MEET THE TEAM

  • Stephanie has a dance and teaching career that spans over 30 years. Stephanie has a double degree in Dance and Education (BA (Dance) BEd, UNSW), and at an early age fell in love with all things dance, finding joy in the technical challenges of RAD ballet, BAL tap, contemporary and jazz. In 2004, whilst studying, Stephanie opened Ignite Dance Co. (then known as SD Dance Studio).

    Stephanie’s teaching style is grounded in a strong technical base, anatomy, teaching pedagogy, dance theory, and performance art.

    Stephanie taught for many years at local schools whilst building Ignite, completing her accreditation with the NSW Department of Education. These years cemented her teaching skills, her understanding of children, how they learn, develop and grow.

    As a trained flautist and teacher, a deep love and knowledge of music helps Stephanie to teach dance from a musically guided approach. Stephanie teaches her students how to really listen to the music, how to use it to express their emotions and how to manipulate music to make their choreography more dynamic and enjoyable.

    Stephanie has a special place in her heart for contemporary dance. She continually builds on her education and skills, striving to always better herself and her teaching. She believes that every child should have the chance to experience dance and the joy it can bring. The best part of her job is seeing her students grow into responsible and kind adults and loves keeping in touch with all her students and their families from over 20 years of studio ownership.

    Stephanie currently teachers all senior contemporary classes, and juggles directing the studio with her busy family life and three young children. But she wouldn’t have it any other way!

  • Caitlin is a classically trained teacher, with experience across ballet, jazz and contemporary. Caitlin started her teaching journey with Ignite whilst training as a young dancer.

    Armed with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood (BEd (Early Childhood), MQU) and years of experience in early childhood and primary school settings, Caitlin turned back to her real passion - dance - rejoining her sister at Ignite Dance Co.

    Combining the joy of dance with the theory and practice of early learning quickly became a steady heartbeat of our studio. Our littlest dancers find their feet in our studio and continue on into their senior years.

    In 2012, with the steady growth of Ignite, Caitlin moved into the role of Co-Director. Caitlin loves being a part of each student’s (and their parent’s) dance journey, watching them grow from tiny dancers into confident, talented young adults!

    Caitlin currently creates and runs all of our Ignite Kids program, along with teaching jazz, ballet, performance teams & technique classes amongst our youngest age groups.

  • Lucy is one of the first faces you’ll see when walking into our studio, as Ignite’s receptionist and administration.

    After completing full time dance studies with Classe Ballet Academy, Lucy has 15 years experience as a ballet teacher, studio manager and studio owner.

    Whilst gaining her Bachelor of Arts (BA (Political Economy & Environment), a Certificate in Business Management and Certificate in Public Engagement, Lucy continued teaching classical ballet. She then moved to the business management space, working with small, creative businesses.

    In 2021 Lucy opened her own dance and movement studio for kids and adults on the south coast. In 2023 Lucy joined the Ignite team.

    Lucy loves being surrounded by the dance world and strives to create a supportive, safe, joyous studio space for the students of Ignite.

  • Having been a part of award-winning productions from a young age, Aaron decided to focus his efforts on tap dance in 2015. He has received training from The Forge Tap Project, Tap Dogs and other leading figures in Australian tap dance. After receiving an Emerging Artist award from the Australian Tap Dance Festival in 2017, he featured in The Forge Tap Company’s inaugural performance, Alpha, and co-created the tap duo Two Soles with Tania Gould.

    Aaron spent the summer of 2020 in Auckland teaching classes and choreographing competition pieces, and the subsequent lockdowns directing a long-distance video collaboration between 20+ tap dancers from across Australia and beyond.

    Currently, Aaron spends his time teaching tap all over Sydney, training students of all ages and ability levels, including advanced diploma students at Brent Street. He also conducts workshops, either organised himself or as part of the Australian Tap Dance Festival’s Sydney masterclass line-up. He especially enjoys teaching improvisation and thrives on watching his students’ confidence and personal style grow.

  • Carla is a dedicated ballet teacher whose passion for ballet began at the age of four. Her journey with the Royal Academy of Dance is lifelong; completing all RAD ballet examinations up to Advanced 2, including Grades 6, 7, and 8, consistently achieving distinctions and high distinctions.

    In 2019, Carla attained Registered Teacher Status with the RAD, and over the past 10 years has taught at numerous competitive dance schools across Sydney, working with a wide range of students including those affiliated with the Australian Ballet School’s ITP.

    Carla has guided thousands of students through RAD examinations with high achieving results. Carla’s love for ballet and passion for sharing her knowledge is evident in every class she teaches, inspiring the next generation of dancers to strive for excellence.

  • Takali Hoogendyk, is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts at ED5 International under the esteemed mentorship of William A. Forsythe.

    Takali’s training began at KC Dance Co, later continuing at GY Dance, where she graduated in 2023. Takali is extensively trained in a wide range of dance styles, including Hip-Hop, Commercial Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Tap, and Elite Troupe. In addition to her dance expertise, she is professionally trained in singing and acting for both stage and screen.

    At just 8 years old, Takali landed her first professional musical theatre role as Marta in The Sound of Music, performed at The Capitol Theatre in 2016. Since then, she has remained dedicated to honing her craft, now moving into onto her second year at ED5 International. Takali’s experience also includes television commercials, modelling, WBBL performances, and various dance projects for diverse clients.

  • Ex-Ignite student Jas’ dance journey began with a strong love for hip hop, then broadening out to a wide range of styles including jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, tech, tap, and ballet. Jas has a strong history of competing, shaping her skill and deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and performance.

    In 2024, Jas furthered her training by attending Ettingshausens PRO, and during this time discovered that her true passion lies in teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers. Jas is now pursuing her degree in Primary Education at ACU Strathfield, combining her love for dance and teaching in the most meaningful way.

  • Estelle danced with Ignite for 15 years, the first student to complete our full DanceStep Teaching Training program and graduate into a permanent teaching role in 2024.

    Being a student at Ignite provided Estelle with the opportunity to train in all dance styles, and develop her teaching style in line with the Ignite ethos.

    Estelle is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education and a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Macquarie University.

    Estelle hopes to pass on the same love of dance that was created for her at Ignite.

  • Riley (they/them) is a professional performer and passionate performing arts educator with over 10 years of experience in the industry.

    With a number of professional credits to their name, Riley was an original cast member in the Australian and international tour of & Juliet the musical. They continue to work professionally and audition while teaching students of all ages and abilities across Sydney.

    Known for their high energy, creativity, and care, Riley is all about helping students grow their confidence and skills while having a whole lot of fun

  • Miss Santiana is our resident Hip Hop teacher here at Ignite

    Santiana studied a Diploma in Performing Arts (Elite Performance) from Brent Street Studios and has always had a passion for dancing and performing since her early childhood. She started training seriously to become a professional dancer when she was 12.

    She has trained in jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre and ballet and has been part of many prestigious competitions and shows. Santiana has developed her own urban/commercial style of dance and loves to share the knowledge and experience she has acquired with her students.

  • Bella started her dance journey in Canberra before moving to Sydney where she decided to further her studies in dance at the prestigious Ettingshausens Pro Elite Fulltime school.

    After two years of intense training, Bella received a Diploma in Dance, as well as the “Professional Excellence” award of her year group. This included a scholarship at the world renowned Broadway Dance Centre in New York City and representation from the leading dance agency in Australia.

    Whilst in her second year of training, she was offered a contract with Norwegian Creative Studios who have allowed her to visit 53 countries and perform some of their most current and challenging shows at sea within the last 2 years!

  • Jayde is a passionate and experienced dance teacher with multiple national championships to her name. She completed her Certificate III and IV in Dance at the Australian Company of Performing Arts (ACPA) in Adelaide, beginning with their academy program and progressing to full-time training. She then moved to Sydney to study her Diploma of Dance at the prestigious Ettingshausens.

    Jayde is committed to helping students grow in both their technique and performance quality, while encouraging a love for movement and creativity in the studio.

    Jayde is known for her vibrant energy, encouraging nature, and professional attitude. She brings a strong sense of commitment, kindness, and fun to every class she teaches, creating a positive and inspiring space for dancers to thrive.