MICHELLE BUCKLEY
Principal/Director
Head Ballet Teacher
Founder and Director of Noosa Professional Dance Academy est. 1993, and Founder Director of Elite Classical Coaching est. 2009. Michelle has made it her life long goal to bring classical coaching excellence to the Sunshine Coast.
She has built an amazing creative team that encompasses the technical excellence students would have had to travel to Brisbane and beyond to receive.
Michelle chose the highly acclaimed Australian Conservatoire of Ballet as the syllabus for NPDA. Fully qualified in the Russian based ‘Vaganova’ Syllabus Michelle leads her team educating her students, nurturing them to be happy mentally, strong physically and confident within themselves.
Through her training Michelle has guided many of her students from company schools to companies and professional careers in dance.
Michelle started her training as a ‘Cecchetti’ ballet student. Throughout her development as a student she was one of the first Cecchetti Scholars in Victoria and continued to be a scholar for 6 years. She later became a professional dancer and model in Victoria and QLD before she opened up her dance school here in Noosa.
Michelle is an International and National Adjudicator, Award Winning Choreographer who has helped numerous students successfully enter into Company Schools and companies world wide. She was chosen to be a Guest Performer with the Bolshoi Ballet Company season in 2013 Brisbane QPAC -Elite Private Coach.
TianAh Gesell
Assistant Manager
Commercial Coaching
Performance Team Coaching
Tianah Gesell is the teacher and choreographer for our 8s, 10s, and 12s Commercial Performance Teams, as well as Baby Ballet, Pre Junior Jazz, Junior Jazz, Intermediate Jazz and Contemporary.
She holds a Certificate IV in Dance and has trained and performed both nationally and internationally, working with leading choreographers and regularly attending classes and conventions with Australia’s top industry professionals. This ongoing training has helped shape her practical, well-rounded approach to teaching.
Tianah is an award-winning choreographer, with group and solo routines recognised at competitions across Australia and internationally. Her work is known for its creativity, strong technique, and attention to detail, with a clear focus on clean execution and solid foundations.
She is committed to developing confident, disciplined dancers and enjoys guiding students as they grow both technically and artistically.
Wim Broeckx
Elite Classical Coaching Ballet Master
Wim Broeckx was born in Antwerp in 1961 and began his ballet studies in his native town, Antwerp, Belgium, at the age of 10.
After enjoying a long and successful career with three international ballet companies, most notably the Dutch National Ballet, where he rose to Principal Dancer, he became Assistant Artistic Director to this company.
During his extensive career, he performed major leading roles of the classical repertoire and danced many contemporary repertoire works by renowned choreographers. He regularly appeared on international stages, as a guest artist or during gala performances.
In 2002, he was appointed Director of the Dance Department of the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, Netherlands. During this period, he often taught at international ballet school’s, staged classical ballet repertoire and assisted several choreographers with repertoire ofNetherlands Dance Theater.
In 2008, Wim took over the position of Artistic President of the Prix de Lausanne. On several previous occasions, he served as jury member for International Competitions.
From 2011 onwards, he became a freelance guest ballet teacher, repetiteur, coach and artistic advisor.
Since 2012, he has been working with the Queensland Ballet in several positions, such as Associated teacher and Head of the Pre-Professional Program.
Whilst dancing and teaching, he has choreographed several short award-winning ballet solo’s and group works and has on several occasions functioned as adjudicator for ballet competitions as well as assessment and exam committees.
During his long spanning career, Wim has assisted many young aspiring dancers to find their path within the dance industry, helping them with Career Preparation and Planning. He also is the author of the book “Preparing for Ballet Auditions”.
We are very honoured to have Wim at NPDA as our Ballet Master.
KAREN DONOVAN
Elite Classical Coaching Ballet Master
Born in Rockhampton, Queensland. Karen studied ballet at the Valeria Hansen Academy of Dancing from the age of four for twelve years, achieving Honours for all her Royal Academy of Dancing ballet exams and being awarded her Solo Seal. Over the twelve years spent there she also studied tap, jazz, contemporary, Scottish, Irish and song and dance.
In 1978 Karen started two years of training at the Royal Ballet School in London winning the Bronze Medal in the Adeline Genee Competition that year. In her Graduation Performance at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden the following year she danced one of the three lead roles (Gypsy Girl) in Sir Frederick Ashton’s The Two Pigeons and also performed a Pas de Deux from Bournonville’s Flower Festival at Genzano.
In 1980 Karen was accepted into Sadlers’ Wells Royal Ballet (SWRB) – now Birmingham Royal Ballet – under the direction of Sir Peter Wright, making her way up through the ranks of the Company and being promoted to Principal Dancer.
Our Elite Classical Coaching Full Time & Petite Elite students have the opportunity to now work with Miss Karen weekly.
MIWAKO KUBOTA
Elite Classical Coaching Ballet Mistress
After graduating from the Australian Ballet School in 1998 Miwako joined the Australian Ballet Company in 1999 progressing through the ranks to the role of Senior Artist in 2010 and retiring at that rank at the end of 2016.
Her extensive career on the stage, led her to coaching, a natural evolution in which she has excelled. After teaching in both Sydney and Melbourne Miwako has finally settled in the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Miwako is one of our Elite Classical Coaching team, specialising in Repertoire, technique and performance skills.
MELISSA TATTAM
Elite Classical Coaching Ballet Mistress
Melissa’s background is in professional dance, a ballet career lasting 15 years dancing Soloist and Principal roles with the Queensland Ballet Company, Principal with the Tasmanian Ballet Company and various leading roles for Collusion, Lucid, Majestic Aerial Artists, and HugoFernandez Tango. Melissa’s dance career gave the opportunity to perform overseas throughout Europe, Japan, Singapore and China, as well as regional and coastal Queensland and interstate. Melissa’s career highlights include; ‘Alexandra’ (Black Swan) in Francois Klaus’s swan lake and ‘Stella’ in Klaus’s Street Car Names Desire.
Melissa graduated in 2015 with Distinction in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She has a special interest in dance physiotherapy, which includes pointe and turnout assessments, body conditioning, injury prevention and management.
In 2018 Melissa opened her unique physio service for dancers Danzenpointe Physiotherapy. Melissa is trained in pilates, includingDMA clinical pilates and has completed the SEAS level 1 training for Scoliosis therapy and APA Sports Levels 1-2.
In 2015, Melissa was invited to speak on Dance injuries at the Ceccehti Society ballet conference and the Royal Academy of Dance summer workshops. Melissa has treated touring companies such as Le Ballet Preljocaj in 2015, as well as being the primary physio for the Brisbane Contemporary Prix, 2018 and 2019. Melissa has also been a physio for the Queensland Ballet Company and Academy since 2019. She has taught body conditioning to the students since 2012 and continues to teach Senior Ballet and Dance for Parkinson’s as part of QB’s community dance program. Melissa also helped develop the Ballet for Seniors and Community Ballet Syllabus’ for Queensland Ballet’s community program and recently developed and delivered a workshop for dance teachers on turnout.
Furthermore, she has a certificate 4 in Fitness, Personal Training and Pilates and personally trained many clients within local gyms and outdoor settings, as well as taught a variety of fitness classes that include pilates, power bar, circuit, step and fit ball to name a few.
Lily Taylor
Hip Hop Coaching
Senior Performance Team Coaching
Lily began her dancing at the young age of 4 at the leading dance academy in Noosa. Having been classically trained in Russian Vaganova ballet method in all levels, she also competed and trained in all dance genres until the age of 16, when she moved to the Goldcoast. There, she trained Full-Time and was taught by Australian and International dance icons and mentors which enabled her to further her dance career. 2 years later she graduated with a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Performance.
Lily has represented Australia for Hip Hop competing at the largest hip hop competition in the world ‘Hip Hop International’. She travelled to the USA in 2016 and 2017 with Dance Force, in an all girls crew called ‘FEMINIST’ placing top 15 of the world in the Varsity Division.
Since then, Lily has worked hard on her art. After finishing a professional dance contract on a Cruise Ship working with Celebrity Cruises, she has spent 5 years teaching at various schools across south-east Queensland. Lily has taught at all levels, including competition, soloists, pre-professional and adult dance classes.
Lily cannot wait to share the knowledge she has learnt with aspiring young dancers who enjoy and love dance as much as she does.
MAYA EDINGTON
Lyrical & Contemporary Coaching
Maya Edington is a classically and commercially trained teacher and choreographer, she takes our Junior Lyrical and Intermediate Contemporary classes.
She completed three years of full-time at Noosa Professional Dance Academy and was accepted into the Queensland Ballet Full-Time Program, as well as participating in the Queensland Ballet Associate Program. Maya further developed her training through the Royal Ballet Summer School, gaining valuable exposure to world-class coaching and performance standards.
Maya holds a Certificate III in Dance and a Certificate III in Fitness. She has trained and competed nationally and internationally, working alongside leading industry professionals. This diverse training background has shaped her teaching approach, with a strong focus on strong technical foundations, performance quality, and dancer development. Maya creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students are guided to reach their individual goals and perform at their highest potential.
HELENA BLACKBERRY
Classical Coaching & Pilates
Helena was born and grew up dancing in Brisbane, Australia. She began dancing at a local studio at the age of three and transitioned to full-time training at the age of 14. During these years, she was also a member of The Queensland Ballet Associate Program, the Australian Ballet ITP and Melbourne City Youth Ballet’s Junior Elite Artist Program. In addition, she was awarded numerous scholarships to attend Summer Schools and train overseas with prestigious schools including Dutch National Ballet, Royal Ballet (Lower School), Palucca and the Ballett-Akademie Hochschule für Musik und Theater München.
In 2020, Heléna commenced training at the internationally recognised Ballettschule Theater Basel in Switzerland. Her rigorous training was accompanied by academic studies including Anatomy, Nutrition, Dance History and Music. Upon completion of her studies, she was offered contracts to many renowned companies across North America as an apprentice but opted to take up a short-term contract with the Goh Ballet Youth Company in Canada where she performed many different roles in the classic production of The Nutcracker.
Helena has had the opportunity of working and learning from some of the world’s most prestigious ballet masters and directors. She has trained in a vast range of styles and syllabi including CSTD (Comdance), RAD, Vaganova, Cecchetti, Balanchine and Bournonville techniques.
Heléna adopts a holistic approach to her teaching and believes in creating a nurturing and safe environment for her students to express themselves and grow as artists whilst maintaining discipline and a strong work ethic.
Taliah COLLINS
Traditional Contemporary Coaching & Pilates
Taliah Collins is an experienced and versatile dancer having completed 4 Years Pre Professional Training at En Pointe Dance Centre on the Sunshine Coast as well as 2 Years Pre Professional Contemporary Training at Queensland College of Dance in Brisbane. Having travelled Overseas on various occasions experiencing training from world renowned choreographers in New York City & Canada. She has also undertaken training with the Royal Ballet spring school in Hong Kong, Successfully auditioned for the Dutch National Ballet summer program in Amsterdam, and also the Bolshoi Ballet summer school in Italy and Switzerland.
Taliah strives on creating a safe and nurturing environment for her dancers where they feel safe to express themselves and put their best foot forward. She can't wait to help guide this next generation of dancers and share her wealth of knowledge.
Jordan susau
Jazz & Contemporary Coaching
Jordan was born and raised in Australia, where he developed a passion for dance and choreography from a very young age.
His love for dance continued to grow throughout his training, and it was at OURATTIC that he truly discovered his passion for choreography. There, he developed a deeper appreciation for dance as both an art form and a powerful means of expression. Throughout his training, he has explored a variety of dance styles, with a particular passion for Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary.
He has also had the opportunity to choreograph for ADT, an experience that has further developed his creativity, confidence, and professional skills as a choreographer. These experiences have shaped his approach to teaching and choreography, allowing him to inspire young dancers to grow both technically and artistically.
He is passionate about nurturing the next generation of dancers, and strives to create a positive and encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop their skills, and discover a lifelong love of dance. His goal is to inspire every student to reach their full potential while fostering a genuine passion for the performing arts.
EDEN CARROLL
Acrobatics Coaching
Eden is excited to be returning to Noosa Professional Dance Academy, where she trained from age 4 through to 17. After finishing school in Noosa, she moved to Sydney to complete a Diploma of Performing Arts (Dance) at ED5 International, where she began teaching acrobatics and coaching performance teams.
Following graduation, Eden spent over 12 years teaching and choreographing at dance studios across South East Queensland. As a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher, she is known for her fun, technical and creative approach to acrobatics, helping students build confidence, strength and skills in a positive environment.
After welcoming her first baby in 2025, Eden has returned to teaching and is thrilled to be sharing her passion for acrobatics back at the studio where her dance journey began.
JESSICA PHILLIPS
Strength & Injury Prevention Coaching
Jess is a former high-level competitive gymnast with advanced gymnastics coaching experience, bringing strong technical knowledge and athlete-focused training methods to NPDA’s acro program. She specialises in building strength, alignment and body control to support safe progression and long-term performance development. Jess is passionate about creating confident, capable dancers through structured and supportive coaching.
KRISTI PINZONE
Elite Commercial Coaching/ Technique Coaching
Kristi’s journey in the world of movement began with gymnastics, where her athleticism and love for physical expression were first nurtured. Her commitment is evident in over 30 years of dance education, solidified by earning her teacher certificate in FATD and her many performance opportunities. Starting her teaching career at 14, Kristi mastered various dance styles, focusing on mentoring dancers to master strong technique and choreography connection. Her dedication to personal growth and mindset development distinguishes her, as she believes in empowering dancers mentally and physically to reach their full potential. Her passion led to the creation of the unique Tech-Effect program, which has greatly benefited students in the dance industry. Kristi’s proudest achievement is founding Our Attic, an open dance class space where the love of dance is nurtured, confidence is built and dancers training is enhanced.
Eden Yelland
CLASSICAL & COMMERCIAL COACHING
Eden Yelland is an accomplished dancer and teacher specialising in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, dancer-specific Pilates, and Injury Prevention. With over five years of teaching experience and more than fifteen years of dance training, she is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, artistry, and safe training habits.
Eden completed her pre-professional training at Brussels International Ballet, where she performed in touring productions including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Since returning to Australia, she has fallen in love with training the next generation of dancers, sharing both her passion and expertise to help develop strong, confident, and well-rounded dancers.
Alongside her dance qualifications, Eden holds certifications in Pilates, Sports Science, Sports Injury Therapy, Massage Therapy, Anatomy Studies, Sports Taping, and a Certificate IV in Dance. Her teaching approach combines technical excellence with a supportive and positive environment, empowering dancers to reach their full potential while prioritising strength, health, and longevity in dance.