
ABOUT US
Established in 1990 by Julie-Ann Lucas, JAL Dance is one of Brisbane's leading performing arts studios offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical acrobatics, hip hop, singing, and musical theatre.
At JAL Dance we promote an encouraging and supportive atmosphere, a place where the children love to be, whilst providing them with quality training. Our Studio’s aim is for our students to enjoy their dancing, gain excellent technical skills and finish each year with a sense of personal satisfaction.
JAL Dance has a large variety of classes for every skill level from beginner to professional. Whether you are interested in a career in dance or looking to have some fun through a great form of exercise, we have a class that’s right for you!
Our Studios
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4x Dance Studios
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Fully sprung dance floors
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Professional sound system
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Singing Studio
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Canteen
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Kitchenette
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Two comfortable waiting rooms
Our Team
Julie-Ann Lucas (Bradley)

Julie-Ann is the Principal and dance teacher at the studio. She founded the school in 1990 at just 16 years old and has since nurtured a thriving, supportive dance community. Julie-Ann holds esteemed qualifications with both the C.S.T.D. (Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance) and the R.A.D. (Royal Academy of Dance).
Her unwavering dedication to the art of dance has helped shape the careers of countless students, many of whom have gone on to become successful industry professionals. Julie-Ann is proud to lead a passionate and talented team of teachers who share her commitment to excellence and creativity.
Carolyn Gilby

Carolyn began her dance training at the age of three and is comprehensively trained across all genres of dance and musical theatre, building a strong and versatile technical foundation from an early age.
Her formal studies include training at the prestigious Académie de Danse Princesse Grace in Monaco, further professional development at Pineapple Studios in London, and advanced studies at Kelvin Grove College of Advanced Education (now QUT).
Carolyn is a Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance. As a highly respected Comdance examiner, she has examined across all genres and travelled extensively throughout Australia and internationally, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, China, India, Macau, and England.
With more than 45 years of teaching experience, Carolyn is passionate about passing on her knowledge and love of dance to future generations, encouraging every student to be the best they can be.
Greta Gilby

Greta is a highly accomplished and versatile performer with formal qualifications in RAD Classical Ballet and ComDance Modern Jazz, as well as an Associate Degree in Dance.
She spent four incredible years in Paris as a showgirl with the world-renowned Moulin Rouge, where she performed as a replacement soloist. During her time with the company, Greta appeared on international television broadcasts, toured globally, and modelled in Paris Fashion Week, further broadening her professional experience on the world stage.
Her career highlights also include performing with Royal Caribbean International, appearing in Cabaret de Paris alongside Rhonda Burchmore, and taking part in the Queensland Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, where she shared the stage with Caroline O’Connor.
Greta is deeply passionate about mentoring young dancers and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation. She brings warmth, professionalism, and invaluable industry insight to her teaching, fostering both confidence and excellence in her students.
Cherie Lange

Cherie has trained in all styles of dance, gymnastics, singing and drama 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 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.
Connor Nantes

Connor is a Brisbane born dancer and performer who began his training at a young age, developing strong foundations across a wide range of styles. His professional career includes performing with Celebrity and Holland America Cruise Lines and appearing in productions throughout Australia.
He holds a Certificate IV in Dance and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management, along with his RAD Advanced 2 Ballet Exam and Comdance Jazz Teacher’s Certificate. In 2016, he was awarded the highest mark in Queensland for his Level 4 Contemporary Exam, a testament to his technical ability and artistry.
Connor’s career has also taken him abroad, training and taking class in both New York and London, where he further expanded his versatility as a performer.
Dedicated to the next generation, Connor is passionate about sharing his knowledge, experience, and love of dance with young performers, inspiring them to strive for excellence both in and out of the studio.
Jayda Lofipo

Starting dance at three years old, Jayda has trained across a wide range of styles before quickly discovering her passion for hip hop, a style she has dedicated herself too ever since. Jayda's love for the style has shaped her dynamic approach to both performance and teaching.
Jayda has competed both nationally and internationally, proudly representing Australia at the 2018 Hip Hop International competition in Phoenix, Arizona. These experiences have contributed to her growth as a dancer and continue to influence her approach in the studio.
Her teaching journey began in Grade 9 in high school, where she discovered a passion for mentoring and developing young dancers. Since then, she has taught at a number of high schools and studios across Brisbane, working with dancers of various ages and levels.
As a Dance Excellence Teacher Aide, she spends the majority of her time coaching both junior and senior elite hip hop teams within a highly successful dance program. Jayda is passionate about nurturing growth and takes pride in playing a meaningful role in each student’s journey as both a dancer and a person.
Zi Sione

Zi was born in Melbourne and began dancing at the age of two. She trained in a variety of styles including ballet, neoclassical, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and musical theatre before developing a strong focus on ballet at around eleven years old. Zi was accepted into the full-time Level 5 program at the Queensland Ballet Academy, where she progressed through each level of the program before graduating last year. In 2026, she continues her training with the Queensland Ballet in their Pre-Professional Program.
Before beginning full-time training, Zi taught foundation ballet classes to junior dancers at her local studio, where she developed an encouraging approach to teaching and building strong technical foundations.
Zi returned from Switzerland after being selected as one of 26 dancers worldwide to participate in the Prix de Lausanne Partner School Choreographic Project. The group performed a neoclassical work at the Théâtre de Beaulieu, choreographed by the director of The Washington Ballet—an experience that further strengthened her professionalism, adaptability, and passion for collaborative performance.
Maddie Jackman

With over 15 years of dance training and 7 years of competitive experience, Maddie has performed at an elite level both nationally and internationally. Maddie has proudly represented Australia on major stages, including the Hip Hop International (HHI) and the World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC).
Maddie has completed ComDance Level 6 and Level 7 Jazz exams with Honours and Honours Plus through ComDance, and earned her Certificate III in Dance through part-time training at Dynamite Studios. This formal training has strengthened her understanding of technique, structure, and safe dance practice, allowing her to confidently support students in developing strong foundations and performance quality.
A former Senior Dance Captain in the Dance Excellence program at Forest Lake State High School, she developed strong leadership skills while supporting and mentoring fellow dancers. Maddie continues to train with Eyecon Dance Collective and remains dedicated to growing as a strong, versatile and driven dancer, while inspiring and guiding the next generation of performers.
Jonathan Tabe

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Shay Stafford

Shay brings over two decades of professional dance experience to her work, including an impressive 12-year international career in France. During this time, she performed with two of Paris’s most renowned cabaret institutions, the Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris, where she held key roles as a dance captain, lead performer, and swing.
Shay is also a published author. Her best-selling book, Memoirs of a Showgirl, co-written with her husband Bryce Corbett, was successfully adapted into a stage production. The show toured major Australian cities, including Sydney and Brisbane, and was featured at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, further showcasing her creative range and storytelling ability.
After retiring from the stage and becoming a mum, Shay pursued further professional development by retraining as a Pilates instructor. She now combines her understanding of movement with a strong focus on safety, alignment, and longevity in physical practice. Shay is passionate about supporting dancers and clients of all ages and abilities, helping them build strength, confidence, and balance through mindful movement.

