Janelle Jennings - Wiki
Owner & Director
Janelle Jennings is a highly experienced and passionate dance professional with over 20 years of training across all styles of dance. She completed three years of full-time training under many of Australia’s elite choreographers, graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Commercial Dance Training.
Her extensive training spans a wide range of genres including Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Salsa, Acrobatics, Cheerleading, Singing and Breakdancing, giving her a well-rounded and versatile foundation as both a performer and educator.
Janelle began her teaching career over a decade ago and has since taught across numerous dance studios, schools and workshops throughout Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Her ability to connect with dancers of all ages and abilities has made her a respected and sought-after teacher and mentor.
Her professional performance and choreography credits include work on the Eastern Health Awards, Underbelly Files: Chopper, TV series Please Like Me, the Bollywood film Orange, Short Sweet and Dance, Immersed Industry Night, freestyle performances for BABBA, nightclub promotions, children’s entertainment, corporate events and fashion parades.
In recent years, Janelle expanded her career internationally, working as a freelance choreographer and teacher in Hong Kong, collaborating with leading theatre venues, corporate events and international schools.
She is also the founder of “Party With A Princess”, a children’s entertainment company designed to create magical experiences for private and corporate events, while providing valuable opportunities for emerging performers within the entertainment industry.
As the Director of Melbourne Dance Theatre, now proudly heading into its 10th year, Janelle leads with heart, positivity and purpose. She is deeply committed to creating a studio culture where dancers feel safe, supported and empowered, and where individuality is celebrated. Janelle believes that dance teaches far more than steps — it builds resilience, confidence, teamwork and self-belief.
Her greatest joy comes from watching dancers grow, both on and off the stage, and helping them reach goals they never knew were possible.
MDT STAFF
At Melbourne Dance Theatre we employ a highly skilled faculty of staff in all genres of performing arts to ensure the potenial of all students is nurtured and fullfilled. Our goals are your goals which we take pride in helping all our students to achieve. All of our teaching faculty hold a current Working with Children's Check and Support the Child Safety Policies of Melbourne Dance Theatre
Julia Pigou
Classical Ballet - Kinder Dance
Julia has over eight years’ experience as a professional performer, and is currently a soloist with the Victorian State Ballet. From Christchurch, New Zealand, Julia fell in love with ballet at the age of six, when she began lessons at her local dance school. After graduating from high school with one of the top academic awards in the country, she decided to pursue her dancing dreams; four years of full time training later, she moved to Melbourne to join the Victorian State Ballet in 2017. Her repertoire includes Pas de Trois and Cygnets (Swan Lake); Leading Wilis (Giselle); Winter Fairy (Cinderella); and Odalisque (Le Corsaire). Julia has trained for many years under the direction of Michelle and Martin Sierra, and is very experienced in teaching Vaganova methodology. Her classes focus on building strong technique, while developing individual artistry, a confident sense of performance, and a genuine love of dance. Julia has been a proud member of the MDT faculty since 2018, and loves sharing her passion for and knowledge of classical ballet with students of all ages.
Josephine Magliolo
Lyrical
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.
Brooklyn De Oliveira
Commercial Jazz
With a lifetime dedicated to dance, Brooklyn is a dynamic performer specializing in Hip-Hop and Commercial styles. They have appeared in music videos for prominent Australian artists like LION and Julai, bringing their unique energy and style to the screen. A career highlight includes performing in the AFL Grand Final alongside global pop icon Katy Perry. Brooklyn continues to make waves in the dance world, known for their captivating stage presence and passion for the art form.
Yena Yoon
Classical Ballet
Yena started her training at Herena Ballet Academy in Chatswood, Sydney, at age 7. She later moved to Alegria Dance Studios, where she continued in the RAD syllabus and at 16, commenced full-time training, further expanding her training with contemporary, jazz, and Spanish dancing. At 18, Yena moved to Madrid, Spain, to further her training with the Víctor Ullate Escuela. After finishing her training, she returned home to Australia to join the Victorian State Ballet for the 2022 Season.
Laura Travis
Tap
With 18 years of dance experience and 4 years of teaching, Laura brings creativity, passion, and strong technical knowledge to her classes. She holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management from Transit Dance Company and a Diploma in Dance from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance. Specialising in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary, Laura strives to create a fun and inclusive environment where dancers of all levels can thrive. Her teaching style blends technical precision with artistic expression, encouraging every student to find confidence and joy through movement.
Amelie Burgess
Contemporary/ Progressions/ Classical Ballet/ Lyrical
Amelie Burgess is a professional dancer with over 18 years of experience. She began her journey at the age of 3 and trained in styles such as jazz, lyrical, classical ballet, acrobatics, tap, hip hop, pointe work, contemporary, Broadway, partnering, commercial jazz, and ballroom. Amelie trained at Melbourne Dance Theatre for over 10 years before refining her craft through full- time studies at Patrick School of the Arts. Her professional career includes performing with Royal Caribbean on Mariner of the Seas, where she spent eight months travelling across Miami, Texas, and Mexico in high-energy production shows. She later completed a second contract with Royal Caribbean aboard Radiance of the Seas. Amelie also spent several years working alongside Stella Youth Dance Company as an assistant and is currently performing with the Phoenix Flames as a dancer for the NBL. Amelie’s versatility extends to teaching, where she has inspired young dancers for many years. Her choreography earned her second place at the Grounded Battle of the Arts competition. With a strong passion for dance and storytelling, she continues to thrive as both a performer and a teacher, sharing her artistry and expertise with the next generation.
Tahnie- Jai King
Acrobatics
Tahnie's dance journey began at a young age, and over the years, she has developed a versatile skill set across a variety of styles, including Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Lyrical, and Jazz technique. Her passion for movement extends beyond dance, as she has also gained extensive experience in Gymnastics, Acrobatics, and Cheerleading. A proud graduate of Patrick's School of the Arts, Tahnie holds a Certificate IV in Dance and Performing Arts. She has had the privilege of performing in a number of corporate events including events for the AFLW and NBL as well as working for Showtime Attractions and performing in many of their shows including performances at the Melbourne Show. This year, Tahnie is thrilled to join the MDT teaching staff. With her wealth of knowledge in Acrobatics, she is eager to share her expertise with students, helping them achieve their goals and elevate their performance skills.
Hannah Mancev
Classical Ballet/ Kinder Dance
Hannah began dancing at the age of two. She was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in 2014 but instead chose to further her Vaganova classical ballet training under the tutelage of Michelle and Martin Sierra and Geraldine Lett. From 2014, Hannah has been involved in a number of classical productions with VSB (formerly MDT) and was offered a pre-professional position with the company in 2017. She completed two years of pre-professional training and was offered an apprentice position in the 2019 season.
Pooja Sathish
Hiphop
I first found hip hop at 13 in New Zealand, and it quickly became a huge part of my life. Competing at national and international events, including the World Hip Hop Unite Championships, pushed me to grow and helped shape who I am as a dancer. I love what I do and I’m so driven to pass on everything I’ve learned over the years. It’s amazing seeing dancers whether they’re kids or adults, gain confidence and build a strong foundation in hip hop. My focus is on helping them develop solid techniques and stay fit, but what matters most to me is keeping the vibe fun in classes and staying true to the art that is hip hop and its history.
Chenelle Brown
Musical Theatre
Chenelle is a dedicated and passionate teacher and performer who has worked alongside some of Australia's most talented professionals. Chenelle has had the opportunity to perform alongside some of Australia’s best musical theatre performers in the Rob Guest Endowment’s Concert Production of ‘Beauty and the Beast', the 2017 international VICKS television commercial, the Australian premier of the musical 'Dreamgirls', cabaret shows in the world famous travelling Spiegeltent, and performed the role of 'Lady Fifi' in the 2016 Chadstone Christmas Stories Show. Chenelle has also worked as a commercial dancer at various corporate events at Crown Entertainment Complex, also appearing in music videos and backup dancing for Meghan Trainor at the 2015 TV Week Logie Awards, Nathaniel at the 2015 NBL launch and Redfoo on Channel 7's Dancing With the Stars. Chenelle has also had the opportunity to assistant teach the 'Formation' dance classes held by FOX FM and BEAT Entertainment and choreographed the 2017 RUOK campaign music video. Chenelle is excited to be sharing her passion for dance, singing and acting at Melbourne Dance Theatre.
Madison James
Jazz
Madison James has worked as a professional dancer and passionate dance teacher in the industry for a number of years. Madison began dancing from the age of 3, and has turned her passion into a successful career. She trained in various styles at MDT such as Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Commercial and Tap. She completed her full time dance training at Spectrum Dance Studio with a Certificate 3&4 in dance then went on to work as a professional dancer in Japan for Tokyo Disney. She has also been fortunate enough to perform in many other corporate shows and events including Melbourne Storm, Crown Casino, the Grand Prix, Shared tables Gala ball, Loretto ball and Showtime attractions. MDT has always been Madison’s second home, she loves watching her students grow and looks forward to meeting all of her new students and building there skills and passion for dance.
Hannah Cleve
Pom
I began dance at the age of two years old, starting out at Melbourne Dance Theatre where I danced a wide variety of styles for 16 years. After high school I competed at RMIT for two years, during my time I was introduced to Endurance Elite. In 2024 I went on to represent Australia at the ICU dance world championships as part of Team Australia Jazz and competed at Dance Worlds in Florida where I had the incredible honour of bringing home a bronze medal. After coming home from the USA, Endurance Elite had come to close to which I joined Pacific Elite. This year I competed as an alternated for ICU team Australia Pom and Jazz, as well as bringing home 5th and Nations cup for Lyrical. I’m currently a dancer for Mystics Pacific elite in jazz and Pom! I’ve also had the honour of being a competition Pom coach at Melbourne Dance Theatre and have had the pleasure to watch both our senior and advanced team grow into incredible dancers!
Taylor White
Hip-Hop
Taylor White is a dancer, performer and teacher currently located in Melbourne, Australia. As a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts’ Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), she has had the privilege to train across the world, including with the ImPacT Program as part of Impulstanz Festival in Vienna, Austria, and the Institut del Teatre with Share the Dance in Barcelona, all part of her award from her studies - the Dr Phillip Law Travelling Scholarship. Amongst this tertiary training, Taylor has previously been a member of the Legacy & Co, a street dance company based in Melbourne, learning under director, Arna Singleton. She has also trained as part of Kelly Aykers Part Time Industry Course under the tutelage of mentors such as Kelly Aykers. As a teacher, Taylor seeks to create the most welcoming environment in which everyone is still able to learn and take away something from class. She adores exploring her creativity with her students, and approaches teaching with a foundational technique focus, but also seeks to emphasise the artistry and expression of her students.