Meet the most inspiring dance teachers of 2023 in Toowoomba, the Darling Downs
Whether parents wanted to recognise the impact these dance educators have had on their children or studios wanted to highlight the hard work of their employees, here are the dance teachers who have made a difference in the Darling Downs this year.
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Dance like no body is watching is an adage the region’s leaders in the industry follow and teach their students to live by every day.
The Chronicle asked studios across the Darling Downs and readers to nominate who they believed to be the most inspiring dance teachers of 2023.
Whether parents wanted to recognise the impact they have had on their children or studios wanted to highlight the hard work of their employees, here are 19 talented professionals making a difference.
Allanis Steffens – Mayhem Dance Academy
Gatton’s Allanis Steffens has been dancing for the past 15 years and teaching the art to others for five.
The 21-year-old who owns Mayhem Dance Academy said she loved nothing more than seeing her students excel and achieve their goals.
“I wanted to become a dance teacher as I always loved performing and helping others, so I started out as a student helper in my 'tinies' classes at my local studio and fell in love with it,” Ms Steffens said.
“It doesn’t feel like a job because it allows me to share my passion of dance with others.”
In addition to running her own dance studio and teaching more than 20 group classes, as well as private lessons each week, Ms Steffens also works as a personal trainer part-time.
While the qualified dance teacher’s favourite genre is hip-hop, she teaches all dance styles to students as young as three and through to adulthood.
She said she was grateful for all the memories, teachings and opportunities had brought her through dance, as well as the skills and lifelong friendships gained.
Baylee Thrupp – Mayhem Dance Academy and Dance Force Gatton
Teaching has always been written in the stars for Baylee Thrupp with the 19-year-old confident she would be pursuing a career in education if she was not a dance teacher.
Sharing her knowledge and skills in the genres of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre, Ms Thrupp teaches classes four times a week between Mayhem Dance Academy and Dance Force in Gatton.
The young instructor, who has been dancing since 2007, began teaching five years ago after completing her certificate III in dance when she was in high school.
“The reason I was put into dancing was because my older sister was already in it, and I begged my mum to let me do it after sitting in and watching her classes,” Ms Thrupp said.
“I was always interested in the dance teaching side of things, however, I was lucky enough to be asked to be a student teacher and help with the younger kids and then my passion grew from there.”
While the Gatton woman said her experience as a performer and teacher had been very rewarding for many reasons, her favourite memory was dancing at Disneyland in Hong Kong in 2018.
Caitlin Schultz – Aspire Dance Academy
When it comes to dancing, Caitlin Schultz cannot imagine a life without it.
From the moment she could walk, Ms Schultz would spend hours dancing in front of the television until her mother enrolled her in dance classes.
Learning ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary and musical theatre dance styles at studios across the region, she went on to perform in eisteddfods and complete exams through the Royal Academy of Dance and Southern Federation of Dance.
“One of my favourite memories as a dance student was having the opportunity to perform at the Sydney Opera House – it was a very awe inspiring and special moment for me,” she said.
“My advice to aspiring dancers is to trial classes to find the studio that is the best fit for you. This way you can understand which teachers you will connect with and learn from the best and find out which styles you would enjoy the most.”
After gaining several qualifications in dance, ballet and business management, the now 28-year-old opened her own studio Aspire Dance Academy in 2016.
Dancing for the past 25 years, the studio owner has nearly 15 years worth of experience as a teacher.
Teaching about 20 classes a week in ballet, jazz and hip-hop to students from the ages of two and up, Ms Schultz said she enjoyed the variety of the job and being a role model for young students.
“So many students have made me smile, laugh and feel grateful over the years,” she said.
“It is truly a special and magical thing to know that as a teacher I can have such a positive impact on students and be an important role model for them.
“I love seeing the enjoyment my students get from their dance classes and I take a lot of pride in seeing their confidence grow.”
Carla Tierney – iDance Studios
Inspired by her older cousin who was a dancer, Carla Tierney enrolled in her first dance class at the age of three and has not looked back in 34 years.
While attending the Oakey Dance Studio as a child, the passionate dancer was drawn to jazz and tap but soon evolved to other styles as she grew and began attending a Toowoomba-based studio.
After she graduated from St Ursula’s College, Ms Tierney was accepted into the Australian Dance Performance Institute and gained several qualifications including a Bachelor of Education and certificate in dance teaching and management.
Teaching dance for more than two decades, Ms Tierney then opened her own business iDance Studios in Oakey, where she and her staff now teach about 100 students.
“I’m sure (becoming a dance teacher) had a lot to do with the amazing role models my teachers were to me,” she said.
“Given the opportunity to teach at an early age gave me the drive to continue and seek to gain more experience and education in this field.
“There are so many incredible memories over my dancing years but my absolute favourite was seeing my students perform with 700 other students from around the world as they performed the dance The Magic Parade at Disneyland.”
The 37-year-old, who specialises in jazz, acrobatics, and petite groups, said she taught just about everything, excluding Latin and ballroom dance.
After 19 years of running her own studio, Ms Tierney said she was grateful to be nominated as a finalist in the 2023 Australasian Dance Education Awards Regional Studio Awards.
“We get to teach these kids sometimes for many years and get to see them grow up through the studio,” she said.
“It is wonderful to be a part of their lives each week and creating a sense of community within our studio is something I’m really passionate about.”
Caroline Vandersee – Dance Central
Toowoomba-born dancer Caroline Vandersee comes from a long line of talented ballerinas, so it is no wonder she dedicated her life to teaching the creative expression to others.
The qualified dance educator has been teaching classical ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics, musical theatre and drama at Dance Central since 2002.
With about 350 students currently enrolled, the Toowoomba studio works with students as young as two and right through to mature aged.
“I love seeing the kids develop their skills, persevere and build their resilience to challenges and celebrating everyone’s achievements and uniqueness,” she said.
“Teachers and staff who I work with support and encourage one another and the students and I love them, the kids and the families.”
Enrolling in dance at the age of six, Ms Vandersee said her mum also did ballet, as well as her grandmother who was a professional dancer.
“Ballet was always a big part of conversations with my family,” she said.
“l loved the challenge of learning tricky steps that the ‘big girls’ were doing and this probably started the snowball effect of wanting to do more.”
This determination and hard work ethic led to the talented dancer successfully auditioning to perform at the World Expo ‘88, attending a student exchange in Argentina and being accepted into a full-time dance school.
The 46-year-old studio principal said she recommended everyone to give dancing a go as it was beneficial for mental health and she believed age should not be a barrier.
Meanwhile Ms Vandersee’s tips for aspiring dancers hoping to go professional, were to work hard, not form comparisons or be afraid to fail and to diversify their skills across all genres.
Cihan (Jean) Mustafa and John Melhuish – Breakaways Rock ‘n’ Roll Club
Whether she was listening to icons like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, or Chuck Berry and Little Richard, Cihan (Jean) Mustafa grew up in the era of rock n’ roll.
After joining a Rock n’ Roll dance club in Brisbane more than two decades ago, she was later paired up with fellow dancer John Melhuish.
“Early in my years I went to dance clubs and watched the ladies dancing with their partners and always wanted to know how the ladies knew what to do,” Ms Mustafa said.
As the duo continued learning and their confidence grew, they began entering competitions and were later approached by another instructor asking them to teach an advanced class.
The pair eventually began teaching dance through the Breakaways Rock ‘n’ Roll Club – a non-profit organisation where participants learn to dance to music from the 50s era.
Ms Mustafa is now the president of the club, while Mr Melhuish is the dance instructor.
The pair who live in Brisbane offer classes at Strathpine, Acacia Ridge and Toowoomba and have a combined total of 260 students across the three locations.
“A lot of people come into the club saying that they have two left feet and can’t keep time, but we teach them that they can learn at their own pace,” she said.
“We have put students who have shown potential in dance competitions and have since won trophies.”
The club, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary this year, teaches students of all ages with its youngest member being eight and oldest being 95.
Dom Tulleken – D Dance Academy
Nothing is stronger than the power of the mind and dance instructor Dom Tulleken is proof of that.
The inspiring teacher who has been dancing since he was six, has experience in every genre from ballroom and tap, to American modern dance and hip-hop.
“I took up dancing as I was struggling with severe ADD and ADHD as a kid and other ways like occupational therapy were not always fun for a young kid like me,” he said.
“My gran was so wonderful and offered to pay for my lessons as she knew we couldn’t afford them – I have loved dance since the second I stepped foot in that first class.”
Originally from South Africa, Mr Tullekan has lived in Toowoomba for the past 15 years and been teaching dance since he was a teen.
More than a year ago, Mr Tullekan opened his own studio D Dance Academy, to teach the passion he loves to other people living with disabilities.
The incredible achievement came after a complex neurological disorder left Mr Tullekan paralysed from the shoulders down and took him 40 weeks to walk again.
“I wanted to be a disability dance teacher to give back to the Toowoomba community after all that I have been through with my own health, and after being paralysed from the shoulders down,” he said.
“(My students) have changed my way of thinking and how to choreograph because they work harder than any dancers I’ve ever worked with and they are out here to show you just how capable they are, which really keeps me motivated.
“I love how dance lights up my students’ faces and seeing how the power of dance can make a difference to others in the disability community.”
D Dance Academy offers classes every Thursday, with the intention to expand in the future and works with students of all ages and abilities.
Edrine Keegan – Edrine Keegan School of Ballet
She may be 79, but Edrine Keegan still has the heart and soul of a teenager when it comes to dance.
After relocating to Roma in the early 1960s, Ms Keegan met her husband when she was performing at a charity concert in Injune.
“He asked me to dance and the rest was history,” she said.
The pair went on to marry in 1965 and had six children before Ms Keegan opened her own studio Edrine Keegan School of Ballet in Roma, in 1983.
With more than 40 years experience in teaching dance, the instructor specialises in ballet, jazz and tap, and teaches more than 40 students.
“God gave me a gift which I believe I need to pass on to others,” she said.
“I love the kids I teach – they are like a second family to me – and they mean a lot to me.
“Being at the studio and coming home to my six children was very meaningful to me because I had the best of both worlds.”
Sadly Ms Keegan suffered a devastating loss almost two years ago when her husband passed away – a pain she could only survive through the power of her greatest passion.
“He was my life and the only thing that could help me during that time was ballet,” she said.
“Nothing else comes close to dance – I love it to the point where if I don’t do it for a while I feel completely lost.”
After being diagnosed with asthma as a child, Ms Keegan’s mum enrolled her in ballet when her daughter was 10, after a doctor recommended it.
It was then the classically-trained ballerina fell in love with dance and she began performing with the Australian Ballet Company as a teen and pursued it professionally.
“I wanted to be just like (famous Australian ballerina) Kathleen Gorham, but sadly she passed away before I got to tell her about my dream to be just like her,” Ms Keegan said.
“Funnily enough, my first ballet teacher in Brisbane came from Roma – I ended up where she started out and brought ballet back to her hometown which is pretty special.”
The Roma teacher said her advise for aspiring dancers was to not allow others to tell them they were “too big, too thin or too anything” and to never compare yourself to others.
She recommended all parents with the means to enrol their children in dance classes and said she wanted to see more boys given the opportunity.
Holly Petersen – Everdance Studio
Passionate dance teacher Holly Petersen has come full circle after she began dancing at Everdance Studio in 2006 and later took over in 2019.
Dancing since the age of three, the now 28-year-old teaches more than 100 students aged between two and 30 at her Toowoomba studio, offering modern style dance classes.
“I was lucky enough to assist at Everdance Studio when I was in high school up until I become the owner and I have loved every minute of it,” she said.
“Teaching is a whole other side of dancing and I still enjoy sharing my passion with students who love dancing just as much as myself.”
Ms Petersen, who grew up in Toowoomba, said she studied the subject of dance in high school, performed in musicals, eisteddfods and various competitions and completed a certificate in dance.
“I have a lot of lovely memories from dance, from having great teachers and making lifelong friends, to watching the younger dancers each week in class,” she said.
“Anyone can dance if they want to – I believe it doesn’t matter about experience and it’s never too late to start, even if it is just for fun.”
Isabelle Stibbard – Dance Force Gatton and Toowoomba
Born and raised in the Lockyer Valley, Isabelle Stibbard said she started dancing from the moment she could walk.
The 17-year-old is now passing her skills and knowledge on to others and has been teaching at Dance Force Gatton and Toowoomba for the past two years.
“Previous to this, I was choreographing and student teaching,” she said.
“Dance has always felt like my safe place – (my teachers) inspired me to create a warm and welcoming second home for little dancers, where I can also share my passion for dance.”
Ms Stibbard said after watching her sister Alicia, who is eight years older, perform dance routines on stage, she knew she wanted to follow in her footsteps.
“One of my favourite memories as a dancer was being able to perform beside my sister for the first time in California Disneyland,” she said.
“But seeing the bright smiles on the faces of my students after nailing a new step is one of my favourite parts about this job.”
The passionate dancer instructor teaches four classes each week to students aged from five to 12 years and specialises in ballet, jazz and tap.
Jacqueline Hoole – Garden City Dance
Classically trained ballet dancer-turned teacher Jacqueline Hoole has witnessed many heartfelt moments throughout her career, but nothing brings her more reward than seeing her students flourish.
The principal and teacher of Garden City Dance relocated from NSW to Toowoomba in 2010, when she went on to open her studio.
With more than three decades of teaching experience, the instructor is qualified through the Royal Academy of Dance and specialises in classical ballet, but teaches contemporary, jazz and national character dance for students who choose to take it as an elective.
“Dance, especially ballet, is such a creative and expressive activity which was really appealing to me as a child,” she said.
“You also get to dress in a beautiful tutu and tiara, which sealed the deal.”
Offering one-on-one coaching for students preparing for exams, eisteddfods or who want to excel further with training, the dance teacher said she wanted to share her knowledge with others.
“It has been so rewarding to be a mentor and share my love of dance,” Ms Hoole said.
“To witness the progress a student makes throughout the many years of study, from their first tentative steps to whatever level they want to achieve, is very rewarding, regardless of whether they decide to take up dance professionally or not.”
The creative educator said her advice to young performers is to “dance from the heart” because “if you love it, the steps will come over time”.
Jameille Eugarde – JE Dancehouse
After falling in love with dance at the age of three, Jameille Eugarde began teaching at 15 and has been living her dream every single day ever since.
The JE Dancehouse owner, who was nominated by a number of her students and parents, said she always loved performing on stage while her loved ones watched from the audience and seeing the excitement on the faces of students at concert time.
“My mum started me in dancing to meet people here in Toowoomba and I had the most beautiful Ballet Teacher Debbie Noller who taught me the love of dance,” Ms Eugarde said.
“I have wanted to teach dance for as long as I can remember and I am so lucky to be doing my dream job.”
Approximately 330 students attend the studio to learn everything from ballet, jazz, tap, Irish, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theatre and acrobatics.
Ms Eugarde who is a qualified Royal Academy of Dance teacher works with children as young as two and young adults to the age of 20.
When asked what her best advice for students was, the studio owner said to always dance from the heart, follow your dreams and never give up.
“The most amazing students I get to work with (are my favourite part of the job because) they are a dream and I love watching each and every one of them becoming the best they can be,” she said.
“I am very lucky and I am so thankful to my dance family for bringing such joy into my life.
“Dance is my whole world and I am so lucky to be a part of such a special world.”
Karinne Sharpley – Dancing Stars Toowoomba
Whether she was in the shower, on her bed or in the grocery store as a child, Karinne Sharpley was always dancing.
She was appointed as the assistant teacher at Dancing Stars Toowoomba in 2016 and now works at the studio’s recreational studio director.
While the dancer has many highlights from the past 12 years of her dancing journey, she said her favourite moment would be taking three competition teams to nationals in 2022 and walking away with two gold and one silver medal.
“Words cannot explain the feeling that runs through your body when they call out your team’s name as a winner in a National Championship setting,” Ms Sharpley said.
“Emotions are high as we all run up to the stage to collect our banner, everyone is hugging each other and some are crying knowing our hard work paid off.
“I am very proud of the studio’s achievements and without dance, I simply would not be the person I am today.”
The 19-year-old teaches 11 recreational classes for dancers between the ages of three and 18, as well as jazz, lyrical, acro and cheersport.
Additionally, she also works as the assistant coach and choreographer for the three Dance Central competition teams.
Passionate about helping dancers of all ages to grow and develop confidence, commitment, problem-solving skills and creative thinking, Ms Sharpley said she loved everything about her job.
“This (studio) is where I fell in love with teaching dance and the impact that you can have on children’s lives,” she said.
“Most children would never get to experience that feeling of ‘all-eyes-on-me’ on stage, so for some this can be a big step in coming out of their shell and accepting themselves for who they are.”
“My love for dance stemmed from my childhood dance teacher Lauren, because she always believed, mentored, and coached me, to be the best dance teacher possible.”
Maddy Robinson – Dance Central Toowoomba
Since she enrolled at Dance Central Toowoomba at the age of five, Maddy Robinson’s entire life has revolved around dance.
But four years ago, the tables turned when the student became the master and began teaching at the studio where she was taught everything she knows.
The 22-year-old has also worked at several schools across Toowoomba and was the choreographer for the Toowoomba Catholic School’s Arts Festival this year.
“My desire to become a dance teacher is fuelled by a deep love for dance and a desire to pass that love onto others,” she said.
“I would – and still do – dance around the house and would put together backyard performances for my family members to watch and critique my cousin who is now a full-time ballet professional in Munich, Germany.”
The Toowoomba woman teaches tap, jazz, acro, contemporary, lyrical and Ready Set Dance to children and adults.
“I enjoy sharing my knowledge, creativity and passion for dance with my students, while fostering a sense of self-expression and inclusivity,” she said.
“The opportunity to inspire and instil confidence in my students, provides me with an overwhelming sense of achievement, making my role fulfilling and meaningful.”
An experienced performer, Ms Robinson still loves to dance herself and was part of the Empire Theatre’s Boy of Oz production this year.
Her advice for young dancers is to be kind and patient with themselves, push themselves outside of their comfort zone and enjoy every step of their journey.
“Dance is not just about reaching a destination or fitting a mould – it’s about the joy of the journey, the personal growth that comes with it, the self-expression, creativity and the joy of movement,” she said.
“Embrace your individuality, find your own style, and dance in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.”
In addition to educating young dancers, Ms Robinson graduated from the University of Southern Queensland this year and is now a primary school teacher.
Menita Overton – Downlands College
Describing her job as the “best in the world”, Melinda Overton said her favourite part was witnessing the growth of students as dancers and creative artists.
Teaching the dance curriculum and co-curricular program to students from Prep to year 12 at Downlands College, the 25-year-old said this included all genres and styles of dance.
Educating young dancers in a holistic way and within a nurturing environment, Ms Overton said she aimed to foster lifelong learning and critical thinking by passing on the learnings she has gained through her own mentors and experiences.
“My job gives me so much fulfilment as my students always inspire me to be better and keep pushing myself,” she said.
“(The reason) I wanted to become a dance teacher was to teach young dancers to push creative boundaries rather than focusing on technical precision, physical limitations and superficial expression.
“I approach teaching dance as the most significant contribution that I can make to society, to create thinking dancers inspired by not only popular culture but the roots of dance that contains foundations of moving.”
Originally from the Gold Coast, Ms Overton relocated to Toowoomba for the career opportunity with Downlands and has been teaching dance for six years.
During this time she helped create a contemporary dance production called On the Brink, in collaboration with her students, which was performed in front of a sold-out audience at the Empire Theatre this year.
It also marked the first time the school’s dance department performed beyond the Lockyer Valley region, venturing out to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney.
During an eisteddfod competition at the Gold Coast, the dance troupe was awarded Most Outstanding Secondary School.
Downlands College was also the only Queensland-based school to perform at the Australian Dance Festival in Sydney, where they were awarded Best Concept.
Under her leadership, every graduating dance student at Downlands this year has received offers for next year in dance, while student Imogen Rowbotham placed in the Brisbane International Contemporary Prix’s top 10, within the senior division.
Ms Overton said the most talented dancers were the individuals who dance through their whole bodies, developed a sense of self in their movement and were willing to push themselves artistically.
“I began dancing at the age of two but immediately knew in high school that dance teaching within the schooling system was my calling,” she said.
“For me, teaching dance is not about developing technical excellence and I guide student’s self-discovery and assist them in finding themselves as young artists.
“I like to work in collaboration with my students as a facilitator, rather than a controller of artistic practice because I believe that they have just as much creativity to offer as I do.”
Michelle O’Neill – MFK Academy of Irish Dance
By day Michelle O’Neill works as a health safety adviser, but by afternoon and evening, she is working with students of all ages and teaching them the art of Irish dance.
The 56-year-old, who has been an Irish dancer since she was four and started teaching in her early 20s, has won many state titles, qualified for the world championships every year and received a standing ovation from the audience after a solo performance at nationals.
“The trophy I received that day will never replace the feeling I got from the crowd standing ovation,” she said.
“My mother was Irish and put me into Irish, Scottish and ballroom dancing when I was young, but my love was and still is Irish dancing.
“Irish dancing incorporates so many other genres and I just love all the music, technical step, rhythm and beats that just make your feet start tapping and dancing around the floor.”
Ms O’Neill said watching her daughter fall in love with and win titles in the same genre had also been a heartwarming experience.
Originally from Killarney, in Warwick, the dance teacher said she opened the Burgess Academy which she believes was the first school to have a qualified Irish dance teacher in the Darling Downs.
In 2011, she reopened her studio under the new name of MFK Academy of Irish Dance and offers classes through her studios in Bald Hills, Brisbane and Toowoomba.
Teaching all forms of Irish dance, Ms O’Neill said she specialises in hard shoe, teams, ceili, show and display classes.
“I am fully qualified with An Commisiun Le Rince Gaelacha in Belfast, Ireland,” Ms O’Neill said.
“The Irish Dance Teachers exam is not easy to obtain on your first attempt, but thankfully I put in the hard work and achieved it when I was 21.”
“I am very fortunate to now be teaching the children of previous dancers that I used to teach many years ago.
“Saying that they wouldn’t have anyone else teach their child really touches my heart … we do have a very special family connection at MFK Academy of Irish Dance.”
Natalie Philippa – Kiyua Performing Arts Toowoomba
Nothing brings Natalie Philippa more fulfilment than helping young people to grow and believe in themselves.
The volunteer offers her services to the community-run and funded group Kiyua Performing Arts Toowoomba, which gives children the opportunity to dance without the price tag.
“Watching, helping and encouraging kids who may not be able to afford a dance school grow in themselves and (participate in the) performing arts is beyond rewarding,” Ms Philippa said.
“There are so many great memories but my favourite is seeing young kids that I taught come up and become thriving dance teachers themselves.”
Born and raised in Toowoomba, the 26-year-old started volunteering at Kiyua in 2009 as an assistant instructor, before her role evolved into teaching her own classes.
Ms Philippa also offers dance and gymnastics classes at the Toowoomba PCYC.
Over the past 12 years of being a dance teacher, she has worked with different group sizes and age groups but currently works with the Level 2 and 4 classes, which are suited to children between seven and 10, and 15 and older.
“At first (dance) was something fun my mum took me to after I did gymnastics and other sports. but (dance) quickly grew into something I loved to do and will continue doing,” she said.
“Even when having my son, I danced as much as I was able to and got back into full dancing after I fully recovered.”
The compassionate dance teacher said she was most inspired by another Toowoomba instructor Sheridan Wright who was the “reason” Ms Philippa said is where she is today.
Sarah Hoyling – Dance Force
With dreams of one day being a ballerina, Sarah Hoyling begged her mum to enrol her in dance classes – a wish which was granted when she was aged six.
Now years on, Ms Hoyling has been teaching for 24 years and opened her own studio Dance Force almost two decades ago.
The 38-year-old said her advice for those wishing to pursue a career in dance or simply dance for fun, was to find a teacher who you connect with and offers a safe space and to “just jump in and give it a go”.
“I originally started a degree at uni after school, but found myself itching to get to the studio each day,” Ms Hoyling said.
“When I was offered teaching jobs all over the area, I decided that was what I had a true passion for.”
Specialising in jazz and tap, the qualified dance teacher said she loved all genres and taught students as young as three and through to seniors.
The 38-year-old said her career highlight was watching her students perform on a cruise ship in Singapore.
“I have taught these students since they were three and now they have grown and are working in the industry which makes me so proud,” she said.
“Seeing students grow and hit milestones in their dance classes and watching their faces light up as they master something is priceless.
“I also love the connections formed with the students, our studio is one big extended family.”
Sharee Stirling – Lockyer Valley Dance Centre
For Lockyer Valley Dance Centre’s Sharee Stirling, she could not even consider following a different career path, with the firm belief she was born to teach dance.
The 38-year-old instructor started dancing at the age of three and became an assistant teacher in her teens, before advancing to become a senior dance instructor.
With more than two decades of experience under her belt and a determination to make a difference, Ms Stirling has never questioned her professional decisions.
“I knew I was born to make a change in this world, and being a teacher was a natural career choice – plus I always loved to dance,” she said.
“So by integrating both teaching and dance together, it allowed me to find my passion and place in the world.”
Originally from Brisbane, Ms Stirling who was trained by one of Australia’s most renowned dance teachers Helen Lewis, moved to the Lockyer Valley in 2012, before opening her dance centre in 2015.
“Owning a studio certainly comes with a variety of challenges, particularly business ownership in an artistic field, but when you truly love teaching students, all the business ownership side becomes obsolete,” she said.
“Seeing the joy in my students’ faces when they achieve something that they didn’t realise they were capable of.
“I am particularly proud of my mature age students at Lockyer Valley Dance Centre who continually strive to improve and don’t let age be a barrier to success.”
Travelling to Disneyland as a dance studio director and dancer are Ms Stirling’s favourite moments during her career.
She currently teaches jazz, tap and ballet for approximately 20 hours each week.
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Originally published as Meet the most inspiring dance teachers of 2023 in Toowoomba, the Darling Downs
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