Our Dance Teachers
Gen Chan
Genevieve - better known as Gen - is an experienced dancer and dance teacher who specialises in teaching adults. Her passion for creating dance opportunities for adults led her to open 6th Position in 2017. A year later, she was a finalist in the 2018 Canberra Women in Business awards. COVID-19 prompted her to make a difficult decision and bring forward her exit plans, but she is excited the move has led her to Dance Northside.
Gen began learning ballet at the age of seven. Her earliest training was in the United States and because her family frequently moved for work, she attended three different dance schools over five years. To this day, her ballet dancing has retained its American style. A couple of years after returning to Canberra, she was unable to continue her dance training.
Gen returned to dance as an adult, learning contemporary and falling in love with movement all over again. She later returned to ballet - her big love - and has never looked back. In recent years, she expanded her dance horizons by learning jazz and tap. You can get the full story on Gen here.
Outside of dance, Gen works in advocacy at the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Gender Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
Gen began learning ballet at the age of seven. Her earliest training was in the United States and because her family frequently moved for work, she attended three different dance schools over five years. To this day, her ballet dancing has retained its American style. A couple of years after returning to Canberra, she was unable to continue her dance training.
Gen returned to dance as an adult, learning contemporary and falling in love with movement all over again. She later returned to ballet - her big love - and has never looked back. In recent years, she expanded her dance horizons by learning jazz and tap. You can get the full story on Gen here.
Outside of dance, Gen works in advocacy at the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Gender Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
Ellie Crnkovic
Ellie started dancing at the age of five, at National Capital Ballet School. Specialising in ballet and contemporary, she moved to Canberra Dance Development Centre in 2014 before joining Dance Northside in 2018. She has been a part of the Dance Northside Performance Team for three years and as a result has danced at numerous festivals around Canberra.
Ellie has undergone training as part of the DanceStep program with Dance Teacher Laura Gerstenberg and Niamh Martin. She is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Contemporary European Studies and Arts at the ANU.
Holly Diggle
Holly holds a BA in Dance Performance (Theory and Practice), a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management, an RYT 200hr Yoga Teacher Certificate and a 50hr Kids Yoga Teacher Certificate, both accredited with Yoga Alliance, and is Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD) certified.
Holly is currently completing a coaching qualification focused on Neuro Linguistic Programing (NLP) Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Clinical Hypnosis.
She has extensive professional performance experience, having performed throughout Australia and toured internationally. Over the years she has worked with choreographers such as Elizabeth Cameron Dalmon (OAM), Graeme Watson, Michael Whaites, Cadi McCarthy, Bernadette Walong, Darren Green, Robyn Prichard, Meg Millband, Adelina Larsson and many more.
Holly was nominated for an Australian Dance Award ‘Most Outstanding Female Performer’ for her work in Mirramu Dance Company’s ‘River’ and was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Choreography Award’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for Contact Improvisation Performances in collaboration with Keira Mason-Hill for Short and Sweet Dance Festival.
Holly was honoured to become one of the ‘faces’ of the ACT Public School Alumni and to be publicly acknowledged as a ‘Person of Note’ in 2014. The alumni list was initiated to acknowledge people educated through the ACT public school system who have gone on to become leaders in their chosen field. In 2018 Holly was a finalist in the Canberra Women in Business Awards.
Holly has over two decades of teaching experience, ranging from dance studios, primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities. She has also worked with refugee groups, women in recovery and youth at risk.
Holly’s specialty is Contemporary Dance, and she gives a strong, physical and technical class. Her teaching methodology is inspired and informed by the desire to provide a positive, confidence-building experience for her students. Holly is committed to her students' holistic development, both as dancers and as well-rounded and happy individuals.
Holly is currently completing a coaching qualification focused on Neuro Linguistic Programing (NLP) Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Clinical Hypnosis.
She has extensive professional performance experience, having performed throughout Australia and toured internationally. Over the years she has worked with choreographers such as Elizabeth Cameron Dalmon (OAM), Graeme Watson, Michael Whaites, Cadi McCarthy, Bernadette Walong, Darren Green, Robyn Prichard, Meg Millband, Adelina Larsson and many more.
Holly was nominated for an Australian Dance Award ‘Most Outstanding Female Performer’ for her work in Mirramu Dance Company’s ‘River’ and was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Choreography Award’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for Contact Improvisation Performances in collaboration with Keira Mason-Hill for Short and Sweet Dance Festival.
Holly was honoured to become one of the ‘faces’ of the ACT Public School Alumni and to be publicly acknowledged as a ‘Person of Note’ in 2014. The alumni list was initiated to acknowledge people educated through the ACT public school system who have gone on to become leaders in their chosen field. In 2018 Holly was a finalist in the Canberra Women in Business Awards.
Holly has over two decades of teaching experience, ranging from dance studios, primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities. She has also worked with refugee groups, women in recovery and youth at risk.
Holly’s specialty is Contemporary Dance, and she gives a strong, physical and technical class. Her teaching methodology is inspired and informed by the desire to provide a positive, confidence-building experience for her students. Holly is committed to her students' holistic development, both as dancers and as well-rounded and happy individuals.
Erin Gale
Erin is an experienced dancer, starting dancing at the age of four with the Jill Glastonbury Ballet Academy. She has trained in a range of dance styles, and has taught tap, cecchetti ballet, jazz and lyrical dance. Erin enjoys choreographing and has received several awards at choreographic competitions. Erin joined Dance Northside’s adult contemporary class a number of years ago and has recently joined the staff to teach ballet and jazz classes. Her main goals in teaching are to build skills, confidence and creativity in her students, all within a fun and supportive environment.
Molly Horseman
Molly started her dance journey at the energetic age of 3, starting out in ballet and jazz. As Molly has gotten older, she has trained in RAD Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Cabaret, Contemporary and Lyrical. Molly’s main style of dance is Hip Hop, as she loves to have a good groove.
Molly completed the majority of her dance training in Coffs Harbour, where she grew up. She moved to Canberra in 2021 to pursue a degree at The Australian National University. However, she found her passion in dance teaching and will be moving to Sydney in 2023 to study a Diploma of Performing Arts at Brent Street Performing Arts. In addition to teaching at Dance Northside, Molly also teaches at Dare to Dance as an RAD ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary teacher and 6th Position as a Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary teacher.
Molly strives to cultivate an environment where people are free to learn and explore different ways of moving and performance.
Caitlin Johnstone
Caitlin has loved to dance since she was very young. She was first introduced to dancing at the age of three, starting out in ballet. At age four she took up Irish Dance, and trained competitively in the style for nine years, representing the Liz Gregory Academy at state, national and international level. Caitlin was ACT State Champion for four years running, from 2009 to 2012. She consistently placed in the top twenty nationally, with her best result being 9th place in 2011. In 2013, Caitlin travelled to California to compete in the North American National Championships, open to dancers from across the globe, where she placed 38th.
Caitlin met Holly in 2012, through the primary school dance competition known as Wakkakirri. Since then, Caitlin has taken nine years of contemporary classes and six years of jazz classes at Dance Northside. She has also been part of the Dance Northside Performance Team, allowing her to gain experience in other styles of dance and perform extensively across Canberra. Caitlin now works as Studio Administrator and teaches Kids/Junior Contemporary and Dance Fundamentals, while undertaking a degree in International Relations at the Australian National University. She gains so much happiness from dance, and aims to inspire that same joy in her students.
Caitlin met Holly in 2012, through the primary school dance competition known as Wakkakirri. Since then, Caitlin has taken nine years of contemporary classes and six years of jazz classes at Dance Northside. She has also been part of the Dance Northside Performance Team, allowing her to gain experience in other styles of dance and perform extensively across Canberra. Caitlin now works as Studio Administrator and teaches Kids/Junior Contemporary and Dance Fundamentals, while undertaking a degree in International Relations at the Australian National University. She gains so much happiness from dance, and aims to inspire that same joy in her students.
Emma Laverty
Emma Laverty is a proud Boorooberongal Clanswoman of the Darug tribe and has been living on Ngunnawal Country since 2014. Emma started teaching dance back in early 2003 in NSW and cannot see herself being anywhere else but in a studio. Her career has allowed her to take on large scale productions, collaborate and network in the community and schools, and fine tune her practice.
The core of Emma's teaching ethos is a student-centred approach whereby individual needs are identified and a safe, nurturing space to thrive in is created. Emma holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, is a certified Meditation Teacher & Coach in Holistic Human Development, Holistic Counsellor, and Chair Yoga Instructor from the Holistic Health and Wellbeing Academy, and she is a certified Keeping Kids Safe in Dance teacher.
Emma has a keen interest in Aboriginal Contemporary Dance and mentoring our next generation to reach their full potential.
The core of Emma's teaching ethos is a student-centred approach whereby individual needs are identified and a safe, nurturing space to thrive in is created. Emma holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, is a certified Meditation Teacher & Coach in Holistic Human Development, Holistic Counsellor, and Chair Yoga Instructor from the Holistic Health and Wellbeing Academy, and she is a certified Keeping Kids Safe in Dance teacher.
Emma has a keen interest in Aboriginal Contemporary Dance and mentoring our next generation to reach their full potential.
Cara Martin
Cara began dance at age 5 with Dance Northside. She has trained in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Lyrical. Cara was a member of Dance Northside’s performance group for six years, and as a result has performed extensively throughout Canberra. She has also attended Capital Dance Studios and Play the Dance Agency to extend her hip-hop and jazz training.
Cara has undergone teacher training with Dance Northside’s former Assistant Artistic Director, Rebecca Allan and Dance Teacher, Taylor Burge. She has taught a variety of Minis, Kids and Junior classes, and is now starting a new role as the studio’s Customer Relations Manager. Cara has extensive knowledge if the inner working of Dance Northside having being apart of the studio family for so long, and is excited to be starting her new role within the studio.
In addidton to her work at Dance Northside, she is currently undertaking a degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra.
Cara has undergone teacher training with Dance Northside’s former Assistant Artistic Director, Rebecca Allan and Dance Teacher, Taylor Burge. She has taught a variety of Minis, Kids and Junior classes, and is now starting a new role as the studio’s Customer Relations Manager. Cara has extensive knowledge if the inner working of Dance Northside having being apart of the studio family for so long, and is excited to be starting her new role within the studio.
In addidton to her work at Dance Northside, she is currently undertaking a degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra.
Sharon O'Neill
Sharon started dance at the age of 3 and trained in ballet, jazz, tap & contemporary until her first teaching employment at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Canberra. She has 2 amazing kids, and is a single mum as well as a qualified Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Caricaturist, designing the 1996 Australian Tax Pack Cover, and has taught many classes of both Zumba and ballroom at Radford College over the years.
In 2000, Sharon competed and placed 4th in the international Fred Astaire Argentine Tango Showcase Division. She later appeared and placed 3rd on the 2005 season of the ABC television program, Strictly Dancing. Sharon is the 4-time undefeated Professional On2 ACT Salsa Champion. She also created and organised her own glamourous, friendly, independent Smooth and Rhythm competition, “ASDAC – The Outback Crown,” bringing world champions to inspire us isolated Aussies. Over 10 years, ASDAC built up a world-class reputation.
Sharon is a qualified Zumba Fitness, Zumba Kids, Strong by Zumba (now called Strong Nation), and Zumba Gold, Toning and Gold Toning instructor. She holds Associate and Licentiate degrees as well as Fellowships in nine smooth and rhythm ballroom dance styles. In 2016, Sharon successfully undertook the USISTD/AIDA Examiners Assessment, achieving her goal after 10 years of study, experience and innovation. She is one of only 11 such Examiners in the world, and the first and only one outside of the USA.
Sharon was the Co-Owner and -Creative Director of Danzon Dance Studio from 2004 - 2021. In 2017, Sharon created the “Articulate” Dance Training Program – her own teaching method based on 20 years of teaching, performances, competitions, mentoring, and experiencing the joy that students feel when they are happy and successful within themselves. Because the world is only about people, and we deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, to be accepted for who we are, and to feel joy – values that align directly with Dance Northside’s, which is why Sharon is so excited to be part of the team.
In 2000, Sharon competed and placed 4th in the international Fred Astaire Argentine Tango Showcase Division. She later appeared and placed 3rd on the 2005 season of the ABC television program, Strictly Dancing. Sharon is the 4-time undefeated Professional On2 ACT Salsa Champion. She also created and organised her own glamourous, friendly, independent Smooth and Rhythm competition, “ASDAC – The Outback Crown,” bringing world champions to inspire us isolated Aussies. Over 10 years, ASDAC built up a world-class reputation.
Sharon is a qualified Zumba Fitness, Zumba Kids, Strong by Zumba (now called Strong Nation), and Zumba Gold, Toning and Gold Toning instructor. She holds Associate and Licentiate degrees as well as Fellowships in nine smooth and rhythm ballroom dance styles. In 2016, Sharon successfully undertook the USISTD/AIDA Examiners Assessment, achieving her goal after 10 years of study, experience and innovation. She is one of only 11 such Examiners in the world, and the first and only one outside of the USA.
Sharon was the Co-Owner and -Creative Director of Danzon Dance Studio from 2004 - 2021. In 2017, Sharon created the “Articulate” Dance Training Program – her own teaching method based on 20 years of teaching, performances, competitions, mentoring, and experiencing the joy that students feel when they are happy and successful within themselves. Because the world is only about people, and we deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, to be accepted for who we are, and to feel joy – values that align directly with Dance Northside’s, which is why Sharon is so excited to be part of the team.
Nathan Rutups
Nathan is an aspiring choreographer who has gone through his years performing in local Canberra theatre and dance performances. With a keen interest in musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and jazz, Nathan has been in various musical theatre performances, performed in QL2 Dance shows and has completed a Diploma of Musical theatre at Perform Australia (formerly Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art).
Nathan has developed a deep love of choreographing and has gone on to receive the'People's Choice Award' for his choreography performance at the Canberra SIDS for Kids, RedNose Charity; Dancing with the Stars 2017. Nathan was thrilled for the opportunity to choreograph 'Heathers' the musical in 2019 with Dramatic Productions. His musical threatre choreography debut went on to receive a Canberra Critics Award for best choreography for a musical.
Nathan has developed a deep love of choreographing and has gone on to receive the'People's Choice Award' for his choreography performance at the Canberra SIDS for Kids, RedNose Charity; Dancing with the Stars 2017. Nathan was thrilled for the opportunity to choreograph 'Heathers' the musical in 2019 with Dramatic Productions. His musical threatre choreography debut went on to receive a Canberra Critics Award for best choreography for a musical.
Abby Schoon
Abby started dancing at the age of 5, where she took her first ballet class at Dance Northside. At age 8 Abby began training in competitive Irish dancing, representing the Liz Gregory Acadamy at state and national level.
Abby returned to Dance Northside in 2015, since then she has taken classes of Contemporary, Hip Hop and Jazz. Abby joined Dance Northside’s Intermediate Performance Team in 2017, and then the Advanced Performance Team in 2018. She has performed extensively throughout Canberra and has expanded her experience in other dance styles.
Abby has undergone teacher training with Dance Teacher Caitlin, assisting her Mini's Creative Movement class for two years. Abby now takes her own Mini's Creative Movement class and wishes to teach young dancers her love and joy of dance in a safe and supportive environment.
Abby returned to Dance Northside in 2015, since then she has taken classes of Contemporary, Hip Hop and Jazz. Abby joined Dance Northside’s Intermediate Performance Team in 2017, and then the Advanced Performance Team in 2018. She has performed extensively throughout Canberra and has expanded her experience in other dance styles.
Abby has undergone teacher training with Dance Teacher Caitlin, assisting her Mini's Creative Movement class for two years. Abby now takes her own Mini's Creative Movement class and wishes to teach young dancers her love and joy of dance in a safe and supportive environment.
Kasha Solomon
Kasha started dancing in 2015 at the age of 9 with Dance Northside and has experience in multiple styles, including contemporary, ballet, jazz and hip hop. Kasha has performed all throughout Canberra, as she spent three years as a member of the Intermediate Performance Team and is now in her second year as a member of the Advanced Performance Team.
Kasha also took tap dancing classes at Kim Harvey school of dance in 2016 to learn something new for a year whilst still at Dance Northside.
Kasha started as an assistant teacher in 2020 and is now part of the DanceStep program. She has undergone training with Holly, Niamh, Laura, Caitlin and Abby. Kasha loves to share her passion with young dancers and is excited to see their smiling faces and watch them improve and have fun!
Kasha also took tap dancing classes at Kim Harvey school of dance in 2016 to learn something new for a year whilst still at Dance Northside.
Kasha started as an assistant teacher in 2020 and is now part of the DanceStep program. She has undergone training with Holly, Niamh, Laura, Caitlin and Abby. Kasha loves to share her passion with young dancers and is excited to see their smiling faces and watch them improve and have fun!
Shayla Tarrant
Shayla started dancing at age three, where she won a scholarship in her first year for ballet. At age five Shayla started training in Irish dancing, winning several awards in local competitions. In 2009 Shayla joined the Dance Northside community, training again in ballet, then adding contemporary, jazz and hip hop to her styles repertoire.
By 2014, Shayla joined the Advanced Performance Team in its' inception and as a result, has performed extensively around Canberra. Shayla took a break from performance group in 2017 when she graduated from year 12 but has re-joined the team for 2020.
In 2014 Shayla underwent training with Rebecca Allan and Amy Foreman assisting their classes for 3 years. She took on her own Creative Movement class in 2017. Since then Shayla has taught multiple styles and age ranges at Dance Northside. In addition to Dance Northside, in 2019 Shayla completed her Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Care while working at Kaleen cubby house since June 2018.
By 2014, Shayla joined the Advanced Performance Team in its' inception and as a result, has performed extensively around Canberra. Shayla took a break from performance group in 2017 when she graduated from year 12 but has re-joined the team for 2020.
In 2014 Shayla underwent training with Rebecca Allan and Amy Foreman assisting their classes for 3 years. She took on her own Creative Movement class in 2017. Since then Shayla has taught multiple styles and age ranges at Dance Northside. In addition to Dance Northside, in 2019 Shayla completed her Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Care while working at Kaleen cubby house since June 2018.
Emma Wilson
Inspired by the Nutcracker, Emma began her dance journey at age 7, originally only studying classical ballet in the RAD syllabus. After receiving a Scholarship from GDance (formerly known as Gungahlin Dance Academy) she branched out into many styles including jazz, contemporary, and lyrical. At age 14 Emma began Assistant teaching under the tutelage of Joanne McKinley. By Age 16 Emma had undertaken her own Junior Jazz class and discovered her love of working with and inspiring young dancers.
In 2014 Emma made the big move to Melbourne, Victoria to study Dance and Musical Theatre full time at Dance World Studios and APO Arts Academy. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Dance (2015) and a Diploma of Musical Theatre (2016). In this time Emma received many awards such as encouragement scholarships and diligence awards for her hard work and determination.
In 2017 Emma began teaching at many dance schools across Melbourne. Most notably at Melbourne Dance Centre (MDC), Dance Theatre, and Dance World Studios. Emma taught a variety of age groups and styles but she is most passionate about contemporary. It was during this time that she discovered her love of choreographing in this style. Her biggest choreographic achievement was being asked to choreograph a contemporary piece for the full time dancers at Dance World Studios for their graduating performance two years in a row.
2017 was also the year Emma began her work with Happy Feet Fitness. Happy Feet Fitness is a weekly Dance, Music and Fitness program running in early childcare centres all across Australia. In 2020 the owners of Happy Feet reached out to Emma to offer her the opportunity to bring the program here to Canberra. An opportunity she eagerly agreed to. Emma currently runs 15 classes per week and that number is growing every week!
Emma is excited to be back in Canberra and sharing her passion and knowledge with the Dance Northside community!
In 2014 Emma made the big move to Melbourne, Victoria to study Dance and Musical Theatre full time at Dance World Studios and APO Arts Academy. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Dance (2015) and a Diploma of Musical Theatre (2016). In this time Emma received many awards such as encouragement scholarships and diligence awards for her hard work and determination.
In 2017 Emma began teaching at many dance schools across Melbourne. Most notably at Melbourne Dance Centre (MDC), Dance Theatre, and Dance World Studios. Emma taught a variety of age groups and styles but she is most passionate about contemporary. It was during this time that she discovered her love of choreographing in this style. Her biggest choreographic achievement was being asked to choreograph a contemporary piece for the full time dancers at Dance World Studios for their graduating performance two years in a row.
2017 was also the year Emma began her work with Happy Feet Fitness. Happy Feet Fitness is a weekly Dance, Music and Fitness program running in early childcare centres all across Australia. In 2020 the owners of Happy Feet reached out to Emma to offer her the opportunity to bring the program here to Canberra. An opportunity she eagerly agreed to. Emma currently runs 15 classes per week and that number is growing every week!
Emma is excited to be back in Canberra and sharing her passion and knowledge with the Dance Northside community!