NORTHBRIDGE DANCE STUDIOS

Emma Kohonen (ARAD) started her dance training on the Northern Beaches at Dance North Academy when she was five years old. She completed all her RAD ballet exams, ISTD modern and tap exams and performed in Sydney Festival Ballet company for many years.

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After studying full time dance at Manly Dance Arts Centre she successfully auditioned for the Moulin Rouge at the young age of 17yrs. Emma worked for Dance Encore Productions for many years dancing in Japan as a showgirl, as well as performing in the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

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After settling back in Sydney, Emma began working at Northbridge Dance Studios in 2001, and got her Royal Academy of Dance Teaching qualifications. Emma has also completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Charles Sturt University. 

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Emma recently took over as principal at NDS in 2018 and is looking forward to bringing fresh ideas to the studio.

Leia started her classical ballet training at age 5 with Beverly Waters in Adelaide, South Australia. She completed her RAD Advanced 2 under the tuition and guidance of Christine Underdown and Natanya Andonas.
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While in South Australia Leia performed as an artist of the SACB Company, dancing Principal roles in her final 4 years with the company.
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In 2012 Leia graduated from The Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts [WAAPA] with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, and a focus on Dance Teaching. During her time at WAAPA, Leia was fortunate to work with world renowned teachers and choreographers including Kim Mccarthy, Gabrielle Nankivell, Melanie Lane and Justin Rutzou, and was accepted for a placement with Australian Dance Theatre.

Leia is a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, having been awarded her Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies with Distinction in 2020. She is also a certified teacher of Progressing Ballet Technique, and an accredited Acrobatic Arts instructor.
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Leia has taught for a number of schools around Australia and has been with Northbridge Dance Studios since 2016. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of dance and strives to instil strong technical understanding as well as expressive artistry in her students.

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Izzy started dancing at the age of 2 and has subsequently trained in many styles including Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Tap and Ballroom Dancing. She has completed all RAD ballet exams up to and including Advanced Foundation and is currently working towards her Advanced 1 and 2 exams. Izzy has competed in group  eisteddfods in Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz and was selected to represent her school in Ballroom Dancing.   

Izzy is passionate about dance and has studied at Northbridge Dance Studios since she was 3 years old. She graduated from high school in 2020 and has been assisting with classes at NDS for the past few years. 

Izzy has worked as part of a selective special needs buddy program, which involved teaching and working with young special need students. She has also trained in Trapeze, Ariel Silks and Hoop Diving.

Izzy is excited to be able to share and pass on her knowledge and love of dance to her students.

Elly has been a passionate dancer since the age of 2 and started her NDS journey in 2015. Since then Elly has studied jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, contemporary and lyrical. She is extending her knowledge and skill in musical theatre, ballroom, singing and drama at full time training. 

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Elly successfully represented NDS in group eisteddfods and solo competitions, whilst also completing up to Intermediate level in ballet exams. Elly was also a proud recipient of the NDS principals award in 2024 as well as receiving the Wenona Dance Cup for most outstanding dancer 2 times. Elly represented Wenona School in extra curricular dancing from Year 3-12 and studied dance for the HSC syllabus where two of her routines resulted in nominations for the Callback showcase. 

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After auditioning at Sydney's premier dance studios, she was offered positions at Brent Street and Village Nation for full time tertiary dance. She is currently studying at Village Nation for her Certificate IV and Diploma in dance. Elly also regularly attends open classes and Sydney Dance Company workshops to continue developing her dance performance and choreography skills. 

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Elly started teaching at NDS in her last year of high school which sparked her love for teaching and is passionate about developing and educating students in dance.