can be explored without judgement. She began her dancing journey from a young age in Cairns and has trained in the styles of Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet and Tap. Miss Aysia received the Dance and Drama Dux Award at her high school which further sparked her passion for dance and education.
Miss Aysia relocated to Brisbane to pursue her tertiary studies at QUT. In 2020 she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with Distinction and is now undertaking her Masters of Teaching. Her continuing learning journey allows her to combine teaching and dance innovatively to inspire and empower others. |
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Miss Taylah Newton
Dance Tutor
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Since the age of three, Taylah has trained in multiple dance styles. She has accomplished her CSTD (Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing) Jazz Teaching Certificate and a Certificate III in Dance Studies. Taylah has completed all CSTD Tap Examinations, Advanced 1 RAD Ballet, and completed an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts at Conroy Performing Arts College.
Taylah’s various experiences as a performer include guest performances on Royal Caribbean’s 'Quantum of the Seas’, and at Disneyland California Adventure Park (Los Angeles). Taylah has worked full time as a dance choreographer at Hong Kong International School and Kennedy ESF School Pok Fu Lam, as well as teaching and choreographing competition routines and musical productions at private dance studios (Glenda Allen Dance Academy, Canterbury Dance Company) |
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Miss Mikaela Bourke
Dance Tutor
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Dip. Dance Teaching & Management, CSTD Tap Teacher Cert, CSTD Modern Jazz Teacher Cert
Miss Mikaela is a teacher dedicated to getting results through many different fun and engaging activities. She has experience in many different art forms such as Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and many more. Miss Mikaela has been dancing since the age of 3 back in her home town of Mackay.
Currently Mikaela is studying her Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management. She has completed and obtained her Teacher's Certificate in jazz and tap through the CSTD. Mikaela has also completed her RAD Advance 1 ballet exam, as well as completed level 4 in the CSTD Jason Winter Contemporary syllabus and is equipped with 6 years of teaching experience as well as 2 years of full time dance training. |