ABOUT DANCE ARTISTRY AUSTRALIA
Tiny Dancer/Dance Artistry Australia’s early years program is inspired by all things musical theatre, while incorporating the fundamentals of classical ballet. Nurturing creativity through movement and storytelling, children are inspired to dance through imagery, role play and exposure to a diverse selection of music. Within a safe atmosphere and an abundance of fun Tiny Dancer/Dance Artistry Australia offers suitable classes for each stage of development from 2 years of age and beyond.
Kallista Imlach
TEACHER / DIRECTOR
Pre-school ballet, RAD Ballet & Pointe
Kallista began her love of dance and movement at an early age, performing on the stage from 4 years old. Her greatest love has always been classical ballet, but through the years found her niche in Contemporary Dance and Musical Theatre, as well as choreography.
Following her dream, Kallista became a full-time student at CWDC to study the Russian Vaganova Method, while also completing her school studies. During these years Kallista was also coached by Noelle Shader and Megan Connelly of The Australian Ballet and obtained her RAD Advanced under the guidance of Martin Rubinstein and Beverly Fry at the National Ballet Theatre.
At 18 years old, while achieving an Advanced Diploma of Dance, Kallista found her feet and also her voice joining the Australian cast of The Phantom of the Opera, with the late Rob Guest. From there she performed and toured in various stage musicals including The Merry Widow with Marina Prior. Having dabbled in the world of film and television and performing with St. Martins Youth Theatre, Kallista then ventured overseas to further her work and studies and travelled extensively throughout Europe and the UK.
Completing a certificate IV in Teacher Training & Management at Transit Dance in 2018 and holding a Progressing Ballet Technique qualification, Kallista has now settled back in Melbourne, and is the proud mother of 3 children and 2 dogs. Creating the Tiny Dancer program is a dream come true having spent the past few years designing dance classes to capture a child’s imagination and creativity with a performance edge. Using an inspiring soundtrack and magical props, Tiny Dancer is a place for young children to come and enjoy movement, music and to express themselves while in a safe and nurturing environment. We are passionate about creating a lifetime of friendships while reaching a students full potential. Dance and theatre is a journey… and what a magical journey it is!
Susan Sargison
TEACHER
RAD Ballet & Pointe
Susan commenced her performance career at an early age starring as Clara in the Tasmanian Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker.
In 1979, Susan moved to Melbourne to attend the Australian Ballet School, performing with the Dancers Company and the Australian Ballet under the direction of Dame Peggy van Praagh. Her professional stage appearances included productions of Coppélia, Carmen, Giselle, and The Three Musketeers. Susan was also fortunate to be the choreographic muse for Robert Ray’s productions of Poems and City Dances.
After graduation, Susan worked with the Heidelberg Ballet Ensemble, Rex Reid Ballet Company, and The Victorian State Opera in their production of Aida. Moving into musical theatre, Susan undertook overseas contracts to dance in Singapore and Japan.
Continuing her dance journey, Susan proved herself a reliable Australian dancer and was engaged in regular work in the West End’s commercial and musical theatre industry. As one of Charles Augins’ dancers at Pineapple Dance Centre, she undertook contracts to dance in Portugal and Vienna.
Returning to Australia in 1987, Susan performed as a member and understudy to the lead in the original cast of Seven Little Australians. Other credits include performing as a dancer on Countdown and in the Melbourne commercial circuit as a Jillian Fitzgerald dancer.
Ms. Sargison operated her own dance school in metropolitan Melbourne in the capacity of Artistic Director for 25 years. During this time, she also taught at tertiary dance institutes, instructing Certificate IV and Diploma students in Classical Ballet, Pas De Deux, and Contemporary.
Since 1991, Susan has been an active adjudicator at numerous dance competitions and eisteddfods throughout Australia. In 2012, she was appointed to the Board of Examiners for The Royal Academy of Dance and also the Southern Federation of Dance.
Kessia Bowen
TEACHER
Contemporary & Troupe
Kessia has been dancing since the age of three and has loved it all the way. For the past couple years Kessia has been studying full time at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. In this time she has worked professionally, dancing at Crown Palladium, White Night Melbourne and on The Grand Final Footy Show two years consecutively.
Kessia has a passion for teaching kids and sharing her knowledge of dance with them, particularly contemporary. Kessia looks forward to seeing what children can achieve through dance.
Jessie Tullberg
TEACHER
Acro, Tap & Jazz
Jessie has been dancing for over 25 years receiving training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop/Funk, Acrobatics, Cheerleading, Drama & Singing.
Recent teachers have included prominent performers and choreographers both national and international, including choreographers for Disney & So You Think You Can Dance – Australia and USA.
Jessie has performed in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hong Kong and the USA also taking part in workshops with the Disneyland choreographers, Debbie Reynolds School of Dance and The Edge, at Gold’s Gym in Los Angeles. She has also performed at Disneyland, Disneyworld and on Carnival Imagination Cruise Ship.
She has taken part in many Eisteddfods and Festivals over the last 20 years. She has achieved places and age group aggregates at these competitions in solo, championships, duos and troupes. Jessie has also completed all dance exam levels, including Advanced, in Jazz, Tap & Ballet (Australian Teachers of Dancing) and has qualified to compete for Victorian Scholarships every year between 2001-2009 and achieved the following placings:
ATOD State Champion for Senior Jazz and Tap (2006 & 2008)
ATOD Australasian Runner-up for Senior Jazz and Tap (2006)
ATOD State Runner-up for Senior Ballet (2008)
ATOD Australasian Runner-up for Senior Jazz, Tap and Ballet (2008)
ATOD State & Australasian Winner for Senior Ballet (2009)
In 2006 Jessie took part in the Closing Ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and has appeared in many amateur stage productions. Jessie completed one year full time at Robert Sturrock’s Industry Dance in 2008. Jessie was also part of the Wesley Lions Cheerleading Squad from 2006-2008. She is also a promotional worker for Nickelodeon and Showtime Attractions. She often performs in annual Christmas Parades, Suit Gigs and other corporate functions.
Jessie has appeared as an extra in the television series NEIGHBOURS on several occasions.
Jessie has over 10 years teaching experience in all styles at both Melbourne and regional based dance schools.
Jessie recently took a group of regional students under the Headliners Dancers to perform in Orlando Florida. They departed late March and performed in Disneyworld and took a master class with Disney choreographers. They also performed on Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas. Jessie hopes to help other dance schools in the future with performance opportunities such as these.
Somer Butcher
TEACHER
RAD Ballet, Open Ballet & Jazz
Somer has been dancing since the age of 3! She was first put into dance classes after always wanting to be Angelina Ballerina, attended her first dance class and haven’t stopped since!
Somer started at Wendorf Dance Academy then moved to May Downs School of Dance and finally finished on Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance at its grand opening, where Somer has completed the rest of her training. Somer has trained in Cecchetti Ballet for 12 years, completing all exams. whilst at the same time developing my skills in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Acro and Hip Hop. Somer completed two years of full time training in musical theatre and dance teaching & management and then graduated having her first professional show lined up, Jason Coleman’s Caberat Cathedral-All Aboard. Somer has featured in many professional gigs including the Footy Show Grand Final Review, Grand Prix, Australia’s Got Talent and White Night Melbourne, as well as many corporate gigs and some TV roles.
Somer is truly passionate about dance and loves helping ignite that same passion in others.
Amy Lowis
TEACHER
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), RAD Ballet, Pointe.
Amy has been taking dance classes since 4 years old. Amy has obtained a Cert IV in Dance, teachers certificate in PBT and exam qualifications through TAAD, Cecchetti and RAD.
Since 2018 Amy has taught classical ballet, tap and jazz. Amy’s interests lay in safe dance practices, developing strong bodies and integrating play into dane for the little ones!
