Our Staff

Panache -studio -staff

 

Many of our teachers listed below have been with the studio for many years and are equally responsible for the wonderful success Panache Dance Studio now enjoys.


Danielle Pope L.C.B.A-C.I.C.B - Director/Classical Ballet

Training with Panache from the age of 2, Danielle has had the privilege of growing up with Panache as her family under the directorship of founder and Mother Denise Fisher. F.C.B.A.-C.I.C.B. Training in all methods of dance, participating in Cecchetti medal competitions and dancing with the South Australia Ballet Company, Danielle's passion for dance in number 1. Danielle achieved her associate qualification and took over directorship of the school in 2015.

 

Kay Cranwell  F.C.B.A. - C.I.C.B - Classical Ballet

Kay was born in Adelaide where she grew up learning first RAD and then Cecchetti.  During her professional  career she danced in ballet companies and in musical theatre in Adelaide.  Besides choreographing ballet and musical theatre she was the Channel 7 pantomime choreographer for many years. Kay has owned two dance schools during her 56 years of teaching Cecchetti ballet.  Most notably the Kay Cranwell School of Ballet which is now Panache Dance Studios.   Kay has trained many dancers over her 56 years which many have gone on to professional careers in dance and musical theatre.  Her teaching dynasty encompasses teachers in Canberra, NSW and SA.  She is proud that the school has survived through three generations - Kay, Denise and now Danielle and she is looking forward to passing on her experience to the current generation of dancers and teachers.

Lee Campbell - Tap

Lee Campbell has a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching tap for 25 years. She has taught all age groups from beginners to adults and successfully guided and supported students through tap exams. 

After taking some time away from teaching dance, Lee was drawn back to Panache due to her love of the discipline. She brings enthusiasm and fun to every class; and enjoys challenging her students to reach their potential.

 

Valerie McDowall BA (Adelaide) Diploma Teaching. Tap

Valerie is the former director of  Ecole de Ballet  (now the UFPA Morphett Vale Branch) and is currently teaching the Adult classes. She has extensive knowledge and expertise and has taught a wide range of styles including aerobics, jazz, tap and ballet.

 

Peter Anderson - Musical Theatre

Has been dancing since a young age in different styles then studied Contemporary in High School. I found my passion towards Musicals when I auditioned for a school show piece titled 'High Hopes'. I received one of the main roles as a stage actor and we entered an Eisteddfod, which we ended up winning!

A year later I was selected at an audition to dance and act for a touring show. The team was lucky enough to perform in Dance and Circus schools across China. 

Whilst studying in high school I also decided to try Sport Aerobics as an ice breaker from Dancing and Acting. So I entered the aerobic comps. To my surprise I ended up placing 1st, winning Gold at the Australian Junior Aerobic championships.Two years later I also became a dancer in an Australian Hip Hop team which also placed very high (4th in the World).  Nowadays I train dancers in many different styles from Hip Hop to Heels.

Ive also been working in the Fitness Industry for 15 years. I teach BodyPump, BodyAttack and Zumba. Im fortunate enough to also be given the opportunity to mentor many Fitness students who are currently studying to become Dance and Fitness Trainers.


Tara Edwards-Johnson - Classical Ballet

Tara Edwards-Johnson has been dancing as part of the Panache family for many years, winning the Kay Cranwell award as a dancer in 2019, and achieving honours in the Cecchetti exams she has completed. She has experience in many styles of dance including, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hiphop. She accomplished a certificate II in dance in 2019, and is currently attaining the Cecchetti Associate Diploma qualification.


Kyra Caruso - Jazz

Kyra started ballet as a toddler to assist with her general balance and co-ordination but quickly fell in love with dance and explored other genres as she grew. In 2010 Kyra was fortunate enough to complete her final RAD Ballet exam in California USA, learning from a range of established educators in an intensive study week prior. Following this, Kyra completed SACE Dance and Creative Arts with straight A's, obtained a Certificate IV in Dance through full time study and was accepted into the prestigious Patrick Studios Australia VIC in 2014. Kyra returned to competition performing in 2018 and her Hip Hop team were the National Champions in Australia, who also competed at NDA in Texas USA.
Kyra's professional performing experience includes credits such as Skycity Casino, 36ers Cheerleading Team, Royal Croquet Club, various nightlife events and corporate Brazilian Samba performances. 

Kyra discovered her love for teaching in 2014 and has worked with all ages and all genres of dance, including working as an in school Wakakirri choreographer. She takes pride in carefully preparing her choreography and delivering a fun and inspiring class experience. Sharing her passion and knowledge to nurture new dancers brings Kyra so much joy

 

Jessica Goldfinch - Contemporary

Jessica Goldfinch (Statton) is a local independent Artist and teacher who has been working in the arts for the past 20 years. Graduating from a bachelor of dance performance at Adelaide Centre for the Arts in 2004, Jessica's career has included professional performances with independent artists Katrina Lazzaroff, Aidan Kane Munn, guest artist for Elizabeth Cameron Dalman's company, Mirrimu , as well as numerous performances with State Opera SA.

Further studies in a Master of Teaching from Uni SA in 2010 saw Jessica focus her skills in dance education, teaching at over 60 primary and high schools throughout Adelaide and regional South Australia, the UK and Thailand, as well as tutoring for private dance schools, professional companies, and contracts through Ausdance SA's Artist in schools' program and Adelaide Festival Centre's CentrEd program. Jessica's teaching experience has ranged from beginners to advanced level in genres of contemporary dance technique, composition and choreography, ballet, hip-hop and body conditioning.

Jessica has been a teacher and moderator for SACE dance and has sat on the panel for Carlclew Youth Arts 'Artist in residence' grants. Over the past 10 years Jessica's work has further developed in the education sector to included ongoing contracts at the University of South Australia and Flinders University as a tutor in the school of education for Arts, and Health and Physical Education programs.

 

Emily Priest - Contemporary

Emily began dancing at Panache at the age of four, training first in ballet, and then branching out to learn jazz and contemporary dance. To further enhance her dance training, she completed SACE dance at Terry Simpson Studios in 2019, achieving an A grade, and notably an A+ for her choreographic work. In 2022, Emily became a member of the Australian Dance Theatre TREAD program, and in 2023, she will begin full-time dance training at the Adelaide Collage of the Arts, with a focus on contemporary dance. Emily is the current contemporary 5 teacher and is passionate about creating a fun space for students to explore different choreographic movements and ideas while reinforcing correct technique and safe dance practice.

 

Katherine Boeck - Adult Contemporary and Jazz

Katherine has been dancing for the past 23 years in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Katherine also completed her SACE dance in 2015 and has performed with the ADT Youth ensemble from 2013-2015. Katherine has strong passion for Contemporary and Jazz dance and enjoys the art of choreographing. She began teaching with Panache in 2021.