Meet The Team

Miss Zoe has been at the heart of Encore Your Dance Family for over 20 years, combining her passion for dance with her expertise in accounts, communications, and billing. With an impressive background as a dancer, excelling in top examinations across all genres since the age of 3, Zoe always knew teaching was her calling. She holds teaching qualifications with the Australian Teachers of Dancing and has a particular love for tap, where her talent as a "terrific turner" shines.

Now raising her two boys on the Sunshine Coast, Zoe brings her family-focused values into the studio, creating a welcoming and safe space for all budding dancers. Her nurturing leadership ensures that Encore truly feels like a home away from home.

As Studio Owner, Principal, and Artistic Director at Encore Your Dance Family, Miss Kate wears many hats with grace. She oversees staff coordination, marketing, and leads the Encore Dance School program, offering nationally recognized certifications. With an impressive track record as a competitive dancer herself, Kate is passionate about bringing out the confident star in every student.

Her teaching expertise spans accredited acrobatics, cheerleading, sports aerobics, and classical ballet instruction. Under Kate’s guidance, her students have achieved remarkable success, winning national titles and performing internationally. Yet, in Kate’s eyes, the most significant achievement is seeing every student graduate with unwavering confidence and the belief that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

As a mother, Kate understands the importance of balancing technical rigor with a nurturing approach. She trains all Encore staff to embody these values, creating an environment where dancers are both challenged and supported.

Fun Fact: Miss Kate was once a professional cheerleader and holds a diploma in musical theatre and singing!

Miss Tanesha is the beating heart of our Aura studio, embodying the warmth and support that makes Encore Your Dance Family feel like a true home away from home. As a mother of two, she brings a nurturing touch and a wealth of experience from her background in childcare and business.

Tanesha’s magic lies in her genuine connection with students and parents alike. She is deeply invested in every dancer's journey, offering unwavering encouragement as they walk through the door and cheering them on between classes. Her love for the Encore Family shines through in every interaction, making her an irreplaceable part of our community.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Miss Mandy is a cornerstone of Encore Your Dance Family. As Head of Tap, she brings unparalleled expertise to our Glenwood Tap syllabus, inspiring and refining young tap dancers into stars. A highly qualified instructor, Miss Mandy has completed all her teaching accreditations under the Australian Teachers of Dancing banner.

Her passion for tap is reflected in her students’ success, with many winning prestigious competitions and dancing professionally across the globe. Beyond her impressive credentials, Miss Mandy is a proud mother of two, including her youngest daughter, Miss Laila—one of Encore’s incredible teachers.

Miss Mandy’s vibrant personality and infectious energy make her beloved by students of all ages. Her unique ability to connect with and uplift dancers creates an atmosphere of magic at Moffat Beach, where every student feels encouraged to shine.

Miss Gigi began her dance journey in Queensland, Australia, where she trained extensively in Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. Her dedication to her craft led her to complete a Diploma of Elite Professional Dance at the prestigious Brent Street Studios in Sydney, along with a Certificate III in Dance and a Teaching Diploma in Dance. She also completed the Professional Program with the Evolution Agency on the Gold Coast, working alongside some of Australia’s leading industry artists.

Gigi’s performance credits include singing in the choir for The Voice Australia and appearing alongside Jason Derulo and Jessica Mauboy in their music video Give You Love. She has also performed on set for Australian Idol.

Following her studies, Gigi accepted a full-time teaching contract in Hong Kong, where she worked across three schools in Stanley, teaching children of all ages and levels. Her passion for teaching shines through in every class as she shares her love of dance with each student who walks through the door.

Fun Fact: When she’s not dancing, Miss Gigi enjoys life on her family’s farm—a world far removed from the stage!

Miss Chloe began her dance journey on the Sunshine Coast, training in a variety of styles before pursuing her passion further with full-time dance training at Dance Force. Her career has since taken her across the globe, completing two contracts with Celebrity Cruises in 2022 and 2023, where she performed while traveling to over 30 countries!

As an Acrobatic Arts certified teacher and holder of a Certificate III in Dance, Chloe specializes in acrobatics, bringing her expertise and dynamic energy into every class. She is passionate about inspiring her students, sharing her knowledge, and helping them build confidence and skill through dance and acrobatics.

Miss Eden discovered her passion for dance at the age of 5, beginning her journey at a small studio in Wangaratta, Victoria. By the age of 13, ballet had captured her heart, leading her to pursue part-time training at Projection Dance School and eventually full-time training by 15. Her dedication took her to Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy on the Gold Coast, where she competed in prestigious national and international competitions, including the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), Alana Haines Awards (AHA), and Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix (BICDP). 

Miss Eden’s accolades include direct entry to Berllet International Ballet Masterclass Berlin, secondments to WAAPA and Rambert School in England, and acceptance into multiple bachelor programs for classical and contemporary ballet. At 18, she moved to Brussels, Belgium, to join the Brussels International Ballet, performing and touring in renowned productions such as *Swan Lake*, *The Nutcracker*, and *Raymonda*.  

What I Love Most About Teaching: “Teaching has always been a dream of mine. Since returning to Australia, I’ve fallen even more in love with sharing my knowledge and helping students grow. Watching them improve and develop a love for dance is incredibly rewarding.”  

Fun Fact: Miss Eden has severe scoliosis and was told she couldn’t pursue a dance career. Through sheer determination and hard work, she proved otherwise, achieving a level of success beyond expectations.  

Based at our Moffat Beach studio, Miss Laura brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Encore Family. Starting dance at just 3 years old, Laura has trained extensively in all genres, completing all RAD Ballet exams from Pre-Primary to Advanced 2, as well as numerous CSTD Jazz and Glen Wood Tap exams.  

Laura’s performance career has been nothing short of exceptional. She competed in dance competitions from a young age, winning countless awards, and was a member of Brisbane’s prestigious Ballet Theatre of Queensland. There, she earned many principal roles, including the Lilac Fairy in *Sleeping Beauty*. Her talent earned her recognition as the ‘Most Promising Pre-Professional Young Artist’ at the International Ballet Workshops, along with invitations to prestigious programs like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Summer School in Canada and the Orlando Ballet School’s Summer Intensive in the USA. Laura was also accepted into the year-round Pre-Professional Academy at Orlando Ballet School.  

After over a year in America, Laura returned home due to injury and discovered her true passion for teaching. With a focus on technique training, Ballet, Lyrical, and Jazz, Laura draws on her global training to inspire and nurture her students. She’s known for her positive, loving energy and her dedication to supporting both the mental and physical health of her students.  

What I Love Most About Teaching: “I love helping to mould not only great dancers but also great people! Seeing friendships blossom through dance and witnessing those ‘lightbulb moments’ when corrections click is the best part of my job.”  

Fun Fact: Miss Laura is Disney-obsessed and has an adorable puppy named Winnie!  

Miss Maddi began her teaching journey right here at Encore Your Dance Family before pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance. Her career has taken her across Queensland, where she has honed her teaching and choreography skills at various dance schools. Now, Miss Maddi has come full circle, returning home to share her passion and expertise with the Encore Family.  

What I Love Most About Teaching:  “Watching students transform each term within their dancing and personal growth is my absolute favorite part of teaching. I always tell parents how rewarding it is to witness the incredible progress our students make, not just in technique but in their confidence and character.”  

Fun Fact: Miss Maddi has been personally taught by every woman who has owned Encore, making her connection to the studio truly special. 

Miss Kate Whatman brings a wealth of experience to Encore Your Dance Family, with a background that spans 7 years of gymnastics training before transitioning to dance. She has a technical foundation in RAD Ballet, CSTD Jazz, and traditional Contemporary styles. Miss Kate has been teaching since 2006 and is certified in Acrobatic Arts, making her a true specialist in acrobatics and circus training.  

What I Love Most About Teaching: “I love teaching technique and witnessing those incredible ‘aha!’ moments when things click for dancers. Sharing my passion for dance with the next generation is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.”  

Fun Fact: Miss Kate was once an elite-level swimmer and had to choose between training for the Olympics or pursuing dance. She chose dance, and we’re so glad she did!  

Miss Laila has been a dedicated member of the Encore Family since the age of 2, growing into a passionate performer and educator with a lifelong commitment to the arts. Over the years, Laila has honed her craft through extensive training and performances across multiple styles, developing expertise in dance, circus, and acrobatics.

Laila recently completed a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, providing her with the skills and knowledge to inspire and guide the next generation of performers. Known for her technical proficiency, creative expression, and leadership skills, she brings energy and enthusiasm to every class, helping her students grow both on and off the stage.  

What I Love Most About Teaching: “I love helping my students develop their skills and confidence while sharing my passion for the performing arts. Watching their excitement and pride when they achieve something new is the highlight of my job!” 

Fun Fact: Miss Laila’s Encore roots run deep—her mum, Miss Mandy, is also one of our incredible instructors!  

Miss Ellie brings her lifelong passion for dance to Encore Your Dance Family. Growing up in Noosa, where she honed her skills and completed her Royal Academy of Dance examinations.

Ellie took her love for dance to the next level by stepping into teaching, a role that feels like second nature to her. She believes that dance is not just an art form but a pathway for young dancers to realize their fullest potential. Her philosophy is simple: never say “can’t.” With self-belief and persistence, anything is possible.

Ellie’s classes are filled with encouragement and energy, fostering an environment where students are challenged and supported as they grow into confident and skilled dancers.

Fun Fact: Ellie’s passion for teaching extends beyond Encore—she also teaches at several other dance studios, sharing her enthusiasm and dedication with even more budding dancers

Miss Ruby has been part of the Encore Family since the age of 3, training in a variety of dance styles and developing a deep passion for acrobatics. Over the years, she has competed in numerous group and solo performances, proudly representing Encore at competitions. Ruby also showcased her talent as part of selective teams at Meridan State College, excelling in both group and solo events.  

As an experienced circus and acrobatics instructor, Ruby is dedicated to helping her students grow and thrive. She creates a fun, supportive environment where students can build confidence, refine their skills, and develop as individuals.  

What I Love Most About Teaching: “I love watching my students improve each week and seeing their confidence grow. The excitement on their faces when they master a new trick or routine is the most rewarding part of teaching!”  ​

Fun Fact: Miss Ruby is planning to start her Bachelor of Nursing Science at USC in 2025. She currently works as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) in aged care, combining her love of helping others with her future career in healthcare.  

A former Encore student, Miss Bella has come full circle, now sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation of dancers. She holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and specializes in circus instruction, focusing on helping students develop new skills and grow into confident young performers.

What Bella loves most about teaching is witnessing the excitement on her students' faces when they master a new skill—a moment of pride and accomplishment that fuels her passion for dance education.