Maria Slape
Studio Director & Founder
established 1988
Director of Mount Gambier, Millicent & Casterton
"what I enjoy most about teaching is watching a student grow in confidence and skill. I have also been so fortunate to build lasting friendships with my students and their families. It is so rewarding being a part of their dance journey"
Certificate 4 in Dance Training & Management Teachers Certificate of ATOD
Safeplace Training
Certificate in Safe Training
First Aid Certificate
Judging experience in Australia & New Zealand
Choreographer/Teacher of National Winning Soloists & Troupes
International Solo Awards
Nominated for Choreography Award with KAR America
2021
junior ballet exams, competition classes, contemporary exams, and beginner jazz and ballet
Christina Jenkin
Senior CoOrdinator Ballet, Stretch and Conditioning, Acrobatics
Director of Naracoorte
Previous teaching experience in Warrnambool & Geelong
Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching & Management Teaching Certificate with ATOD
Advanced One Cecchetti Ballet
First Aid Certificate
Nominated for 3 Consecutive Years - Choreography Award at GTB Nationals
Most Creative Choreography at FYD Finals
Choreographer/Teacher of National Champion
Judging Experience All Around Australia
2021
intermediate & senior ballet exam classes, advanced acrobatics, stretch, conditioning, and open lyrical/contemporary team
Kaycee has a wonderful rapport with our dancers bringing a great mix of fun and learning to her classes. She is extremely popular with our younger children. Kaycee is a past MJ Dancer and has been teaching her own classes for three years now. She is organised, passionate, and loves the culture at the studio. Kaycee is currently studying her certificate 4 in dance teaching and management and has also acquired her first-aid certificate.
Kaycee Rodda
Branch Teacher of Naracoorte, Millicent &
Mount Gambier
Teaches Recreational Monday Jazz Classes
In charge of our Mini MJ Program
2021 TEACHERS
JUNIOR ASSISTANTS
SENIOR ASSISTANTS
SENIOR ASSISTANTS
Tiana Opie
Tiana has been a friendly face around MJ Dance Studio for 20 years and have taught classes for the past 8 years.
Bachelor of Education | Primary
Gymnastics SA Training
Classes:
Under 15s and Under 10s Junior Acrobatics
Boys Technique
Mia Ballinger
“Having the opportunity to teach has been so rewarding for me, not only being able to spend time and get to know the younger members of the studio but also the persona growth I’ve gained from it as a dancer myself. I am forever grateful"
Mia has been dancing with MJ Dance Studio for twelve years now, Mia is proud to say the the studio is an influential and beneficial part of her life.
Classes:
Under 12 Acrobatics
Under 17 Acrobatics
Under 10 Aerial Class
Anton Gabutina
“It’s crazy how compelling a dancer can be when they dance from the heart"
Anton has been teaching hip hop classes at MJ Dance Studio for a year, dancing at MJ Dance for 2.5 years
Classes:
Under 12 ATOD Level 6 Hip Hop
ATOD Level 3 Hip Hop
Hip Hop Fun Class alongside Espoir
Cassie Sullivan
“I love being a role model for the students and watching them grow as dancers”
Currently Completing Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching & Management
Classes:
Test 3 Ballet Exam
Olivia Hawthorne
“What I love most about teaching is develop a bond and trust with the dancers. Watching the students grow as dancers and individuals is so reqrarding and seeing their smile when they achieve their goals is just so worth it"
Olivia has been dancing at MJ Dance Studio for six years under the tuition of Maria and Chrissy. MJ Dance is her second family and is so grateful with how much opportunity she has had with her the at MJ Dance Studio.
Classes:
Assistant Teacher for Advanced & Intermediate Acrobatics
Junior Stretch Class
Espoir Alpha
“Life is better when you dance”
Espoir not only loves dancing but the teaching aspect as well, he loves to watch the growth of the younger students of MJ Dance Studio!
Classes:
Junior Hip Hop Beginner Class
Mikaela Johnston
“I have always had a great passion for dance and for pushing myself to be the best that I could be. Coaching allows me to spread that passion and help the next generations of dancers find their love for a sport that is so empowering”
Whilst I am new to the MJ family this year, I grew up dancing in Mount Gambier and then later in Melbourne. Dance has been a huge part of my life for the last 21 years and it has shaped who I am today.
Classes:
Under 8 Novice Jazz
Test 2 Ballet
