28 Dancing stars across the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions for 2022
From Ballet to hip hop, the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions are full of talented and emerging dancers.
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For thousands of years, dance has been used to tell stories, communicate emotion, and transport the performer and audience members into another world.
While there are various forms of dance, from traditional partner dancing, to ballet, hip hop and breakdance, the art form is used by many as a way of escaping the stresses of everyday life.
The beauty and skill showcased through dance has a powerful ability of staying with the audience, and through the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley, some stars are shining bright.
The Chronicle contacted dance studios across the region and has put together a list of up-and-coming dancers who have gone above and beyond in 2022.
Ava Carrigan
Ava Carrigan’s first steps were essentially straight into ballet shoes as her whole life has been almost wrapped in her love and passion for dance.
A dancer across the Toowoomba region, Ava, 13, has performed in countless eisteddfods and studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, Irish and tap.
Into the future, Ava hopes to become a professional dancer, and is working hard towards her goal and taking any opportunities that come along.
RADIANCE ACADEMY TOOWOOMBA
Caitlin Mohr
Since she learnt to walk, Cailtin Mohr has known she was destined to be on stage, and has worked hard to achieve her dreams ever since.
At 15 years old, Caitlin has focused her skills in classical ballet as her main style, however has also dipped her toes in contemporary, jazz, lyrical and musical theatre styles.
After two years at Radiance Academy in Toowoomba and 13 years of practising the craft, Caitlin is reaching her dreams of a professional ballet career after she finishes school in 2024.
Besides pushing herself academically, Caitlin is attending countless dance classes, entering competitions, attending national, state and local workshops, performing with the Toowoomba Ballet Theatre and completing a Certificate IV in dance to bring her closer to her overall dreams.
“Dance is an important factor in my life. I lose myself in dance,” she said.
“I love the music, performance, learning to express myself through dance, learning about movement, the precision, the strong bonds and friendships I’ve made, and the teamwork that is a big part of dance.
“Dancing is my passion that will always be a part of me.”
Lily-Anne Smart
The perfect escape from everyday stresses, Lily-Anne Smart fell in love with dance back in 2013 and became involved with Radiance Academy two years later.
Dipping her toes in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Acro, Demi-Character and Cabaret, Lily-Anne said the studio had opened doors she never thought were possible.
From completing numerous qualifications in dance and dance teaching and management, to securing employment in the industry, Lily-Anne said nothing was as special as the close-knit community she can always “trust and depend on”.
“Dance has been an escape for me, it has allowed me to, with the help of my amazing teachers, explore new passions and express myself in ways I could never have imagined,” she said.
“Dance has been a reliable way for me to be creative and it has introduced me to an amazing community that loves to see each other succeed.”
Into the future, Lily-Anne hopes to continue her passion in her spare time, while she aims to go to Medical School and become either a psychiatrist or a heart/neurosurgeon.
Jorja Wicks
Long-time dancer Jorja Wicks has grown with her chosen studio Radiance Academy Toowoomba for more than a decade, specialising in ballet and tap.
At 18-years-old, Ms Wicks has performed with a select few on behalf of the studio at many different eisteddfods and received Honours Plus in her dance exams last year.
During her 11 years with the studio, Ms Wicks has seen the business grow and develop from the previously named School of Excellence in Dance.
Besides her commitment to her dance, which she said was vital to her mental survival, Ms Wick was runner up DUX at her school and hopes to venture into university later this year.
“I choose to dance not only for the enjoyment it brings me, but also as a form of physical activity during Year 12,” she said.
“I would absolutely adore spending my life working with animals, however I don’t see myself leaving dance anytime soon because it is such a vital part of my life.
“I cannot imagine my life without it.”
Erin Foley
At just five years old, Erin Foley knew she wanted to dance.
Now 13 years later, Ms Foley has practised ballet, hip hop and musical theatre with Radiance Academy since its inception.
Focused primarily on ballet, Ms Foley said she hopes to continue her classes while undertaking a university degree in either science or mathematics.
“I dance purely for enjoyment and I love every second of it,” she said.
In her limited spare time, Ms Foley enjoys reading and learning new languages.
Anna-Lucia Jutsum
At just 15 years old, Anna-Lucia Jutsum has shown that the world is her oyster as she juggles both her passions and dreams.
Anna-Lucia has danced with Radiance Academy since she was five years old, dipping her toes into ballet, pointe work, jazz, contemporary and lyrical.
“Radiance has enabled me to study Certificates III and IV in Dance which have allowed me to branch out and learn street dance as well as multiple cultural dance styles,” she said.
During 2022, Anna-Lucia has studied a Certificate IV in dance, begun relief dance teaching with the studio, competed at eisteddfods, completed her Elementary Classical Ballet and Jazz exams, and played Peter Pan at the studio’s end of year show.
“(Playing Peter) has been an experience I will never forget. I will treasure these memories forever as it has been a privilege working with such amazing people,” she said.
Anna-Lucia will go into Year 11 this year while also completing a headstart course in Human Anatomy and Physiology with the University of Southern Queensland, a field she hopes to follow into after graduation.
Kiera Jahnke
Only a few years into her dancing career with Radiance Academy, Kiera Jahnke has discovered a newly-found confidence within herself that will set her up for the years ahead.
Between making lifelong friendships, finding her passion for teaching and performing, and growing as an individual, Ms Jahnke dances a variety of styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, character and lyrical.
“2022 was definitely a challenge for me, especially while trying to balance Year 12, dance, a cert, work, and my health,” she said.
“But I have loved every single second. Dance was such a massive help and was a place I could enjoy myself. A place where I felt loved, accepted, and joyful.”
This year, Ms Jahnke will commence a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with QUT, with the hopes of becoming a successful dance teacher or performer.
“I will never forget what the Radiance family has done for me and taught me over the years,” she said.
“I couldn’t have done it without them and I’m going to miss them so much.”
TOOWOOMBA PHYSIE AND DANCE
Harper Magarey
The dance style of physical culture fuses jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, yoga, aerobic and more together to increase strength, fitness and flexibility among dancers.
For 11-year-old Harper Magerey, it has been the perfect out-of-school activity to form special friendships and allow her creativity to flow.
Harper has danced with Toowoomba Physie and Dance for almost a year, and said her dream was to one day perform at the Sydney Opera House.
Head Teacher Rachel said Harper was a “wonderful addition” to the studio, and as such, was awarded the group’s Scholarship Award for 2022.
“Her friendly, kind, caring, encouraging personality shines on and off the competition floor,” Rachel said.
“She has worked incredibly hard this year for her first year of Physie to find her feet, perfect her positions and thrive in the Physical Culture environment.
“She is an inspiring little dancer who provides a wonderful example of excellent sportsmanship and hard work for all of the dancers in the club.”
Olivia Reynolds
With the dreams of working in the forensics unit of the Queensland Police Service, dancing star Olivia Reynolds said the art form is a way to express herself in a sometimes stressful world.
Dancing since she was three years old, Olivia has been with Toowoomba Physie and Dance for a decade and is now teaching the younger generations.
“I have helped teach at Toowoomba Physie for four years now and love meeting new people and watching the younger girls achieve their personal goals,” she says.
Olivia, 17, is going into her final year of schooling and in her spare time works at Coles, but hopes to continue her passion in physie into the future.
“(Olivia) is a wonderful role model for our students and mature beyond her years,” Head teacher Rachel said.
“Olivia always strives for success in both her personal goals for herself and teacher goals for her students with her 5/6yr team taking out 3rd place in the State A Grade competition.”
TOOWOOMBA POLE FITNESS
Samira Hill
Toowoomba Pole Fitness owner and instructor Samira Hill has been dancing for nine years, ultimately buying the studio almost four years ago.
At 39 years old, Ms Hill loves the “more sporty side” of pole fitness and pole dancing, usually steering clear of heels. However, she said heels allow the dancer to take tricks to a whole new level, and is incredibly proud when she is able to reach a new accomplishment.
“It’s physically, emotionally and mentally freeing. It’s creative and I love our community,” she said.
The grandmother of two said into the future, she hopes the studio can be a welcoming and freeing space for others to stay fit and healthy too.
Angel Marie
A newcomer to the Toowoomba Pole Fitness club, Angel Marie was drawn to the studio to try something different.
A mother-of-two, Ms Marie said the unwavering support of her family has helped her explore her new hobby in hopes of being as happy and healthy as she can be.
“I’m not a dancer or have any experience in dance, but I love the aspect of doing pole for the confidence it brings,” she said.
“I feel good within myself along with meeting new people and trying something different and out of my comfort zone.
“I 100 per cent recommended Pole Fitness. It’s not what you would expect and definitely suits all levels of experience as I’m no expert.”
SK STUDIOS
Jamie Federoff
A long-time dancer turned studio owner, Jamie Federoff has been a part of SK Studios for 14 years and helped to raise thousands for numerous charities.
The 22-year-old began dancing 16 years ago, and uses her platform and skills to create conversations, particularly around hard to discuss topics.
Using skills in contemporary, jazz, hip hop and more, Ms Federoff loves to tell stories through movement, particularly as both a student, choreographer and teacher.
Her own dance studio, ABC Dance, has completed its first year in Oakey which raised funds for Eczema Support Australia.
“We are so proud to see her create her very own safe space for upcoming students in Oakey,” SK Studio founder and co-ordinator Sarah Kay-Huybregts said.
MAYHEM DANCE ACADEMY
Georgia McTaggart
Specialising in contemporary and jazz, Georgia McTaggart has danced on and off for five to six years, about four with the Mayhem Dance Academy.
While she hopes to travel the world and find a career she loves, Georgia said dance would always play a special part in her life.
“I dance because I love it. It makes me feel calm and take time away from busy times in life to focus on the present so I don’t get too carried away with everyday things,” she said.
Georgia won the Mayhem Dance Academy Dancer of the Year for 2022, and in between dance and school, she loves to take time for herself and go for walks or exercise.
Abbie Logan
Mayhem Dance Academy student Abbie Logan has practically been dancing since she could walk, ultimately joining the Academy six years ago.
Originally focusing on hip hop, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, acrobatics and performance crew, Abbie is thrilled to be adding ballet and tap to her list this year.
“Dancing brings me so much joy. I love the rush I get when on state performing,” she said.
With her dance friends as a second family, Abbie said she has big dreams for the future.
“I would love to dance and perform on Broadway in New York City,” she said.
In her spare time, Abbie loves swimming, riding her electric scooter, creating Tik Toks and eating Japanese cuisine.
Will Whittington
Toowoomba teen Will Whittington has grown up learning various dancing styles and finding ways to stay active.
Besides Karate and swimming, Will began dancing with the Mayhem Dance Academy in 2015 at the age of five, and now calls the school his family.
Over the years Will has learnt hip hop, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre. Into the new year, he will spread his wings into tap, heels, cab and lyrical classes.
Dancing and performing is Will’s passion, and it is something he hopes to continue for many more years, including joining Creative Generation to grow his dance career.
LOCKYER VALLEY DANCE CENTRE
Millicent Patterson
As a child, Millicent Patterson was always a dancer, but it was only in 2016 that she joined a dance studio and began learning like a pro.
At only 12 years old, Millicent has trained with the Lockyer Valley Dance Centre for half her life, focusing on jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary and musical theatre.
Millicent said that dancing brings her a lot of happiness, and is something she is always looking to improve and grow stronger within.
Despite being in the early stages of her career, Millicent’s dream is to be a dance teacher and then become a dancer on a cruise ship so she can tour the world doing what she loves.
Gabi Parikh
A practical joker who loves to impersonate voices and make others laugh, Gabi Parikh hopes that one day she can share her dance knowledge with the younger generations.
Gabi, 14, has practised the art of dance for more than a decade, primarily at the Lockyer Valley Dance Centre, where she has focused on ballet, pointe, musical theatre, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, contemporary, national, performance teams and solos.
“I dance because I love it, I make new friends, and I (have) learnt discipline and how to push myself,” she said.
While she creates her own choreography in her spare time, Gabi hopes that she can master a huge variety of styles to one day teach others with her own studio.
Indiana O’Keeffe
Lockyer Valley’s Indiana O’Keeffe said dance is an enjoyable and fun experience that allows her to dig deep with her creativity and create memorable routines.
At just 12 years old, Indiana began dancing with the Lockyer Valley Dance Centre when it opened in 2016, and has been dancing for seven years all together.
With the dreams of one day becoming a professional tap dancer, Indiana has also delved into musical theatre, contemporary, acro, jazz, ballet, hip hop and performance teams and solos.
Lucy Baker
For the past decade, 13-year-old Lucy Baker has fallen in love with dance and its encompassing styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, musical theatre, hip hop and acrobatics.
A student at the Lockyer Valley Dance Centre since its 2016 inception, Lucy said learning the craft had changed her life and opened her eyes to her international dreams.
“I love the art of dance and being able to express myself through movements,” she said.
“I would love to be an actress and performer while inspiring and teaching children the love of dance.”
Madison Drysdale
Driven by passion and talent, 14-year-old Madison Drysdale hopes to one day teach the younger generations various dance styles that have changed her life.
Between binge watching her favourite shows and spending time with friends, Madison has danced for five years, four with the Lockyer Valley Dance Centre.
During her half a decade on the stage, Madison has taken jazz, tap, hip hop and performance classes, with the hopes of one day sharing her love for the art form with up and coming dancers.
Ebony Hesse
At only 10 years of age, Ebony Hesse’s first steps were straight onto a dance floor eight years ago.
A passionate Lockyer Valley Dance Centre student, Ebony is training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and in the performance team.
“I dance because I have a passion for dancing. Dancing teaches me many skills and keeps me fit,” she said.
While she loves to draw and go camping with her family, Ebony also has bright dreams for the future.
“(I want) to be a Primary School teacher and to also teach dance,” she said.
“I would love to be in The Nutcracker ballet.”
MFK ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCING
Chloe Jansen
For many, dancing can be both a way to stay fit while making social connections.
For 17-year-old Chloe Jansen, the art form is also an escape from the reality of everyday stresses.
Chloe first stepped onto the dance floor at five years old, and in 2014, began training at the MFK Academy of Irish Dancing.
Though she has competed in teams, Chloe said her passion lies in the solo competitions, and hopes to one day attend and compete in the world championships, of which she has already qualified for twice.
Grace Carrigan
With almost a decade of dance under her belt, 11-year-old Grace Carrigan has her eyes to the future.
Grace began dancing with the MFK Academy of Irish Dancing four years ago, however has been training since she was three, and has said it’s an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.
While she has taken many opportunities to increase her skill, Grace hopes to compete on the state and national stages this year for Irish dancing.
Alongside the Irish style, Grace is also trained in jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet and hip hop, and is determined to practice as much as possible.
“The strength, fitness and timing they gain from dance is so good for their brains,” mum Nardia Carrigan said.
“It’s a wonderful way to make friends.”
Jamilia Saad
At 14 years old, Jamilia Saad already knows what she wants to do later in life.
From discipline to working within a team and independently, Jamilia said she will carry the lessons taught through MFK Academy of Irish Dancing with her in life.
With more than a decade of dancing under her belt, Jamilia loves to dance because of the variety of people she can meet, the exercise it provides and the opportunities to compete and showcase her talents.
In the future, she hopes to become an aeronautical engineer, while possibly continuing to attend and compete in dance.
Miette Carrigan
Following in her older sister’s footsteps, Miette Carrigan began dancing with MFK Academy of Irish Dancing four years ago at the age of three.
While she loves to play with her older siblings and visit that family farm, Miette, nicknamed Mimi, is working hard to keep up with her talented family.
Mimi practices Irish dancing at every chance, as well as training in jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet and hip hop.
“She practices very hard to secure a spot in the state and national titles in Irish this year,” Mum Nardia Carrigan said.
Gorgi Saad
A previous ballet dancer, nine-year-old Gorgi Saad shifted her focus to Irish dancing two years ago.
Gorgi said she thoroughly enjoys learning new dances, competing in competitions and making new friends at the MFK Academy of Irish Dancing.
Though she spends her spare time dancing, doing cartwheels and handstands, Gorgi said she also has dreams of one day joining the Royal Australian Air Force.
ABC DANCE
Brooklyn Klease
At 18 years old, Oakey-based Brooklyn Klease has been dancing for almost a decade, initially starting with SK Studios.
Now training with newly-founded ABC Dance, the art form has allowed Ms Klease to survive in a sometimes stressful world.
“I dance to escape the stress and issues in my life as well as express the way I feel through movement,” she said.
Ms Klease said that in her spare time, she enjoys finding other ways to access her creative side, and spend time with friends.
Deborah Heyze
Deborah Heyze has practised the art form of dance for almost half a decade and is now training in a newly-established dance studio.
ABC Dance has just finished their first year, and member Deborah, 17, said she loved being able to express herself through the choreography in her hometown.
“It makes me feel free and I love moving around,” she said.
In her spare time, Deborah loves to make music with friends and lose herself in a good book.
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Originally published as 28 Dancing stars across the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions for 2022
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