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.
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.
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’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’s love of dance began when she was just a little girl herself, stepping into her very first tap class before discovering ballet at age five. From there, her passion only grew. She spent many years training with the Terri Charlesworth Ballet Centre before being accepted into the junior pre-professional full-time program at Charlesworth Ballet College.
Across five years of intensive study, Alyx received specialist training in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Spanish Dance, and completed Certificates I–IV in Dance under the guidance of world-renowned teachers including Terri Charlesworth OAM, CitWA, Yuri Vasilkov and Tatiana Pevneva.
Jess’s love of dance and creativity began when she was little, starting with the joyful rhythms of Macedonian folk dance before branching into Hip Hop, Ballroom, Drama and more. Her artistic journey grew through modelling, stage work and guiding young performers – experiences that helped her develop a beautiful gift for nurturing confidence and self-expression in children of all ages.
Sport and fitness have also been a big part of Jess’s life. She represented the Wanneroo district netball team, was crowned Champion Girl multiple times in school athletics, and later completed her Certificate II in Sports Coaching. Coaching netball teams taught her how to support, encourage and bring out the very best in young learners – skills that now shine through in every Kindy Dance Time class she teaches.
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’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.
Mariah began dancing at just four years of age, starting with Jazz and Tap before later discovering Classical Ballet. As she grew, her passion naturally expanded into Musical Theatre and Drama – the space where her love of movement, storytelling and performance truly came alive.
In 2010, Mariah completed her Certificate III in Music (Performance), and in 2015 she was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Performing Arts, achieving First Class Honours. Her WAAPA training shaped her into a confident, expressive and versatile performer, with a deep understanding of stagecraft, creativity and communication.
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 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.
