Jo McKinley

Director

Our mission is to identify and cultivate the talents of aspiring artists, and to instil a passion for excellence in all our students. We strive to foster an environment that encourages personal growth and empowers our students to achieve their personal best.

We believe that a strong sense of community is essential for success, and we work hard to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for students, parents, carers, and teachers alike. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of age-appropriate music, costuming, and choreography at all times.

Jo's passion for the arts began at a young age when she trained extensively in a variety of dance styles, including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Music Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Scottish and National Character dance. Her commitment to the arts led her to also study Acting, Contemporary Singing, and Public Speaking, and she has also earned a Bachelor of Communication.

In addition to her broad range of training, Jo completed the rigorous Royal Academy of Dance examination syllabus and achieved high distinction in her teaching examination. With a deep commitment to ethics and social justice, Jo is dedicated to leading GDANCE with kindness and integrity.

At GDANCE, Jo strives to inspire her students to develop a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. She believes in the power of positivity and support within a team environment and sees these qualities as essential lessons for her students to learn.

Isabella Rodrigues

Isabella graduated in classical ballet at age 17 from The Brazilian Conservatory of Ballet. She worked as a professional dancer for six years in several companies including São Paolo Company of Dance, Brazilian Company of Ballet and Brazilian Company of Classical Dance.

Isabella is a qualified Royal Academy of Dance teacher and has worked in the Raça Center of Artes Sao Paolo, Brazil, as teacher and coordinator of classical ballet for more than 5 years and has been the representative for Capezio Brazil, one of the biggest brands of dance clothing.

Isabella's highlights as a ballerina include principal roles in works like Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire and Giselle.

Isabella is a qualified PBT and Acribatic Arts instructor.

SOPHIE BUTLER

Sophie has trained in Classical Ballet (RAD) since the age of 6 with GDANCE. She is currently embarking on her pathway to attain her Classical Ballet Teachers Certificate through the Royal Academy Of Dance.

Sophie is an accomplished dancer, having trained and performed in many genres of dance including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Music Theatre, Jazz and Tap.

She has a wonderful passion for teaching the next generation of dancers and she enjoys passing on her extensive knowledge. She enjoys choreography and the creative aspect of dance education.

Sophie is also studying Physiotherapy at university. She received the Course Excellence award for Dance at Gungahlin College in 2021.

Sophie is a qualified PBT and Acrobatic Arts instructor.

Zoe Bridle

Zoe has trained in many fields of dance, accomplishing many exams through RAD, ISTD and Borovansky since the age of 4. Zoe has trained in many genres including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Broadway, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Irish Dancing.

Zoe is also a qualified Gymnastics coach and has a giant love for helping children grow not only physically, but mentally as well. She loves to pass on her knowledge as well as make sure the next generation of dancers loves what they are being taught. 

Zoe is studying Human Nutrition at the University of Canberra and will become a sports dietician when she is finished. She will use this degree to change the mindset of nutrition in elite sports, with dance and gymnastics being her speciality.

ELISSA HAIDAR

RAD Classical Ballet & Performing Arts

Elissa has been a student at GDANCE since the age of 3, where she studied the RAD syllabus. Currently, she is striving to complete her RAD Advanced 2 and Glenn Wood tap level 9 exams.

Elissa's talent in tap has been recognized, as she was the panel vote winner for the Glenn Wood tap competition last year. Along with tap, Elissa has been trained in other dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, and lyrical. Her passion for tap extends beyond performing as she enjoys teaching it and watching her students grow.

In her downtime, Elissa loves to cook and experiment with recipes, even if they don't always turn out as expected! GDANCE holds a special place in Elissa's heart as her second home and family. She said she values her dance education at GDANCE, where she has received unwavering support throughout her entire journey.

TESSA KASHKAROV

Head of Pre-school Dance


Miss Tessa has been dancing at GDANCE since she was 5 years old, and has grown up alongside the GDANCE family.

She successfully completed her RAD Intermediate examination in 2021, and her Glenn Wood Tap Level 9 exam in 2023. She is also currently in Year 12, studying for her IB diploma.

Tessa has been participating in the Dance. Play. Grow. Program since 2023 as an Assistant Teacher. From May 2024, Tessa will be leading Pre-School Dance at Forde.

Tessa strives to provide an inclusive and fun learning environment where all dancers can build confidence and explore their own creativity.

Tessa also has a 2 year old kitty at home, so don’t be surprised when you see her covered in cat hair!

EMILY MORAN

Vocal

Emily Moran is a vocal teacher and a Canberra-based solo artist known as Emilia Grace. From a young age, she loved singing and performing. Emily grew up in a musical family, starting her musical journey from age 4. She performed at church, in school choirs and in local musicals such as 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Oliver'. In her later years, she started writing music, performing gigs around Canberra in bands and as a solo artist and teaching vocals and group classes at The Bec Taylor School of Music. More recently Emily has performed at Floriade, and Sofar Sounds in Sydney and Wollongong and opened for acts such as Apricot Ink and Sputnik Sweetheart. Emily has just released her debut single 'Heartbreak Hotel' under her artist name 'Emilia Grace' which was aired on Triple J's TOPS.