Dance Teachers – Aspley Brisbane
With its fantastic teachers, Do Dance Academy in Aspley (near Chermside) aims to be a place that feels like home to every student and family so that they can shine in their own way.
Mrs Renee Thompson (Principal) B.Bus, CSTD
Born in Brisbane, Renee started dancing under Commonwealth Society Of Teachers of Dancing (Comdance) when she was only 3 years old and now has over 27 years teaching experience. She has always loved to dance and teaching it has become so natural. Renee progressed through the grades as a student and has now achieved the following examinations:
- Level 6 Jazz Award
- Teachers Certificate in Tap
- Teachers Certificate in Theatrical
- Teachers Certificate in Classical
- Teachers Diploma in Tap
- Teachers Diploma in Theatrical
- Acrobatics Arts Module 1 & 2 Certified
Renee loves teaching because of the rewards that you get, when you can make a child who is talented in their own way shine to be their best. The dance school motto is “To Be a Star, Believe in Yourself” and Renee feels that if she can make the kids believe in themselves at dance and in life, then they really will be stars.
What you might not know about Renee…
Renee is a mum to her two gorgeous daughters Adalyn and Lilyah and she also has two dogs, who she also trains to compete in Dog Obedience competitions.
Miss Meg Michalski (Assistant Principal) CSTD
Meg started dancing at the age of 3 and is looking forward to passing on her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the new generation of bright stars. Meg has been a part of Do Dance Academy since it opened its doors over 17 years ago and has been teaching for over 12 years. In 2020 Meg was promoted to Assistant Principal and is thriving in her new role.
Meg has a natural gift for working with younger students, who all adore her. Meg’s goal in life is to pass on the values and beliefs that she has been taught to all the students she comes in contact with.
Meg is a successful soloist and group performer and has completed examinations in all facets of dance with exceptionally high marks. Meg has completed her Level 6 Jazz Award, her Comdance Tap Teachers Certificate and her Comdance Tap Teaching Diploma. She is also Acrobatics Arts Module 1 Certified and is currently completing her Module 2 Certification.
Her brilliant rhythm and creative mind ensure her classes are always upbeat, challenging and fun all at the same time. She creates a hardworking yet enjoyable atmosphere for her students and achieves a high standard in return.
What you might not know about Meg….
Meg is the eldest of 5 siblings and loves baking and cooking and when not at dancing can be caught dancing in her lounge room to Bruno Mars.
Miss Poppy Michalski
Poppy commenced dancing at the age of 2 and is a passionate, committed performer who has been a part of the Do Dance Academy team since it opened its doors over 18 years ago.
Poppy has completed her examinations in many facets of dance including, Classical, Contemporary, Tap, Theatrical and Jazz all with exceptionally high results. Poppy has been a successful soloist and also group performer. Poppy has is currently working towards completing her Modern Jazz and Tapping Teachers Certificates.
In 2022, Poppy completed her Diploma of Elite Performance (Contemporary) at Brent Street in Sydney. In 2023, Poppy completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre at Conroy’s Dance Centre in Brisbane.
What you might not know about Miss Poppy…
When not at dancing… who are we kidding… Miss Poppy is never not at dancing. Her goal in life is to one day be performing professionally on stage.
Miss Jade Michalski CSTD
Jade commenced dancing at the age of 3 and is a passionate, committed performer who has been a part of the Do Dance Academy team since it opened its doors over 18 years ago.
Jade has completed her examinations in many facets of dance including, Classical, Contemporary, Tap, Theatrical and Jazz all with exceptionally high results. Jade has been a successful soloist and also group performer. Jade has completed her her Advanced Classical Major examination, Modern Jazz Teachers Certificate and is excited to be working towards obtaining her Modern Jazz Teaching Diploma in 2024.
In 2021, Jade completed her Diploma of Elite Performance (Contemporary) at Brent Street in Sydney. Jade is super excited to share and pass on her knowledge to all of our dancers.
What you might not know about Miss Jade…
When not at dancing Jade works full time at Otis Elevator Company. If she isn’t at work you can be sure to find Jade at a beach or out socialising with friends.
Miss Amy Lee
Amy commenced dancing at the age of 2 and is one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and committed teachers. Amy has been apart of the Do Dance Team for over 17 years now and has found her calling in dance by teaching our Shining Stars Program. Her teaching style encompasses compassion, patience, enthusiasm and positivity to help students in the ‘Shining Stars’ program have fun and reach goals, no matter how big or small.
She has competed as a soloist and with our eisteddfod team for many years, while also travelling internationally to represent our studio. Amy has also completed examinations across many different subjects including jazz, tap, classical and contemporary with exceptionally high results.
In 2021 Amy has completed her University degree in Occupational Therapy and loves being able to transfer this knowledge into her teaching. Amy has a natural gift for working with our Shining Star Program students, who all adore her. Amy’s goal in life is to pass on the values and beliefs that she has been taught to all the students she comes in contact with while watching them all grow into little stars.
What you might not know about Miss Amy…
When not at the studio Amy works full time as an Occupational Therapist.
Miss Talaya Good
Talaya started dancing at Do Dance Academy over 13 years ago and it has felt like home every since. Since performing from a young age, teaching has come naturally for Talaya. She creates a friendly and encouraging atmosphere in every class and believes that it is extremely rewarding to develop life long relationships with her students. Talaya shares our studio values and its evident in her teaching.
Talaya has completed various Comdance examinations in Tap and Jazz, with exceptionally high marks. She has also proven to be a successful group performer throughout her time with us. Talaya is currently working on sitting her Comdance Tapping Teachers Certificate.
Talaya cannot wait to continue to be a part of our teaching faculty for 2024 and we’re so grateful to have her on board.
What you might not know about Miss Talaya…
She has the best most creative nails
Miss Abbey Miles
Abbey started dancing from the age of 3 and fell in love. Do Dance Academy welcomed her with open arms over 7 years ago and ever since then it has evolved into a home away from home for her.
She has completed many Comdance examinations with exceptionally high marks in Tap, Jazz, Classical, Contemporary and Theatrical. Abbey is currently studying a duel degree in law and psychology and hopes to work in medical law when she is finished.
In 2023 Abbey gained her first Comdance Teachers Certificate in Tapping and is currently working on obtaining her Teachers Certificates in Classical, Contemporary, Jazz and Musical Theatre. She has also proved to be a successful soloist and group performer throughout her time with us. Abbey currently competes in our Open Eisteddfod team having competed and placed at a National Level.
What you might not know about Miss Abbey…
Abbey has been given the nickname of ‘Baby Giraffe’ as she is renowned to be a little bit clumsy for someone so talented at dancing.
Miss Temika Hood
Temika started dancing at 3 years old and joined the team at Do Dance Academy over 8 years ago. Since performing from a young age, teaching has come naturally for Temika. She creates a friendly and encouraging atmosphere in every class and she shares our studio values and its evident in her teaching.
Temika has sat various Comdance examinations in Classical and Tap. She has completed her Comdance Intermediate Classical examination and her Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management. She is looking forward to also completing her Teachers Certificate in Classical.
Temika has done several professional performances and has also been part of our Open Group Eisteddfod team and has competed and placed at a National Level.
Temika cannot wait to continue to be a part of our teaching faculty for 2024 and we’re so grateful to have her on board.
What you might not know about Miss Temika…
When not at dancing Temika loves watching Musicals and going to the beach.
Miss Joelene Hood
Joelene started dancing at the age of 3 and joined the team at Do Dance Academy in 2016. She quickly found her love and passion for performing and with her endless energy, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, Joelene has beautifully transitioned into her role of teaching and inspiring our future generation to share her love for dance.
Joelene specialises in Acrobatics and Hip Hop and is looking forward to passing this knowledge on to all our dancers young and old.
What you don’t know about Miss Joelene…
When not at dancing Joelene can be found at the beach and hanging out with friends.
Mrs Samantha Ellis (Reception)
Sam has been an intergal part of our studio for many years now and we are super excited to welcome her to our reception team in 2024.
Mrs Nikki Miles (Reception)
Nikki joined our Do Dance family over 13 years ago when her daughter (Abbey) and son (Samuel) started dancing with us. Nikki now works as one of our receptionists and is a valuable asset to our team.
Mrs Rachel Michalski (Reception)
Rachel joined our Do Dance family when we started over 18 years ago. Rachel now works as one of our cover receptionists and is a valuable asset to our team.
Mrs Maree Rablin
(Aunty Rabs)
Aunty Rabs has been a valuable member of Do Dance Academy since it started, helping her daughter Renee start the studio back in 2006. While not as heavily involved anymore Aunty Rabs can still be found around the studio from time to time saying hello and helping out.