About Us
Here at KDA we provide our students with high quality training in a fun and welcoming environment
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.
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.
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.
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 we had the honour of Mike Snell returning to KDA bringing with him the talented Andrea Arena, Sam Bruzzese and Ella Burns. These talented artists are all triple threats in the performing industry and conducted a spectacular workshop in Broadway Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Singing & Acrobatics. Our students learnt routines from a wide variety of professional musicals getting to perform for their family and friends on the final day of the workshop.
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. Our students who participate in BBO Dance Classes have the opportunity to attend an annual dance extensive where they are taught by the dance examiners and sought after choreographers. This trip is usually held in Sydney or Melbourne.
The Jazz Syllabus taught is ComDance 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. Our dancers are given the opportunity to attend dance workshops provided by ComDance to assist with their preparation for Jazz Exams.
A Proud Fixture in Brisbane’s Bayside
Kelleher’s Dance Academy (KDA) is a dance school in the Wynnum and Manly area, 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 are so lucky to have an amazing team! Our teachers are versatile and committed to providing our students with high quality training in a fun environment.
Megen Kelleher
Principal
About Megen
Principal – Kellehers Dance Academy
B.B.O – Registered Teacher (Ballet, Jazz & Tap)
B.B.O – Examiner (Ballet, Jazz & Tap)
C.S.T.D – Registered Teacher (Jazz)
Choreographer (KDA, Iona College & Darling Point Special School)
Progressing Ballet Technique – registered Teacher
Megen is a dedicated & passionate teacher with over 45 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
Senior Teacher
About Brittany..
Professional Dancer Princess Cruises
B.B.O – Examinations from Introduction to Ballet thru to Advance 1 Ballet, Jazz & Tap
C.S.T.D – Completed all levels of Jazz
C.S.T.D – Teaching Diploma (Jazz)
Graduate Student (Full Time) – Conroy Performing Arts College
Choreographer
Dance Teacher/Choreographer – Lourdes Hill College Dance Program
Brittany began dancing at the age of three at KDA where she learnt all genres of dance and completed her dance examinations. Brittany further developed her training by going on to complete a two-year full-time dance course after school where she gained her teachers qualifications and performed professionally over this time. The highlight of her dance journey would have to be having the opportunity to be taught by some of the world’s best teachers and performers where she gained knowledge not only in the performance industry but for a successful teaching career. Whilst Brittany loves performing, she has built a strong passion for choreographing and teaching students whilst passing on her love of dance.
Her experiences have led her to teaching & choreographing full time. Brittany’s choreography is extraordinary and the students at KDA absolutely love her. Her passion for dance and love of children go hand in hand.
Holly Kelleher
Teacher
About Holly...
B.B.O – Examinations from Introduction to Ballet thru to Advance 1 Ballet, Jazz & Tap
C.S.T.D – Completed all levels of Jazz
Flying Trapeze Artist – Byron Bay
Holly started dancing at 3 years of age at KDA where she learnt all genres of dance and completed her dance examinations. Holly has been teaching since she was 15 years of age. Holly has worked previously as a performer for Movie World & Sea World and is currently training as a flying trapeze artist @ Byron Bay.
Erin Lampre
Acrobatic Arts Teacher
About Erin...
Acrobatic Arts Module certified 1
Acrobatics Arts Module 2
Acrobatic Arts – Level 8 Acrobatic Arts exam
Aerial & Backhand Spring
Certificate lll in Dance
R.A.D – examinations from Grade 2 thru to Advanced One Ballet
Erin started dancing at the age of 8 years and trained in Acro, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. She has competed in eisteddfods with groups, solos, and duets through her whole dance journey. Erin began assisting Junior Acro classes in 2019 and progressed to lead teaching in recent years. Erin has also been an Acrobatic Arts demonstrator throughout 2018 to 2020 and is now undergoing the process to become fully Acrobatic Arts certified. She is currently training in a full-time dance course and studying a Certificate IV in Dance. Erin has a love for teaching and watching her dancers grow in all areas.
Imohjen
Teacher
About Imohjen...
Assistant Jazz Teacher
C.S.T.D – Completed all Jazz Examinations
BBO – Intermediate Ballet Examination
Currently studying a ComDance Teaching Certificate
Imohjen has grown up learning Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet & Acrobatics at Kellehers Dance Academy as well as being a part of our Eisteddfod and Performance Teams. In 2024 Imohjen is very excited to begin training for her ComDance Teaching certificate and continue to pass on her love of Dance to the community at KDA.
Jada
Teacher
About Jada...
COMDANCE Modern Jazz Teaching Diploma
Diploma in Musical Theatre
Certificate IV in Dance
Completed all CSTD examination levels of Jazz and Tap
Graduate Student (Full Time) – Conroy Performing Arts College
Choreographer – Brisbane Junior Theatre
Jada started dancing at the age of 3 at Conroy Dance Centre where she learnt all genres of dance and completed examinations. As a child, Jada regularly performed in eisteddfods and was a member of the Starz Production Team who performed in shows across South East Queensland. Jada was also a member of the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts and Brisbane Junior Theatre where she performed in a variety of productions.
Jada furthered her dance education, completing her Certificate IV in Dance, Diploma of Musical Theatre and Diploma of Modern jazz COMDANCE at Conroy Performing Arts College. Jada has developed her performance skills with multiple theatre companies as both a performer and choreographer. She has been teaching dance to children since 2018.
Jada is excited to work with the wonderful young performers at KDA and share her passion for performing with them. Jada is enthusiastic about the dance education of young people, and enjoys working with students to develop technique, enhance artistry and improve confidence.
Jada started dancing at the age of 3 at Conroy Dance Centre where she learnt all genres of dance and completed examinations. As a child, Jada regularly performed in eisteddfods and was a member of the Starz Production Team who performed in shows across South East Queensland. Jada was also a member of the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts and Brisbane Junior Theatre where she performed in a variety of productions.
Jada furthered her dance education, completing her Certificate IV in Dance, Diploma of Musical Theatre and Diploma of Modern jazz COMDANCE at Conroy Performing Arts College. Jada has developed her performance skills with multiple theatre companies as both a performer and choreographer. She has been teaching dance to children since 2018.
Jada is excited to work with the wonderful young performers at KDA and share her passion for performing with them. Jada is enthusiastic about the dance education of young people, and enjoys working with students to develop technique, enhance artistry and improve confidence.
Tiffany Payne
Musical Theatre Teacher
About Tiffany...
Bachelor of Musical Theatre – Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
Diploma of Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance – The Australian Dance Performance Institute
Alyce
Admin/Reception
About Alyce...
Administration
Alyce was one of Kellehers Dance Academy’s very first students.
She is very excited be returning to the KDA studios as a Dance Mum and also as one of our fabulous Admin Staff.
Marijke
Admin/Receptionist
About Marijke...
Marijke brings to KDA many years of knowledge of DANCE. Marijke started dancing at a very young age sitting all Ballet, Tap, Character & Jazz exams with the British Ballet Organisation. Marijke went on in later years opening her own boutique studio in Tingalpa where she taught Miss Megen (Marijke’s daughter) to dance from 3yrs of age to 17. Miss Megen feels very blessed to have had her mother teach her dancing over all those years and now to have her working back at Kellehers Dance Academy is a bonus.
Michelle
Personal Assistant
About Michelle..
Eloise
Assistant Dance Teacher
About Eloise...
Advanced 1 Ballet Exam
Modern Jazz 8 Exam
Katie
Assistant Dance Teacher
About Katie...
Advanced 1 Ballet Exam
Modern Jazz 9 Exam
Currently studying Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management
Miah
Assistant Dance Teacher
About Miah...
Advanced 1 Ballet Exam
Modern Jazz 9 Exam
Advanced Tap Exam
Currently Studying a Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management
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
(07) 3396 2559
0414 188 696
Want to join our dance family?
Contact us today to find a class that best suits!