Teachers

Tanya Freijy MSFD - Artistic Director

STYLES: Jazz, Street Jazz, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap

Tanya has been the driving force behind CentreStage Academy since its inception in 2003. Trained in jazz, tap, street jazz, and classical ballet at a variety of studios across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, New York and L.A, Tanya has built a highly successful career as a teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator. She is a full member of Southern Federation of Dance (MSFD), and in 2003 qualified for her Teacher's Certificate with Distinction.  Her award-winning work has been showcased locally as well as in France at the World Sports Acrobatics Championships (2004), and in Portugal at Eurovision (2006).  She has ensured that the students of CentreStage maintain a strong involvement with the local community and has herself worked in youth services as a volunteer dance instructor. With over thirteen years teaching experience and tertiary studies in psychology at Master's level, Tanya is renowned for her effective teaching style and ability to develop her students’ talent to its full potential. She aims to inspire and educate her students, and to witness the positive effects that a commitment to dance has on their physical, mental, and emotional selves.

Ryan "Rza" Stewart

STYLES: Hip Hop, Popping, B-boying

Ryan has been professionally trained in many styles of dance including jazz, tap, ballet and contemporary. Over the years has found his niche in street dance. Ryan’s depth of knowledge stems from study at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Brent Street Studios and Zoop Performing Arts. Ryan has had many opportunities to showcase his talent for dance and acting. Recent credits include: Back-up Dancer for Vietnamese "Snow" and Co. (2009), Yahoo Television Ad - MJ impersonation (2008), Tegan Rogers Video Clip "Some More" (2007), OPSM Promotional Ad (2007), Choreographer for Taiwan Pop Tour (2006)  Nickelodeon Kids Awards (2005), Honey Roasted Television (2005), Guy Sebastian Vido Clip "Out with my Baby" (2004), Australian Idol back-up dancer (2004), Carnival Cruise Lines USA, lead male dancer (2003-04). Ryan is also a qualified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, with a  passion and talent for martial arts. He is currenly pursuing further studies in excercise coaching and holistic lifestyle theory.

Angela Hamilton Hill

STYLES: Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap

Angela began her dance journey at the age of 12 at Byron School of Dance, where she trained for 3 years before moving to Sydney to further her training at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Brent Street Studios and Academy Ballet. In 2005 Angela studied full-time ballet at Brent Street Studios under the instruction of Christine Keith, Kim Traynor, Bill Pengelly and Sarah Boulter. In 2006 Angela was accepted into the National Theatre Ballet School in Melbourne, where she trained intensively. In 2008, Angela undertook a 5 month solo journey overseas, attending classes and workshops, by invitation, at many prestigious companies throughout Europe and New York: Nederlands Dans Theater, Compagnia Nacional de Danza; Madrid, Scapino Ballet; Rotterdam, Complexions Contemporary Ballet; NYC, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet; NYC and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre; NYC. Since her return to Sydney, Angela has worked with Dirty Feet Dance Co., performed in films, events and festivals and also established her own company, Twisted Element Dance. Angela shares her expertise and passion for dance with her students, encouraging them to reach their full potential, embrace their unique talents, and follow their hearts.

Nissa Chen

STYLES: Commercial Hip Hop, Street Jazz

Raised in Taiwan, Nissa began dance at the mature age of 16 but as a 'natural', she advanced in skill level and performing experience at an exceptional speed. Nissa attended Hwa Kong Art School full-time (2007) where she honed her skills under the guidance of the most well-respected faculty in Taiwan. Since then, she has built an impressive performance resume including: Back-up dancer for Taiwanese singer Sien, Taipei (NYE 2007),  Video Clip for Taiwanese singer Yuki (2008), Video clip for Sien (2008), TV performance on "Challenge 101" Taiwan (2009), Back-up dancer for Taiwanese singer Kiki (2009). Nissa has also performed regularly in Taiwan's cultural festivals and has competed in many dance competitions. She worked in Taiwan for 3 years as a dance teacher before relocating to Sydney to study and experience all that our dance scene has to offer. Nissa's success in the industry is a valuable affirmation that it is never too late to pursue an interest in and passion for dance.

Daisy Frustaci

STYLES: Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Hip Hop

With a natural talent for urban dance, Daisy began hip hop lessons almost 10 years ago and before she knew it, her repertoire had broadened to include the more traditional styles of classical, jazz, and tap. Now teaching dance full-time, Daisy is associated with numerous studios across the North Shore. She holds concurrent teaching positions at Willoughby Girls' High School, Kick Performance Group, CentreStage Academy and our partner studio DFI. She continues to perfect her craft through maintaining regular training and stage peformances.  Daisy also has an interest in singing and acting, and teaches pantomime classes for primary school children with revered choreographer Megan Hanley (NZ) of Umbrella Studios. She feels immense rewards from working with her students, young and old, and from being able to pass on her knowledge and love of dance.

Khali Grimshaw

STYLES: Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop

Khali has trained and performed extensively as a dancer, singer, and actress. Since her first dance lesson at age 4, Khali has become highly skilled in the styles of jazz, tap, classical ballet, break dance, lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop. She excelled in drama and music during high school and completed her HSC with a major in singing. Khali has since studied at the ‘Young Actor’s Studio’ at NIDA (2007). She has toured with a live children’s entertainment show, danced at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony, sung at the Opera House and has worked as a choreographer for local high school musicals. Also a qualified personal trainer and group exercise instructor, Khali is an energetic and encouraging young professional with a love of fitness and performing arts.

Visiting/Guest Teachers

Renee Martin

STYLES: Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz

Trained in New Zealand in jazz and street styles, Renee attended Excel School of Performing Arts full time in 2000-2001 and toured the country with a group of professionally trained dancers, singers, actors, and musicians. Her successful teaching career began in the Auckland region, where over six dance studios requested her dance expertise and Renee was able to instruct children, adults, professionals, and intellectually handicapped students. Arriving in Australia in early 2004, Renee has found the Sydney dance scene to be energetic and inspiring. Her classes reflect this passion and have proved to be very popular among our students. Renee shares her breadth of experience by teaching at numerous dance studios, gymnasiums, high schools and universities whilst still performing regularly at competitions, street shows and corporate events. From 2006-09 Renee worked as a full-time dance instructor for Footsteps, a company which faciltates dance-based school fitness programs. Renee is now the proud mother of Andie and Summer and the CentreStage students are already placing bets on whether they will become a dainty ballerinas or hip hop divas - like their mum!

Michelle Discombe

STYLES: Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Bollywood

Michelle is a vivacious and talented addition to the CentreStage faculty. Michelle began her full-time training in 2006 at Dance World Melbourne, mentored by Pamela Apostolidis. This was followed by another year of full-time at ED5 Sydney under the guidance of William Forsythe. Michelle's training involved a focus on ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, flamenco, TV, drama, character, and singing. Since completing her training Michelle has choreographed for up and coming singer Nazanin, and completed a 5 month contract in India where she was appointed Dance Captain. Most recently she has choreographed and performed for the Impact FC girls. Michelle has been teaching from 15 years of age and is passionate about passing on her knowledge about dance technique and performance, and cultivating a love of dance among her students.

Kristy Walker

STYLES: Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop

An accomplished entertainer and performer, Kristy has trained jazz, classical ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, singing, drama, musical theatre, and modelling. As an avid dance student since the tender age of 2 years, Kristy later attended The McDonald College of Performing Arts where she learnt the foundations of  dance, singing and acting. Kristy’s credentials range from touring with a live children’s entertainment show to winning numerous awards at eisteddfods, performing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony and starring on television in Crime Scene Investigation Australia. Kristy is also the principal performer in the DJ Funk Show - an interactive primary school disco concept. She has held the title of Miss Gladesville Teen Queen (2007-08) and has been a regular performer for charities including the NSW Parkinson’s Association, Ryde Christmas Carols and NSW Spastic Centre. Kristy is currently studying primary education at Macquarie University and believes working with children is an endearing and rewarding experience.