Meet The Team
Linda McKay
Linda has trained in all dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Character, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. She acquired her formal training in Classical Ballet at the Alkins School of Dance and attained her Teaching Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance. In 1996, Linda graduated from The Australian Ballet School Teacher Training, achieving the Advanced Diploma of Dance Teaching with Distinction.
Linda has performed with The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in a variety of character roles for The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet. In 2001 Linda opened the doors to Essentially Dance. The school’s successes include students that have been accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, The Australian Ballet School, Melbourne Youth City Ballet and The Victorian State Ballet Pre-Professional program.
Linda is passionate about recognising the individual needs of each student and therefore the studio offers a nurturing environment for both those who dance for pleasure and those who strive for excellence.
Director
Keah Mizzi
Keah began training at the age of 7 at Portland Danz X-tensions, learning all styles of dance. She went on to further her training in 2016 to 2017 completing a Diploma in Musical Theatre from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance. In 2020 Keah completed her certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management with The Australian Teachers of Dancing and currently teaches Ballet, Tap and Jazz to all age students.
Her passion for theatre and creating has led her to production managing many Essentially Dance Performances
Assistant Principal & Dance Teacher
Chloe Puddy
Chloe trained in full-time dance from the age of 15 years at the Ballet Conservatoire in Melbourne and holds a Certificate 3 & 4 in Dance. During her time there she performed in Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Romeo & Juliet. Chloe continued her training at Ballet Theatre Australia performing in many original works. She pursued her professional career as a company artist with the Victorian State Ballet, performing in Don Quixote, Cinderella, Le Corsaire and the Magic Toyshop. Chloe is a registered teacher with the international organisation Ballet Conservatoire. In 2022 Chloe completed a course in Barre Body Mat Pilates to further her knowledge.
Head of Curriculum & Dance Teacher
Rebecca Murray
Dance Teacher
Rebecca started ballet at the age of seven in Mosgiel, NZ. By the age of 10 she was competing in competitions around NZ in a variety of dance genres. At age 18 she moved to Brisbane to commence further study at the Queensland University of Technology. Here, Rebecca studied contemporary dance as well as a range of other modern dance styles. In 2017 she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Performance endorsed with Distinction. Alongside her degree, Rebecca is a fully qualified RAD and BBO teacher and in 2019 she wrote her own ballet syllabus. In 2018 she joined Victorian State Ballet where she tours and performs around Australia and NZ.
Max Davis
Dance Teacher
Max trained in all dance styles from age 8, with Niche dance. He trained at Victorian College of the Arts from years 7-12 in intense classical and contemporary technical training Max discovered a love for circus and acrobatics training at The National Institute of Circus Arts, mastering skills in acrobatic performing. Max has since appeared in multiple performances as Marvels' Australian Spiderman at events including the Australian tennis open, football games in Victoria and interstate Max now focuses on teaching the multiple styles he has learned to help further his students to their goals in all things dance.
Karen Street
Administration Guru
Karen has a background career in the hospitality industry and has worked in some of Melbourne’s premier boutique hotels. Karen then transitioned to Human Resources and gained a decade of experience as a Learning & Development professional and generalist Human Resource Consultant. In 2008 the first of Karen’s two daughters began their journey in dance at Essentially Ballet and are still current students today. In mid-2014 Karen joined the Essentially Dance team as Administration Assistant and immensely enjoys her role.
Deni Groom
Dance Teacher
Deni started dancing at the age of 4 & has trained in many styles including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical & character. Her performance highlights include participating in her school musicals & performing at the Arts Centre’s State Theatre in ‘Time to Shine.’ Deni began assistant teaching in 2018 & her passion for teaching grew even more after attending the GWT Teachers workshop & completing all 4 levels of the DanceStep program in 2020. She has also completed a Bachelor of Commerce & Diploma of French Languages at the University of Melbourne.
Celine Direk
Dance Tecaher
At age 3, Celine began dancing at Essentially Dance, continuing right through to year 12. She has trained in every dance style on offer. At the age of 12, Celine realised her deepest passion was for Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary dance. She has been an inspiring assistant teacher and role model to students across many age groups. At the age of 17 she co-choreographed various concert routines, as well as directing and choreographing her own dance video production, presented at the 2019 presentation night. Currently, she is studying a double degree in Criminology and Psychology at La Trobe University.