Talented & Passionate Dance Teachers
Since 2008, we have provided the children's dance classes Newcastle and Lake Macquarie parents prefer. This is because our programs are run by highly experienced and multi-talented teachers. Rest assured, our dance instructors will maintain an inclusive, no-stress, and—above all—fun learning environment. They will help your child develop at their own pace—and have a blast along the way!
You can read more about our awesome Newcastle and Lake Macquarie dance instructors here. If you have any questions about the classes we run, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. Additionally, if you would like to enrol your child, simply fill out our convenient online form.
OLIVIA WILLIAMS
B.BUS, LGTDA, Affiliate Comdance (jazz, baby ballet, PDA tap, eisteddfod work)
Miss Olivia first began dancing in 1983 – trained by the renowned Les Griffith. Applying Griffith’s unique LGTDA tap dancing syllabus, Olivia competed in numerous prestigious eisteddfods and concert productions. After gaining her teaching certificate in LGTDA, she soon became part owner in a dance school, where she taught around 100 students from ages 3 through to adult.
Olivia’s varied and illustrious career has seen her perform as a lead tap dancer at the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony, work as a backup dancer and promotional performer, undertake a 3-week contract dancing tour of Malaysia with ‘Carlsberg’, complete two cruise ship contracts as 'Dance Captain' before becoming a choreographer with Grayboy Entertainment. After taking on a number of teaching roles, Miss Olivia opened Studi-O Dance School in 2008 in Valentine. Since then, her school has grown from strength to strength.
2019 saw Olivia take over Baby Ballerinas & Co and the Central School of Dance – combining the businesses into Studi-O Dance School – Home of Baby Ballerinas & Co. Never content to rest on her laurels, Olivia continues to share her passion for dance with children of all ages.
KAREN
BARKER-ROGERS
Dip Aus Ballet. Dip Dance Teaching and Dance Management ATOD, ARAD
Miss Karen was recognised as a talented dancer from an early age, having been accepted into the prestigious Australian Ballet School in Melbourne when 15 and graduating 2 years later. She has been fortunate enough to study dance in Moscow and Leningrad, as well as attend master classes in Canada, Europe and London.
At age 26, Miss Karen served as principle of the Newcastle Dance Centre for 5 years. During this period, she was invited to re-join the Kasatka Cossacks on a tour of the U.S. – but declined due to her teaching obligations. However, she would later re-join the company as a guest artist for a tour in Ireland.
Miss Karen has opened dancing schools in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions for pre-school children – implementing her own unique and highly lauded program. She now contributes her extensive, internationally-honed talents for students at the Studi-O Dance School.
Karen Lea HEMPHILL
Baby Ballet Program Instructor
Miss Karen Lea’s passion for dancing began at the age of 5, when she began learning ballet, jazz and tap. She has participated in numerous eisteddfods and shows – delivering both group and solo performances to wide acclaim.
Over the years, Miss Karen’s extensive dancing skills earnt her numerous accolades. She has successfully passed exams with the BBO (British Ballet Organisation) and BAL (Ballet Australasia Ltd & National Dancing Association) – completing up to Intermediate Ballet and passing Advanced Tap and Advanced Jazz with Honours.
For 13 years, Miss Karen managed her own highly successful dance school in Victoria – running classes for ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and lyrical dance. Today, she brings her wealth of talent to our school – teaching students aged 2 and up.
LINDA PICHARDO
Teaching jazz, ballet, tap, eisteddfod performance work
Linda started dance at the age of five, and has completed exams in both the LGTDA & PDA Tap syllabuses under the guidance of Pullars Dance Academy. Linda also trained in ballet, jazz and contemporary dance with Karen Ann Thomas of Dance Image Studios. Over the years, she has amassed local and international experience in stage performances, cheer squads, and eisteddfods.
In addition to dancers, Miss Linda has worked alongside many prestigious choreographers. In 2001, she travelled to London – attending classes at the famous Pineapple Dance Studios. Later, she took on a position as assistant choreographer and performer in Mexico – working at Gala Resort Playa Del Carmen and Cameleon Marivale Resort Puerto Aventuras.
Having added the title of Zumba instructor to her numerous other credentials in 2010, Miss Linda is a highly talented, friendly and approachable instructor. Today, she teaches numerous dance genres at Studi-O Dance School.
ALISON O'NEILL
Teaching jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, acrobatics, adult dance-fit, adult tap, and eisteddfod performance work
Miss Ali is an energetic and multi-talented dance instructor – trained in tap (LGTDA and PDA unique technique), jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary and acrobatic styles.
Having begun her teaching career at the young age of 16, Miss Ali is passionate about nurturing burgeoning talent. Her commitment to physical fitness and getting the most out of her students is evident in everything she does.
Miss Ali has taught all ages and styles, including troupe classes and solos. She says: “It has been my lifelong ambition to teach dance and watch my students succeed in this art that has always been such an important part of my life.” Today, Miss Ali remains an invaluable member of the Studi-O Dance School team.
KATRINA MCLARDY
Teaching contemporary dance and ballet
Miss Katrina is a highly experienced dance instructor, teaching contemporary dance and ballet to students of all ages. She has studied with acclaimed ballet dancer, Marie Walton Mahon, and has completed an Advanced 2 RAD with Distinction. Whilst attending the Hunter School of Performing Arts, she earned first place in the Year 12 dance class.
Over the course of her career, Miss Katrina has worked with numerous acclaimed contemporary dance choreographers – including Ben Hancock, Prue Lang and Larissa McGowan. She is a regular participant in the Catapult Dance and Choreographic hub.
We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Miss Katrina as part of our team of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie dance teachers. She never fails to go the extra mile to help her students overcome hurdles and discover new skill sets.
Amela BARTczak
M.R.A.D, R.A.D teaching jazz, ballet, contemporary and eisteddfod performance work
Miss Amela has been a member of the Studi-O Dance School team since 2012. In 2000, she began learning the genres of modern dance and national character. She also studied and completed up to Bronze Medal in the Les Griffith Tap Dance Academy syllabus (L.G.T.D.A). Her commitment to excellence is evident in all of her classes, and she has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding dance instructor in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Over the years, Miss Amela has participated in a variety of scholarships and attended prestigious ballet workshops – including those featuring Daren McIntyre and Daniel Baker. She won the Junior Ballet Scholarship at the Lake Macquarie Festival of Dance. What’s more, at her last solo eisteddfod in 2011, she won 1st place in the 15 Years and Over Classical Championship and 2nd place in the 15 Years and Over Modern Championship at the Swansea Dance Festival.
We consider ourselves lucky to have Miss Amela as part of our team. Our students continue to benefit from her friendly and effective teaching style.
KAITLIN WILSON
Teaching jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, and eisteddfod performance work
Miss Kaitlin learnt her craft right here at Studi-O Dance School under the guidance of Olivia Williams during which she picked up techniques in a variety of genres, including ballet, jazz, contemporary and tap.
Miss Kaitin is trained in both the Comdance (CTSD) Jazz and Classical Ballet syllabi in addition to the RAD Discovering Repertoire Syllabus and PDA Unique Technique Tap syllabus.
Miss Kaitlin is a Certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) teacher and is working towards her Cert IV in dance teaching and management. She continues to be one of our most beloved teachers and remains committed to refining her extensive abilities. Whilst teaching, Miss Kaitlin is also undertaking a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Newcastle.
