About Us
Our Students are our Passion
At KDA we are passionate about enhancing our students skills inside and outside of the studio. Each year KDA holds an annual dance concert in December at Iona College for students to show family & friends what they have achieved through the year and we are regularly invited to perform at local events. All students are invited to participate in the Annual Concert however it is not compulsory.
Kelleher’s Dance Academy regularly conducts Master Classes and Workshops as well as school holiday programs.
In 2015 Jay Johns (runner up of “So You Think You Can Dance” dancer on board of the Royal Caribbean Cruiseship” and more recently “9 to 5 The Musical”) and Emma Jarman (“King & I”, “Dance Academy”, “The Fairies”, “Royal Caribbean Cruiseship” and more recently “A Chorus Line”) visited us and conducted a fabulous workshop consisting of Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap & Ballet.
In 2017 Melbourne based and triple threat Mike Snell joined us conducting a Jazz & Musical Theatre Workshop. Mike comes with years of experience in the performing industry winning “I Will Survive” on TV in 2012 and working alongside Hugh Jackman. Some Professional Musicals are Wicked, Strictly Ballroom, Stayin Alive, We Will Rock You, Hello Dolly, Legally Blonde, Hairspray and more recently Aladdin and the list goes on.
In 2017/2018 triple threat “Rohan Browne” brought his expertise in teaching our students Jazz, Tap & Musical Theatre. Rohan has performed in countless professional musicals including Grease, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Jesus Christ Superstar, Singing in the Rain, Anything Goes, A Chorus Line, Strictly Ballroom, Dirty Dancing and most recently “The Boy from Oz” playing the role of Peter Allan.
More recently in January this year we had the honour of Mike Snell returning to KDA bringing with him the talented Andrea Arena. Mike & Andrea are both triple threats in the performing industry and conducted a spectacular workshop in Broadway Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Singing & Acrobatics. What a wonderful 3 days the students of KDA had. Andrea Arena has also been involved in the performing industry for many years like Mike. Most recently Andrea & Mike travelled around Australia & New Zealand in the production of “Aladdin”. Other professional musicals have been Grease & Wicked and studied at the Victoria College of the Arts.
The Ballet & Tap syllabus taught at KDA is BBO (British Ballet Organisation). This syllabus challenges and enhances the knowledge of the dancer and has a beautiful combination of exercises. Students are encouraged to complete exams at each level.
The Jazz Syllabus taught is CSTD (Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance) which is a wonderful combination of warm ups, exercises and dances which provide the dancer with a wide range of knowledge of the different styles of jazz. Students are also encouraged to complete exams at each level annually.
A Proud Fixture in the Wynnum area
Kelleher’s Dance Academy (KDA) is a dance school in the Wynnum and Manly area and is owned and operated by Megen Kelleher.
Megen has enjoyed a love and passion for dance since she first was introduced to dancing at three years of age. KDA was founded in 2001 due to Megen’s dream to share her love of dance with others.
KDA could well be described as a family, not just a dance school and has created a wonderful reputation over time.
Our students are best described as bubbly, friendly, welcoming and of course super talented!
KDA teachers, under the tutelage and guidance of Megen are committed to their students and meticulously plan out every lesson ensuring each student gets the maximum benefit and enjoyment out of each class.
All KDA teachers share Megen’s love of dance which creates a happy and positive environment to learn in.
We are an Equal Opportunity Dance Academy
Kellehers Dance Academy is an equal opportunity dance school and principal Megen Kelleher is a big believer of this. Megen believes the labels of development, intellectual or physical disabilities disappear once a person young or old manifests the true meaning of dance, music & song.
At Kellehers Dance Academy we integrate our dancers with and without disabilities which is why we are a wonderful dance community, a family.
Our Team
We have an amazing team that supports our vision supporting our students passion.
Megen Kelleher
Pricipal
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Principal – Kellehers Dance Academy
B.B.O – Registered Teacher (Ballet, Jazz & Tap)
C.S.T.D – Registered Teacher (Jazz)
Choreographer (KDA, Iona College & Darling Point Special School)
Megen is a dedicated & passionate teacher with over 40 years experience in the industry both teaching & professional. Her love for dance started at the age of 3 receiving her first professional role at 10yrs of age with the Queensland Ballet in the production of “Carmen”. Megen believes dancing IS for everyone and when you manifest the true meaning of dance, music & song all intellectual & physical disabilities disappear.
Brittany Kelleher
Teacher
About Brittany...
B.B.O – Examinations from Intro of Dance thru to Advance 1 Ballet, Jazz & Tap
C.S.T.D – Examinations in all levels of Modern Jazz
C.S.T.D – Teaching Diploma (Jazz)
Graduate Student (Full Time) – Conroy Dance Studio
Choreographer
Dance Teacher/Choreographer – Lourdes Hill College Dance Program
Brittany has been dancing since the age of 3 with Kellehers Dance Academy (KDA). She has competed in numerous eisteddfods, performed/choreographed several concerts of KDA, performed in HARVEST RAIN PRODUCTIONS of “Hairspray” and “CATS” and her latest experience is the assistant choreographer for the Iona College Musical “Adams Family”. Her experiences have led her to teaching & choreographing full time with additional work teaching the Dance Program at Lourdes Hill College. Brittanys choreography is extraordinary and the students at KDA absolutely love her. Her passion for dance and love of children go hand in hand.
Rachael Beverley
Teacher
About Rachael...
Hip Hop Teacher
C.S.T.D – examinations in Modern Jazz
Currently studying Cert IV – Dance Teaching & Management
Rachael Beverley at the age of 14 found her true passion in the style of hip-hop. She is a well-versed dancer whose dance style is influenced by, but not limited to, commercial dance, urban choreography, street dance and hip-hop. She continues to grow as a dancer to establish herself in the Brisbane hip-hop dance scene and is currently expanding her knowledge in dance teaching and management (CERT IV). Rachael loves working with children and has worked with a variety of schools as a guest choreographer. She is incredibly passionate about dance and continues to inspire and share her craft.
Sherene Coyle
Teacher
About Sherene...
Acrobatics Arts Module Certified 1
Acrobatics Arts Module Certified 2
Acrobatic Arts Aerial & Back Handspring Course
B.A.L – examinations in Jazz & Hip Hop all levels
Sherene started dancing at the age of 5 years and trained in Acro, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre & Lyrical. She has competed in a numerous number of group & solo eisteddfods for over 12 years with her best style being acrobatics. Sherene began teaching when she was 16 assisting in Junior acrobatic classes. She then undertook her qualifications and became fully qualified in both Module 1 & 2 of the Acrobatic Arts syllabus by age 18. She loves working with children of all ages and is currently studying to pursue primary teaching at University.
Annalee Beckman
Teacher
About Annalee...
Annalee is a dance fanatic and is very excited to share her passion for movement with the Bayside. Originally from the U.S.A., Annalee spent most of her youth in the dance studio studying and performing ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap. Her life evolved around dance and theatre. She continued to train, teach, and perform throughout her university career. During her university days Annalee discovered Ballroom and Latin dancing and was instantly hooked. She taught group and private instruction in Chicago for five years.
Although she enjoys all genres of dance, Annalee’s passion and love for Latin and Ballroom dancing remains the strongest. For the past eleven years Annalee has shared her enthusiasm and passion with people around the globe and has even taught lessons to guests on European Riverboats whilst tour directing in Europe! Annalee continues to incorporate dance and fitness into her life and is ready to share her enthusiastic dance spirit with you!
Bailey Kelleher
Student Teacher
About Bailey...
B.B.O – examinations from Pre Primary thru to Advance 1 Ballet & Tap
C.S.T.D – examinations from Pre Primary thru to Advance Modern Jazz
Trained in Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, Singing & Musical Theatre
Bailey started dancing from 3 yrs of age and started his professional career at 10 being successful in auditioning for the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at QPAC Brisbane. Bailey went on to do “King & I” alongside Lisa McCune, “Strictly Ballroom” with Baz Luhrman and “Sound of Music” alongside Cameron Daddo & Marina Prior. Bailey loves the World of Dance and aspires to perform on Broadway in the future.
Charlotte Batt
Student Teacher
About Charlotte...
B.B.O – examinations from Pre Primary thru to Advance 1 Ballet
C.S.T.D – examinations from Pre Primary thru to Advance Modern Jazz
Trained in Contemporary, Hip Hop & Musical Theatre
Mariah Price
Student Teacher
About Mariah...
B.B.O – examinations from Pre Primary thru to Advance 1 Ballet
B.B.O – examinations from Pre Primart thru to Intermediate Tap
C.S.T.D – examinations from Primary thru to Advance Modern Jazz
Trained in Contemporary, Hip Hop & Musical Theatre
Imohjen Hopkinson
Student Teacher
About Imohjen...
Assistant Acro Teacher
B.B.O – examinations in various levels of Ballet
C.S.T.D – examinations in various levels of Modern Jazz
Marijke Fitzgerald
Admin
About Marijke...
Administration
Previous Owner/Teacher of a Boutique Dance School Tingalpa 1970s / 1980s
Marijke is the proud mum of Megen and has taught her dance since the age of 3. Marijke danced all through her childhood and started her own dance school in Tingalpa with one of her closest friends Joyce Clayton (which is Vicki in Admin’s Mother). Marijke has always played a big role behind the scenes at Kellehers Dance Academy and loves it that her daughter and grandchildren have all grown with the same passion.
Vicki Price
Admin
About Vicki...
Administration
B.B.O – examinations in Ballet / Tap / Jazz in various levels
Vicki has danced since the age of 3 and has known Megen since the day she was born. Megen regards Vicki as one of her closest friends and says Kellehers Dance Academy is what it is today because she has had her by her side. Vicki has danced in our Adult Tap, Jazz & Pilates classes throughout the years, been a part of our Teaching Staff and now Admin.
Alyce van der Giessen
Admin
About Alyce...
Administration
B.B.O – examinations in Ballet / Tap / Jazz
Alyce was one of the first students to dance at Kellehers Dance Academy back in 2002. Alyce is Miss Megen’s cousin and was the first teacher employed at the dance studio at the age of 15. Alyce is now a beautiful Mother to 4 children and late last year returned to the studio in Administration. Megen is forever grateful to Alyce for all those years of teaching with her and is so excited to have her back at the studio.
Our Inspiration
The history of Kelleher Dance Academy
4 Generations of Dance
The history of KDA did not start with Megen Kelleher at the age of 3. KDA has a very proud heritage of dancers, spanning close to 90 years. Megen’s Oma (Grandmother) began dancing at a very young age and continued her love of dance by teaching throughout World War II in the Concentration Camps. Her love of dance was passed on to her daughter Marijke (Megens mother) also commencing at 3 years of age and going on to run a boutique dance school in Tingalpa.
Megen has continued this tradition with her own 3 beautiful children Brittany, Holly & Bailey now taking the stage and teaching at the dance studio.
It is with great sadness that Oma didn’t make it to the opening of our new studios at the end of 2019. She only saw photos of the construction going on and missed Opening Day by about 1 week. However her memory lives on in the boards of KDA and is greatly missed. She was our Number 1 fan and always sat centre front at our Annual Concerts. Your seat will always be free in honour of you.
Dance Studio
121 Bay Terrace
Wynnum QLD 4178
0414 188 696
Enrolment Enquiry
Start your dance journey with us today! We cater for all ages and would love to help.