Katherine is an RAD and ISTD trained dancer, and dance teacher. She has danced professionally in Cabaret shows in Japan, and has performed in musicals ( The national dutch tour of 'Crazy For you', 'Into the Woods', '42nd Street', 'Bye Bye Birdie'...to name a few) variety shows and televised awards shows overseas.  Whilst living in Holland for 7 years, Katherine taught ballet, tap and jazz to dutch children and adults - from tiny 2 year olds to grandmothers.  Katherine has been trained and successfully examined at the highest levels in all forms of dance - RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern dance and ISTD Tap dance.  She has also completed high level exams in both Singing and Drama with AMEB and Trinity College London, and has completed AMEB exams in both Piano and music Theory.  She also holds a bachelor degree in Music Theatre. Since coming to Melbourne in 2013, Katherine began her journey into the music industry and has had the pleasure of  performing with a number of wonderful musicians.  Standouts include - her R&B/disco band 'Groovecentrix'; 'The Blues Brothers Australasia Tour'; the Neil Diamond tribute show - 'Diamond Down Under'; Tribute Entertainment's - 'Tribute to the Superstars' mega show, and  Marcus Jackson's 'Elvis to the Extreme' - an Elvis Presley tribute show.  

Mat is thrilled to be joining the Emerald City School of Dance and Theatre.  Growing up in the hills, Mat began his theatrical journey at the age of four as a flower in 'Little Shop of Horrors' with Gemco Players Theatre.  This passion for theatre has led Mat to be involved in countless productions of musicals, dramas, comedies, melodramas and pantomimes both on and off the stage.  Productions include 'Josheph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat', 'Blood Brothers', 'Footloose', 'Honk', 'Shakespeare - The Musical', 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Stepping Out', 'Dimboola', 'Midsummer Night's Dream', 'The Crucible', 'On the Edge', 'Medieval Madness', 'Bouncers and Shakers' and 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Junior'.  Mat brings a life of experience working in all aspects of theatre with a sprinkle of film and TV.  He has spent time in many vocations such as youth outreach, community services, hospitality, small business, busker and memorably - working at 'Santa's Kingdom'.

Tarquinn is a dance teacher, performer, and creative practitioner with over 15 years of performing arts experience. A graduate of the National Drama School in St Kilda, she thrives on sharing her love of the arts with eager, curious, and creative students. She is currently studying Professional Screenwriting at RMIT, where she writes and directs independent short films, with aspirations to continue into musical theatre and playwriting. Tarquinn excelled in Theatre Studies and Dance throughout high school, consistently achieving top marks and receiving annual awards.

Specialising in Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Ballet, Tarquinn places strong emphasis on technique, conditioning, and safe movement practices while fostering creativity and confidence in her students. Her performance credits include productions such as Hook, Little Shop of Horrors, and Sister Act, as well as dance concerts and stage works including The Nutcracker, Clue, and The Wizard of Oz with previous schools. Tarquinn believes dance should be joyful, expressive, and empowering — a philosophy she brings into every class she teaches.

Shane has taught and performed both throughout Australia and internationally. Some o f the companies and events he has worked for include 'Silvers Circus', 'Indigenous Hip Hop projects', 'Off the Street Hip Hop', 'Fun Fit', 'Monster Energy', Cultural Infusion', 'Shadow Wars', 'Australian Breakdance Championships, 'Masters Jam', 'Space Jam' and 'Freestyle Session Australia'.

​The boys and gals from Emerald City love jamming on with Shane! They are thrilled to have this extremely cool, passionate and good-hearted person leading them.

We are just a teeny tiny bit excited to have the amazing Melanie Steel teach for our school!  Having danced with the Australian Ballet Company from 1997-2003, Mel brings our students a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise that is rare and very exciting.  Prior to joining the Australian Ballet Company - she trained at Collarts and went on to complete her Advanced Diploma of Dance with the Australian Ballet School. from 1994-1996.  In 2003 Mel started the New England School of Ballet, of which she was also the Artistic Director.  Aside from her career as a dancer and ballet teacher, Mel is also a Clinical Pilates teacher, an Australian Dance Adjudicator and an interior designer and founder of Gypsy Jane.  Thanks for joining us Mel - we are so excited to have you with us!

Laura started ballet lessons when she was four years old and hasn't stopped since.  She has completed dance examinations in senior levels of ballet, tap and jazz in the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) syllabus.  As an adult Laura has explored many more different styles of dance including different variations of belly dance.  In recent years Laura has performed with the Shuvani medieval reeanactment dance troupe and Eunoia Dance Company.  Laura is now the mother of two young dancers herself and is excited to enter into the world of teaching and share her love of dance with the next generation of performers.