MEET OUR TEAM
Our teaching faculty provide a friendly and inviting atmosphere for students, all teachers exhibit a high standard of expertise by maintaining their abilities through sustained professional development and constant training. Please take a look at our teacher profiles below.
KARLIE GRACE JOHNSON
OWNER & PRINCIPAL
Karlie has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for dance. Her mission is to pass on this love of dance and skills to a new generation of young performers
Karlie Grace Johnson has a comprehensive background in dance education, having taught across Melbourne (metro and regional), interstate and overseas at specialised full-time performing arts schools.
She began her dance journey at the age of five, learning all facets of dance and performance before moving on to study full-time at Dance Factory in Richmond, where she received a coveted scholarship for two consecutive years. She has a Diploma of Arts, a Diploma from Cecchetti Ballet Australia and Certificates in Dance, Performance, Dance Teaching and Management.
Outside of arts education, Karlie is also a professional dancer and has an extensive resume of achievements and performances to her name. Some examples of her work ranges from involvement with production companies (Moulin Rouge, Jean Ann Ryan Productions, Joanne Adderley promotions, Kerrie- Hayes Productions, Adrenalin Events, Grayboy Entertainment, Gr8 Eventz, FX Entertainment, Showtime Attractions, Entertainment Store), Australian TV (The Singing Bee, The Footy Show, Mornings with Kerrianne, The Today Show, Australia’s Funniest Home Videos, It Takes Two, Neighbours and The Ultimate High School Musical), TV Advertisements (Just Jeans, National Bank, Goulburn Valley), back-up dancing (Danni Minogue, Rhonda Burchmore, Irene Cara), cheerleading for NBL South Dragons and Dubai Rugby 7s, fashion parades for Loreal, Luxe and Myer, corporate shows for Crown casino and events across the country and overseas, appearances at the Grand Prix and the Grand Final, appearing in The Merry Widow with the Melbourne City Opera Company, dancing on the Tahitian Princess for Princess Cruises, and even a Bollywood movie “Salaam Namaste”. She has also choreographed many award-winning routines at high level dance competitions throughout the state.
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In 2010, Karlie decided to open her very own school to pass on her passion and love for dance, running classes one night a week at the local town hall. In 2011, Karlie Grace Dancers was officially born, and by 2013 classes had proved to be so popular, the school relocated to their current studio in Berwick. Today, the school is thriving with over 300 students, and is one of the leading up-and-coming dance schools in Melbourne’s south-east.
QUALIFICATIONS: Certificate IV & Diploma of Arts (Dance & Performance), D.F.T.A (Dance Factory Teacher's Academy). A(DIP)C.B.A -C.I.C.B Cecchetti Ballet Australia. Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management. Winner of the 2012 Maestro Enrico Cecchetti Advanced 2 scholarship.
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GEORGIA FRASER
Once upon a time a student first at KGD, the past number of years have seen Georgia blossom into not only a gifted acrobatic / contortionist performer, but excel with her teacher training to now come full circle to teach her own Acrobatic classes at KGD. Certified in the world renowned Acrobatic Arts (Teacher Training Course) and many years experience in dance, acrobatics and Calisthenics at a competitive level 2020 will see great things unfold for our eager acrobatic students, as we implement the assessment system for the Acrobatique Arts examinations into our classes at KGD. Georgia is fondly looked up to by all students and looks forward to imparting further knowledge with them this year.
LISA FURZE
Graduate of Spectrum Dance Full-Time Performing Arts course, Professional Dancer; Michael Jackson Tribute, Corporate events for K-mart Crown Casino, Masters of Choreography, Showtime Attractions, Winter Sound System, Coles Television Commercial, AFL Grand Final Footy Show. Associate Teachers with Cecchetti Ballet – Passed with Honors.
BRETT FISCHER
Brett is a graduate of the Musical Theatre Course directed by Andrew Hallsworth at Patrick Studios Australia. Brett has featured in many corporate events and shows in many Melbourne venues as well as dancing and singing at the Rob Guest Endowment with Christie Whelan-Browne and Twisted Broadway with Tim Campbell. Brett was a Dancer in Michael Ralph's debut production “Now & Then”, a dancer for “Grease The Musical” Promotional Tour launch, performed in Looney Tunes Live: Classroom Capers (Jim The Host) at the Royal Melbourne Show, The Wild Party (Burrs) directed by Andrew Hallsworth, was Associate Choreographer for Godspell as part of the Stephen Schwartz Triptych by Magnormos Productions and then went on to Direct ‘Namaste The Cabaret’ written and performed by Adam Porter. Brett performed in Lifelike Touring’s production of ‘Peppa Pig Live: Treasure Hunt’ (George Pig/Pedro Pony) which toured Australia and New Zealand. He directed ‘The Gathering’ as part of MUDfest, and was also in a sellout season of ‘Avenue Q’ (Bad Idea Bear/Ensemble) as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He also wrote and starred in his own cabaret 'What’s He Building In There?' which he performed at Chapel off Chapel as part of The Cabaret Showcases. Brett made his professional music theatre debut playing the title role of 'The Fiddler' in ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, and performed in ‘Curtains’ (ensemble) with The Production Company and has just returned from overseas performing on ‘Voyager of the Seas’ and ‘Rhapsody of the Seas’ for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
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BRIGETTE RANKIN
C.I.C.B (Cecchetti International – Classical Ballet)
Brigette has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts in 1990, majoring in dance education in classical and contemporary dance. Over the years she has consolidated this experience with a number of teaching positions, including Head Dance Teacher at Presbyterian Ladies College and at various private ballet schools. Brigette has since continued her professional development in teaching over the years. In 2003 she attained her Licentiate in Dance Teaching (classical ballet). She has completed the current government accreditation in Certificate IV for Assessment and Workplace Training. Brigette also has her Level 2 in First Aid Training. Brigette’s performing experience began with receiving an overseas scholarship to study various forms of dance in New York. Since her time in New York she has performed with both Contemporary and Dance in Education companies, including various productions in primary schools throughout Victoria.
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ALIVIA TANKARD
Alivia is currently in her final year of studying a Dual Diploma for Musical Theatre and Elite Dance through a scholarship at Spectrum Dance Studios where she is trained by Industry professionals. She has also trained through the Cecchetti Syllabus up to Advanced 1 and has also obtained honours for her Cecchetti Ballet Associate Diploma Part 1.
Alivia has performed for Channel 10 as a dancer in the Deal or No Deal TVC, The Ferrari Club Gala Ball at The Regent Ballroom, WSX Champions Cheerleader at Marvel Stadium, Shared Tables Gala at The Palms Crown, Crown Christmas at The Palladium with Yvette Lee, VDF Ignite Show at Flemington Racecourse, Shopping centres for children’s entertainment, The 2024 Theatre Season Launch at Karralyka Theatre and back up dancing for bands as well as amazing artists such as Bobby Fox, Samantha Dodemaide, Mike Snell, Cassie Mclvor and more.
She’s had the pleasure of teaching all ages from preschool to senior students for over 5 years. As well as many years of assistant teaching. Alivia is confident in styles such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Cecchetti Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical, HipHop, Conditioning classes and Musical Theatre.
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HANNAH RIESCHIECK
Hannah has come full-circle at KGD graduating as a senior student and now on our teaching staff. While at KGD, Hannah completed Cecchetti Ballet Australia Exams all the way up to Advanced 1. As well as training in every style and being heavily involved in competition troupes, solos and duos. Hannah graduated from Kelly Aykers Full-time Dance School with a certificate in IV Dance Teaching and Management.
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In 2023, Hannah completed the Associate Diploma Certificate A.(Dip) C.B.A. - C.I.C.B (Cecchetti Ballet Australia) and performed with the Legacy and Co for their 2023 ‘Who?’ production.
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Hannah is a passionate teacher currently studying Bachelor of Education (Primary).
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ISABELLE GREENWOOD
Isabelle is an ex professional ballet dancer who has found a love in the transformative power ofPilates. Having a strong background in classical ballet her love and passion for movement now translates to teaching this wonderful form of exercise.
During her final year of training at The Victorian College of The Arts Secondary School, Isabelle moved over seas to Germany to accept a position with The School of Hamburg Ballet - John Neumeier. During her time there she performed with The Hamburg Ballet company and was
invited to go on their tour to Hong Kong. Isabelle was also invited to perform at the prestigious Prix De Lausanne Competition, representing the school and taking part in the Choreographic Project.
After her time in Germany, Isabelle accepted a contract with the Tivoli Ballet Theatre in Copenhagen, working under the direction of Peter Bo Bindixen and with the world renowned choreographer, Yuri Possokhov on the new creation; Snow Queen.
During her time as a dancer, Isabelle discovered firsthand the transformative power of Pilates, having personally experienced how it saved her from a lower back injury, shaping her into the strong and flexible person she is today. Isabelle completed her first certifications in Pilates via the
Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute and her journey in Pilates grew quickly from there. She started her own Fitness Pilates Program at a Physiotherapy clinic in which she worked with many dancers and discovered her passion of working with this type of clientele.
Isabelle now works for the dynamic KX Pilates franchise, working across four studios and is still always trying to expand on her skills through further study. In 2023 Isabelle was awarded trainer of the year at KX Knox and was nominated for KX national trainer of the year.
Qualifications: The Victorian College of The Arts Secondary School Graduate, Graduate of the School of Hamburg Ballet attaining a Diploma in Dance, Enrico Cecchetti Diploma, Advance 1 and 2 Cecchetti exams
APPI Unite Health Mat and Reformer certification, APPI Unite Health Ante/Post Natal Pilates certification, APPI Unite Health Pilates for Kids and Teens, KX Pilates certification
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DEBRA WEYMES
FCBA-CICB – Cecchetti Fellowship
Cert. IV in Dance Teaching and Management
Progressing Ballet Technique Certificate
Debra has over 40 years’ experience previously running her own dance school in Melbourne teaching Cecchetti ballet Grade & Major exam work, and other dance genres.
Although Debra gained teaching qualifications many years ago, she has
continued studies in ballet history, anatomy and methodology and attained
Cecchetti Fellowship in 2019.
She has been taught by many eminent teachers including Borovansky dancers, Corrie Lodders & Rhyl Kennell, Shirley Jones OAM, and more recently by Anne Butler who guided Debra’s Fellowship studies.
Debra loves seeing students’ technique developing along with their artistic,
expressive qualities.
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