Jo McKinley
Director
Leading GDANCE Academy with passion and dedication, Jo McKinley brings over two decades of dance education expertise to our community. Her journey in the performing arts began in childhood and developed into a comprehensive career encompassing performance, education, and studio leadership.
Qualifications & Expertise:
Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certification (High Distinction)
Bachelor of Communication
Certified PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Instructor
Qualified Acrobatic Arts Instructor
Glenn Wood Tap Certification
NLP Practitioner
Hoffman Process Graduate
Qualified Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor
Jo's extensive training spans multiple dance disciplines, including classical ballet, Jazz, Music Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Scottish, and National Character dance. Her additional expertise in Acting, Contemporary Singing, and Public Speaking brings a well-rounded perspective to our performing arts program.
Under Jo's leadership, GDANCE has established itself as a launching pad for dance excellence. Her students have achieved remarkable success, with many being accepted into prestigious full-time ballet schools, elite performing arts institutions, and professional ballet companies worldwide. Over her 23-year tenure, she has:
Successfully guided thousands of students through Royal Academy of Dance examinations
Prepared dancers who have been accepted into renowned institutions such as prestigious ballet schools and performing arts academies across the globe
Mentored students who have gone on to perform with professional ballet companies internationally
Maintained an exceptional standard of dance education that consistently produces industry-ready performers
Fostered an environment where both recreational and pre-professional dancers can thrive
Patricia Spadaccia
RAD Classical ballet and Performing Arts
For over 28 years, Patricia Spadaccia has been inspiring dancers worldwide, known for her enthusiasm, dedication, and ability to teach through movement. With extensive experience in R.A.D. ballet, contemporary, and jazz, Patricia excels at fostering positive relationships with her students and their families.
She holds a Bachelor’s and Teaching Degree from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil and has been a Royal Academy of Dance teacher since 2016.
A seasoned event organiser and academy director, Patricia has also been a professional dancer and jury member for prestigious festivals across Brazil and Argentina.
Isabella Rodrigues
RAD Classical ballet and Performing Arts
Isabella graduated in classical ballet at age 17 from The Brazilian Conservatory of Ballet. She worked as a professional dancer for six years in several companies including São Paolo Company of Dance, Brazilian Company of Ballet and Brazilian Company of Classical Dance.
Isabella is a qualified Royal Academy of Dance teacher and has worked in the Raça Center of Artes Sao Paolo, Brazil, as teacher and coordinator of classical ballet for more than 5 years and has been the representative for Capezio Brazil, one of the biggest brands of dance clothing.
Isabella's highlights as a ballerina include principal roles in works like Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire and Giselle.
Isabella is a qualified PBT and Acribatic Arts instructor.
Zoe Bridle
RAD Classical ballet and Performing Arts
Zoe has trained in many fields of dance, accomplishing many exams through RAD, ISTD and Borovansky since the age of 4. Zoe has trained in many genres including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Broadway, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Irish Dancing.
Zoe is also a qualified Gymnastics coach and has a giant love for helping children grow not only physically, but mentally as well. She loves to pass on her knowledge as well as make sure the next generation of dancers loves what they are being taught.
Zoe is studying Human Nutrition at the University of Canberra and will become a sports dietician when she is finished. She will use this degree to change the mindset of nutrition in elite sports, with dance and gymnastics being her speciality.
TESSA KASHKAROV
Head of Pre-school Dance
Miss Tessa has been dancing at GDANCE since she was 5 years old, and has grown up alongside the GDANCE family.
She successfully completed her RAD Intermediate examination in 2021, and her Glenn Wood Tap Level 9 exam in 2023. She is also currently in Year 12, studying for her IB diploma.
Tessa has been participating in the Dance. Play. Grow. Program since 2023 as an Assistant Teacher. From May 2024, Tessa will be leading Pre-School Dance at Forde.
Tessa strives to provide an inclusive and fun learning environment where all dancers can build confidence and explore their own creativity.
Tessa also has a 2 year old kitty at home, so don’t be surprised when you see her covered in cat hair!
EMILY MORAN
Vocal
Emily Moran is a vocal teacher and a Canberra-based solo artist known as Emilia Grace. From a young age, she loved singing and performing. Emily grew up in a musical family, starting her musical journey from age 4. She performed at church, in school choirs and in local musicals such as 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Oliver'. In her later years, she started writing music, performing gigs around Canberra in bands and as a solo artist and teaching vocals and group classes at The Bec Taylor School of Music. More recently Emily has performed at Floriade, and Sofar Sounds in Sydney and Wollongong and opened for acts such as Apricot Ink and Sputnik Sweetheart. Emily has just released her debut single 'Heartbreak Hotel' under her artist name 'Emilia Grace' which was aired on Triple J's TOPS.
MARY KELLY
Studio Manager
Mary trained in RAD Classical Ballet to vocational level many years ago, and since becoming a dancer's parent has rediscovered her love for dance.
Mary has joined the GDANCE Team in a coordination role focused on the Pre-School Program (Tiny and Shooting Stars), to provide additional support to the Director and Teachers in the planning and coordination of GDANCE performances and events, and to enhance the profile of GDANCE more broadly through social media and other avenues.
Mary's love of dance and dance education means much of her day is closely linked to the dance world, but the different roles she plays are each separate and like different costumes!