OUR
SKILLED TEACHERS
CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY OF TEACHERS!
What makes Dance Energy so unique? Our team. We strive to find the perfect teachers for each class, age group and dance style. We are passionate about education, which truly creates a beautiful family atmosphere and consistency for our students year after year. Our energetic teachers are highly trained and qualified, undertaking regular training courses to ensure they continue to teach to the best of their ability.
MISS CLAIRE
Principal & Owner
About MeDance Energy Studios was established in 2013 by Claire O’Shea. Claire was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast where she received her entire school education at Immanuel Lutheran College. These years at Immanuel were particularly special to Claire receiving many accolades during her time there, including the honour of being School Captain in her Senior year.
Our Principal Claire began to dance at the age of three at a local studio in Maroochydore where she continued to learn for 17 years. As she grew up her love of all things dance developed into a variety of successes. Claire completed all of her examinations with the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) company and represented Queensland in the genre of Jazz in the Australasian titles. From the age of 14 Claire began to assist with classes and her passion for teaching grew from there. Claire then completed both her Junior and Associate Teaching Levels with ATOD where she is now fully qualified to teach all genres of dance.
A passionate dancer, our Principal continues to this day to develop and grow her technical skills. This year alone, Claire has participated in many advanced technical workshops with international and nationally acclaimed choreographers and dancers. A keen learner, over the past 5 years Claire has been developing an in-depth knowledge for Dance Acrobatics, safe dance technique & trick progression in the classroom. Claire is currently finishing her Acrobatics Teachers qualification through Acrobatique and has attended many training days & professional development courses across Australia.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary) at University, Claire has a strong skill base in child development and teaching methods, which she believes enriches each and every child’s dance educational experience. Whether a serious dancer, or just for fun, our Principal believes a dance education can keep young people healthy and equip them with many life-long skills and friendships.
A passionate Educator, our Principal Claire also coaches other studio owners in the industry through business practices, curriculum & studio growth.
Claire appears at all studio locations.
MISS MARIAH
Marketing, Operations Manager & Teacher
About MeMariah was raised on the Sunshine Coast and began her journey of dance at the age of three training in all styles of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre and acrobatics. She competed in numerous eisteddfods and completed her ballet, jazz & tap exams.
At the age of 12 Mariah grew a passion for hip hop and wanted to focus purely on that. She moved to The House of Sole where she competed in Hip Hop Internationals, World of Dance, World Supremacy Battlegrounds, travelling to Los Angeles, Las Vegas & San Diego with her crews Checkmate, Genetik & Sole Fam where they became Champions of each National competitions. Mariah travelled to Cancun, Mexico to represent Australia and compete with her crew at Dancers Paradise where they became the world champions for two years in a row. After a massive 5 years of competing, Mariah aimed her work into professional gigs such as performing at the Rugby League World Cup, Mercedes Benz Car Launch, Empowering Women Forum and more. Whilst consuming so much knowledge in hip hop Mariah wanted to share her passion to other up and coming students. Mariah has now been teaching at Dance Energy exclusively for 4 years.
Mariah appears at our Caloundra & Maroochydore Studio.
MISS LAUREN
Maroochydore Studio Manager & Teacher
About MeHi! My name is Lauren, and I can’t wait to share my love and passion for dance here at Dance Energy! I have been training in a variety of different styles since a young age. I began training classical ballet (RAD syllabus) at the age of 4, through to 17 years old. Throughout that time, I also trained Jazz (CSTD) and later found my passion for contemporary and commercial/hip hop. From the age of 16 I have taught a range of styles including musical theatre, ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop.
Upon graduating high school, I was offered a position at the Jason Coleman - Ministry of Dance where I studied for a full term before returning home. The following year I completed my Diploma in Musical theatre at DLDC where I gained experience and knowledge from a range of different artists and teachers along with travelling for eisteddfods local and interstate. Since then, I have continued partaking in classes under well-known and trained choreographers that have inspired me to continue pursuing dance and to share that love with others too!
Lauren appears at our Maroochydore & Immanuel Lutheran College.
MISS HOLLY
Teacher
About MeMeet Holly, a passionate and experienced dancer with a lifetime of dedication to the art. With years of experience studying and performing various dance genres, Holly began her journey at the age of 8 and hasn't stopped since. She spent countless hours perfecting her craft at a small studio in her hometown, where she competed and studied multiple genres.
Ready to take her dancing career to the next level at the age of 14, Holly began full-time training at an elite ballet school, traveling four hours a day to attend. Despite her rigorous schedule, Holly continued to perform, compete, and complete various levels of exams while also studying an Advanced Diploma in Dance and Elite Performance. Unfortunately, Holly had to quit her training due to an ankle injury, but she has joined our team to pass on her knowledge and passion to the next generation of performers.
Holly appears at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Siena Primary & Immanuel Lutheran College.
MISS NINA
Teacher
About MeNina began her dance training on the Sunshine Coast when she was 15 years old. Once graduated from high school she moved to Melbourne, where she studied Dance/Performing Arts at a full time school called Dance World. Upon graduating from Dance World with her Diploma in Dance/Performing Arts, she accepted a contract with Walt Disney and travelled around Asia performing as a dancer and singer. She also worked for another children musical company called X Systems where she travelled to Singapore several times for Christmas contracts.
Nina was also part of the Dance 2XS Australia Hip hop crew and this is were she landed her love for hip-hop and commercial dance. Being part of this crew and being involved in many international workshops in Australia gave her inspiration to travel and train at the schools In Los Angeles. Nina lived in LA for 3 months and trained at Schools such as Millennium Dance Center, Debbie Reynolds and the Edge Performing Arts.
After travelling overseas Nina came back to Australia and became serious about teaching. Three years later Nina graduated from Central Queensland University with a Bachelor of Education in Dance / Physical Education. She now teaches in high schools and several other private dance schools around the coast.
Nina appears at Caloundra Studio.
MISS KINGSLEY
Teacher
About MeI started dancing when I was 4 years old originally at Dalton Dance Dynamics which soon changed to Dance 3d (now Dance Energy Maroochydore) I started doing dance comps when I was 10, and now I do many competitions throughout the year. I recently recovered from foot surgery, and now I’m so excited to be a teacher and DES and learn all about my new students and create wonderful connections and memories with them!!
Kingsley appears at Maroochydore & Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
MISS ELLA
Teacher
About MeHi! My name is Ella and I have been dancing since the age of 3 at my home studio. I have trained in a variety of styles through the ADV syllabus, with my highest exam styles being in Ballet and Jazz. However, I have a big love for musical theatre and theatrical jazz ~ I love to perform.
I have been assistant teaching at my home studio since 2019, where In 2022 I started studying my Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching. I have worked with the tiniest and most senior dance students and I cannot wait to meet and teach some of DE’s fabulous students!
MISS CRYSTAL
Office Manager
About MeCrystal grew up on the mid-north coast of NSW and it was here, she developed her love of dance at the age of eight, when she started jazz dancing. She has since gone on to complete exams in jazz, ballet and tap as well as competing in many eisteddfods on the mid-north coast of NSW.
In 2015 Miss Crystal joined the DE team as part of our Teaching team and quickly took on more responsibility in the studio. In 2018, Miss Crystal took on the role of Office Manager & has been our ‘Maestro of Mayhem’ ever since! You will see Miss Crystal’s smiling face at the studio reception each afternoon to assist with enquiries, questions, uniforms and for a chat ❤️
Crystal appears at Caloundra and Maroochydore Studios.
MISS SOPHIE
Curriculum, Creative Co-ordinator & Teacher
About MeI started my dancing journey at the age of 12 in 2016 here at dance energy, and ever since I have been immersed into every aspect and opportunity the studio and Mrs Claire has given me. I have been a part of the competition teams since 2017, winning numerous awards and attended various competitions, including Showcase Nationals and ATOD International. I have also traveled to Melbourne for the Victorian Dance Festival (VDF). In 2017 I was lucky enough to be awarded with the prestigious Student of the Year award and the 2019 Spirit of the Year award. I have also completed and undertaken exams through A.T.O.D, who I am completing my Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management with to have full qualifications to pursue my teaching career.
From my personal dancing I have developed a passion for teaching over my last 5 years of teaching, I’ve been lucky enough to be a student teacher since 2016 , I am so excited to be able to further develop my skills as a young student teacher into a (nearly) fully qualified dance teacher with Miss Claire’s assistance in 2020.
Sophie appears at Caloundra, Maroochydore & Talara Primary College.
MISS JACQUI
Teacher
About MeJacqui took her first dance class at the age of 4 and hasn’t looked back since. When she was 17, after a dance trip to Melbourne, she was offered a scholarship with ‘The Edge Full-time Dance’ school in Melbourne, which she took. She spent 2 years in Melbourne training full-time studying everything; Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Latin, and Commercial Jazz as well as Singing, Acting and a short course in Aerial Trapeze.
After receiving her Certificate 4 in Dance and Diploma of Musical theatre, and dancing professionally in Melbourne she decided to come home to share her knowledge and passion with new dancers and to also grow as a dancer herself.
There is nothing that she loves doing more than dancing and is excited to be back home teaching as part of the team.
Jacqui appears at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Siena Primary School & Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
MISS HEIDI
Teacher
About MeHeidi began her dance journey at the age of two years under the direction of Andrea Dalton at what was formerly known as Andrea Dalton School of Dance and then Andrea Dalton Dance Dynamics. Whilst enjoying dance studies, Heidi completed Advanced level examinations with ATOD in classical ballet, tap and jazz. Following on from these examinations, she understood teachers’ examinations up to the Licentiate level which is the highest qualification offered. As a result of her teaching performances within the dance studios, and within the ATOD, the board of Directors of ATOD asked her to train as a dance examiner, which she successfully completed. Heidi has been examining throughout Australia and overseas for many years now and this has added to her knowledge as a dance teacher. Heidi also holds a bachelor of Communication and Graduate studies in educations as is a qualified secondary school teacher.
In 2013, Heidi took over the Dance Dynamics studio in Maroochydore and rebranded it Dance 3D, which has been a highly successful dance education facility on the Sunshine Coast and has continued with the family values that existed since the studio originally opened in 1981. Heidi sold the dance studio to former long term dance student of Dance Dynamics, Claire O’Shea (our principal) of Dance Energy Studios, who took over in July 2022. Heidi currently teaches classes at Dance Energy Maroochydore (Formerly Dance3D) and is continuing her passion for both teaching and for dance.
Heidi appears at our Maroochydore studio.
MISS ALYSHA
Teacher
About MeMiss Alysha is one of our wonderful ballet teachers.
Alysha started dancing at the age of 5 & moved herself into the ballet world starting with foundational training at Classical Coaching Australia and Brisbane City Youth Ballet.
Progressing through formative years, Alysha engaged in extensive ballet training, gaining valuable experiences at renowned institutions such as the Hamburg Ballet School, Pre-Professional Program at Queensland Ballet Academy, and the Australian Ballet School ITP. Accompanying this education are Certificate II and III in Dance, alongside achievements in Intermediate and Advanced 1 RAD exams.
Alysha also completed trainings at the Royal Ballet School and the Paris Opera Ballet School & also performed with the Bolshoi Ballet School in Russia.
A testament to skill and artistry, she emerged as the youngest female Finalist of the Prix De Lausanne International Ballet Competition in 2013 and achieved the distinction of being the youngest female to make the Top 12 in the Youth America Grand Prix.
Venturing into professional realms, Alysha toured and performed with the Hamburg Ballet Company, receiving a contract offer from Het/Dutch National Ballet for their Giselle season. Returning to Australia, for a year-long contract with the Queensland Ballet .
Alysha is now an incredible ballet coach bringing her wealth of knowledge to the Sunshine Coast!
We are so excited to have her on board!
Alysha appears at Caloundra Studio.
MISS ELAURA
Assistant Teacher
About MeI started dancing in 2011 at the age of 4 at Amethyst Studios Moffat Beach, but it wasn’t the place for me, so mum took me out until I was ready again and found the right studio. Fast forward to 2017, I’m 10 years old and mum enrolled me at Dance Energy studios where I found confidence, new friends and a new love for dance. With my newfound confidence I had the courage to successfully audition for my primaryschool troupe competing in my first few competitions andcontinued into high school programs where now in year 11 (2023) I continue to be apart of the dance program, studying and competing in competitions winning various team awards over the years as well as recently received the Jazz workers award for 2022.
I had been apart of the Dance Energy Squadteam for a few years up until 2022 when I decided to take a year off from competitions but instead nervously signed up for the Power Up program and discovered my love for teaching. One of the classes I assisted with during 2022 were the under 6’s Squad team where I strived to be there for them every rehearsal and watched with pride every competitiondeveloping an amazing little bond.
I enjoyed getting to know Miss Claire and the other teachers I worked with last year and look forward to embracing what the new year brings hoping to share my love of dance with more students and help them find their inner performers just like Dance Energy has helped me.
Elaura appears at Siena Primary.
MISS NICOLA
Studio Director & Teacher
About MeNicola has been dancing since she was 5 years old and trained in all styles from classical to hip hop. She competed in competitions and eisteddfods across Australia with both solos/duos and troupes and gained an extensive amount of knowledge for the dance industry.
Being a trained Acrobatique instructor, she travelled to Melbourne in 2015 as a student, to be one of the first students to undertake a mock exam before acrobatics exams were introduced, whilst taking workshops by industry professionals such as Kelly Aykers Fulltime and Jason Colemans ministry of dance. Following this in 2017, Miss Nicola travelled to Sydney to participate in the British Ballet Organisation (BBO)s dance days, taking workshops in the genres of tap, ballet, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and pas de deux from teachers and choreographers from Boston Ballet, Australian Ballet and the Mcdonald college.
These opportunities have led Nicola to find a passion for dance and teaching and continue to inspire her to become a better teacher.
Nicola appears at Caloundra and Maroochydore Studios.
MISS PHOEBE
Caloundra Studio Manager, Schools Co-ordinator & Teacher
About MePhoebe is a Sunshine Coast based dance practitioner equipped with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance degree. After recently graduating with Distinction from Queensland University of Technology, Phoebe is determined to share her knowledge and passion for dance with the upcoming generation of dance enthusiasts.
Phoebe has been dancing since she was four years old, training in a range of styles including classical, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, somatics, tap and musical theatre. Through her extensive history of dance, Phoebe has practiced with several troupes and studios throughout the Sunshine Coast with whom she has competed and placed with at eisteddfods across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast areas.
Among her studies in the industry, Phoebe has obtained various awards and qualifications in recognition of her achievements. These include a position on the Deans List and Golden Key International Honour Society as well as CSTD Jazz certifications.
Phoebe is incredibly excited to be apart of the Dance Energy Teaching team where she hopes to not only educate the students, but also inspire them to follow and embrace their passion for dance.
Phoebe appears at Caloundra & Siena Primary College.
MISS SUMMER
Teacher
About MeAs some of you may know my name is Summer. I have been on this journey with Dance Energy Studios from the age of 8 in 2013. I have always been inspired by Mrs Claire and her love and passion for the studio and students! I have been a part of the competition teams since I was 11 in 2016, going to numerous competitions and winning numerous awards. In 2021 my dream came true winning student of the year at dance energy, it was definitely a big step in my dancing career that I will be forever grateful for. In 2021, I was lucky enough to be a part of the power up program which really made me realise my love for teaching, it has been my dream to be a dance teacher since I was little and I’m so grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to pursue my dream. I am so excited to watch my teaching grow into bigger and better things.
Summer appears at Caloundra & Brightwater State School.
MISS BRIDIE
Teacher
About MeI started dancing at the age of 3 in 2006 at a Brisbane based dance studio, ever since then I have fallen in love with every aspect about dance and the amazing opportunities it can provide. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2012 and attending a different studio, my passion for teaching became something I knew I eventually would pursue as my career. I’m currently studying my Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management through ATOD and have completed a teaching qualification through AcrobaticArts. My focus as a dance teacher is to create a healthy, supportive and safe learning environment for all students. In addition to maintaining and installing quality teaching, technique and passion into the next generation of dances through my own passion and love for dance.
Bridie appears at Caloundra, Kuluin State School, Nirimba State Primary & Talara Primary College.
MISS EMILY
Teacher
About MeEmily started her dance journey with Dance Energy in 2014, starting out with jazz and hip-hop and later on progressed into various dance styles like lyrical, contemporary, acro, and ballet. Out of all of them, hip-hop has always been her favourite.
In 2019, Emily joined the performance teams, discovered her love for the stage, and has been performing ever since. Her hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed, as in 2021, she were awarded the Performer of the Year award. This led Emily to realise that hard work really does pay off, and she will forever be grateful to Miss Claire, Miss Nicola, and all the Dance Energy teachers who have helped her get to where she is.
Currently, Emily is working as an assistant dance teacher for Petites at Dance Energy Caloundra. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch the students grow, and witness their personalities shine through their dancing. With teaching dance being a passion for Emily, she aspires to teach dance full-time and explore new avenues in her dancing career.
Overall, Emily is a passionate and hardworking dancer who never stops striving for excellence. They have proven themselves to be an asset to the Dance Energy community and we are excited to see what the future holds for her.
Emily appears at Kuluin State School.
MISS ALLY
Assistant Teacher
About MeHello! My name is Ally.
I am a Foundation Student at Dance Energy Studios and I am now an Assistant Teacher.
I started dancing when I was just 5 years old in 2013 at Dance Energy where I found my love and passion for dance. I am forever thankful to Mrs Claire for giving me this amazing opportunity to be a part of the DES team and work behind the scenes.
In 2015 I enrolled in the Power Up Program where I discovered a love for teaching dance.
I joined the Performance Team in 2016 and have performed in several community events, as well as many competitions, both as part of troupes, and as a soloist.
In 2022 I decided I wanted to further my education so I enrolled in Cert IV Dance Teaching & Management and am due to complete July 2024,
If I could pick a favourite genre, it would be Lyrical but I still take classes in and love Ballet, Hip Hop, Cabaret, Acrobatics & Contemporary .
I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Dance Energy Studios 2023 Student of the Year Award and will always feel honoured and eternally grateful for this opportunity to Mrs Claire, Miss Nicola, Miss Aimee, Miss Mariah, Miss Sophie & the whole Dance Energy family.
I hope to see you in the studio.
Ally appears at Caloundra Studio.
