Amanda Clerke

Amanda Clerke

Dance Adjudicator

NSW

Dance Adjudicator

Amanda believes in constructive critique that both guides and encourages. She strives for positive outcomes both physically and mentally for every student regardless of their final ambitions.

Adjudicating many eisteddfods and competitions nationally allows her to use her vast experience to best help each individual student . References available.

Trained in all facets of dance- Scully Borovansky (Classical), Australian Ballet School (classical and contemporary), Bodenweiser (Contemporary), Edna Storey/Joan Smith (tap and jazz), Conservatorium of Music ( Singing ,Piano), Ensemble Theatre( Acting).

Professional engagements include – Earlier: Jesus Christ Superstar, Mo Award nominated Vocal trio “ Network”, Acting roles in Return to Eden, Bodyline and Ben Hall. Later: Australian Ballet Company, Bayerische Staatsballet (Germany as soloist), Principal Guest Artist for ‘The Jessica Iwanson Contemporary Company’ (Munich).

Amanda, whom is RAD registered and qualified, has been teaching and choreographing for over 35 years. On her return from Germany she opened Dance North Academy (Sydney) which saw many former students go onto ballet companies , contemporary companies, Musical theatre productions and dance school ownership.

Amanda is both excited and inspired to pass on her wealth of knowledge and experience in encouraging all students to their personal best and the life skills that performance and competition can offer for all.

Melanie van Voornveld

Melanie van Voornveld

Dance Adjudicator

SA

Dance Adjudicator

Melanie van Voornveld, based in Mount Gambier, South Australia, is a dedicated figure in the performing arts. With a background rooted in New Zealand’s artistic environment, she honed her skills in ballet and jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre. Over five years, Melanie attained several qualifications, including NZQA Level 3 Certificates in Performance Dance, minoring in drama and NZQA Level 5&6 Diploma in Performance Dance techniques and Diploma in Dance Teaching Practices. ISTD Associate in Modern Theatre Dance. After teaching and studying in Auckland and Melbourne, she emerged as a passionate dance educator and Affiliate member of the Australian Teachers Of Dancing. Melanie’s commitment lies in nurturing individual students, allowing them to realize their artistic aspirations. She has extended her knowledge to encompass adjudication through the Transit Dance Adjudication course . Melanie’s reach goes beyond borders, as she welcomes diverse opportunities in the performing arts arena.

Emma Hawthorne

Emma Hawthorne

Trainee Dance Adjudicator

QLD Trainee

Trainee – Dance Adjudicator

Emma Hawthorne is a professional performer and teacher of 20 years. Emma originally trained through the ATOD syllabus in classical ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary. Through her training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2004, Emma became a triple threat and toured with Musicals including 9 to 5 (GFO), Wicked (GFO), Mamma Mia (Louise Withers), West Side Story (Opera Australia), Hair (Peace Productions), Dusty (The Production Company), Annie (GFO), Dr Zhivago (GFO), West Side Story (West Side Story Australasia), Fiddler on the Roof (TML Productions), Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical (Three Amigos Productions), Kiss Me Kate (The Production Company), and Godspell: Prepare Ye (Hayden Tee). Emma is also a professional yoga instructor, dance teacher, singing teacher, and choreographer. For the past 12 years, Emma has been a regular teacher at Sydney Dance Company Studios and NIDA. Emma also holds an AMus Certificate in Classical Voice and a Certificate IV in Yoga Teacher Training.

Byron Britton

Byron Britton

Trainee Dance Adjudicator

VIC Trainee

Trainee – Dance Adjudicator

Hailing from Wollongong NSW, Byron is an actor, dancer, choreographer and director. He is a 2020 graduate from the National Institute of the Dramatic Arts ( NIDA ). Byron began his training at the age of 13 under the tutelage of Linda Shaw-Wilson at the LSDC, specialising in the styles of ballet (RAD), contemporary, lyrical, jazz, theatre jazz and musical theatre. Byron has won many awards during his time as a competition dancer including the titles of “Dancer of the year“ and“All-round top dancer“. Byron has had the privilege of training all over the world at places such as Rambert school of ballet and contemporary dance London, Pineapple dance studios London andBroadway dance centre NYC. Byron has an immense passion for every component of the performing arts industry on and off stage. While on stage, some of Byron’s credits include, MarkAnthony in A Chorus Line, Rich Goranski in Be more chill, Bert in Mary Poppins and Augie in the 100% original Australian production of Still Buried. Off stage Byron has worked on numerous shows as a choreographer and director some of these shows include Tommy the Musical, The Man of La Mancha, The Addams family and the Forbidden broadway Cabaret. Byron was also invited toAdjudicate and Teach the ATOD’s Australasian Ballet Scholarship in 2022.Byron has now relocated to Melbourne Victoria and is currently working as actor and freelance choreographer/ teacher at many different Schools in Melbourne, conducting numerous workshops and ongoing classes, as well as continuing his work as a choreographer, director and performer.

Halimah Kyrgios

Halimah Kyrgios

Trainee Dance Adjudicator

ACT Trainee

Halimah, a highly skilled performer and mentor, originates from Canberra, Australia. With an extensive background in Musical Theatre spanning over a decade, she takes immense pride in guiding and nurturing young talents towards success in the performing arts industry.After being granted a scholarship, Halimah completed her senior schooling at McDonald Performing Arts College in Sydney, specialising in Music and Dance. Her dedication and talent were recognised when she received the prestigious “Excellence in Tap” award during her final year. To further refine her dance abilities, she pursued training at ED5 International, where she studied ballet, jazz, tap, commercial, contemporary, and musical theatre. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Halimah was granted another scholarship to attend Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Musical Theatre. Halimah’s professional experience as a performer encompasses both national and international stages. Her impressive list of credits includes being a Season 10 Top 20 finalist on The Voice Australia, under the guidance of renowned coach Rita Ora. She has also showcased her talents in productions such as Starlight Express in Germany, Disneyland in Hong Kong, Universal Studios in Singapore and Japan, as well as Aladdin and La Cage Aux Folles in Singapore. Additionally, she has worked with The Production Company in Melbourne on the production of Kismet.Parallel to her on-stage career, Halimah has been actively involved in choreography and teaching vocals and dance across various locations worldwide. This unique opportunity has allowed her to provide her students with invaluable insights into the ever-evolving demands, trends, and experiences within the industry.As an adjudicator, Halimah considers it a privilege to contribute to the development of the next generation of performers. Her ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate each aspiring artist, ensuring that every competitor reaches their full potential both on and off the stage.

Eve Kelly

Eve Kelly

Trainee Dance Adjudicator

VIC Trainee

Hailing from country Queensland, Eve has spent the past decade teaching and studying both dance and musical theatre across several states.She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide (ECMT). While at Uni, Eve appeared as Little Sally and was the Dance Captain in ECMT’s 2021 production of Urinetown (dir. George Torbay). She enjoyed being the Madame Thénardier understudy and Child Swing in addition to her ensemble duties in ECMT’s recent season of Les Misérables, directed by Erin James (Phantom of the Opera Au Resident Director). She also was fortunate enough to be the Brooke Whyndam understudy in Legally Blonde, under the direction of Broadway’s own original Brooke, Nikki Snelson.While at University, Eve was elected by her peers as President of the Elder Conservatorium of Music Theatre Association and juggled her duties alongside full-time study and teaching work. In 2021, Eve was a part of the featured dance ensemble in L’Hotel (dir. Craig Ilot) at the prestigious Adelaide Cabaret Festival.Before moving to South Australia in 2020 to undertake her degree, she completed 2 years of full-time dance training at the Australian Dance Performance Institute (now Queensland College of Dance), gaining a Diploma of Musical Theatre (2018) and an Advanced Diploma of Music Theatre and Commercial Dance (2019). While studying, Eve also attained her RAD Associate Teacher Award under the mentorship of Barbara Everson.Prior to moving to Brisbane, she grew up training at The Dance Centre – Warwick since the age of 5, competing in many eisteddfods and competitions, as well as completing exams. Here she completed her ComDance Modern Jazz Teacher’s Certificate. Growing up, competing in eisteddfods was a highlight of Eve’s childhood. She truly believes the feedback from adjudicators, as well as the preparation and exposure to stage performance provided her with strong, reliable technique and stage presence – the steady foundations necessary to future study and a career in the arts. With 18 years of dance training and performance behind her, Eve hopes to pass on her passion to encourage and assist in the development of aspiring dancers and budding performers.

Hayley Parker

Hayley Parker

Dance Adjudicator

WA

Hayley Parker has a performance and training background that has seen her journey from her birthplace South Africa, to New York, London, China and Australia. She is a wife and a mother with a big passion for the performing arts. Hayley holds a BA Degree in Performing Arts, a Diploma in Contemporary Dance, a Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Dance and Drama Education with full TRBWA registration, Acrobatic Arts Teaching Module, Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (RAD), Post Graduate Certificate in Theology and her Progressing Ballet Technique certification amongst other continued professional development courses.

Starting her training at the age of 3 in classical ballet, Hayley has spent years training in her craft and is now a Registered Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Teacher and Practical Teacher Training Supervisor and Mentor for the RAD Ballet teacher training program (CBTS). Hayley also served on the Royal Academy of Dance West Australian Regional Advisory Panel for 4 years and has won the RAD photographic competition.

An accomplished teacher and professional performer, she has appeared in the singing reality show Idol, many large-scale stage musicals (including Oliver, Nine, Chicago, Mamma Mia and My Fair Lady), TV commercials for Pepsi, Western Power and Advantage Air (My Place) and many short films. She has also worked in Australia as a performer for a traveling children’s theatre show. She has been a professional adjudicator/judge for dance competitions around Australia while also having trained in South Africa, London and completed a course in the Vaganova Russian Ballet Principles in New York, USA. Just prior to the pandemic she travelled to Shenyang, China to teach at Changing Ballet Academy and share her knowledge.

Hayley is also proudly part of the sisterhood of pageantry in Australia and internationally having previously won the title Ms Regal World 2021 and more recently holding the current title and reign as Ms Premiere Elite 2022.

As a passionate educator and performer who wants to inspire future generations and share her knowledge she can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage!

Rhana Harley

Rhana Harley

Dance Adjudicator

QLD

Rhana has been dancing since 4 years of age, from passing beginners grade BDA examinations in classical ballet, jazz ballet and tap dance.  At the age of 17, a fully accredited teacher in all genres of dance with both BDA and Star Academies.

Throughout her performing career, she has won countless awards and championships at  eisteddfods across country New South Wales including Highland dance competitions, she’s also accomplished in recitation, public speaking, debating, and vocal solo sections.

Rhana is an accredited, accomplished and devoted teacher with over 30 years experience, basing her local operations at Gunnedah, Narrabri and many small country centers, bringing Dance to the bush! (Gunnedah Dance Academy, Rhana’s Dance Academy and RAD DANCE.)

Rhana has prepared many successful examination students under the BDA, choreographing concerts and special displays within the community, such as:(school rock eisteddfod, dance festival entries, fashion parades, debutante balls and Civic fundraising events.)

Rhana has students who have attained teacher status and are now conducting their own academies being accepted into the Australian ballet schools, Dance troupes and NIDA.

Her devotion and love of Dance cannot be understated with her old flaming passion undying.

Multi talented performer, teacher, choreographer, and aspiring adjudicator having a wonderful rapport with younger students, seniors/adults alike.

After relocating to the Gold Coast Queensland; she looks forward to adjudicating at eisteddfods and dance competitions once her training has been completed

Karen Perring

Karen Perring

Dance Adjudicator

QLD

Karen enjoyed a successful performance career in various styles in the 80’s including television appearances, corporate events, musical theatre and specialised company work. After achieving her R.A.D. Teaching Certificate in 1989 she began teaching and has now over 30 years experience throughout Australia and London U.K.  During that time she owned dance schools with many students achieving success in eisteddfods, prestigious competitions and receiving dance contracts in Australia and overseas. She then freelanced in both Australia and London, teaching at The Ballet School in Notting Hill, West London School of Dance and Anna Pavlova’s Ivy House among others.

 

Karen is a registered teacher and Examiner with the Royal Academy of Dance, examining students throughout Australia and internationally. She has taught and mentored students completing the Ballet Education Degree at London Headquarters and has since become a Tutor for the Classical Ballet Teaching Studies.  Her extensive training was with well renowned teachers including Kathleen Gorham, Valerie Bayley, Joy Ransley, Maggie Sietsma, and many others throughout Australia, UK and USA.  Eisteddfod experience includes as a competitor herself, then as a Mum with her three children performing in many genres, as well as her own students.

 

Further studies achieving a Diploma in Dance Teaching & Management and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment has lead to delivering and assessing the Certificate IV in Dance, Musical Theatre, Dance Teaching & Management courses to full time students.  Teaching these courses demonstrates knowledge and extensive experience in all genres to a professional level as well as choreography and performance skills.  Karen’s enjoyment of continual education in dance sees her currently studying the Rambert Contemporary Grades from the UK.

 

Her passion is to share her knowledge and experience from performing, teaching and examining to future performers and to instill a love for the performing arts in all students.

Amy Fitzpatrick

Amy Fitzpatrick

Dance Adjudicator

NSW

Amy began her education in singing, dancing and acting at age 5, studying all areas of performing arts including formal examinations in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and National Character. She has studied singing in classical and music theatre techniques focusing on the Estill method for 15yrs and her gymnastic and acrobatic training providing another level to her work.

 

Amy has worked professionally in Australia and overseas alongside the likes of John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, The Living End, James Blundell, and the late Doc Neeson and has choreographed music videos, wedding fairs and many dance tours.

 

With a passion for music theatre, Amy has been a regular on the stage for over 20yrs and is a multi-award-winning choreographer, using her experience to write and direct children’s pantomimes and parades.

Amy obtained qualifications in Classical Ballet (R.A.D), Jazz & Tap (I.D.T.A) and is a proud member of the B.A.L

 

Amy started teaching in 1992 going on the direction her own Dance and Performing Arts Centre and eisteddfod. Amy has been invited to teach and choreograph for many schools in Australia and U.S.A. and takes great pride in training and nurturing young performers, with many of her past students continuing to work professionally around the world.

 

Amy has been adjudicating for the past 20yrs and is confident in her kind and constructive feedback. She is experienced in both written and voice critiques and is known for her fast adjudications yet still focusing her attention to each dancer on stage.  Her friendly demeanour has previously earnt her the nickname, ‘The Smiley Judge’