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.
Lara began her dance training with her mother, Terri Charlesworth OAM, CitWA, and from a young age she travelled extensively studying at many major dance institutions throughout the world. In 1981 Lara successfully auditioned for the Victorian College of the Arts, where she trained for two years. Later at age 15 she was accepted into the Australian Ballet School where she once again trained under Terri. In 1985 she was awarded a scholarship to attend L’Academie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo, studying under Marika Besobrasova and many other world-renowned dance teachers.
Nel began her dance training at a young age studying Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern techniques and continued through her university years in the UK. During this time she performed in many dance productions and was the recipient of several dance awards, including the Bishop Prize for Dance at the University of Bath. Nel also studied piano and violin, undertaking Royal Academy of Music performance and theory exams, orchestral percussion, and has been involved in various choirs and choral societies as a soloist and group singer.
Lauren has had a passion for dance since she was very young and at age six began her dance training with Brian Hewitt, ARAD. M.B.B.O. Adv. Dip PDTC. She then continued her ballet classes with Kim Baker at the Terri Charlesworth School of Ballet.
Being exceptionally talented she was accepted into the elite full-time programme of the Graduate College of Dance at Swanbourne SHS at 12 years of age. Under the Direction of Terri Charlesworth, OAM. CitWA, Lauren was taught by Lara Gandini, Beth James, Joan Pope OAM, Luba Nikonorenko from the Kirov ballet and many other leading dance tutors. Her studies encompassed many styles including Classical Ballet, Character Dance, Contemporary and many theoretical dance subjects.
Our gorgeous Miss Rachel commenced dancing at a young age and it has been a major part of her life ever since. She trained in Jazz, Tap & Classical ballet in the RAD and CSTD Syllabus achieving high grades in her examinations.
Rachel competed in dance competitions in her teenage years receiving many awards. She also completed and passed her student teacher’s exam.
After completing Year 12, Rachel attended a short course with the Victorian Theatre Company. She then travelled extensively, obtaining many international dancing contracts throughout the world.
Kellie began her dance training at a young age, attending the Vivienne Academy of Dance in Noble Park (Melbourne) and completing all the Cecchetti Syllabus examinations up to and including her teacher’s exam. She went on to attending the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts and the Australian Ballet School, graduating with a Diploma in Dance and Performing Arts. Kellie also obtained a Certificate 3 in Dance at Bertuccio’s in Melbourne where she majored in Contemporary, Jazz and Musical Theatre.
Brooke started her dance training with Ballet at a young age in Sydney. Once she moved to Perth at age 8 she began training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Singing, Drama and Acrobatics. Her passion for sharing her love of dance started early and Brooke was an assistant teacher at her dance school from the ages of 16 – 25.
Throughout her years of dancing, she competed in a variety of competitions, winning many awards, and successfully passed various examinations.
In high school, Brooke performed in many musical theatre productions and dance performances, after which she went to America for 3 months to teach dancing and drama to young children through the Camp America program.
Her love of dance and performing led to her being cast in many productions and events locally, including the Perth Cup and Telethon. She now has three beautiful daughters who love to dance just like their mum, and she looks forward to sharing her love of dance with her Kindy Dance Time families. We are thrilled to have her on our team, so that her infectious passion and love for performing can spread to our little groovers!
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’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!
Jovita started ballet at a young age and added a variety of other dance styles to her repertoire during her high school years in the Dance Program at John Curtin College of the Arts. Continuing with her dance study through to her late teens, Jovita realised that her passion lay in teaching. Having been trained by Beth James in RAD and Cecchetti methods, Jovita was lucky enough to be given the role of student teacher from an early age. She was guided and mentored by Beth, inspiring her to complete her RAD teacher qualifications. Jovita went on to teach ballet at the WA Conservatoire of Classical Ballet for several years until the birth of her first daughter. Since starting a family, Jovita has been blessed with 3 daughters and her career journey has been varied. Aside from her early career as a ballet teacher, she became a hairdresser and has also worked in education as an education assistant, enabling her to continue working in a field that expressed her passion for working with children. Joining the Kindy Dance Time teaching team has once again given Jovita the opportunity to combine her love of dance with her passion and enthusiasm for engaging with young children, and we are thrilled to have her dancing with us!
Sophie’s passion for movement, dance, and the world of theatre began at a young age, training as a dancer, an acrobatic gymnast, and a trapeze artist with Dance Central. There, she studied ballet, contemporary and Spanish dance under the tuition of Gabrielle Cronan of the West Australian Ballet from its establishment, passing all her exams with the Australian Institute of Classical Dance. She was a strong part of the Drama for Kids Theatre Corp while her love of physicality progressed to learning the skills of acrobatic clowning and trapeze artistry with Bizurcus Circus.
With 6 years of piano and choir training and an extensive theatre and dance background, Sophie gained a place in the John Curtin College of the Arts specialist theatre program with drama as her main path of study, including dance, classical vocal training and singing. During this time, Sophie was chosen for a highly contested position with the Sydney Theatre Company’s travelling Commedia dell’arté troupe, performing around the state for preschool students. This led to her studying for a Bachelor of Arts with a theatre major whilst being an active member of adult hip-hop classes, singing in a band and working as a children’s entertainer.
She worked in event planning, creating pop-up interactive arts festivals, and managing and choreographing runway shows for the Perth Fashion Festival. Combining her love of theatrics and languages, Sophie also studied Auslan (Australian sign language) linguistics, translation and interpretation. This led to her work as a special needs EA and as a family support assistant for Deaf children and families, using her theatrical storytelling in two languages. She adores working with children and continues to dance and play many characters while juggling being a mum of two beautiful daughters. We are thrilled to have her on our team, captivating the hearts and minds of our little students!
Renee’s love for dance started at a young age when she joined the Gail Meade School for Dance. There, she trained in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acrobatics, excelling in her CSTD and RAD exams.
With a dream of dancing professionally, Renee joined Vogue Entertainment at age 15. This decision opened up incredible opportunities, allowing her to perform at prestigious events like Perth Glory, Telethon, Corporate Balls at Crown, Perth Cup and the Perth Christmas Nativity, among many others. These experiences helped shape her skills and confidence, paving the way for her future in dance.
At 17, Renee’s dance talent captured the attention of Janet Pharaoh, the director of the Moulin Rouge, who selected her as one of the top three dancers in Western Australia to perform at the iconic Paris venue—a rare and incredible honor. Around the same time, Renee was also offered a contract with Carnival Cruise Lines in America. Choosing the thrill of performing at sea, she embarked on a life-changing journey, dancing for three unforgettable years in the Caribbean, based out of Miami, Florida. This experience profoundly shaped her career, allowing her to grow as a dancer and experience the world in ways she’d only dreamed of.
Now a proud mum of two beautiful children, Renee is thrilled to be teaching at Kindy Dance Time. She’s excited to pass on her love and passion for dance to the next generation, inspiring young dancers to find joy in movement.
