Teaching Faculty 2024
Nicole Hough – Director
From very early beginnings, Nicole trained with the best in the Industry including Bernadette Langshaw-Clark, and at Pineapple studios (London). Fully qualified in RAD Classical Ballet, Nicole found her love of teaching to be grounded in Jazz which she has successfully taught for over 20 years across Sydney. Throughout her performing career Nicole has worked with top choreographers and been cast in many Sydney shows including Corporate gigs, Commercial Dance contracts with Di Heaton, Super League, Sydney City Roosters, Canterbury Cheerleaders, Hannah Barbera, Australia’s Wonderland and Walt Disney Productions.
2012 now marks an important era for Nicole joining forces with Hornsby Dance to form INDUSTRY PERFORMING ARTS. Her passion for teaching is evident in her solo and group routines and she is proud of her students’ many successes at local and national level Eisteddfods and being cast in professional children’s shows with RegProm Marketing & Promotions.
Shannon Briscoe- Director
At the age of 5, Shannon commenced her dance training under the guidance of Samantha Simpson and Nicole Hough. She has completed all her R.A.D ballet exams and achieved her Advanced 2 ARAD. Shannon completed full-time ballet at The Conlan College under the direction of Simone Conlan and Kate Hiron, training with some of Australia’s elite. Whilst on her journey to becoming a ballerina, she realised her passion for teaching ballet. Shannon has since achieved her R.A.D teacher’s certificate and is a qualified Primary School Teacher with an arts degree majoring in Dance and Creative arts.
Kate Hiron
Kate began dancing at the age of 6 at Ecole Classique under the directorship of Prudence Bowen. At 15 she joined their full-time program (by then under new directorship) and later Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy whilst continuing to train with Prudence Bowen privately. In 1998 she completed her RAD Advanced 2 exam, was awarded the Warringah Scholarship, received the RAD Bursary, won The McDonald’s Ballet Scholarship, was awarded the gold medal at the Genee International Ballet Competition and received a scholarship from The Prix De Lausanne International Ballet Competition to The Royal Ballet School in London which she commenced in 1999.
In 2000 she returned to Australia and began teaching at The Conlan College of Classical Ballet where she remained as head of Faculty under Simone Conlan as well as standing in as director for a year whilst Miss Conlan was on maternity leave. Kate spent 2 years in Western Australia with her then fiance Ben and taught for Samantha Leeman at Stevens Dance Academy. She completed her Teachers Certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance in 2003. Some of Kate’s choreographic highlights include winning McDonalds Sydney Eisteddfod Dance of Champions 2013 entry, Por una Cabeza. The Open Age Classical Groups from 2011 to 2016. Kate is married to Ben and has two sons, Mitchell and Archer.
Zoey Black
Zoey Black is from Sydney Australia and began dancing at the age of 6 years old. After years of training, she began her professional career in 2009. She’s worked with Australia’s leading choreographers and artists in televised performances, stage, music videos and corporate events. She was a resident dancer on many seasons of The Xfactor and The Voice Aus and she also went on tour with One Direction, NKOTB and Ricky Martin during their Australia legs with the supporting artists, Timomatic and Johnny Ruffo.
In 2014 Zoey competed on the hit television series “ So you think you can dance “ where she placed top 10.
Zoey then moved to Los Angeles where she has been fortunate enough to have worked with artists such as Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Selena Gomez, Paula Abdul, JLO, Ricky Martin, Rita Ora, Janelle Monae, Kendrick Lamar, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Calvin Harris, Kelly Rowland, Ava Max, Jessie J, Jidenna, Maddison Beer, Fleur East, Louisa and many more… Zoey has performed on multiple award shows including the American Music Awards, VMA’s, MTV Awards, iheartradio Awards, BET Awards and the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. Zoey has also toured the US and internationally starting with Paula Abdul for “The Total Package Tour” which also included Boyz II Men and New Kids On The Block. Then Katy Perry’s “Witness World Tour”. Zoey then started a contract with Britney Spears for her Vegas residency “Domination” but the show was unfortunately postponed. Zoey then went on an American/European tour with Ava Max whilst also still performing with Katy Perry throughout 2019 and is still a resident dancer for her team. Between touring, artist work and television performances, Zoey has also worked on many corporate jobs and commercials with companies such as Amazon, Porche, Tiffany and Co, Nike, KIA, Hermes, Amway, and flying to Baku Azerbaijan where she performed as a soloist at the Islamic Solidarity Games. With all of her success and professional experience, Zoey returns to Australia as an established dancer who loves sharing her knowledge and passion for dance.
Ashleigh Tavares
Ashleigh Tavares is a commercial dancer based in Sydney, Australia. Since graduating from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and Brent Street’s Full-time course she has gone on to work consistently both throughout Australia and overseas. Some of her professional experiences include; So You Think You Can Dance Semi- Finalist, Resident Dancer on X-Factor, The Voice and Australia’s Got Talent and The Masked Singer. And live performances with Cher, Ricky Martin, Kylie Minogue, Zara Larsson, Charli XCX, Little Mix, Delta Goodrem, Havana Brown, James Arthur and many more.
Tania Gould
Tania began dancing at the age of 5 but her genuine passion for tap arose in her early teens when she started to complete the B.A.L Tap Syllabus. Achieving Honours in her exams, Tania knew her love of tap was only at its surface. Throughout her schooling Tania completed numerous eisteddfods and still today she is involved with many of Australia’s leading dance competitions.
In 2012 Tania started training with nationally and internationally known artists including Derick Grant, Sarah Reich, Aoedle Cassel as well as Shane Preston, Winston Morris, Glenn Wood and many others. Tania has also worked alongside other great Australian tappers like Glenn Dumbrell for the 2015 Chinese New Year Festival Parade, Tracey Wilson and many others including current and ex-Tap Dogs. In 2013 Tania completed her University degree of BA Arts Major in Dance. Through her degree she enhanced her abilities to explain movements, explore shading and tones of sound and the musicality of dance. She now is a full time dance teacher at various studios across Sydney and is constantly performing on weekends for various tap, hip-hop and cheerleading events so she can keep up-to-date with the new styles and standards in dance.
Ben Zammit
Born and raised in Sydney Australia, Ben started dancing at the age of 7. After graduating high school he completed full time training at Ev and Bow under the guidance of Sarah Boulter, Lisa Bowmer and Adam Blanch. Straight after full time he travelled to New York City and trained at the Broadway Dance Centre for 3 months, assisting multiple Dance teachers and tutors over seas and when returning to Australia including on the television series ‘Dance Boss’. Since being back Ben has worked for numerous companies including Yamaha, Sydney Trains and Water Aid and numerous dance companies, both commercial and contemporary including Opera Australia (King Roger, La Traviata), Shaun Parker Company (Trolleys), Una Palabra, The Dream Dance Company (Enter The Vortex), We.Are Dance Project (FOUND) and most recently toured as a dancer in Hugh Jackman’s World Tour of ‘The Man The Music The Show’, travelling Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. Ben continues to work within the industry and will always continue to share his knowledge as a teacher and mentor to the upcoming generation of dancers.
Deborah Johnson-Patience
Deborah studied RAD ballet and ISTD National Character as a child with Dalvern Thom and then went on to continue her studies full time with Joan and Monica Halliday, completing all levels including her RAD Advanced Certificate in ballet and achieving her ARAD status. After travelling extensively and performing internationally, Deborah returned to her teaching career and completed her RAD teacher training qualification with Prudence Bowen and has been an active RAD registered teacher since 1992.
At home in Australia, Deborah has been involved in much commercial work and has performed in a great many shows, events and featured in TV work and photo shoots. Deborah has also judged locally for the Showcase Australian Dance Championships Regional Competitions and Showcase National Finals in Australia and New Zealand. Deborah has also been on judging panels for dance competitions internationally, such as Canada and the USA and was in the very first cultural exchange performance in China.
For 12 years she was the Studio Director of the Deborah Johnson Dance Centre in Castle Hill and had many successes with her students having placements with the Australian Ballet school, VCA, Chicago Ballet, Elmhurst and the Moulin Rouge Paris. Deborah’s students have had abundant success on the competition circuit, winning many prestigious competitions, including Sydney Eisteddfod and training the Intermediate winner of the 2008 RAD Isobel Anderson Awards. In 2012 Deborah founded Northern Beaches Dance Co, which quickly grew to over 350 students by its 3rd year of operation.
During her time there, she extended her knowledge of preschool dance training with Beverley Spell from the USA and launched her own Tiny Stars preschool curriculum. Deborah has recently sold her school and is currently working as a freelance RAD ballet teacher, working for some of Sydneys most prestigious full-time ballet schools such as Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy. She is passionate about continuing her professional development and is experienced in exam preparation for all ages and levels. Deborah has also overseen and been appointed Mentor by the RAD for many new teachers undergoing their teacher training qualifications. Deborah has successfully been selected by the Artistic Director of the RAD, Paula Hunt to attend the 2018 RAD Examiners Training Program. This year Deborah was fortunate enough to travel to the Institute of Arts Barcelona, where she attended the World Dance Movement Convention.Deborah is looking forward to sharing her love of ballet and years of teaching experience with a new generation of dancers to inspire, as well as nurture the dancers and dance lovers of the future.
Jervis Julian Livelo
Jervis Livelo is a performer/choreographer who graduated from ED5 International in 2017, receiving his Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts under the guidance of William A Forsythe. Jervis began his journey within the Hip Hop/Choreography scene as a self taught dancer and began training in 2014 which led to him competing Nationally and Internationally. Jervis’ credits include; Hip Hop International (San Diego), Dirty Dancing (The Immersive Cinema Experience), Sissy Ball by Red Bull Music, The Voice Australia, Dance Boss, Westfields’ 2019 Spring Campaign, Guy Sebastians music video “Choir”, The ICC T20 World Cup Opening Ceremony and most recently Ebay’s new commercial.
Dylan Bull
Brent Street graduate Dylan Bull is a professional dancer located in Sydney. At age 9 he started training in the performing arts and is skilled in a variety of genres in dance. Dylan has now performed for company’s such as sun rise, AMWAY Japan and The state of origin, Danced behind artists such as Vanessa Amerosi, John Paul-young and Pauline, and also guest performed for choreographers such as Jade Chyoenoth and willdabeast. Dylan has been teaching and choreographing hip hop all over Sydney and is very exited to join Industry Performing Arts.
Bella Perry
Bella began learning ballet at the age of 5, completing RAD exams up to and including Advanced Foundation at The Ballet Class Rose Bay. She then continued her studies at Village Nation, training in Jazz, Contemporary, Hiphop, Tap and Musical Theatre, and completed years 11 and 12 at Village College. Bella won a scholarship to study full-time dance in 2020 at Village Nation, completing her Certificate 4 and Dance. Since then Bella has been signed with Presley Management, has performed for artists including Samantha Jade, G-Flip, and Becca Hatch, touring around Australia. She has performed for the Lord Mayors Christmas Carols, Mardi Gras, T20 World Cup, Ferrari 75th Anniversary and much more, travelling both interstate and Internationally. Bella has a passion for helping her students reach their goals in the Performing Arts Industry.
Saskia Vogt
Saskia began dancing from 5 years old, training in classical ballet and contemporary at The Conlan College. She joined their fulltime training program at 13 under Kate Hiron, later transferring to Tanya Pearson Academy under the directorship of Lucinda Dunn, whilst training privately with Kate Hiron. She completed all R.A.D ballet exams with high distinction, attended the Royal Ballet Summer School and was a finalist of the Sydney Eisteddfod Robert and Elizabeth Junior Ballet Scholarship. In 2018 Saskia competed in both the Prix De Lausanne International Ballet Competition and in the New York City finals of the Youth America Grand Prix. She took up a position at the English National Ballet School, before returning to Australia in 2020 where she has begun teaching at Industry Performing Arts, whilst continuing her education.
Marley Rose
Sydney born and bred, Marley Rose began her training at Village Nation at 11 years of age and continued right through to her fulltime graduation in 2018, where she graduated with qualifications such as a Certificate IV In Dance, Certificate IV In Dance Teaching & Management, Diploma in Musical Theatre & Diploma In Dance. Marley Rose is a familiar face throughout the Sydney Commercial dance scene and has worked extensively as an actor appearing in commercials for brands such as Telstra, Optus, Hungry Jacks, Aussie Apples, White Wings and more. She has had the privilege of working with top choreographers including Matt Lee, Jacqui Howard, Blake John Wood, Briden Starr, Nathan Wright & Danielle Evrat. In 2017-2020 Marley joined the Sydney Kings cheer team for their NBL season whilst also Joining The Wests Tiger cheer team for the NRL season in 2019. Marley has recently finished a year long contract performing in numerous live shows at Expo2020 in Dubai, UAE. Prior to her work in Dubai, Marley was on an Australian wide tour with a stunt & acrobatic show during 2019-2021.
Mikaela Johnson
Mikaela Johnson started ballet at the age of 5 at The Conlan College of Classical Ballet in Sydney. She completed her RAD exams with marks of 94-100% up to Advanced 2. She was a finalist in the Isobel Anderson awards for Advanced 1. In 2014, Mikaela entered the prestigious Genee International Ballet competition in Belgium where she received the Silver Medal, which was awarded to her by Dame Monica Mason and presented by Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
On returning home, she became the model for the Bloch Australia campaign for ‘Dance to School’ as well as the face for the RAD’s 80th Anniversary celebrations. She was also invited to be a special guest at their 80th Anniversary Gala, performing ‘Kodo’ choreographed by Lorena Otes. Mikaela also competed in the Alana Haines Awards in New Zealand where she won the audience choice award.
Mikaela received offers to attend International ballet schools and in 2015 at 16 years of age, headed off to the Joffrey Academy of Ballet in Chicago to join their elite Trainee Program. During this time, she primarily studied Vaganova technique along with many other styles of classical and contemporary such as Balanchine under the direction of Deborah Wingert Arkin (Director of the Balanchine Foundation), MoPed and Gaga technique. She also studied many ballet repertoires and trained alongside well known choreographers and dancers. A highlight for Mikaela was being selected to perform in Cinderella with the Joffrey Ballet Company. This was followed by a year in the pre-professional program at Orlando Ballet where she studied the American Ballet Theatre syllabus.
Through this time Mikaela’s passion for contemporary grew, especially influenced by one teacher and choreographer, Ronn Stewart, who founded the CoCoDaco Project in Chicago. After Orlando she moved to Munich, Germany, to begin her studies at Iwanson International School of Contemporary Dance. Through the 3 year program, Mikaela worked with a new choreographer every week and was exposed to many new styles and ways of moving and creating. Mikaela graduated with her Diploma in Dance. During her time in Germany, she got to perform at the Kunstlerhaus Munich, for Die Lange Nacht der Museen,
‘If Not Us Who? And if Not Now When’ Festival Junger Tanz, Gasteig Munich, 2019- Minka Marie Heiss, ‘ 69 EIGHT’ Festival Junger Tanz, Gasteig Munich, 2019- Johannes Härtl and ‘Displaced Person‘ Festival Junger Tanz, Gasteig, Munich 2018- Pia Fossdal.
Jonny Oliver
Jonny Oliver, a Sydney native, shines as an acro teacher and coach. As a state champion acrobatic gymnast and professional parkour athlete. Jonny brings a wealth of experience to the acrobatic arena.
Jonny has performed as an acrobat for over five years and a coached and taught for a decade. He also has danced a variety of dance styles, and is qualified as a high-level gymnastics coach.
Jonny’s expertise extends beyond traditional gymnastics, influenced by martial arts, tricking, contortion, handbalance, and circus arts. His diverse skill set enables him to communicate the core pieces of skills quickly and effectively so his students improve and become better performers.
Ryan Raymond
My name is Ryan Raymond, I am 19 years old and I am a dancer/choreographer currently living in Sydney, Australia. I have trained in many styles such as Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Acro, Tap, Musical Theatre etc. My past dance training includes dancing at Industry Performing Arts for 7 years, as-well as obtaining my Cert 4 and diploma in dance through Brent Street’s Academy and Full-time performing arts Program. In the past couple of months I have been privileged enough to appear on the 2023 Australian Idol promo vid and The Voice as well as with JLD entertainment at the big bash cricket, NRL fan days and the NRL grand final 2023. I started dance at quite a young age so I cannot wait to show all of my students that is never too late to achieve your dream.