Introducing…Carolyn Gilby to our teaching staff 

Carolyn has been trained in all genres of dance and musical theatre, commencing lessons at 3 years of age. She attended Academie de Danse Princesse Grace Monaco, Pineapple Studios London and Kelvin Grove College of Advanced Education (now QUT) to further her dance education. Carolyn is a life member of the Royal Academy of Dance. As a Comdance examiner, she has examined all genres, extensively throughout Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, China, India, Macau and England. 

Carolyn has been teaching for over 45 years. Her passion is to pass her love of dance onto new generations, and encourage all students to be the best they can be.

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Introducing…Greta Gilby to our teaching staff 

Greta is a highly accomplished dancer with qualifications in RAD Classical Ballet and ComDance Modern Jazz, as well as an Associate Degree in Dance. She spent four incredible years as a Moulin Rouge showgirl in Paris, performing as a replacement soloist, appearing on international television events, touring globally with the company, and modeling in Paris Fashion Week. Her career also includes performances with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Cabaret de Paris alongside Rhonda Burchmore, and the Queensland Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, where she shared the stage with Caroline O’Connor.

Greta is passionate about mentoring young dancers and loves working with children, sharing her experience and inspiring the next generation.

Introducing… Cherie Lange to our teaching staff 

Cherie has trained in all styles of dance and has had over 25 years in the performance industry onstage and behind the scenes. Cherie brings experience, passion, and energy to every class. She’s loved being part of JAL Dance for over 10 years now, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of performers. A certified dance teacher, choreographer and triple-threat performer. Cherie has starred in professional productions such as The Wizard of Oz (QPAC) Les Misérables (QMTC), Bluey’s Interactive Host (BBC), Peppa Pig LIVE (ABC), DreamWorks’ Madagascar LIVE, Looney Tunes Stage Show, QLD Lord Mayors Christmas Carols and more. She’s performed on stages across Australia, NZ, US and Asia on International Cruise Liners and spent 4 years as an entertainer at Warner Bros. Movie World. 

Beyond the stage and studio, Cherie is also a professional makeup artist, hair & wardrobe stylist and has worked on International TV Commercials alongside industry Film & TV pros. Cherie is all about inspiring dancers, building confidence, and helping students reach their full potential. 

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Introducing…Mark Hill to our teaching staff

Mark Hill is a proud JAL alumni and a Helpmann and Sydney Theatre Award nominated actor. 

A graduate of the prestigious NIDA BFA Acting program, Mark Hill has captivated audiences from the iconic Sydney Opera House to Broadway.

Best known for playing Riff in West Side Story (Opera Australia), and originating the role of Bjorn in (Sydney Theatre Company’s) smash hit Muriel’s Wedding the Musical, Mark’s extensive list of credits include Mary Poppins, U/S Bert (Cameron Macintosh) A Chorus Line, Don (TML), South Pacific, U/S Billis (Opera Australia), Gypsy, Tulsa ( One Eyed Man Productions), The Producers, Chitty Chatty Bang Bang, Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz and many many more. Mark also won coveted roles in television including Eli Harris in Season 3 of WANTED and Rod in the ABC original series WAKEFIELD. 

It will be a full circle moment for Mark to return and teach for JAL in 2025, he can’t wait!!! 

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Introducing Kiana Talefenua to our teaching staff

Kiana has been dancing since the age of 5, learning all genres and completing her ComDance and RAD examinations as a student at JAL Dance. She’s been part of the Eisteddfod team and the Extension program at JAL Dance from an early age, developing her skills and passion for performing. Kiana has also performed at events with Showtime Attractions across Queensland and trained at top studios in the USA, learning from industry professionals.As Crew Captain at CSHS, Kiana led and choreographed routines for her peers. Now, as a freelance choreographer at Corinda, she shares her passion and creativity with new students, helping them reach their full potential. In addition to dance, Kiana sings in a band at her local church, bringing even more creative energy to everything she does.

Now, Kiana is bringing her high-energy choreography and enthusiasm to JAL Dance, excited to expand her career in the performing arts industry. She believes dance is all about freedom and self-expression. Ready to take your dance skills to the next level. Come join Kiana at JAL Dance!

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