OUR TEAM

An All Star Cast

Meet the teachers and staff behind the magic at Strictly Dance that inspire and motivate your children everyday!
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Our Team

The Best in the Business

Strictly Dance offers highly qualified dedicated teachers for students both starting their dance and music training as well as for those with exceptional technique and ability. With a studio in Cleveland, for parents in the Redlands and an Underwood dance studio for parents in Springwood, Daisy Hill, Karawatha and surrounding areas we offer a wide variety of dance, Acrobatics and Music Programs. From innovative classes for young children to classes offered to prepare dancers for the professional world, our teachers are highly dedicated in helping each child progress and reach their potential. We also offer music lessons in piano, guitar and voice/ singing in one of our convenient locations in Cleveland or Underwood.

"They share our dreams and help us achieve them. At Strictly Dance I have found a family."
Xanthe Dunning (11yrs)

Our First Priority

We believe a teachers influence on a students future extends far beyond what goes on in the classroom. Our teaching philosophy is centred on instilling passion for dance while building self-esteem and confidence in every child. The students well-being is our priority; their technical capability is secondary.

Our Faculty

For more than 25 years our school has been a leader in dance education. Our reputation for inspiring young people to be the best dancers they can be is one of the primary reasons for our success. When we say ‘the best dancers they can be’ were speaking inclusively about all students whether at a recreational or intensive level.

Mrs Davidson

Owner/Director
Mrs Debbie-Lyn Davidson commenced her dance training at the age of 5 years. She studied Classical Ballet RAD, Jazz, Tap, Highland and Irish Dancing. She has been teaching for more than 20 years and passed her RAD teachers Certificate with Distinction. Debbie-Lyn was awarded the ATOD Australasian Teachers Award in 2007 and 2010. She is always striving to provide expert tuition in a caring and positive environment for students at Strictly Dance.

On a personal note Debbie-Lyn is married with 4 grown children. Three sons (into golf not dance) and one daughter, a professional dancer and also a teacher at Strictly Dance. They have been living in the Redlands for over 20 years.

Mrs Katherine

Assistant Director
Katherine developed a passion for performing at a young age. When she made the decision to pursue a career in dance, she trained at the renowned 'Addict Dance Academy' in England. With extensive experience, professional credits, and a deep understanding of the international industry's demands, Katherine's career highlights include dancing for global brands such as Adidas, Reebok, SONY, WELLA, and Vivienne Westwood. She has also made televised and live appearances on shows such as The X Factor and Amita Motion, alongside featuring in various online and commercial fashion and performance campaigns.
In addition to these accomplishments, fueled by her love for travel, Katherine chose to further her career by serving as a cast manager for Princess Cruises for five years. This role allowed her to travel the globe while still actively participating in performances, musicals, production shows, and inaugural casts at sea. This unique blend of her passion for performing and exploring has enriched her professional journey.

Feeling fortunate to have worked and learned from some of the top global choreographers, Katherine, since stepping back from performing, has discovered her love for teaching. She genuinely believes that her students can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Mrs Bo

Artistic Director
Bodelle Davidson started dancing and singing at her mother’s dance school at at just 2 years of age. She was chosen to dance with the QLD Ballet Company in their productions of Sleeping Beauty and Romeo & Juliet. She was also was chosen to perform with the QLD Opera in their production of Turandot, Hansel and Gretel and La Bohème.

She won many eisteddfods and championships during her competitive years. She attended the QLD Dance school of Excellence and after completing a Certificate IV in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts at DLDC she successfully auditioned for a soloist role at Tokyo Disneyland where she performed the role of Wendy from Peter Pan and Snow White in the musical ‘One Mans Dream”. She continues to perform hosting and performing in ABC Children’s shows. She has taught & choreographed many award winning routines for Strictly Dance.

Mrs Danielle

Head of The Ballet Initiative Program
Danielle started dancing in the Redlands at the age of four. She loved learning a wide variety of styles but classical was a major focus. During her younger years in dance she won many eisteddfods, ATOD Scholarships and danced with the Queensland Ballet in their production of Romeo and Juliet.

At the age of fourteen she took up a scholarship to attend a full time school in Sydney, Ecole Vocational Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Here she studied under the tutelage of Ashley Killar, Jane Allyn and Kit Letheby. During this time she danced at the Sydney Opera House and toured with the school to regional NSW. At the age of sixteen she successfully auditioned at The Royal Conservatorium in Den Haag where she completed her professional training. During these years she had many opportunities to develop her artistry in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Being able to dance the choreography of Jiri Killiyan and Hans Van Manen at performances in Den Haag and Haarlem with live orchestras was most memorable.

As a teacher, her passion and drive is to deliver a high standard of training in a nurturing environment and be able to pass on the benefits of her international experience so that young, aspiring dancers of this generation may realise their dreams.

Miss Ella 

Dance Instructor
Ella started her passion for dance at just three years old taking her training to the next level when starting at Steps Dance company at eighteen she secured a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a Dancer/Aerialist performing the cube aerial in her production shows. For the past 2 years she has been travelling internationally performing on the second largest cruise ship in the world. Ella was apart of the largest cast at sea, involved in the most technologically advanced shows aboard cruise ships to date. Between contracts Ella instructs Pilates and loves to use her knowledge of the body and pilates techniques to help young dancers stay safe and body aware while dancing. 

Miss Ellie

Dance Instructor
Ellie started her dancing at age 4, studying all genres, but found a deep passion for classical ballet. She performed in 10 seasons with Brisbane City Youth Ballet and decided that she wanted to pursuit dancing professionally. At age 13, she successfully auditioned and accepted a place at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. During this time she gained knowledge in the areas of body conditioning, pilates and strength training, while completing an Elite Diploma of Dance.
In 2018 she gained a place with the Northern Ballet, Leeds UK, in their pre-professional program and spent a year learning from and performing with the company. She also had the opportunity to travel around the UK performing a lead role in the company’s children’s ballet production.
Ellie returned home in 2019 to join Brisbane Ballet Company as a company artist. She is now performing professionally while studying Exercise Science and Physiotherapy at university. Throughout her career, she has discovered that the key to progressing as a healthy dancer involves a deep understanding of what the body is capable of and how to push it safely. She also loves to encourage dancers to show why they love it. She gives each movement meaning and purpose as dance is an art form before it is a sport. She is excited to help young dancers to find their joy of movement, and to support those who wish to pursuit a career in it.

Mrs Kelsey

Dance Instructor
Kelsey is a passionate dance instructor committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers. With a solid foundation in dance, including a Fine Arts (Dance) degree from QUT,  RAD Teachers certificate and recent training at the esteemed Queensland College of Dance, Kelsey brings a dynamic blend of creativity and expertise to her classes.

As a seasoned performer, Kelsey has graced the stage in multiple seasons with Merge Dance Theatre (2021-2023), showcasing her versatility and passion for the art form. Her standout role in IndepenDANCE 2022 not only solidified her presence as a captivating dancer but also opened doors to film projects and creative residencies.

Kelsey's artistry extends beyond the stage to gallery shows, where she has been a performance artist in notable exhibitions such as 'Sentient' (2023) and 'Evenatualities' (2023). Her participation in Connect Dance Ensemble at AnywhereFest (2023) further highlights her dedication to diverse dance experiences.

Not just a performer, Kelsey has taken on the role of a choreographer for IndepenDANCE 2023, showcasing her leadership and artistic vision. Beyond her impressive performance journey, Kelsey has been teaching for many years, seamlessly blending her wealth of experience with a genuine passion for guiding students in their dance exploration.

Mr Joshua

Music Instructor
 
Joshua has a passion for musical theatre and a talent for songwriting, he brings over 10 years of entertainment experience to the world of teaching. Based in Queensland, Joshua has left a trail of musical magic across various stages, enchanting audiences with his versatile performances. His dedication to the craft allowed him to grace the stage in a multitude of productions, showcasing his vocal prowess and stage presence. 

Joshua's commitment to storytelling through music also led him to explore the realm of songwriting, adding a unique dimension to his artistic expression. He brings his expertise to the classroom, offering lessons in voice, guitar, and piano/keyboard. With a dynamic teaching style, Joshua encourages his students to explore their musical passions while providing the technical skills needed to excel. 

His wealth of experience in the entertainment industry, coupled with a genuine passion for teaching, creates a space where students can explore their creativity and develop their skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced performer, Joshua tailors his lessons to meet individual needs, fostering growth and confidence in each student. 

Whether you're drawn to the enchanting world of musical theatre, eager to hone your songwriting skills, or seeking to master the art of voice, guitar, or piano/keyboard, Joshua is ready to inspire and elevate your musical aspirations. For more information on Joshua's classes and availability, feel free to contact us or book a session.

Miss Maddison

Acro/Aerial Instructor
 

Mr Jason

Acro/Aerial Instructor
 

Miss Grace

Music/Dance Instructor
 

Miss Georgia

Ballet Instructor
 
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