As a small not-for-profit, we are always engaged with extremely passionate staff and board members. It is a privilege to work alongside like-minded people at all levels of their career. They are invaluable to our success and it is their vision and motivation that brings life to everything we do.
Staff
Deborah has a lifelong passion for bringing the health and wellbeing benefits of dance to everyone. With a strong background in dance and teaching, she also brings extensive experience from the corporate world. Deborah’s diverse career includes leading regional and corporate teams at Parks Victoria, advocating for the health benefits of nature. Her enthusiasm for long-term vision led her to consulting, where she worked with sectors such as fisheries, local government, agriculture, private industry, community, and the environment on workforce planning, diversity and inclusion projects, and stakeholder engagement. She brings passion, strategic thinking, and an empowering attitude to Ausdance VIC.
With more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts, Elise has worked as a musical theatre performer, live musician, dance/singing teacher and choreographer. Her performance credits include Guys and Dolls, Jersey Boys, Pippin, An Officer & a Gentleman, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Saturday Night Fever, Company and most recently, Menopause the Musical. She also spent time performing internationally as a singer with Princess and Celebrity Cruise Lines before living and working in Europe.
Over the past five years, Elise has focused on creating dance programs, events and learning opportunities that help people connect with dance. She is passionate about supporting artists, teachers and young people, and believes dance should be something everyone can enjoy, no matter their age, experience or background.
Hayley brings over 20 years of experience across the advertising and marketing industries, with expertise spanning a diverse range of sectors and clients, including not-for-profit, government, and retail. She also has a proud dance background, having received a scholarship to the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, completed VCE Dance, and maintained a lifelong connection to the art form. Guided by a lifelong passion for dance, combined with a background in branding and customer-focused strategy, she is dedicated to leading initiatives that elevate, connect, and support a thriving dance community across Victoria.
Colleen is an experienced dance educator, trainer and assessor with over 15 years of experience across teaching, mentoring and vocational education within the Australian dance sector. She has worked extensively supporting students undertaking nationally recognised dance qualifications, guiding them through their development as emerging educators and performers.
Beyond her work in training and assessment, Colleen has held leadership roles in dance education, including studio direction, course delivery and student support. She has played a key role in mentoring students, coordinating training programs, and supporting compliance within Registered Training Organisations, while consistently delivering high-quality education and practice.
Driven by a genuine passion for dance education and a commitment to high standards in all aspects of her work, Colleen brings energy, integrity and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does. She is excited to bring her knowledge, experience and dedication to Ausdance VIC and looks forward to supporting the continued growth and strength of the dance community.
Jordan is a seasoned performer with over 15 years of experience on the stage, screen, writing and producing.
He is Co-Creator and Company Director of the award-winning show The Tap Pack, having been involved in touring The Tap Pack extensively across the USA, Australia, Germany, China, Edinburgh, and London’s West End, as well as performing at numerous events and on major cruise lines worldwide.
Beyond the stage, Jordan is a dedicated dance educator, mentor and teacher, working with some of Australia’s most esteemed institutions. He has also played key roles event planning; producing and organising workshops, auditions, corporate events, concerts, and cruise ship productions.
Stephanie is a versatile performing artist, creative, and educator with a passion for exploring and experiencing art and cultures from around the world. She has trained extensively in various dance and music styles for over 20 years, and competed as a state-level gymnast.
As a choreographer and movement director, Stephanie most recently worked on the original Australian musical Double Homicide at The Manchester, Manchester and Haberdashery Factory Outlet, a comedic exploration of fast fashion. Her other musical theatre credits include, choreographing Mama’s Boys, Little Shop of Horrors and Urinetown and featured on-stage in Mamma Mia, Singin’ in the Rain and Chess. She is also a collaborating artist and Associate Producer with independent theatre company, Citizen Theatre.
Beyond the stage, Stephanie works as a corporate entertainer, voice coach and dance teacher, dedicating herself to inspiring creativity and passion in others.
Kristie Smee is an accomplished and highly qualified dance educator, adjudicator, and vocational training professional with over 25 years of experience in the performing arts industry. Her career spans performance, elite dance training, and nationally accredited education, allowing her to bridge industry practice with structured learning environments.
A registered teacher and international examiner with the Royal Academy of Dance, Kristie also mentors and supervises trainee teachers within the RAD Classical Ballet Teaching Program. She delivers exam intensives, open classes, and supports students preparing for high-level examination and performance opportunities.
Holding a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, Kristie has extensive experience delivering and assessing nationally recognised qualifications in Dance. Kristie also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology), which informs her inclusive and student-focused approach.
Kristie has experience in creative writing for stage. She has directed and produced over 30 musicals and original theatrical pantomimes. A former studio owner & Director 23 years and a proud mother of three, Kristie is now currently teaching for several esteemed studios across regional Victoria. Kristie is an avid learner and passionate about supporting the next generation of dancers, educators and the wider dance community.
Board members
Gracieuse also known as KWABO (Welcome) Grace, is a powerhouse — Creative Director, Community Leader, Choreographer, French Entertainment Lawyer and Senior Privacy Advisor.
With French, Beninese, and Togolese roots, Gracieuse places community, representation, and education at the centre of her artistry, reflecting a rich heritage and the influence of trailblazing women in her family. Using the arts to amplify BIPOC culture and voices through her social enterprise KWABO Events and KWABO Festival, Gracieuse advocates for social inclusion, gender and racial equity, and youth and women’s empowerment. Committed to positive change since 2006, she has been a community leader within events like the African Music and Cultural Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival, and recently co-choreographed Afrocentric as part of the NGV Triennial Extra 2024.
As the permanent choreographer of the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, she is a revered choreographer in Melbourne, performing for international and local artists such as Ebo Taylor, Femi Kuti, Fally Ipupa, Ausecuma Beats, Ajak Kwai, Alariiya, Niasha etc.
Sonia is a registered architect, a director at Andever, a tenacious thinker and problem solver. Her collaborative approach and strong communication skills bring a fresh perspective to any milieu. Sonia is a first-generation immigrant whose cultural roots are in South Asia. She was born and raised in the Middle-East and subsequently lived in South-east Asia prior to migrating to Melbourne in 2006.
Alongside her business, Sonia is a Board Member (Treasurer & Vice-Chair) with ArchiTeam Co-operative, a sessional tutor at the Melbourne School of Design (UniMelb), a passionate advocate for diversity and a mentor to many young graduates. She is also a parent of two, partner, photographer, prolific reader and podcast tragic.
MEAA Gold Honour Badge Award & Best Performing Artist International Film & Music Fest Las
Vegas, Joti Van Carlos Gore is an International Award-winning singer/songwriter, actor/director,
dancer/choreographer, recording/voice over artist, and author who loves to originate characters. Joti
studied at American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York City, STEPS, Greenville University,
Berkeley University, Lines, Dance Mission, London College of Osteopathy Canada, and Australian
Yoga Academy. He also spent years in education - teaching and presenting, internationally, in fitness,
yoga, and dance.
Joti has also performed in theatre and dance companies around the world like the Ballet in Seattle,
Marin, and modern company Trillium Collective. He was a guest dance, music, and acting guest
facilitator at the College of Marin, Theatre Blacks, The Space, and Ausdance LIFT MT Mock
Auditions. Performing Artist of the Year nominee, Joti choreographed and performed in People’s
Choice nominated Blacknificense The Cotton Club Experience, and Kerchak in Tarzan The Musical
Some of his favourite roles were King Agnarr in Disney’s Frozen The Musical, York in Sacagawea,
Booker T. Washington in Ragtime the Musical, and Bernardo in West Side Story. Joti performed and
co-choreographed the Love Yourself Tour & I Get So Caught Up Tour (Las Vegas). Joti
choreographed the Bicentennial Festival for the City of Ross California. Former Federal Equity
Vice President of Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance, Australian Delegate and Panelist for
International Federation of Actor World Congress ’25 Birmingham UK, Joti is passionate about
diverse education, representation, inclusivity, creative collaboration, and humanitarian work.
Currently, Joti is continuing to work with Green Room Awards Association, and developing/
creating a new 75 minute dance work called, “The Suga Shack.”
Merryn Tierney brings extensive experience in dance education and management to the Ausdance Board. Currently serving as Tertiary Coordinator at Patrick School of the Arts, Merryn oversees student engagement, training programs, and compliance with educational standards. Her leadership ensures seamless communication between students, educators, and partnering Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
Throughout her career, Merryn has played a pivotal role in curriculum development and the enhancement of dance programs at esteemed institutions, including PSA Dance Programs, NICA, and The Edge Performers School. Her qualifications in workplace training, assessment, and dance teaching reflect her dedication to fostering excellence in performing arts education.
Merryn’s expertise in mentoring teaching staff, coordinating training strategies, and building industry connections underscores her commitment to advancing the dance sector. Her appointment to the Ausdance Board highlights her passion for promoting high-quality, inclusive dance education and supporting the professional development of dance practitioners across Australia.
Jayden Hicks is a multidisciplinary artist, creator, educator, mentor and current Artistic Director of Transit Dance. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Jayden is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists and fostering creativity within the community, his career spans performance, choreography, and artistic leadership.
Jayden’s performing arts journey includes notable credits with esteemed companies such as Opera Australia, Vertical Shadows, Melbourne Ballet Company, and Collaboration the Project. His standout role in Yours Truly earned him nominations for a Green Room Award and a Victorian Dance Award as Best Male Dancer in 2013.
In 2016, Jayden became Artistic Director of Origins Dance Company, where he passionately developed young talent and produced acclaimed works including an international collaboration with The National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. During this time, Jayden produced the Australian Dance Award-nominated Transit Regional Creative Project, Dance Architect, and UNDRGRND Melbourne.
Since joining Transit Dance in 2015, Jayden distinguished himself as a principal artist through acclaimed productions such as BOYZ, Small Parameters, ID, and Fuze. His appointment as Associate Director in 2022 marked a pivotal step in shaping the company’s artistic vision. In 2024, Jayden became Artistic Director, a position that has allowed him to expand his passion for mentoring emerging artists across diverse disciplines while fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the performing arts.
Jayden’s collaborative endeavors include serving as Rehearsal Director for Cass Mortimer Eipper and Alice Topp during Project Animo’s premiere season, And Now We Move On, in 2021. In 2023, he served as Creative Associate for The Australian Ballet's 60th Anniversary Season, Identity, working alongside Alice Topp. That same year, his choreographic work Opus enjoyed a successful tour across regional Victoria.
Abigail Sullivan brings a powerful combination of executive leadership and lived dance experience to her role as a Board Member of Ausdance Victoria.
Currently Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Victoria Legal Aid, Abigail leads strategic initiatives that embed equity and inclusive practice across one of Victoria’s largest public legal services. Her career spans senior roles in strategic planning, service innovation and community legal sector development, including at Women's Legal Service Victoria, where she championed access to justice for women and marginalised communities.
Beyond her professional leadership, Abigail has been an active salsa dancer since 2016, competing regularly at the World Salsa Solo competition. In 2025, she launched the podcast Desk to the Dancefloor, highlighting stories of ambition, identity and artistry across professional and creative worlds.
Her appointment strengthens Ausdance Victoria’s commitment to inclusive leadership, sector sustainability and the celebration of dance as both artform and community.
