Jo McKinley | Director

Jo McKinley is leading GDANCE Academy with passion and dedication and bringing over two decades of dance education expertise to our community. Her journey in the performing arts began in childhood and developed into a comprehensive career encompassing performance, education, and studio leadership.

Qualifications & Expertise:

• Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certification (High Distinction)

• Bachelor of Communication

• Certified PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Instructor

• Qualified Acrobatic Arts Instructor

• Glenn Wood Tap Certification

• NLP Practitioner

• Hoffman Process Graduate

• Qualified Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor

Jo's extensive training spans multiple dance disciplines, including classical ballet, Jazz, Music Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Scottish, and National Character dance. Her additional expertise in Acting, Contemporary Singing, and Public Speaking brings a well-rounded perspective to our performing arts program.

Under Jo's leadership, GDANCE has established itself as a launching pad for dance excellence. Her students have achieved remarkable success, with many being accepted into prestigious full-time ballet schools, elite performing arts institutions, and professional ballet companies worldwide. Over her 23-year tenure, she has:

• Successfully guided thousands of students through Royal Academy of Dance examinations

• Prepared dancers who have been accepted into renowned institutions such as prestigious ballet schools and performing arts academies across the globe

• Mentored students who have gone on to perform with professional ballet companies internationally

• Maintained an exceptional standard of dance education that consistently produces industry-ready performers

• Fostered an environment where both recreational and pre-professional dancers can thrive

MATilda Rankin | RAD Ballet and Performing Arts

From dedicated student to inspiring mentor, Matilda's dance journey at GDANCE academy spans many years of growth, achievement, and unwavering passion. Now embarking on her teaching career, she brings both artistic excellence and scientific understanding to the studio.

Matilda's versatile training encompasses RAD Ballet, Glenn Wood Tap, Acrobatic Arts, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical. Her commitment to excellence shines through remarkable accomplishments: completing her Advanced 2 RAD exam in 2024 and achieving a perfect 100% on her Level 8 GWT exam. These achievements, combined with successful solo and group competition performances across Australia, led to her acceptance into the prestigious WAAPA following a successful audition.

What sets Matilda apart is her dual expertise in dance and health sciences. As a current physiotherapy student, she integrates her deep understanding of musculoskeletal health, anatomy, and physiology into her teaching approach. This unique combination allows her to nurture both the artistry and physical wellbeing of her students, emphasising proper movement mechanics alongside creative expression.

Matilda's teaching philosophy centres on building confidence while developing technical precision and artistic passion. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can explore their creativity while learning safe, healthy movement practices. Her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and fostering growth makes her an invaluable addition to the GDANCE teaching team.

Students, families, and friends will find in Matilda a dedicated mentor who truly understands the transformative power of dance.

MIA PINE | RAD Ballet and Performing Arts

Mia completed her Diploma of Professional Dance in Contemporary Dance at Transit Dance, Melbourne (2023-2024), following comprehensive training at Dancin' Mates, NSW, across classical ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and tap. She has a background in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classical ballet training and specialised in choreographic composition during her HSC dance studies.

Mia has instructed RAD vocational ballet classes at Dancin' Mates since 2019 and leads contemporary workshops at premier programs including the Summer Intensive and Move Arts Camp (2025).

Featured performer in Transit Dance's Regional Creative Project (2023), Coast Opera Australia's ANZAC Day Concert (2021), and Central Dance Company's Swan Lake and original neo-classical works (2019). Additional credits include Melbourne City Ballet's Madame Butterfly (2018) and dance-for-film projects with Transit Dance (2023) and Squawk Productions (2020).

Currently based in Canberra, Mia continues her studies at Australian National University while performing with the university's competitive dance team. She brings technical excellence and creative artistry to the GDANCE Academy teaching team.

Carly Owen - Vocal Coach and Instructor

Carly's passion for singing began in her childhood in Bangor, North Wales, where she performed at National Eisteddfods and on live television from a young age. Her formal training started at sixteen at Redroofs Theatre School, London, followed by touring with electro-pop girl group "Red Blooded Women" and graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Musical Theatre from Montview Academy of Theatre Arts, London.

In her mid-twenties, Carly transitioned to classical training, earning a Masters in Vocal Performance from the prestigious Royal College of Music, London, and completing her operatic training at The National Opera Studio. Her career highlights include performing with The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and serving as Lead Soprano at Theatre und Orchestra Heidelberg, where she sang leading roles in Rigoletto, The Magic Flute, The Merry Widow, Idomeneo, and Fidelio.

Carly has worked with major UK opera companies including Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, and Opera North. She's a Georg Solti Accademia di Bel Canto alumna and won the 2017 London Welsh Young Singer of the Year. She has performed in masterclasses with renowned artists including Dame Gwyneth Jones, Angela Gheorghiu, and Maestro Richard Bonynge.

As a vocal coach, Carly believes solid technique is fundamental across all genres for long-term vocal health and success. Having trained in Speech Level Singing, Estill Vocal Training, Accent Method Breathing, and Bel Canto, she takes a personalized approach with each student, believing that one size does not fit all in singing.

As a member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS), Carly stays current with the latest vocal techniques and health practices. Since moving to Australia, she has worked in Melbourne and Canberra, and now brings her international experience to her private studio "Your Voice Vocal Studio" and as Vocal Coach at GDANCE Academy.

Clara Maria Viegas Da Quinta | RAD Ballet and Performing Arts

Clara brings over 12 years of expertise across contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, acrobatics, lyrical, and musical theatre to Gdance Studio. She holds Advanced 1 RAD and Level 8 GWT certifications, performs with Sydney Dance Company's Senior Youth Ensemble, and previously taught at Gdance Academy.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes both technical excellence and personal growth. Drawing from her own journey, Clara creates an environment where students learn resilience through dance, viewing challenges as opportunities for development. Her classes celebrate both effort and achievement, fostering well-rounded dancers who understand the value of the learning process.

Aisling Straffon | RAD Ballet and Performing Arts

Aisling started dancing at the age of 3, then joined GDANCE in 2017. Aisling now trains in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, acro and vocal, and she performs in both solos and performance teams. Aisling has now completed her RAD Intermediate and grade 8 exam as well as her GlenN Wood Tap level 8 exam.

Taking on student teaching has allowed Aisling to discover the joy of encouraging others to find their love of dance. Through the strong and caring community at GDANCE everyone can challenge themselves and achieve any goal.

Aisling believes every class offers opportunities for growth, whether you're working on technique or building confidence. She creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where dancers of all levels can thrive. Most importantly, she ensures every class is filled with joy and enthusiasm. She looks forward to dancing with you!

Heidi Ramsay | RAD Ballet and Performing Arts

Heidi has been a passionate and devoted dancer at GDANCE academy for over 10 years, and is now thrilled to be beginning her journey as a dance teacher.

She is trained in RAD Ballet, Glenn Wood Tap, Acrobatic Arts, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical. Heidi's training has allowed her to successfully compete in a variety of solo, duo, and troupe competitions and performances in numerous locations across Australia. Outside of the studio, she has earned the opportunity to dance as a part of the Sydney Dance Company youth ensemble, and learnt from an amazing selection of experienced choreographers and dancers.

Heidi believes in fostering both technical skill, and unlocking creativity in her students. Her main focus is to see her students gain confidence, dance technique, and passion for dance as she has gained throughout her years. Heidi looks forward to seeing and welcoming both students, families, and friends in the studio.