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FACULTY

Trudi Jelfs - Principal Trudi has been teaching dance in Sydney for over 30 years. She has performed in the musicals Annie, 42nd Street, Anything Goes and The Vegas Travel Show whilst teaching at The Dance Centre and Wellington St. Upon completing her Bachelor of Education, she taught Dance & Drama in the UK and completed a Higher Dip in Creative & Media studies. Trudi has developed & facilitated Dance and Drama programs for numerous schools in Sydney & has directed & choreographed many musicals.	Amber O'Connell - Head of Ops Amber has been dancing since the age of 3 where her love for dance began. In 2019 she was accepted into Ettingshausens PRO’ Full-time course where she received a Certificate IV in Dance. Amber has performed at many events including the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball and has appeared on The Voice AUS and Dancing with the Stars. Amber is a passionate choreographer, teacher and mentor to all of her students both at DC and at the many Primary schools she works at in and around Sydney.	Lauren Elton Lauren Elton is one of the AUS's most sought-after commercial dancers. Collaborating with esteemed choreographers, Mitchell Woodcock, Kelley Abbey, The Squared Division & Marko Panzic, she has worked alongside Rita Ora, Little Mix, Jessica Mauboy, Peach PRC, Client Liaison, Guy Sebastian, Agnes, Daren Hayes, Tones & I & the Minogue sisters. Her versatility extends beyond the dance floor with notable roles in Dance Academy, Razzle Dazzle & Pillowman. Lauren's creativity is a gift to her students.
Max Simmons Max trained at Brent Street & gained his Dip. in Dance in '22. Max has performed in the Dream Dance Co's “Gode” choreographed by Matthew Gode & danced for Tones & I at the FIBA WWC choreographed by New Ground Collective. He has appeared on Australian Idol & has worked for Aus Fashion Week, Aus industry Beauty Awards, LG Signature, KFC, Virgin Aus, WSFM & the Metaverse of Magic tour. Max assists Cassie Bartho & is eager to teach and share his knowledge & passion for dance with his students.	Nicole Clarke Mitchell RAD Nicole has trained in classical ballet for over 22 years & after completing her Ballet Teaching Certificate with the RAD in 2014, she gained her RTS. Nicole has taught at many prestigious schools throughout Australia & has adjudicated at elite competitions. Nicole is a certified Mat and Reformer instructor & is passionate about sharing her knowledge & the principles of Pilates & also teaching the fundamentals of ballet, nurturing the growth of students in a fun and inspiring environment.	Taylor Sparke Taylor started her dance training at age 5 finding her love for performing. She attended NHSPA & was part of the dance company where she performed in festivals & conventions in China, NYC, LA, Pittsburgh & Dallas. She received a callback for her major dance composition in the HSC. In 2019 Taylor commenced FT Cert IV in dance at VN & worked on The Voice, X-Factor & DWTS. Taylor dances professionally on Norwegian Cruiselines travelling extensively, and thoroughly enjoys mentoring students at DC.
Mia Phillips Mia has been dancing since the age of 3 where her passion for dance grew and her talent shone through in her dance training. Mia has competitively danced around Australia and continues to share her passion as a dedicated teacher and mentor for her students at DC. Mia is currently studying a Bachelor of Education to deepen her knowledge as a teacher and to foster a love of learning in her students. Mia relishes in her role as a Creative Arts teacher at various Primary schools in Eastern Sydney.	Kaitlin McDermott Kaitlin started her dance career from a very young age & has enjoyed great success winning eliminations, eisteddfods & Ballet Awards. She has starred as a featured dancer in FAME the musical & performed in the Dream Creative under the guidance of Marko Panzic. Kaitlin is a stand out performer with a passion for dance. She has fostered great relationships with her students & has a genuine love of teaching. Kaitlin received her Cert IV in Dance at Etts Pro & is currently signed with Dargie Agency.	Bronte Carrington Bronte holds a Diploma in Performing Arts from Brent Street and has continued her training performing with Locreado Dance Company. Bronte's on-screen credits include Channel 9's Lego Masters and The Voice Australia with New Ground Collective. Bronte has performed in multiple corporate shows with singer Samantha Jade and choreographer Stephen Tannos. Bronte is a dedicated teacher and an inspiring mentor to her students.
Emily Livissianis RAD Emily began her dance training at DC and excelled in all styles. She was awarded DC's best technical dancer in 2024 and gained Distinctions in her RAD Ballet studies. Emily is currently studying a Bachelor's degree at University and assists with the running of our RAD program in addition to teaching all dance styes. Emily's versatility and positivity is an asset to her students.	Lara Vasan Young Lara holds a Diploma in Performing Arts from Village Nation and has continued her training to gain a Higher Diploma. Lara has performed extensively throughout Australia and in Singapore and is a versatile and inspiring talent. Lara began her training at Dance Chora as a young student and has come full circle, returning to DC to mentor her students and teaches across a vast array of styles.

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