Our Team

Vanessa

Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, RSD & RSA

Vanessa is the Principal of Vital Movement Studios and has danced for 35 years. She has had the great privilege of teaching dance for over 20 years. Vanessa is trained in many dance styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Vanessa has had professional vocal training, and performed in and choreographed a number of musical theatre productions. Vanessa has participated and been successful in many dance competitions, as well as CSTD and RAD dance examinations. Vanessa continues to further her skills and update her knowledge by participating in teachers’ workshops and professional development courses every year. Vanessa is a member of the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD) and Ausdance.

Ballet, Contemporary, Technique, PSS & Pointe

Jacinta is a passionate dancer, teacher and physiotherapist with a deep love for the arts and helping others. Her journey in dance began at the young age of 3, and she has since dedicated her life to honing her skills and sharing her passion with others. After graduating from the Adelaide College of the Arts in 2017, Jacinta pursued further education and completed an Honours degree in Dance at WAAPA in 2018. She has had the opportunity to perform and tour with prestigious dance companies such as Link Dance Company in WA and has been involved in numerous Adelaide productions, including notable works like 'Creatures' by Alison Currie, 'Retrieve Your Jeans' by Rita Bush and Cayleigh Davies, and 'White Rhino' by Motus Collective. In 2019, Jacinta received a grant to work in Sweden with the junior dance company ilYoung. There, she performed in captivating productions such as 'Time of our life' by Lee Brummer and 'Arrival' by Israel Aloni, captivating audiences across Sweden.

Jacinta's passion for helping others extends beyond the realm of dance. After returning to Adelaide, she decided to pursue a degree in Physiotherapy, currently working towards completing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) this year. Her dedication to supporting children and helping them achieve their best led her to work as a paediatric physiotherapy assistant, where she has been able to make a positive impact on young lives.

As a dance teacher at VMS for the past three years, Jacinta has had the privilege of sharing her knowledge and expertise with students of all ages. She has taught various styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Pointe, Technique, PSS, Ready Set Ballet, Ready Set Acro, and Acrobatics. Her teaching philosophy centers around creating a safe and nurturing space for young dancers to express themselves, develop teamwork skills, build strength, gain confidence, and most importantly have fun. Looking ahead, Jacinta is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025 and is eager to continue inspiring and empowering her students through the art of dance. Her commitment to her craft and her genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others make her a remarkable teacher and amazing member of the VMS teaching team.

Jazz, Tap, Contemporary & Ballet

Chloe’s passion for dance started at just 5 years old with VMS. From there, she competed in various dance competitions and performed in as many concerts and shows as possible! After school, Chloe had the joy of working with dance industry professionals whilst obtaining a Certificate IV in Dance at the Australian Company of Performing Arts. Chloe specialises in Commercial, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary, and has a passion for sharing her wealth of knowledge with her students.

Chloe has been an asset to the VMS teaching faculty for 5 years now, where her aim is to create a positive class environment where all dancers are able to freely express themselves and try new things! Chloe looks forward to spending yet another year passing on her passion of dance and helping her students grow into beautiful dancers and individuals.

Jazz & Tap

Tawnee is an integral part of the VMS team with an impressive 20 years of dancing experience that began at the young age of 6. Throughout her dance journey, she has mastered various styles, including Tap, Jazz, and Classical Ballet, successfully completing advanced exams in each discipline. Having grown up in the competitive dance world herself, Tawnee understands the dedication and commitment required to excel in this art form. She finds great joy in witnessing her students shine on the dance floor, both in class and at solo/duo competitions. As a teacher, Tawnee is determined to guide her students to the next level of their dance journey, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

Passionate about creating a positive and nurturing learning environment, Tawnee is dedicated to ensuring her students have a memorable and enriching experience in her classes. She believes in fostering a sense of camaraderie among her students, encouraging them to support and inspire one another. Tawnee's genuine care for her students' growth and well-being extends beyond the studio, as she takes pride in cheering them on from the sidelines during their performances, watching them confidently showcase their talent. Tawnee is excited for another year of dance with her students and the competition team and is proud to be part of the VMS family for her 12th year!

Hip Hop

Siroun Jelenkerian started her performing arts career at the age of three, training in all areas of dance as well as singing and acting at LA Talent school. Siroun has completed a Certificate IV in the Triple Threat course at Brent Street Academy. She has travelled to America for dance through her course and has participated in an acting program in Orlando after completing her course. In 2017 Siroun had the opportunity to showcase her own choreographed piece in the RAW: Natural Born Artists showcase in Sydney. Siroun has also started off her career in musical theatre with participating in the Packemin Production shows, such as Jesus Christ Superstar in 2019, Mamma Mia in 2019, We Will Rock You in 2021 and Mamma Mia in 2022.

Siroun has been using all her knowledge and sharing it with the young performers she teaches and can’t wait to be a part of the VMS team in 2025!

Hip Hop

Miss Haya is teaching our Level 1-3 Hip Hop classes. Bio coming soon!

Acrobatics, Contemporary, RSD, RSB, RSA, Dance with me & Administration

Keely trained in gymnastics since she was a toddler and began dancing when she was 10 years old. Growing up in Darwin she trained at the Darwin Performance Academy completing multiple CSTD dance exams. After school Keely decided she wanted to expand her dance career and moved to Melbourne where she trained professionally at Transit Dance for 3 years. After graduating, she gained her Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) and her Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management. For the past four years Keely has been teaching in Darwin including Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Acrobatics, Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet and Ready Set Move classes. Keely is also a qualified Acrobatic Arts and Ready Set Acro instructor and will also be working behind the scenes with us and at the reception desk so be sure to say hello! Miss Keely is in love with dance teaching and sharing her passion with younger generations. She truly believes dance should be inclusive, fun and exciting for everyone and she’s thrilled to be part of the VMS family again in 2025!

Hip Hop

Pam has always been involved with movement from the moment she took her first steps. From an early age it was evident music would have to keep up with her. Respecting her family and heritage, marching became the first lesson in which she would find the beat of her own drum. Pam would later gravitate toward further aspects of dance after engaging her competitive spirit at Rock Eisteddfods, where success further fueled her dancing ambitions. While her competitive nature also spilled into sports, dance still cradled her creative instincts. Whether it be Jazz, Tap Heels or Contemporary Pam relentlessly gives it her all, but her main passion always lies with Hip-Hop.

Pam is continuously inspired by so many dancers and has had the privilege to be mentored by so many renowned choreographers and dancers, both local and abroad. Including training for 4 years under coach Dion Apirana (Academy of Brothers, Home Base). Intense coaching and development saw her challenge herself and successfully compete against some of the nation’s best.  Some of the highlights include Danchella 2022 2nd place, Australia Dance Crew Champion 2022 State doc First Place both Open and mega crews as well as House of Champions 2021 5th place.

During her 10 years of teaching, Pam has found that sharing her gift & experiences with others to expand their own path is truely her biggest passion. Understanding that at any stage of your dance journey, no matter what obstacles you feel you face,  there is a place to share your passion, build your confidence and simply share and enjoy what truly puts a smile on your face!

Tap

Miss Mia is teaching our Adult Beginner Tap class in 2025. Bio coming soon!

Ballet

Meet Charlotte, our Primary Ballet Teacher! Charlotte has been assistant teaching since 2021 and teaching Primary ballet since 2023. Entering her 10th year of dancing at VMS, Charlotte is very passionate about passing on her dance knowledge and technique to younger students, just like her mentors at VMS did for her. She aims to create a welcoming dance environment that inspires and motivates dancers, but also leaves room for freedom and fun. A fun fact about Charlotte is that she is born on Christmas day!!

Administration

Donna enjoyed teaching Classical Ballet, Stretching, Technique and Conditioning classes to students of all ages and skill levels for many years. Donna is the studio administrator and is excited to relief teach when needed and continue mentoring our staff in 2025 and sharing her knowledge and passion for dance to all.