PRINCIPAL DANCE TEACHERS OF DANCE JUNCTION
JODIE AGIUS
I started my dance career in Adelaide at the age of only
2 years old. I studied many different areas of dance including
jazz, tap, classical, acting and singing. Through the years
I participated in exams, eisteddfods, concerts and public
performances. During that time I entered many talent competitions
and appeared on television several times having great success.
I then became a student teacher which gave me the opportunity
to learn teaching skills from amazing dancing teachers who
are the best in the field of dance. I have a Diploma in Childcare and a Bachelor in Social Work, from these degrees I am able to implement necessary skills to enhance my teaching techniques
NICOLE MORGAN
I started dancing in Wollongong at the age of four learning
all styles of dance including, ballet, tap, jazz and Scottish
highland dancing. I was always a dedicated student who participated
in exams, eisteddfods, and community theatre. I was a student
teacher at the age of twelve and continued to teach regularly
until the age of eighteen when I took the opportunity to dance
over seas professionally. My dancing career took me to Taiwan
for 6 months where I was performing together with singers
and actors at a theme park then to Thailand where I performed
in a Cabaret show for 3 months.
Through having many years of experience in the field of performing
arts and learning dance from differing areas, Nicole and Jodie
believe that they both have something special to offer, including
a diverse, creative curriculum and sharing their love of dance,
not only with children but also adults.
MARK MONTAJES
Mark Montajes began dancing at a very early age, imitating and mostly free styling movements that would capture his imagination. Showing off his dancing skills whenever he could, it didn’t take long for him to come across the newly formed style at the time called hip hop, and from then on fell in love with the movement. His influences came from early grates such as James brown and the Jacksons to Later fallowing future performers such as Usher, Omarion, Ciara, Missy Elliott, Tommy the Clown and Tight Eyes. His influences would help direct him to create a style of his own. When it comes to hip hop there is nothing that this guy can’t do. Mark Montajes is very versatile as he has locally left a mark with his Artistic and musical skills within the hip hop community. He’s also involve with club events as Mc MONTAJ and organizes the increasingly popular ‘Stomp the Nard ‘ hip hop dance battle nights, along with well known performers Three Six Five crew and DJ A.N.G. Not being shy Markcan also be seen battling it out in solo and dance crew battles at ‘Stomp the Nard’. Mark’s passion and drive can be easily felt weather you witness him teaching a class, performing or simply socializing with him on the dance floor. He emphasize on bringing people together through hip hop, with the right experience and knowledge that he has taken in himself from years of dedication. Mark has a lot to offer to any age group and skill level. His strengths as a dance teacher comes from his believes which is focused on giving children a positive mentor and reinforcing not just a dance form but a culture.
HI THERE, MY NAME IS MISS FIONA
I started my dance career in Rockhampton at the age of 3. I saw a classical ballet being performed on TV and told my mother “that’s what I want to do!” I attended my first ballet class a few weeks later and have never looked back.
I have now been dancing for more that 26 years and teaching for over 11 years. I have completed all my necessary dancing examinations and am a fully qualified dance teacher through the Education in Dance and Theatre Arts (EDTA) Syllabus.
I have studied many different styles of dancing including, classical ballet, tap, jazz, funk, hip hop, contemporary, free-movement, cabaret, theatre dance, national, ethnic, Scottish, Irish and Highland. I have even tried my hand at singing and acting a time or two. I discovered early on in my dancing years that I had a natural talent for tap dancing and have ended up specialising in this style.
Through the years I have travelled all over Queensland competing in eisteddfods and dance festivals. I have also performed in many concerts during my dancing years, with my highlight being when I was given the opportunity to perform on stage with one of the original tap dogs and dancers/actors from the Australian dance movie Bootmen.
I still love to express myself through the art of dance and that will never change, but I have also found that teaching is also very fulling as I see the students improve with every class and achieve things they never thought possible. I can’t explain the feeling that runs through my body when I see my students up on stage enjoying the routines I have choreographed for them. The look of sheer joy on their faces is overwhelming.
Dancing is a part of who I am and I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with my students and other dance teachers. Dance Junction is a great place to dance and teach, as the studio promotes a fun and exciting environment for students of all ages and abilities.
MELANIE ORDERS
Melanie Orders has a Bachelor of Arts In Performance Studies and majored in Contemporary Dance and has studied at the Geelong Performing Art Centre and Impetus Dance Company in Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet. Melanie has a passion for dance and has a caring and friendly approach to teaching. Melanie believes in building self-esteem, confidence and the importance of fun, fitness and expression through dance and dramatic role-play. Melanie is very excited to be teaching Jazz, Tap and Ballet with the team at Dance Junction and bringing out the light within every student
HI I'M BRITTANY
I’ve been a part of the Dance Junction journey since the very first day it commenced. Starting as only a student, I made my way up the rankings to a student teacher and now a teacher. This year I will be not only taking on the role as a teacher at Dance Junction but also studying primary education at James Cook University and studying my Cert 4 in Dance and Business Management. Throughout my dancing life I have participated in many public performances and eisteddfods which I have received many placing in, most recently a first place at the Cairns Eisteddfods. I have also assisted in teaching routines which have received first, second and third placing as well as teaching and choreographing the St Andrews Junior dance group who came 1st in the Cairns eisteddfods. St Andrews honoured me to receive the Overall Dramatic Arts award adding to my collection of dance orientated awards including Overall Performing arts student and many merits and excellence in dance. I believe dance enables children to gain confidence, learn self-discipline and most of all have fun!
