Kindy Dance Time takes great pride in our carefully selected teachers, who are not only highly experienced, but also possess a more important quality – the unconditional love of children. Our teachers regularly attend Professional Development workshops in the areas of Creative Dance, Music, Drama, Teaching Methodology and Early Childhood Development to update their knowledge and to provide the best tuition for your child.
Meet Our Team
Lauren Kelly
Lauren’s love of Dance began when she was just six years old, training under Brian Hewitt ARAD, M.B.B.O., Adv. Dip PDTC, before continuing her ballet studies with Kim Baker at the Terri Charlesworth School of Ballet. Her exceptional talent was recognised early, and at just 12, she was accepted into the elite full-time program at the Graduate College of Dance at Swanbourne SHS.
Under the direction of Terri Charlesworth OAM CitWA, Lauren trained intensively in Classical Ballet, Character, Contemporary and a wide range of dance theory subjects. She was taught by some of Australia’s most respected educators – including Lara Gandini, Beth James, Joan Pope OAM, and Luba Nikonorenko of the Vaganova Ballet in Russia – all of whom helped shape her rich foundation in the art form.
Rachel Grainger
Our gorgeous Miss Rachel began dancing when she was little, and dance has been woven into her life ever since. She trained in Jazz, Tap and Classical Ballet through both the RAD and CSTD syllabi. As a teenager, Rachel competed extensively and received numerous awards for her performances. She later completed and passed her student teacher’s exam, confirming her natural ability to guide and inspire young dancers.
After finishing Year 12, Rachel completed a short course with the Victorian Theatre Company before travelling the world on international dance contracts. Her professional career is both impressive and diverse – she has danced in corporate and stage productions, high-profile events, cabaret, fashion shows and more.
Sophie Dunham
Sophie’s love of movement, dance and theatre began when she was very young, training as a dancer, acrobatic gymnast and trapeze artist with Dance Central. Under the guidance of Gabrielle Cronan of the West Australian Ballet, she studied Ballet, Contemporary and Spanish Dance, achieving excellent results in all her Australian Institute of Classical Dance examinations. Alongside this, she immersed herself in the Drama for Kids Theatre Corp and expanded her physical skills into acrobatic clowning and trapeze artistry through Bizurcus Circus.
With six years of piano, choir and classical vocal training, Sophie earned a place in the selective Theatre Program at John Curtin College of the Arts, majoring in drama while continuing her dance and vocal studies.
Alyx O’Neil
Alyx’s love of dance began at an early age when she joined her first tap class, swiftly followed by her first ballet class at the age of 5 when she began her long ballet career with the Terri Charlesworth Ballet Centre in WA. After several years of dedicated training, Alyx was accepted into the junior pre-professional full-time programme with Charlesworth Ballet College. She attended that programme for five years, receiving specialist training in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Spanish dance, while also completing her formal education in dance gaining her Certificates I-IV in Dance. During her time with CBC, Alyx was fortunate to be taught by such world-renowned specialists as Terri Charlesworth OAM, CitWA, Yuri Vasilkov and Tatiana Pevneva. Graduating in 2010, Alyx was selected for the European Audition Tour which saw her accepted into several schools and companies in Europe.
Alyx has always maintained a connection with the dance world and now, as a parent of two beautiful children herself, she is delighted to have the opportunity to share her knowledge and passion for the art form with the future generation of dancers. We are so happy to have Alyx on our team and know that she will inspire our little dancers to start their own wonderful journey into the world of dance!
Jess Todevski
Jess’s journey in dance and the arts commenced at a young age, ignited by a love for movement and creativity. She started with the rhythms of Macedonian folk dance, expanding into diverse styles, including Hip Hop, Ballroom Dance, awarded best dancer in the latter, and drama at high school. Her passion for the arts evolved further as she embarked on modelling, taking the stage at photo shoots and runway concerts. With a blend of music, creative expression, and early experiences in guiding young models, Jess emerged as a passionate instructor where she was responsible for instructing and guiding individuals of various age groups helping them develop confidence and self expression.
From early on, fitness played a significant role in Jess’s life. She achieved notable milestones, earning a spot in the Wanneroo district netball team and clinching the title of Champion Girl in school athletics multiple times. Her leadership qualities were also evident as she held the prestigious position of Head Girl at School, where she engaged in public speaking, addressing assemblies to present merit awards. Jess completed her Certificate ll in Sports Coaching and enjoyed coaching various netball teams gaining valuable coaching techniques and developing an understanding of how to maximise players’ potential.
Jess’s journey in dance now includes attending adult ballet and jazz classes, a passion she holds dear. Her love for music and dance is a constant source of inspiration and she delights in sharing this passion with others. As a parent of two wonderful children, Jess derives immense joy from working with children and witnessing the wonder that learning brings to their young lives. Entering a child’s world with their bright imagination is an experience she cherishes. Her bubbly personality and sense of humour shine through in all her endeavours, creating an atmosphere of joy and positivity. We’re thrilled to have Jess on our team and we know how popular she will be with our little dancers!
Renee Wojtowicz
Renee’s love of dance began when she was young, training at the Gail Meade School of Dance in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acrobatics, and excelling in both her CSTD and RAD exams. Her passion, dedication and natural talent shone brightly from the start. At just 15, Renee joined Vogue Entertainment, opening the door to an exciting professional career. She performed at some of Perth’s most prestigious events – Perth Glory, Telethon, Crown corporate balls, Perth Cup and the Perth Christmas Nativity – each experience shaping her confidence and versatility as a performer.
When she was 17, Renee’s talent caught the eye of Janet Pharaoh, Director of the Moulin Rouge. She was selected as one of only three dancers in Western Australia invited to perform at the iconic Paris venue – an extraordinary honour.
Laurissa Brugman
Laurissa’s love of dance and singing began at just four years old. Growing up in regional Western Australia, she trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary Dance and Contemporary Voice. After moving to Albany in 2001, she continued her training at the Albany Academy of Dance under the mentorship of Simone Newton, and by 2005 stepped into the role of Assistant Teacher, specialising in primary-level Jazz and Tap. Throughout high school, Laurissa developed a strong love for Musical Theatre, performing in productions with St Joseph’s College, Spectrum Theatre and Albany Light Opera.
In 2009, Laurissa moved to Perth to study at WAAPA, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management in 2011.
Ana Lúcia Silva
Ana is an award-nominated dance teacher, choreographer and artistic director with over 20 years of experience in dance education and performance. Originally from Brazil and now based in Perth, she is formally trained by one of Brazil’s most respected dance masters and holds extensive tertiary qualifications in physical education, movement and dance training.
Ana has worked across a wide range of settings, including early childhood dance, musical theatre, community programs and cultural performance. She has significant experience teaching toddlers and preschool-aged children, with a strong focus on age-appropriate movement, rhythm, coordination and creative expression.
Ellie Gillum
Ellie brings a beautiful blend of creativity, dance and early-childhood expertise to Kindy Dance Time. With a vibrant background in musical theatre, she has spent many years dancing, performing, storytelling and bringing characters to life – skills that make her classes engaging, imaginative and wonderfully FUN.
Her love of performance led her to work as a family and children’s entertainer on Norfolk Island, travelling for special events and community celebrations. She has also worked as a “Freedom Fairy,” sprinkling her theatrical magic across parties, festivals and children’s events and developing a natural ability to connect with little ones through play, movement and joyful expression. Alongside her performance experience, Ellie holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has worked across various childcare centres.