OUR DANCE TEACHERS

Miss Shilleena

Shilleena Collins began her dance training at the age of 5 and since then has studied ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, character, cabaret, singing and musical theatre. Having successfully completed an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Dance) and a Full Teaching Certificate in RAD (Royal Academy of Dancing), Shilleena continues to update her skills by attending regular seminars and workshops. In 2014, she completed her training through SFD (Southern Federation of Dance) and is now a fully qualified examiner in Ballet, Jazz and Tap.

With experience on both an amateur and professional level, Shilleena has choreographed for musical and children's theatre productions, danced extensively in competition and performed in professional and corporate productions. Having recently choreographed and helped develop the updates to the higher and lower levels of the SFD syllabus. Shilleena began her teaching career coaching and choreographing in private studios and musical theatre groups in 1999. Then early in 2005, she took over Suzanne Beames School of Dance as Principal and the school was renamed Shilleena's Dance Academy. From then on she has strived to build the school to what it is today constantly adding new styles and hitting new heights as a school focusing on quality dance training, hard work and fun.

Qualifications

• Advanced Diploma of Arts (Dance) - Australian Dance Performance Institute
• Full Teacher's Certificate - Royal Academy of Dance
• Examiner - Southern Federation of Dance (Ballet, Jazz & Tap)
• Member - Southern Federation of Dance
• Theatrical Grade 1 Examination completed - CSTD
• Senior Gold Star Tapping Examination completed - CSTD
• Grade 10 Jazz Examination completed - SFD (honours with distinction)
• Grade 10 Tap Examination completed - SFD (honours with distinction)
• Advanced Ballet Examination completed - SFD (pass with distinction)
• Advanced 1 Ballet Examination completed - RAD

Miss Alanah

Miss Alanah has been dancing since the age of three and has been a valued member of the SDA teaching team for the past 14 years. She has completed the highest levels of examinations in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap with SFD, and continues to perform regularly in musical theatre productions. Her stage highlights include serving as Dance Captain in Savoyards’ 42nd Street and performing as a featured dancer in Hello, Dolly! with the same company.

In addition to her roles as dance teacher, choreographer, and performer, Alanah holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science, a Master of Dietetics, and a PhD focused on 'Improving nutrition-related health behaviours and skills for adolescents experiencing vulnerability'. 

Combining her love for movement, performance, and wellbeing, Miss Alanah is passionate about sharing her knowledge and joy of dance with students of all ages, inspiring them to build confidence, creativity, and lifelong appreciation for the art of dance 

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Cabaret

Examinations Completed

SFD Level 10 Jazz, SFD Level 10 Tap, SFD Advanced Ballet (pass with distinction), RAD Intermediate Ballet, Imperial Level 5 Ballet

Miss Eden

Miss Eden comes to SDA from Noosa Professional Dance Academy where she has been dancing since 4 years of age. She holds Advanced 1 qualifications from the British Ballet Organisation, and a Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) from ED5 International. She has danced with Australia's musical theatre elite in Sydney, and has taught at various dance schools in Sydney, Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast. Miss Eden has been teaching at SDA for 10 years and has seen our performance troupe through many competitions and performances throughout South East Queensland.

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Commercial Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Hip Hop

Miss Paige

Finishing school in 2016, Miss Paige graduation from ADPI (Australian Dance Performance Institute) with a Diploma of Musical Theatre. A qualified pilates instructor, Miss Paige also teaches high school dance ttoue and is a choreographer for school musicals. 

"Seeing the passion children have for dance grow is something so special to watch. As these students then mature, being able to share the same love for dance is the reason why I thoroughly enjoy being a dance teacher."

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Cabaret, Musical Theatre, Commercial Jazz

Examinations Completed

SFD Level 10 Jazz (honours with distinction), SFD Level 10 Tap, SFD Advanced Ballet (pass with distinction)

Miss Zoe

Miss Zoe started out a shy ballerina at SDA when she was five, discovering a deep love for ballet technique and interesting arm lines at an early age. Having officially joined the faculty in 2018 she now shares her passion across a diverse range of styles and age groups. She actively maintains a professional performance career, choreographing and performing in contemporary music videos and showcasing her skills within Brisbane’s local burlesque community.

Miss Zoe’s greatest joy is nurturing that initial spark in every student and, understanding that no two people move alike, loves exploring different qualities of movement to help dancers find their unique groove. She believes that the discipline, technique, and confidence instilled in the studio will serve young dancers throughout every phase of their lives.

With a deep commitment to both technique and creative development, Miss Zoe is excited to guide the next generation of dancers and bring back the joy for those returning to it.

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Irish, Cabaret, Burlesque

Examinations Completed

SFD Level 10 Jazz, SFD Advanced Ballet, SFD Level 8 Tap

Miss Edie

Miss Edie has been dancing since she was three years old and loves being able to share the beautiful gift of dance with her students.

"I have always enjoyed imaginative and thought-provoking disciplines that allow me to learn more about myself and the world around me. Seeing the students embrace movement as a form of self-expression and create the most special friendships with their fellow dancers, is truly a gratifying experience."

She has been a member of SDA since 2009 & started out as a student teacher before taking on her own classes. She has taught at SDA for 4 years and continues to participate in workshops and training to enhance her teaching skills.

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Commercial Jazz

Examinations Completed

SFD level 10 Jazz, SFD level 10 Tap, SFD Advanced Ballet (honours with distinction)

Miss Alessandra

Miss Alessandra has been dancing since the age of 4 and has studied dance in Brisbane and performing recently with Those Tap Guys. Starting out as an assistant teacher in various styles of dance before join our SDA teaching team in 2022. Her favourite steps are jumps and leaps.

“To be able to share my love for dance with others and see their excitement and joy as they learn new skills and improve is so rewarding.”

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Commercial Jazz, Acrobatics

Examinations Completed

SFD level 10 Jazz (honours with distinction), SFD level 10 Tap

Miss Emma

Emma has been dancing since the age of 6, learning SDA since 2016. She was a teacher and taught casual classes in Commercial Jazz. Emma studied full time dance after school, however, was unable to finish due to injury. Now she keeps her passion alive by sharing her love for dance with others.

"My favourite style of dance is anything sassy or upbeat! It’s so liberating channelling an alter ego whenever I’m performing. I hope to share this love for dance with the little ones. It’s so special seeing them grow as dancer and come out of their shell."

Dance Styles Studied

Jazz, Tap, Commercial Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary

Examinations Completed

Level 8 Tap, Level 8 Jazz

Miss Lilias

Lilias have been dancing since age 3 and joined the SDA family in 2009. She was a student teacher at SDA for four years, becoming a teacher in 2024. This is her 3rd year of physiotherapy studies with an interest and passion for movement and health. She also currently undertaking APPI reformer and mat Pilates instructor courses.

"The joy I receive from watching young children grow into the most beautiful dancers and people is a true privilege. From learning to point toes to exploring self expression and confidence, SDA is a community that I have been so fortunate to grow up in. Now having a part in helping others to grow and develop, I am truly grateful to experience something so rewarding."

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Commercial, Contemporary, Lyrical

Examinations Completed

Intermediate Ballet, Grade 10 Jazz, Grade 8 Tap

Miss Vanessa

Born in Melbourne, Vanessa began her dance training at the Jane Moore Academy of Ballet at 4 years of age, although she found her passion for dance at the young age of 2. After completing her secondary school education, she trained at Ballet Theatre Australia for 2 years before becoming a Company Artist with Queensland Ballet in 2013. She was promoted to First Company Artist in 2020. Vanessa has performed a vast repertoire from the traditional classical ballets to new modern and contemporary works, over the span of her professional career. Vanessa has a real passion for nurturing and coaching the future generation of dancers, whether they are looking to pursue a professional career or just dance for fun!

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Contemporary, Character

Miss Abby

Miss Abby was four years old when she started dancing at SDA, with Miss Alanah as her main teacher. She has four years of student teaching experience helping in ballet and jazz classes before taking on a teaching role in 2025.

“Dancing is so much more than just movement; it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and sharing a space where students feel seen, supported and inspired.”

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Cabaret

Examinations Completed

SFD Level 10 Jazz

Miss Asha

Miss Asha is one of Miss Eden’s proteges, having learnt from her for the past 10 years. She holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and has taught acrobatics and jazz for four years. She has choreographed and performed in music videos and as well as participating in various performances. Miss Ahsa is currently studying with Acrobatics Arts who offer a comprehensive training program for dance educators to safely teach AcroDance.

Examinations Completed

RAD Advanced 2

Miss Caitlin

Miss Caitlin has been dancing since the age of 3. She has studied all dance styles, performing with SDA’s Performance Troupe for the past 7 years as well as with Loreto Coorparoo’s Senior Dance Troupe and in school musicals as a specialist dancer. She is passionate about the studio.

“My dream since I started at SDA was to become a teacher here. I am so excited to give other dancers the second home I was given.”

Miss Caitlin is currently studying a Diploma of Elite Performance (Contemporary) at Queensland College of Dance.

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Cabaret, Commercial Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical

Examinations Completed

SFD Intermediate Ballet, SFD Level 10 Jazz, SFD Level 8 Tap

Miss Jessica

Miss Jess began dancing at SDA when she was 3 years old. She has performed with the studio’s Performance Troupe and with Toowoomba Ballet Theatre. She loves a tricky fouetté combo and is currently studying a Diploma of Elite Performance (Commercial Dance) at Queensland College of Dance.

“I love teaching dance because there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a dancer finally nail a skill, trick, or step they’ve been working hard on.”

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Cabaret, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics

Examinations Completed

SFD Elementary Ballet, SFD Level 10 Jazz, SFD Level 7 Tap

Miss Kairi

Miss Kairi has been dancing at SDA for 15 years. She has four years student teaching experience and performed with the performance troupe around the greater Brisbane area. She starred as Glinda in her school musical production of The Wiz and is currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts at QUT majoring in drama with a minor in dance.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to help young dancers grow into their confidence and love for dance, knowing they’re making life-long memories along the way”

Dance Styles Studied

Ballet, Jazz, Cabaret, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical

Examinations Completed

SFD Intermediate Ballet, SFD Level 10 Jazz (Honours with Distinction)