Our Team

Vanessa

Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, RSD & RSA

Vanessa is the Principal of Vital Movement Studios and has danced for 35 years. She has had the great privilege of teaching dance for over 20 years. Vanessa is trained in many dance styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Vanessa has had professional vocal training, and performed in and choreographed a number of musical theatre productions. Vanessa has participated and been successful in many dance competitions, as well as CSTD and RAD dance examinations. Vanessa continues to further her skills and update her knowledge by participating in teachers’ workshops and professional development courses every year. Vanessa is a member of the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD), Ausdance and a Gold certified Ready Set Dance instructor.

Ballet, Contemporary, Technique, PSS & Pointe

Jacinta’s dance journey began at age 3, leading her to study at Adelaide College of the Arts and earn an Honours degree in Dance from WAAPA in 2018. She has performed with Link Dance Company in WA and contributed to several notable Adelaide productions, including Creatures by Alison Currie, Retrieve Your Jeans by Rita Bush and Cayleigh Davies, and White Rhino by Motus Collective. In 2019, Jacinta received a grant to work with Sweden’s junior dance company ilYoung, where she performed in Time of Our Life by Lee Brummer and Arrival by Israel Aloni, captivating audiences across Sweden.

After returning to Adelaide, Jacinta pursued a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at UniSA, graduating in 2024. She is now a registered physiotherapist, committed to helping people of all ages reach their potential and feel their best.

As a dance teacher at VMS for the past three years, Jacinta has shared her expertise with students in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Pointe, Technique, PSS, Ready Set Ballet, Ready Set Acro, and Acrobatics. Her teaching focuses on creating a safe and encouraging space where students can express themselves, develop teamwork, build strength, gain confidence, and most importantly, have fun. Looking ahead to 2025, Jacinta is excited to continue inspiring and empowering her students through dance, making a lasting impact both in and out of the studio.

Jazz, Tap, Contemporary & Ballet

Chloe’s passion for dance started at just 5 years old with VMS. From there, she competed in various dance competitions and performed in as many concerts and shows as possible! After school, Chloe had the joy of working with dance industry professionals whilst obtaining a Certificate IV in Dance at the Australian Company of Performing Arts. Chloe specialises in Commercial, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary, and has a passion for sharing her wealth of knowledge with her students.

Chloe has been an asset to the VMS teaching faculty for 5 years now, where her aim is to create a positive class environment where all dancers are able to freely express themselves and try new things! Chloe looks forward to spending yet another year passing on her passion of dance and helping her students grow into beautiful dancers and individuals.

Jazz & Tap

Tawnee is an integral part of the VMS team with an impressive 20 years of dancing experience that began at the young age of 6. Throughout her dance journey, she has mastered various styles, including Tap, Jazz, and Classical Ballet, successfully completing advanced exams in each discipline. Having grown up in the competitive dance world herself, Tawnee understands the dedication and commitment required to excel in this art form. She finds great joy in witnessing her students shine on the dance floor, both in class and at solo/duo competitions. As a teacher, Tawnee is determined to guide her students to the next level of their dance journey, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

Passionate about creating a positive and nurturing learning environment, Tawnee is dedicated to ensuring her students have a memorable and enriching experience in her classes. She believes in fostering a sense of camaraderie among her students, encouraging them to support and inspire one another. Tawnee's genuine care for her students' growth and well-being extends beyond the studio, as she takes pride in cheering them on from the sidelines during their performances, watching them confidently showcase their talent. Tawnee is excited for another year of dance with her students and the competition team and is proud to be part of the VMS family for her 12th year!

Hip Hop

Siroun Jelenkerian started her performing arts career at the age of three, training in all areas of dance as well as singing and acting at LA Talent school. Siroun has completed a Certificate IV in the Triple Threat course at Brent Street Academy. She has travelled to America for dance through her course and has participated in an acting program in Orlando after completing her course. In 2017 Siroun had the opportunity to showcase her own choreographed piece in the RAW: Natural Born Artists showcase in Sydney. Siroun has also started off her career in musical theatre with participating in the Packemin Production shows, such as Jesus Christ Superstar in 2019, Mamma Mia in 2019, We Will Rock You in 2021 and Mamma Mia in 2022.

Siroun has been using all her knowledge and sharing it with the young performers she teaches and can’t wait to be a part of the VMS team in 2025!

Hip Hop

Haya’s dance journey began at the age of seven with Ballet, where she built a strong foundation in technique and discipline. Over time, she discovered that her true passion lay with Hip Hop, a style that deeply resonated with her for its energy, freedom, and creativity. Haya has excelled as an assistant teacher and relief teacher over the past few years at VMS and is excited to continue building on the relationships she has fostered with the students.

Haya is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers. She fosters a fun, energetic environment where students feel empowered to express themselves with confidence. Haya’s teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and personal growth, ensuring that each class provides an opportunity for students to develop not only as dancers but also as individuals.

Acrobatics, Contemporary, RSD, RSB, RSA, Dance with me & Administration

Keely trained in gymnastics since she was a toddler and began dancing when she was 10 years old. Growing up in Darwin she trained at the Darwin Performance Academy completing multiple CSTD dance exams. After school Keely decided she wanted to expand her dance career and moved to Melbourne where she trained professionally at Transit Dance for 3 years. After graduating, she gained her Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) and her Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management. For the past four years Keely has been teaching in Darwin including Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Acrobatics, Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet and Ready Set Move classes. Keely is also a qualified Acrobatic Arts and Ready Set Acro instructor and will also be working behind the scenes with us and at the reception desk so be sure to say hello! Miss Keely is in love with dance teaching and sharing her passion with younger generations. She truly believes dance should be inclusive, fun and exciting for everyone and she’s thrilled to be part of the VMS family again in 2025!

Hip Hop

Pam has always been involved with movement from the moment she took her first steps. From an early age it was evident music would have to keep up with her. Respecting her family and heritage, marching became the first lesson in which she would find the beat of her own drum. Pam would later gravitate toward further aspects of dance after engaging her competitive spirit at Rock Eisteddfods, where success further fueled her dancing ambitions. While her competitive nature also spilled into sports, dance still cradled her creative instincts. Whether it be Jazz, Tap Heels or Contemporary Pam relentlessly gives it her all, but her main passion always lies with Hip-Hop.

Pam is continuously inspired by so many dancers and has had the privilege to be mentored by so many renowned choreographers and dancers, both local and abroad. Including training for 4 years under coach Dion Apirana (Academy of Brothers, Home Base). Intense coaching and development saw her challenge herself and successfully compete against some of the nation’s best.  Some of the highlights include Danchella 2022 2nd place, Australia Dance Crew Champion 2022 State doc First Place both Open and mega crews as well as House of Champions 2021 5th place.

During her 10 years of teaching, Pam has found that sharing her gift & experiences with others to expand their own path is truely her biggest passion. Understanding that at any stage of your dance journey, no matter what obstacles you feel you face,  there is a place to share your passion, build your confidence and simply share and enjoy what truly puts a smile on your face!

Tap

Mia has been a dedicated dancer at VMS for over 15 years, training extensively in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary dance. Since 2019, she has served as an assistant teacher, where she has honed her ability to work with students of all ages, fostering skill development and confidence. Mia has also actively participated in CSTD Tap exams and various competitions, gaining valuable technical expertise and performance experience. Known for cultivating a positive and engaging environment in her classes, Mia is excited to continue guiding her students’ growth in 2025!

Ballet

Meet Charlotte, our dedicated Primary Ballet Teacher. Charlotte began assistant teaching in 2021 and has been teaching Primary Ballet since 2023. Now entering her 11th year of dancing at VMS, she is passionate about passing on the knowledge and technique she’s gained to the next generation, just as her mentors did for her. With training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Pointe, Charlotte has developed a deep love for movement and creativity—values she brings to every class. Her goal is to cultivate a supportive and inspiring dance environment, where students feel motivated to grow while enjoying the freedom and fun of dancing. Fun fact: Charlotte is the proud recipient of the 2024 VMS Dance Scholarship!

Bella's dance journey began at the age of three, and since then, her love for movement has led her to train in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Tap. Bella became part of the VMS family in 2015, and ten years later, she is passionate about nurturing the next generation of dancers, and instilling in them the same passion for dance that she has cherished since childhood. As a certified Silver RSB, RSD, and RSA instructor, Bella believes in creating a welcoming, supportive, and joyful atmosphere in the studio, where every student can thrive and feel valued. She is so excited to watch her students grow and shine, embracing the journey of dance with confidence and passion throughout the year.

Administration

Donna enjoyed teaching Classical Ballet, Stretching, Technique and Conditioning classes to students of all ages and skill levels for many years. Donna is the studio administrator and is excited to relief teach when needed and continue mentoring our staff in 2025 and sharing her knowledge and passion for dance to all.