Our Team

Catherine Edwards

Principal and Physiotherapist

Catherine has over 25 years of teaching and performance experience in the dance industry. She is currently celebrating her tenth year at Dancexcel.

Catherine is passionate about dance and enjoys sharing her love of dance with her students. She believes that dance creates an avenue to develop important life skills such as resilience, perseverance, commitment, self-esteem, self-discipline and teamwork. Her goal is to develop a school where students can grow and develop confidence in a safe and nurturing environment.

Catherine was trained in Sydney in Classical (RAD), Jazz and Tap. Catherine has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and Certificate IV in Business. She has a keen interest in Coaching Psychology and will be undertaking further studies in this area in 2017.

Catherine is a member of Australian Physiotherapy Association, a member of Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a registered Glenn Wood Tap (GWT) Teacher and has extensive experience in the Pilates Method.

Emma Horning

Classical Ballet, Modern/Contemporary and Pilates

Emma trained extensively in a range of dance styles up to an advanced level, including receiving her Advanced Ballet Certification through the Royal Academy of Dance.

Teaching dance has always been a goal of Emma’s, leading her to complete her Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies; Imperial Society for Teachers of Dance Modern Associate; and Alegria Ballet Teaching Certificate.

During her years of dance training, Emma developed an appreciation of the key role that Pilates plays in movement, and learning to use the body optimally and with awareness. Emma went on to complete her Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction through Polestar Pilates, and is now enjoying incorporating these skills into her dance teaching.

Emma is a professional member of the Royal Academy of Dance, The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, Pilates Alliance Australasia Member and The International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. In order to develop her training further Emma is currently studying at University, working towards a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, due to be completed in 2016.

Mikayla Cooper

Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Eisteddfod Groups

Mikayla started dance training in ballet and jazz at the age of 5 and has extensive dance and performance experience. In 2012 she completed a certificate IV in performing arts at The Village Performing Arts Centre. She has performed at many different events including children’s entertainment shows, charity galas, Mardi Gras and corporate events for The ABC, SBS and Channel 9.

Mikayla has trained in many styles, including jazz, modern, classical ballet (RAD), Russian character, hip hop and musical theatre. In 2014 Mikayla travelled to the USA to learn from some of the worlds best choreographers as well as performing at Universal Studios and Disneyland.

Mikayla started her dance teaching career in 2013 and has been with Dancexcel since late 2013. She currently teaches jazz, modern and musical theatre, including performance groups and solos. Mikayla’s passion is to help children reach their dance goals, while creating a fun, stimulating dance space for them to learn and grow.

Kristine Harle

Tiny Tots, Jazz and Tap

Kris trained in Sydney in Classical Ballet (RAD) and Tap (BDA) from the age of 6.  Kris continued her training at Bodenweiser Dance Centre under Margaret Chappell and Keith Bain and here studied jazz with teachers such as Jackie Carroll and Jane Beckett.

Kris was a principal of a major Performing Arts studio in Sydney’s East for over 15 years, Dance Spot Performing Arts Centre. During this time, Kris taught Jazz and Tap classes for both children and adults for all levels from beginner to advanced. She has taught the BBO Jazz and Tap syllabus, as well as the Glenn Wood Tap syllabus, sending students for examinations with exceptional results.

Kris has been a teacher at Dancexcel for the last decade. During this time, she has developed a passion for teaching our youngest age group, Tiny Tots. Kris has developed a Tiny Tots program that instills confidence and a love for movement and music in all of our students.