Jo McKinley | Director

Jo McKinley is leading GDANCE Academy with passion and dedication and bringing 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

Patrícia Spadaccia | RAD Ballet Specialist

Patrícia Spadaccia, Brazilian, has international dance training as a RAD Registered Teacher, with the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, which is the degree for teachers from the Royal Academy of Dance in London. In Brazil, she holds a university degree from the Faculty of Dance at UNICAMP-SP, with bachelor's and teaching certifications.

As a dance school director, she had 24 years of experience in Brazil as the owner of her own dance academy.

Additionally, as a businesswoman, she created and designed the competitive and non-competitive dance showcase 'Open Dance', which offers cash prizes, trophies, medals, and hundreds of invitation letters, scholarships, and exchange opportunities for dancers to the United States, Italy, Chile, Argentina, Germany, and other countries.

As a performing dancer, she has achieved the highest level in the Royal Ballet method: Advanced II, as well as advanced grades in jazz dance and contemporary dance. Currently, as a teacher, her focus is entirely on classical ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance method, having already prepared over 200 dancers for the official exams in London.

In her role as a judge, she has been part of the judging panel for São Paulo-SP samba schools and has participated in other dance juries throughout Brazil and Latin America.

In management, she is the official representative in Brazil for the 'Dançando na Disney' project, which selects dancers from all over Brazil to perform in Disney parks, Universal Studios, and the NBA Opening Ceremony. She is also a content creator for teachers, with the program 'De Ponta a Ponta na Dança'.

Patrícia is a professional with positive energy, leading a life dedicated to dance, and is deeply passionate about what she does, inspiring everyone around her with her dedication and enthusiasm.

Zoe Bridle | RAD Classical Ballet and Performing Arts

Zoe Bridle is a highly skilled performer and instructor with a diverse background in dance, having trained in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Broadway, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Irish Dancing. She has achieved numerous certifications through renowned organizations such as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), and Borovansky since the age of four.

In addition to her dance expertise, Zoe is a qualified Gymnastics coach with a profound passion for nurturing the physical and mental development of children. She is dedicated to passing on her knowledge and ensuring that the next generation of dancers not only excels in technique but also develops a genuine love for their craft.

Currently studying Human Nutrition at the University of Canberra, Zoe aspires to become a sports dietitian with a focus on elite sports, particularly in the areas of dance and gymnastics. She is driven by the importance of fueling the body for optimal performance. Understanding the critical relationship between nutrition and athletic ability, Zoe aims to promote the mindset that proper nutrition is fundamental for peak performance, injury prevention, and long-term health. Her approach will empower athletes to make informed dietary choices that support their physical demands, enhance recovery, and ultimately improve their success in competitive environments.

Heidi Ramsay | RAD Ballet and Performing Arts

Heidi has been a passionate and devoted dancer at GDANCE academy for over 10 years, and is now thrilled to be beginning her journey as a dance teacher.

She is trained in RAD Ballet, Glenn Wood Tap, Acrobatic Arts, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Lyrical. Heidi's training has allowed her to successfully compete in a variety of solo, duo, and troupe competitions and performances in numerous locations across Australia. Outside of the studio, she has earned the opportunity to dance as a part of the Sydney Dance Company youth ensemble, and learnt from an amazing selection of experienced choreographers and dancers.

Heidi believes in fostering both technical skill, and unlocking creativity in her students. Her main focus is to see her students gain confidence, dance technique, and passion for dance as she has gained throughout her years. Heidi looks forward to seeing and welcoming both students, families, and friends in the studio

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!