Kellie Hansen

Principal of Danzart Studio

 

ADA- Dance, QUT

CSTD, ATOD Affiliate Member

RAD Affiliate Member

For Kellie Hansen, dance is more than just movement—it’s a lifelong journey of expression and discovery. As the Principal of Danzart Studio, Kellie brings 40+ years of expertise in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Acrobatics to every class and choreography session.

Kellie studied full-time Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Queensland University of Technology, undertaking intensive professional training that shaped both her technical foundation and artistic depth. She went on to enjoy a professional career in the commercial dance industry before discovering her true passion — mentoring and developing young dancers.

Kellie is a strong advocate for science-backed dance training. A dedicated reformer and Pilates enthusiast, she believes strength, alignment, and injury prevention are the true foundations of exceptional technique. Her approach blends artistry with athletic intelligence, ensuring dancers build not only performance quality but also resilience and longevity.

As the Director of Danzart, Kellie leads a powerhouse team of instructors, overseeing everything from high-stakes competitive programs to the foundational "Tiny Movers" curriculum. Her mission is simple: to provide world-class dance education in an environment that is both nurturing and disciplined. At Danzart, Kellie doesn't just teach steps—she builds dancers.

Tayla Lordan

Tiny Movers, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical 

 Advanced Teachers Dip. RAD Classical Ballet

RAD Advanced 2 Classical Ballet

CSTD Teachers Certificate – Jazz

CSTD Teachers Certificate – Tap

 

 

Tayla commenced her dance training at  Danzart Studio aged 4 and has been trained and mentored in teaching by Miss Kellie. She has been coached in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre; Tayla has been a significant member of the Danzart Performance Team.

Tayla's advanced teaching training in classical ballet is a great asset to the Danzart Classical Ballet Program and she attends many professional development programs in dance to keep her skills current and relevant.  Tayla is extremely invested and dedicated to her students.

Kimberley Tai

Tiny Movers - Specialist

Jazz , Musical Theatre, Acrobatics

CSTD Teachers Certificate -  Jazz 

Accredited

Acrobatic Arts Module 1 certification

Acrobatic Arts Aerial/back handspring

Acrobatic Arts Module 2 certification

Acrobatic Arts Back Tuck/Back Layout certification

Acrobatic Arts Acro Dance preschool certification

Acrobatics Arts Assistant teacher Mentorship

Qualified Zumba instructor

Kimberley has been a much-loved teacher at Danzart since 2004. Trained in most aspects of dance, including Jazz, Modern, Funk, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Ballet.  She has performed in many and varied professional dance performances.

Kimberley specializes in the Tiny Movers Program and our Junior Dancers; she is constantly attending professional development workshops to deliver the best possible practices to her students.

Ela Cartmell

Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical

CSTD Teachers Certificate Jazz

Ela has been a  longtime student and teacher of Danzart Studio, she is trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Tap.  Ela completed full time dance at Urban Dance Centre Sydney and is a part time student of  Raw Dance, Brisbane.Ela has had the opportunity to work with leading indusry professionals both as a student and in the professional performance arena.

Meghan Hansen

Classical Ballet - Contemporary/Lyrical - Solo Choreography

RAD Classical Ballet ADV 2 - Qld Ballet Pre-Professional Program

With a wealth of experience, she's a versatile performer who's taken the stage in various productions, showcasing her dedication to dance.
Meg has been part of productions such as "The Nutcracker" and "The Little Green Road to Fairyland" in 2019, playing key roles with the Queensland Ballet and Ballet Theatre Queensland. Meg has also excelled in diverse roles like Dancer, Character Artist, and Soloist in productions such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Cinderella," and "Sleeping Beauty," earning her a place as a Principal and Corps de Ballet member with Queensland Ballet Theatre.
In the Commercial world, Miss Meg has made a mark with roles in the West Village TV Advertisement, Mercedes Benz Fashion Show, and Stretch Out Dancewear Campaign in 2019 and previous years.
Miss Meg's dedication is clear from her training at respected institutions like the Queensland Ballet Academy, Kym Stokes Ballet Coaching, Australian Dance Performance Institute, Annette Roselli Dance Academy, Majestic Method for Aerial Training, Brisbane Music Studio for Vocal and Music Theory Training, and Danzart Studio for various dance styles.
Her impressive achievements include being a Youth America Grande Prix New York Finalist, an Australian Ballet Invitee Program participant, and the Ballet Theatre Queensland Phyllis Danaher Scholarship recipient. Miss Meg has completed all RAD Classical Ballet and CSTD Jazz Examinations, earning the highest mark in Queensland for the Jason Winters level 5 CSTD Contemporary Exam.
Miss Meg's love for dance and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of our school, inspiring and shaping the next generation of dancers with her knowledge, skill, and artistic flair.

Bridie Heron

Jazz - Contemporary - Lyrical - Ballet - Dance Technique - Conditioning and Fitness

Bachelors Degree Physiotherapy 

Adv Dip Classical Ballet and Contemporary, Brent St, Sydney

RAD Advanced 2

Bridie trained at Danzart Studios before completing her full-time dance studies at Brent Street Studios in Sydney.

She then spent 18 months performing in Tokyo Disneyland's flagship show, One Man’s Dream 2. Bridie went on to perform in Magic to Do, joining the show’s inaugural cast under the direction of Stephen Schwartz. She spent five years performing with Princess Cruises, including contracts on brand-new ships and in original productions.

Since returning to Australia, Bridie has completed her degree in Physiotherapy. She now works as a physiotherapist while continuing to teach and share her love of dance, combining elite industry experience with evidence-based knowledge to support and develop the next generation of performers.

Katyia Wills

Musical Theatre

Katyia has been trained in many forms of dance and Musical Theatre at Theatre and Dance and sings under the direction of Jacqui Devereaux. She is currently studying Creative Industries at QUT. Katyia's performance experiences include; Oliver (Savoyards), Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat (Harvest Rain), Seussical (Theatre and Dance), How to Make Snow (The Little Red Company), Wicked (Redcliffe Musical Theatre) as well as countless school music performances and eisteddfods. She has also completed exams in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet

Connor Nantes

Senior Dance Teacher

Ballet - Jazz - Lyrical and Contemporary 

Connor is a proud Danzart alumnus who trained across all dance genres, completed jazz, contemporary, and ballet exams, and performed as a member of the Eisteddfod team. He furthered his training at the Australian Dance Performance Institute and completed his Certificate IV in Dance at Ev & Bow in Sydney.

Connor has performed professionally with Celebrity and Holland America cruise lines, as well as in productions across Queensland. He holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management, has completed RAD Advanced 2 Ballet, earned his Comdance Jazz Teacher’s Certificate, and achieved the highest mark in the state for Level 4 Contemporary in 2016. Connor has also trained internationally in New York and London and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Martika McGowan

Teacher:  Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet and Acrobatics

CSTD Level 6 Teachers Certificate Contemporary Dance

CSTD Teachers Certificate - Jazz

Cert III in Dance 

Cert IV in Dance

Martika McGown began dancing at Danzart at just 2 years of age, training extensively across all genres and developing into a beautifully versatile performer.

In 2024, she completed full-time training at Dance Force, earning her Certificate IV in Dance and performing in the Graduation Tour. Martika has since completed her first professional contract with Royal Caribbean aboard Spectrum of the Seas, performing throughout Japan, China, and South Korea.

She has completed all RAD Ballet, CSTD Jazz and Contemporary exams, as well as her CSTD Teaching Certificates in Jazz and Contemporary. During her 15 years at Danzart, Martika was a dedicated Eisteddfod team member, a successful solo competitor, and a participant in several pre-professional programs, including Dream Creative, Australasian Dance Collective, and Locreado.

An experienced and passionate teacher, Martika is committed to inspiring, educating, and nurturing the next generation of Danzart dancers.

Chloe McDrury

Teacher: Musical Theatre - Acrobatics - Jazz - Contemporary - Lyrical - Ballet

CSTD Teacher Certificate – Theatrical
CSTD Teacher Certificate –  Level 6 Contemporary
CSTD Teacher Certificate – Modern Jazz

Chloe McDrury is a Brisbane-based dancer, aerialist, and musical theatre performer currently undertaking full-time professional training at Dynamite Studios Australia while completing her Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance.

With over 15 years of training at Danzart, Chloe is a versatile, highly skilled performer trained in musical theatre, jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, acrobatics, hip hop, Latin, showgirl, and aerial arts.

She has performed in professional live entertainment settings, including NRL events, stage productions, parades, and competitions. Chloe has achieved outstanding RAD and CSTD examination results — including the highest mark in Queensland for CSTD Jazz and Theatrical — and has received numerous performance awards.

An experienced and passionate teacher, Chloe brings strong technique, professionalism, and a vibrant stage presence to every class, inspiring the next generation of Danzart dancers.

Mackenzie Carfrae

 Teacher:  Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Tap

 

Cert III in Dance 

CSTD Teachers Certificate - Jazz

RAD Advanced 2 

Mackenzie has been extensively trained across all genres. She holds a Certificate III in Dance and a Comdance ‘CSTD’ Jazz Teachers Certificate, and has completed RAD ballet, CSTD jazz, CSTD tap, and Jason Winters contemporary exams. She has performed at NRL Dolphins and Broncos games at Suncorp Stadium and at the Super Bowl Halftime Performance showcase in Brisbane. She has also completed the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Workshop in Texas, USA. Mackenzie currently works as a Junior and Assistant Dance Teacher while studying a Bachelor of Midwifery. 

Paris Wilson

Teacher Acrobatic Specialist - Jazz - Dance Technique

CSTD Teachers Certificate - Jazz 

Acrobatic Arts Certified

 Bachelor of Health, Sport and Physical Education (Honours) at UQ,

Paris Wilson is a Danzart-grown dance instructor who began her training at the studio at age 3 and has been teaching for over 8 years. She trained across acrobatics, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, tap, and ballet, and was a dedicated Eisteddfod performer and CSTD Jazz exam student.

Paris holds multiple Acrobatic Arts certifications, including Modules 1 & 2, aerial, back handspring, back tuck, and back layout, as well as her CSTD Jazz and Modern Jazz Teacher’s Certificates. Currently studying a Bachelor of Health, Sport and Physical Education (Honours) at UQ, she brings strong technical knowledge and safe training practices to her classes. Paris performed with the NRL Dolphins Dance Team in 2023 and is passionate about delivering high-energy acrobatics and jazz training that builds strength, confidence, and performance quality.

Sophia Gougoulas

Teacher: Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary

 

CSTD Level 6 Contemporary Teachers Certificate

CSTD Teachers Certificate - Jazz

Cert III in Dance

RAD Advanced 2 Ballet 

Adv Dip in Dance Teaching & Management BTQ 2026

Sophia Gougoulas is a talented Australian dancer with a background in classical ballet, contemporary, and commercial dance. A Danzart graduate, she holds a Certificate III in Dance, has completed RAD Ballet exams up to Advanced 2, and earned CSTD Jazz and Jason Winters Teaching certifications. She has performed leading roles with Ballet Theatre Queensland at QPAC and The Star, including the Evil Queen in Snow White and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, as well as parts in Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Sleeping Beauty. Sophia has also appeared as a Principal Artist with Toowoomba Ballet Theatre and starred in the short film Soulsinger. 

In 2026, she continues full-time training in ballet and contemporary dance while pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Teaching and Management and receiving commercial training at Dynamite Studios. She is dedicated to bringing artistry and professionalism to her teaching at Danzart.

Tessa Barry

Teacher:  Ballet - Jazz - Lyrical/Contemporary 

QLD College of Dance Dip of Elite Performance

CSTD Teachers Certificate - Contemporary Dance

Awarded the highest mark in Queensland for Level 5 CSTD Contemporary Exam 2023

Formative dance training in Ballet, Jazz Lyrical, and Contemporary from 2016 to 2024 at Danzart. Full-time emerging dancer trained in contemporary, classical, commercial, and improvisation techniques, with performance experience in stage and film. Passionate about collaborative creation and dedicated to delivering expressive, connected, and artistically driven work.

Tahlia Rogers

Jazz - Classical Ballet - Acrobatics - Contemporary - Tap

 

Acrobatic Arts Certified - Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management - registered teacher with International Dance Technique. With over 10 years of teaching experience across Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, Tahlia is committed to sharing her expertise and love for dance.

Letisha Fittell

 

Tiny Movers Curriculum Consultant

 

Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management

Bachelor of Education (Primary)
RAD Intermediate Level

Tiny Movers Curriculum Consultant

Tish is a qualified Primary school teacher and mother of three sons and commenced as a student at Danzart in 1999.  Tish has been trained in RAD Classical Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.  

Miss Tish aims to teach much more than basic dance movements she encourages her students to discover how their bodies move and learn skills they can use in many different areas of their lives.  Skills such as listening, taking turns, concentration, coordination, as well as social and emotional skills; all of which improve students’ preparation for life at school and beyond.

Hayley Bushell

Acrobatics

Certified "Acrobatic Arts"

Started training in gymnastics and dance at age five and continued training in the areas of gymnastics, jazz, tap, and classical ballet for many years. Hayley has completed exams/levels in gymnastics, CSTD jazz and tap, and RAD classical ballet

Casey Bushell

Acrobatics

Certified "Acrobatic Arts"

Started training in gymnastics and dance at age five and continued training in the areas of gymnastics, jazz, tap, and classical ballet for many years. Casey has completed exams/levels in gymnastics, CSTD jazz and tap, and RAD classical ballet

Katrina George

Ballet, Private Coaching, Pilates, Mentoring.

Guest Teacher

Registered Member and Teacher of Royal Academy of Dance

Certified Trainer of Progressing Ballet Technique

Cert IV Training and Assessment

Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management

Adv Dip of Dance Australian Ballet School

 

Katrina comes to Danzart with a wealth of classical training and dance education and qualifications.  Her many years as a professional dancer and 22 years as a highly trained and experienced dance teacher is a welcome asset to the Danzart faculty.  The student's benefit from Katrina's advanced knowledge of the body and how it is used in all dance forms and in particular, classical ballet. 

Kym Stokes

Private Classical Ballet, Coach/Classical Ballet, Teacher & Mentor - Guest Teacher

Masters in Fine Arts, Dance

Advanced Dip Dance, ABS

Cert 3 & IV Fitness Instructor

Qualified Pilates Instructor

Master of Fine Arts - Aerial QUT

Cert IV Dance Teaching and Management

 Advanced Teachers Dip. RAD Classical Ballet 

Kym has had a many and varied successful professional dance career. Kym with her partner Les Livesey developed their own Adagio and Aerial Act "Majestic". 

Kym is currently coaching Classical Ballet,  repertoire, aerial dance, pilates. Kym is a mentor to many young artists of today securing contracts for them and assisting their career paths

Matt Browning

Guest Teacher

Cert IV Training and Assessment - Mentor and Coach

Audition Technique/Jazz Styles

Matt is a professional dancer, choreographer and creative director who has worked extensively in Australia and overseas.

Credits include performing and choreographing for top Australian and International recording artists and high-profile corporate brand events, including the Commonwealth Games Festival.

Recently returning from Macau, China, Matt choreographed BOR Productions’ International stage show ‘Viva La Broadway’ at The Galaxy Hotel & Casino.

Other choreographic credits include The World Festival of Magic National Tour, ‘Bon Voyage’, M2 Productions - Star Casino Australia, Rhonda Burchmores’ ‘Vinyl Viagra’ - National Tour, ‘Up Up & Away’ - HOTA, ‘Mystique’ – M2 Productions, Seaworld Resort and ‘Spellbound’ - Cairns Casino, Qld.

Recently, Matt was in production as choreographer for Rhonda Burchmore’s Brisbane Festival show - Bang Bang! World premiere live at the Courier Mail Spiegel tent.

Theatre credits include Cabaret de Paris and The Ultimate Vegas Show, M2 Productions - Australian and New Zealand National Tours, Mystique, Illusions and Rhythm of the Night - Star Casino, Gold Coast and Joe Laberos’ ‘Illusions’ - Sweden. ‘Play the Game’, Aerial Angels - Cairns Casino, Inaugural cast and Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines and dancer in Tokyo Disneyland’s ‘Mystic Rhythms’ stage show.

Overseas, Matt secured positions at the ‘Lido de Paris’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’.

A career highlight was performing in The Paris Opera Ballet’s ‘La Bayadère’ and Gala performance of ‘Bolero’ at QPAC, along with creative directing and performing the headline act at the Andy Warhol Exhibition at GOMA. Matt was selected to perform at Priscilla The Musical opening at QPAC.

A great passion for Matt is being the creative director of Velvet Motion Entertainment, a sort after adjudicator and dance educator and mentor at Performing Arts Institutions, Australia wide.