The Full Time Faculty

Kelly Aykers

Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Acting  and Theory

Kelly draws on years of experience and contact with the brightest in the industry to compile a Melbourne based teaching staff that would be the envy of any school in the country. Kelly knows that to deliver the kind of graduate that can take on the dance industry with confidence, she needs to surround herself with people that share her own passion and vision. To that end, Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance is dedicated to providing the best tuition by the best in the business.

After 40 years of training and performance, during which time she has choreographed, and assisted many Australian and international choreographers, 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.

For more on Kelly's career, check out our About Kelly Page.

Sue Ellen Shook

Jazz, Lyrical and Body Conditioning

Sue-Ellen has been in the dance industry for nearly four decades. 
A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, her career covers all facets of dance, in Australia and internationally, including Film, Television, Musical Theatre, Music Concerts, Sporting Events and Corporate Entertainment. Sue-Ellen has choreographed episodes for the TV shows House Husbands and So you think You Can Dance. Her stage choreography credits include Motherhood The Musical and Menopause The Musical. She has been resident choreographer for the Australian Shakespeare Company for over 10 years in Australia and England. Her performance credits include: ”Baby Doll” for Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, “Demon Woman” on the Stan series Preacher and lead dancer for the ABC’s The Divorce.  Stage  credits include A Chorus Line(Australian Tour)  Starlight Express (in Germany), and Tiger Lily in the Sydney production of Pan, The Production Company’s Oklahoma, Boy from Oz, 42nd Street, Pajama Game, Sugar and Promises Promises, as well as  the role of “Moth” in multiple seasons of ASC’s “Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies.”  

Phill Haddad

Hip Hop

Melbourne based choreographer, Phill Haddad, is an inspiring and exceptionally talented dancer and artist. As a highly sought after choreographer, Phill has been 'smashing it' on the dance floor for nearly two decades and has worked both nationally and internationally.

Phill Haddad's extensive list of choreographic credits include, but are not limited to, working with artists such as Destiny's Child, Boys II Men, Ru Paul, Ja Rule, Ashanti, NTrance and Peter Andre, as well as theatrical performances with 'Grease the Arena Spectacular', 'Shout', 'Annie Get Your Gun', 'High Society' and 'Oh What A Night'. Phil has also choreographed and performed in numerous TV shows such 'So You Think You Can Dance' as well as the ARIA awards, music video clips, concerts and toured nationally and overseas. He has choreographed, produced and directed his own shows, such as ?Rhythm Runners?, a nationally toured event. His talents are highly respected and as such, has been invited to judge competitions such as 'Australian Hip Hop Championships','Australian Step Off Hip Hop Competition' and 'UDO Australia National Street Dance Championships'.

He has choreographed pieces in Masters of Choreography's showcases, 'Once Upon A Time Ch1 and Ch2' and 'A Nightmare on Dance Street'.Phill is a tireless, diligent and enthusiastic choreographer, always teaching and performing, always willing to impart his creativity and energy upon those fortunate enough to either train with him or see him perform.

Petros Treklis

Contemporary

Petros Treklis graduated in 2010 from London’s ‘Laban Conservatoire’ with a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance, and then joined Tavaziva Dance for several years. Other performance work whilst in London include: appearing as a guest artist with Watkins Dance, working with IJAD on their project In-Finite Space, as well as dancing for Place Prize Winner Riccardo Buscarini and Taiwanese Choreographer Hsiao-mei Ho for the ArtsCross 2013 Project.  

Since 2014, Petros was a member of Sydney Dance Company under the Artistic Directorship of Rafael Bonachela, performing works worldwide by Bonachela, as well as Andonis Foniadakis, Gabrielle Nankivell, William Forsythe, Alexander Ekman, Larissa McGowan, Kristina Chan, Gideon Obarzanek, Jacopo Godani, Shian Law, Melanie Lane, Cheng Tsung-Lung and Antony Hamilton. In 2019 Petros made the move back to Melbourne to pursue his career as a freelance choreographer and dance artist.  

Petros created his first professional work for Sydney Dance Company as a part of their ‘New Breed’ Season, the work winning ‘Best New Work 2017’ by Critics Choice Awards, Dance Australia. Since then, Petros has gone on to make work for The Australian Ballet and is set to create a new work on Queensland Ballet in the near future. 

When Petros is not working with a company on commissioned choreographic projects, he is mostly teaching dance all over the state of Victoria, having taught regular classes, workshops and masterclasses to many of Melbourne’s established dance institutions.

Gerard Pigg

Hip Hop and Commercial

Gerard Pigg is known to be a very passionate, driven dancer who is predominantly from a self taught background. Over the years, he has established himself in various styles including Commercial, Urban, Heels and Bollywood as a Melbourne based performer, teacher, mentor and choreographer. 

His first venture into the professional dance scene was with the very successful ‘PROVOKATIV Dance Company', that he founded in 2012. As the Creative Director of the company and performer, he has been able to represent Australia in various dance competitions, nationally and internationally- the biggest one yet being the UDO World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Professionally, Provokativ also entertains audiences throughout Melbourne including nightclubs, corporate functions & many more. Additionally, Gerard has produced, directed and choreographed his very own production ‘PLATFORM’ which was held at The Revolt Melbourne Artspace in 2014.

In 2016, Gerard started working with 'Masters Of Choreography' as a performer and choreographer. Since then, he has made his mark creating unforgettable pieces for sold out shows at both the National Theatre and Palais Theatre. Shows including Signs Of The Zodiac & Nightmare On Dance Street, showcasing Bollywood and Commercial.

As a Chief Choreographer of Masters, he has also choreographed for 'Raise The Barre', which is the sister show to the highly acclaimed 'Beats On Pointe'.

In 2018 Gerard choreographed and performed in the very successful season of Matador for Bass G Fam Productions and then continued on to take the production on its National tour. In 2019 Gerard teamed up with Bass G Fam once again to choreograph Mansion for a smash season in Melbourne.

Gerard also performs as a part of Melbourne’s premier Bollywood dance group ‘Sapphire Dance Company’. Starting off as a performer, he is also now a choreographer for the company and the Artistic Director. 

He teaches at various studios and full time courses, where he likes to challenge his students and is committed to providing them with performance skills & encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. 

Gerard’s credits include; International music artists such as K-Ci & JoJo, RuPaul’s Manila Luzon & Che Che Devayne, Lea Salonga, Ricky Sandu, Ammy Virk, Babbal Rai and Preet Hundal. Australian Artists including Paulini and Jessica Mauboy.

Australian dance competitions including Step Off, HHI (Hip Hop International), Got Swagg, UDO Australia, Battlegrounds Prelims & Finals. Melbourne's dance industry night UNDRGRND. 

He has also choreographed for one of Australia’s leading cosmetic companies MECCA and The VMC (Victorian Multicultural Commission) 2017 Premier Gala Dinner.

Gerard has proven and continues to be an advocate within the Melbourne dance scene. He loves and honours his art and prides himself on being an entertainer and being the best that he can be.

Tash Crichton

Hip Hop

Tash was born & raised in New Zealand and moved to Melbourne in  2019. She's a professional Dance Teacher & Choreographer who has a  huge passion for dance. She started dancing at the age of 5 years old  training in Urban Hiphop, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Cultural  dancing.

She has great experience in dance performance, choreography, classroom instruction, recital planning and  performance management. The Hiphop dance scene is very well  established in New Zealand, therefore it stuck with Tash as she grew a  great connection with the style. She is very passionate about  teaching dance as it gives her the opportunity to connect with  individuals from all walks of life and allows her to share her skills and  knowledge.

Stephen Valeri

Singing, Acting

Stephen has been training in voice and performance for over 30 years, including Musical Theatre, Contemporary and classical singing, stage and screen acting. He holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Monash University and is a graduate of full time musical theatre course, SHOWFIT. Most recently, he appeared as Mary Sunshine in the 2023/24 Australian tour of ‘CHICAGO - The Musical’ (Crossroads/ Jones Theatrical) His professional theatre credits include Roger in ‘Grease - The Arena Experience’ (Sydney Season), Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle in the Sydney premiere of ‘Mack & Mabel’ (Hayes Theatre Co./ Working Management) Man 3 in ‘First Date - The Musical’ (Pursued By Bear/ Chapel off Chapel) and 'Peppa Pig Live!’ (LifeLike Touring - Australian & Asian Tours). Stephen played the role of Mayor Humdinger in the hugely successful ‘Paw Patrol Live’, in the 2021 & 2022 Australian National Tours, as well as seasons in Hong Kong and Indonesia. In July 2022, he was invited to join the British cast and reprise his role for a national tour of 17 cities across the UK. Since 2014, Stephen has established himself as an up & coming cabaret artist and comedy performer. His solo shows include ‘FAT BOY SLIMM...ER’ (2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival), 'VALERIOUS’ (2016 Adelaide Fringe), 'YOUR DIVA NEEDS YOU’ which enjoyed a successful Melbourne season to critical acclaim in October 2017. His most recent cabaret offering, 'AGE OF STEPHEN’ - a loving tribute to his musical idol John Farnham - premiered as part of a ‘Sold Out’ season for Melbourne Fringe Festival in September 2018. It has since gone on to tour across the country, as part of the Adelaide Fringe, Perth Fringeworld and Melbourne Cabaret Festivals, as well as countless corporate engagements. Stephen works regularly as an MC and professional singer for both corporate and concert engagements, as well as weddings and events. Stephen recently established the ‘Australian Musical Company’, producing bespoke entertainment for corporate & charity events. As well as his work as a professional performer, Stephen is also a highly sought after voice teacher, musical director and acting coach for a number of Melbourne’s leading performing arts organisations, secondary schools and a successful private studio, with over 15 years of teaching experience.

Jo Magliolo

Contemporary

Josephine is a highly skilled, passionate dancer and choreographer with more than 20 years dance experience in a number of styles. 

After training as a young adult, Josephine then progressed to full time under the direction of Ian Knowles. Full time only confirmed her love of creating which lead to Josephine produced and directed her own show ‘More to C’ with the Melbourne Fringe festival with a sold out season in 2014. 
She completed her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, which has
allowed her to grow as a professional choreographer, teacher and manager in the dance industry.

This has lead Josephine to be a part of prominent professional shows featuring Melbourne’s elite choreographers including Signs of the Zodiac, Nightmare of dance street, Ringmaster and Comedies and Tragedy. 

Josephine started 2019 with a sold out National Tour of MATADOR as contemporary choreographer in 4 cities The Melba Spiegeltent, Sydney Opera House, The Tivoli Brisbane and Adelaide festival Centre. Later 2019 Josephine was the contemporary choreography for MANSION the experience at Labassa Mansion with a 43 show season. In 2022 Josephine was contemporary choreographer for Oracle the Myth which played at Sydney opera house in 2022. Moving into 2023 Josephine is now directing Matador. 

In 2020 Josephine created Stella youth dance company, her very own contemporary company that focuses on creating a safe space for dancers to tell story through dance and movement, which is what she is known for. In 2023 Josephine also produced a one of a kind concept event for Stellas first performance, including improvisation and a unique experience for audience. 2024 lead Josephine to produce a successful sold out show playing at, Dance - house with Stella. 
Continuing to offer her passion and love for dance to Melbourne and young artist who need a safe space to be their best selves. Human first, dancer second. 

Connor Micallef

Contemporary, Acro, Training & Assessing

Connor has danced with multiple dance companies including "Lionheart Dance Company", performing in the professional show "Fabricated" and in various productions with the Scimm Dance Company, undergoing company training every week. As well as that he has completed his training at "Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance" in Melbourne under the prestigious Kelly Aykers where he obtained a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management. His performance credits include: Representing Australia in the ICC opening ceremony , back up dancer to Nathaniel and Mike Tompkins, featured dancer in the Australian mini series “The Divorce”, performer at Brandcast and the Youtube Fanfest. Additionally has has performed a number of times in Masters of choreography , Victorian dance festival and Australian Dance Festival. Recently, Connor joined Company A where he performed on a regional tour in their launch production, ‘Broadway & Beyond’. Connor is currently a principal teacher at Kelly Aykers Casual Dance.

Rachael Peters

Commercial, Broadway & Fitness

Rachael discovered her love for performing at a young age, training in various dance styles.
 At 13, she joined The Ultimate School Musical - Fame on Fox8, and later graduated with a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in 2016. 

Her credits include The Goddesses - Chronicles of Olympus at Melbourne Fringe, NBL dancer for Melbourne United, featured roles in YouTube Fanfest and Brandcast performance as well as touring with Broadway & Beyond. Her film credits include being a featured dancer in film The Very Mr. Excellent Dundee.

A regular presence in Melbourne's corporate entertainment Rachael is now thrilled to currently be part of ‘Spellbound’, Australia’s biggest touring illusion show entertaining audiences nationwide.

Kate Gloufchis

Commercial and Heels

With 10 years of teaching experience already to her name, Kate Gloufchis is an emerging dancer, teacher and choreographer. She’s known for her passion and high energy, as well as her experience across a wide variety of dance genres, including commercial, urban/hip hop, jazz, ballet and pom.

Kate is a co-owner of KAOS Entertainment – one of melbourne’s most prolific names in the nightlife scene. She and her team of highly-trained dancers perform weekly at nightclubs and events, and travel interstate for special events. Her impressive repertoire includes fire performance and DJing also. Over the years, Kate has performed in many shows and events, including cheerleading for the Melbourne Phoenix basketball team, and dancing in productions for Alana Scanlan, Masters of Choreography and more. 

When she’s not wowing crowds with her skills and infectious energy, Kate loves helping her students develop skills and perform with confidence.

Talitha Duncan

Tap

Talitha is an experienced performer and dance teacher with a lifelong passion for musical theatre. Talitha has dedicated herself to mastering the art of tap, her specialty.

She graduated from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in 2021 with a Diploma of Musical Theatre where she featured in shows including ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ playing the role of Audrey 2. Her professional credits include 'My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto's Musical Tale' (Your Show), ‘The King and I’ the musical (The Production Company), the ‘Annie’ media call (John Frost), and the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ promo video.  Talitha has also had the opportunity to compete with the Australian National Dance Team in which she placed in the top 10 with an own choreography tap duo and in the top 15 with an own choreography tap solo.

Talitha takes great pride in her teaching ability and cherishes being able to teach young, aspiring professionals and watching them grow. 

Kirsten Manuel

Singing, Acting

Kirsten graduated from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance completing her Diploma of Music Theatre, going on to attain her Cert. 4 Training & Assessing, so returning to the studio to support and elevate new passionate students. She has been involved with Parklife Productions Little Shop Of Horrors, as well as other productions including: School of Rock, Jersey Boys, Double Homicide: At the Manchester Manchester and Haberdashery Factory Outlet, Wonderful World of Musical Theatre for Kids, Be More Chill, Dogfight, Young Frankenstein, Places! Cabaret, Come From Away and Catch Me If You Can. 
She also teaches kids hip hop, singing, dance fitness and musical theatre and is a magical character entertainer with Flutterby Entertainment and MadEvents. 

Maddie Bratby

Foundation Skills and Theory

Maddie is a new addition to our team, she has trained through her whole life across all styles but has a strong passion for Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary.

Maddie graduated from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance with a Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management. In 2022 Maddie was part of Parklife Productions, production of The Pajama Game as ensemble dance captain. Maddie has been teaching and Choreographing for 6 years now and finds great passion in helping the next generation improve their skill set and gain the foundation technique they need to succeed.