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.

KATIE TALBOTT

Admin & Marketing

Katie is our marketing and admin specialist supporting Alice with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps EV running smoothly.
Specialising in marketing support, including email campaigns, social media management, and Canva design, Katie also provides general admin and organisational support.
You may run into Katie at the barre or see her on stage as she is one of our students. Katie has been dancing since the age of 5 but only found her love for ballet at the age of 29 when she stepped into the EV Dance Studio for the first time.

ABIGAIL DODSON

Admin

Abigail assists Alice and Katie in the day to day admin that keeps EV running smoothly.

You have probably talked to Abigail while she is sitting at the reception desk at the studio.

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.