Our Elite Team

Natasha's journey through the world of dance is a testament to her deep-seated passion and unwavering dedication to the art form. From her earliest steps, she followed in the illustrious footsteps of her family, whose legacy in the dance community spans generations as professional dancers, teachers, examiners, and studio owners.

Her dance odyssey began at a tender age, immersing herself in the disciplined realm of RAD Classical Ballet and ADA (formerly known as F.A.T.D.) Tap and Jazz, National Character, alongside explorations into Contemporary, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. Natasha's commitment to excellence was evident as she consistently earned distinctions in examinations, showcasing not only technical proficiency but also a profound connection to the stage.

At just 16, Natasha embarked on a rigorous year of full-time ballet training under the esteemed guidance of Christine Keith and Kim Trainer, culminating in the achievement of her Advanced Ballet (A.R.A.D.). Fuelled by a desire to explore the broader spectrum of performing arts, she further honed her skills by completing her Cert IV in Performing Arts at Brent Street.

Under the mentorship of Australia's leading teachers and choreographers, including luminaries like Kelley Abbey, Cameron Mitchell, Matt Lee, and Dein Perry, Natasha's artistic journey flourished. Her talent and dedication were recognized on numerous occasions, including a standout moment performing a tap duo alongside the legendary Tap Dogs' Darren Disney.

However, Natasha's aspirations transcended the stage, leading her to pivot towards the role of educator, going on to become a fully qualified teacher with the ADA syllabus, and achieving her teaching certification with The Cecchetti Ballet. With a wealth of knowledge accumulated over years of training and performance, she embarked on a teaching career that has spanned more than two decades, imparting her wisdom to countless students at some of Sydney's most esteemed dance institutions. 

Even amidst the demands of raising a family, Natasha's commitment to dance remained unwavering. She not only nurtured her four children but also found time to fulfill her passion for adjudicating, earning invitations to preside over prestigious eisteddfods, championships and Scholarships across New South Wales and interstate.

In 2018, Natasha returned to the Sutherland Shire, where her journey had begun, and found herself drawn back to the studio. Initially teaching at her sister's dance establishment, she eventually assumed the reins in 2024, driven by a profound desire to preserve and perpetuate the studio's legacy of love, passion, and integrity.

Today, Natasha stands at the helm of the studio, a beacon of inspiration and guidance for aspiring dancers. With her boundless energy, unwavering commitment, and profound love for the art of dance, she continues to shape the lives of countless students, instilling in them not only technical prowess but also a deep appreciation for the transformative power of movement and expression.

Katrina's dance journey began with a diverse range of styles including Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, National Character, and Classical Ballet. Her passion led her to pursue full-time ballet training at the age of 15, where she attained her Advanced Ballet (A.R.A.D.), training under top Australian and international professionals. She furthered her expertise by obtaining Advanced Teachers certifications in F.A.T.D. Tap and Modern.

Accepted into prestigious institutions such as the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and Dance World 301 in Melbourne, Katrina's ballet aspirations faced a setback due to a severe injury, leading to her early retirement from ballet. Undeterred, she embarked on a brief professional stint both locally and abroad before establishing a successful dance studio in Menai, which operated for a decade.

Katrina's commitment to excellence led her to co-found "First Position Australia" in Mascot, focusing on an intensive Pre-Professional Ballet and Contemporary Program. This exclusive program, by audition only, aimed to elevate students beyond their regular classes with a high-caliber coaching staff.

During her full-time training, Katrina had the privilege of being coached by esteemed teachers and choreographers from illustrious institutions such as the Sydney Dance Company, The Royal Ballet, and the Australian Ballet, among others. Their guidance helped shape her into the accomplished dancer and teacher she is today.

As an adjudicator at numerous Eisteddfods and scholarship competitions, Katrina's expertise was recognized within the dance community. Her journey continued with the launch of Elite Dance Co. studios in Caringbah and Kurnell, where she nurtured young talents for seven years. In 2024, Katrina gracefully handed over the reins of Elite Dance Co. to her sister Natasha Riley, thankful to continue her passion for teaching in a place she considers her second home.

A standout moment in her career was her performance as a guest artist at the Opera House, an experience that underscored her talent and artistry on a prestigious stage. Katrina's journey reflects not only her passion for dance but also her unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous growth.

Jo Ansell, a distinguished professional choreographer and registered A.R.A.D. Ballet Teacher with Distinction, is renowned for her expertise in dance education and performance. With a career spanning continents, Jo trained extensively in ballet under Isobel Anderson and Monica Halliday, and in contemporary dance with Margaret Chapple and Keith Bain at the Bodenweiser Dance Centre. Her pursuit of excellence led her to New York, where she studied at prestigious institutions including the Alvin Ailey American Dance School, Kathryn Dunham, and Martha Graham Schools. Jo furthered her studies in American Dance Studies in California and achieved distinction in the ARAD Teacher's Certificate.

Her performance career is illustrious, featuring captivating roles in productions such as "Annie Get Your Gun" and "West Side Story" at Menzies Theatre Restaurant, as well as appearances on television programs like Channel Nine's Bandstand and Channel Seven's Athol Guy and Frank Ifield Shows. She has collaborated with esteemed choreographers, including Margaret Chapple, and has contributed to Australian Opera televised performances. Notably, Jo served as the lead dancer in the ABC Children's Television series "Hector and Millie."

As a choreographer, her creative vision has garnered recognition, with works showcased on prominent platforms such as Channel 7, Channel 2, and the NSW Dance Company. She has choreographed for diverse events, from the 1998 School Spectacular to the Australian Rugby League Grand Final Opening Ceremony, earning accolades such as the Australian Mo Award and the United States Performing Arts Championship Choreography Award.

Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers, Jo has served as Principal at Ansell Academy of Dance for over three decades. She has also shared her expertise as a movement lecturer/tutor at the Conservatorium of NSW, a dance consultant for the Talent Development Project in Sydney, and an examiner for the Contemporary Dance Association of Australia. Her commitment to education extends to roles as a dance lecturer at the University of NSW and Dance Director at Pan Pacific Dance Camps.

Currently, Jo holds the position of Head of Ballet at Ettingshausen's Performing Arts, continuing to inspire and shape the future of dance with her unwavering dedication and artistic vision.

Allow us to introduce Miss Christine, a true embodiment of passion and perseverance in the world of dance. Since her earliest days, she's been entranced by movement, and her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With roots planted in Sydney's most esteemed dance schools, Christine's talent blossomed under the tutelage of industry giants. Completing her full-time course at Village Nation and earning her Certificate of Dance marked significant milestones in her journey. But it was her collaboration with the illustrious O'Neill twins, veterans of the Royal Family dance crew, that truly set her on a path to greatness. Together, they brought magic to stages worldwide, showcasing Christine's exceptional skills and boundless creativity.

Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Christine founded The Stomping Ground, a haven for aspiring dancers that swiftly rose to prominence in Sydney's dance scene. There, she nurtured raw talent into polished performers, culminating in a remarkable 5th place finish at HHI International. For over seven years, Christine has been a cherished member of the Elite family, where her infectious energy and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on her students. As she looks forward to the upcoming year, she does so with anticipation, eager to inspire, motivate, and guide her students to new heights of artistic expression and personal growth. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Miss Christine leading the way.

Joyce is an emerging artist based in Sydney Australia who represents the South-east Asian Community. With her creativity and admiration to create, Joyce strives to display her talent within the artistic industry. Having expertise training in Contemporary and free movement, Joyce is known to be very versatile and professional in her work. She has worked with many well known Contemporary artists such as Sarah Boulter, Francesco Coventri, Chantelle Landayan and many more. Some of her most recent Contemporary works would be, Exhale (by Chantelle Landayan) and Tenacity (by Sarah Boulter). Her goal is to empower and inspire confidence in individuals, encouraging them to find their own artistry and joy in dance.

Madi is an upcoming talent and creative based in Sydney, Australia. Being raised in the Sutherland Shire, Madi has completed her junior school training and full-time training at one of Sydney’s most highly recognised schools, Ettingshausens, where she is currently completing her Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance. There, she has studied a vast majority of dance styles under some of the industry’s best, Sophie Holloway, Matt Lee and many more. These opportunities have allowed Madi to grow into a very versatile and reliable performer, allowing her to also focus on a passion, the commercial jazz/heels side of the industry. Madi aims to pass on her knowledge and creativity to current and future students and always aspires to inspire those around her.

Meet Miss Irene, the heart and soul of our studio. With a Bachelor of Early Education and an impressive 15 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our learning environment. Miss Irene's dedication goes beyond the classroom as she nurtures our children with a warmth and care that's truly unmatched. Serving as Katrina's right-hand woman during her tenure as the studio's owner and seamlessly transitioning to support Natasha in her new role, Miss Irene embodies the spirit of continuity and excellence. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing and supportive atmosphere ensures that every child feels valued and cherished, as if they were her own. With Miss Irene at the helm, our studio thrives as a place where young minds blossom and dreams take flight.