About KellyMeet Kelly Aykers: Your Mentor and Inspiration At Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance, we understand the importance of having a director who truly connects with every dancer. That’s why Kelly Aykers is here at the studio every day, bringing her extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to your dance journey. With forty years in the industry, Kelly is more than just a name—she’s actively involved in every class, rehearsal, and performance. Her daily presence reflects her deep commitment to nurturing your growth and success. As one who is unique in that she is of the industry and not only an educator, Kelly’s leadership provides an empowering perspective. As a woman who has navigated the challenges and triumphs of a dancer’s path herself, she offers invaluable guidance and understanding. Kelly’s insights and support are grounded in real experience, making her exceptionally well-placed to guide and inspire you. Discover the difference that genuine mentorship and a dedicated, experienced leader can make at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance. |  |
| Professional bio | After 50 years of training and performance, during which time she has also directed, choreographed, Kelly is delighted that the natural progression of her career is now giving her the opportunity to pass her knowledge on to others within the dance industry. After an early career highlight of working alongside Ann Reinking as her dance captain on the Australian production of Chicago and, as a devout disciple of Bob Fosse, Kelly took on her first role of director in 2016. It was a natural progression and, along with Musical Theatre maestro, Stephen Gray and a live on-stage band, she brought Pippin to the stage. A year later, the pair teamed up again to present super musical, Chicago to excellent reviews. Additional director credits soon followed including, Little Shop of Horrors, The Pajama Game, Bring It On and, later this year, Kelly will assume the role of director and choreographer in Disney’s My Son Pinocchio. In addition to her upcoming work on Disney's My Son Pinocchio (Yourshow), Kelly’s previous credits have gained her a reputation as one of Australia’s pre-eminent musical choreographers. Her mainstream credits include:
Her performance resume boasts credits in some of Australia's finest professional mainstream Musical events. The lead role of Stephanie in Saturday Night Fever, the role of June in Chicago the Musical, the lead role of Helene in Sweet Charity the Musical, the role of silly girl in Beauty and the Beast, the role of Christine in A Chorus Line, the role of Patty Simcox in Grease the Musical, Funny Girl, Alana Scanlan’s Pictures, David Atkins’ Dynamite, David Atkins Dancin Man, Seven Little Australians the Musical. Dein Perry's film Bootmen and the role of Lauren Gatley on Neighbours. Furthermore, for thirty-six years, Kelly has remained one of the country's most sought after dance and Musical Theatre teachers, working in Melbourne and Australia's foremost universities and dance institutions. Kelly is qualified with a Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma & Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Kelly is also director and owner of her own junior school, Kelly Aykers Junior Dance as well as Director and Co-owner of Parklife Productions Pty Ltd. In 2025 Kelly will be bringing her passion of Musical Theatre to the Junior students with the launch of her Junior Broadway Musical Theatre Company, Broadway Junior. Over the years Kelly's passion and commitment to the finer points of dance has not waned and she is as dedicated to her craft now as she ever has been. It is to that end that she proudly presents her own tertiary training facility at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in Brunswick.
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STATEMENT OF EXPERIENCE
| DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY: | 2024 DISNEY’S MY SON PINOCCHIO
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| PERFORMANCE: | 2004-05 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
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| TELEVISION: | Neighbours – Actor – Role of Lauren Gately Various Award nights, resident dancer and commercial work. |
| FILM: | 1999 BOOTMEN |
| OTHER | Helpmann award nominee 2012 – best choreography in a Musical Green Room Awards Committee Member (2008 – 2011) British Ballet Organisation Member Australian Teachers of Dance Member Ausdance member Diploma of Musical Theatre CUA50213 Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management CUA40313 Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management CUA40313 Certificate IV in Assessment and Training TAE40110 HLTFA311A – Apply First Aid |