.png)
Staff
ALICE MCKECHNIE
Director
​
Originally from the seaside town of Bournemouth UK, Alice has been dancing since she was 3. Trained in RAD and ISTD syllabi and a former Royal Ballet School Associate, she’s performed at national competitions and events like the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Alice holds a BA in Ballet Education from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), along with ARAD, LRAD, and Registered Teacher Status. After teaching across London and travelling the globe, she’s now based in Newcastle.
Alice is an RAD teacher trainer and assessor, and works as a dance adjudicator. Alice continues to teach her passion for dance with a focus on the adult community.
LILLY GRANT
Teacher
​
Lilly is a Newcastle-born teacher and dancer with a love for all things performing. She began dancing at 1 and a half years old and hasn’t stopped since. Over the years, Lilly has trained in jazz, ballet, and tap. When she was younger, she competed extensively in local dance competitions in groups as well as solos. Now she spends her free time rehearsing and performing in local musicals.
​
GABRIELLE CARTER
Teacher
​
Gabi started dancing at the age of 4, taking part in RAD exams until she was 16. She completed her Certificate 4 in Dance and Diploma of Elite Dance Performance with a focus on classical ballet at National College of Dance, before training in contemporary dance for a year in Adelaide. Since then, she has completed a Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management.
​
LAURA KING
Teacher
​
Laura began dancing at a young age in Inverell, later training professionally in Brisbane and Sydney, where she earned multiple dance qualifications including her Solo Seal RAD and a Certificate III in Performing Arts. In 2004, she returned home to open Craze Dance Academy, while also enjoying career highlights such as choreographing for Carols in the Domain and teaching at Bangarra Dance Theatre. Now based in Newcastle, Laura continues to share her 20+ years of teaching experience while managing her Inverell studio remotely.
​
GABRIELLE BOLTON
Teacher
​
Gabby grew up on the Central Coast and began dancing at the age of 4. She trained at The McDonald College, in their ballet program, completing her RAD exams up to Advanced 2 as well as performing with the Premier State Ballet in Giselle and Swan Lake. She continued her dance training in Melbourne at Patrick’s School of the Arts, obtaining a Certificate 4 in Performing Arts and gained experience dancing at professional events. Currently, she is completing her Pilates teaching course through National Pilates Training. Having just moved back from Melbourne, Gabby is excited to continue sharing her passion for dance and see where it takes her next!
RACHAEL SEBASTIAN
Teacher
​
Rachael is a versatile Newcastle-based performer, choreographer, and creative. She trains across hip hop, house, commercial, heels, K-pop, and Afro styles including Afro house, amapiano, and afrobeat. Rachael has trained extensively locally and in Los Angeles at Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle, TMILLY, and Playground LA.
Rachael champions the freestyle, street, and cypher culture within Newcastle’s dance community. Beyond dance, she thrives in musical theatre, and is also lead vocalist for jazz-funk band.
EMILY STODDART
Co-Director Mayfield Studio
​​​​
Emily is a Newcastle born and raised dance teacher and photographer. In 2018, Emily started "Emily Stoddart Photography" specialising in capturing dancers in photoshoots as well as on stage, which sees her travel the East Coast to capture dance eisteddfods and classical competitions. In 2022, she opened Spark Dance Centre where she teaches children from 2 years old through to teenagers. In 2023, Emily came to EV to take some photos and then started taking class, and has now joined Alice as Co-Director of the Mayfield Studio.
​
EMILY MANNING
Administration
​
Emily is a dance teacher and former studio owner, who now works administration and accounts. She has completed all of her training from the age of 5 in the Hunter Valley in a wide variety of styles and holds her Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management. She continues to guest teach and adjudicate along with administration work when she isn't busy with her 2 young daughters.​
ROSEMARY PONNEKANTI
Musician​
Rosemary is a multi-talented creative with a global career spanning writing, music, journalism, and festival direction. A classically trained double bassist and longtime organist, she regularly performs at Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle and has taught piano for over 30 years. Outside the arts, she enjoys aerial circus, wild swimming, hiking, and a good book.