OUR STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

Hi everyone,

I am the Managing Director of THDC.

From saying I wanted to be a dancer teacher to owning a company with 4 venues is beyond where I thought I’d be. I have had 2 pop-up venues and now 4 solid venues it’s a wild ride.

But now I am here I am loving every second of it.

It’s tough, it’s a challenge and it is draining but all the good parts override that. I have learnt so much since I started the THDC journey and met many wonderful people of all ages and all walks of life. It is safe to say I love my job. They say “you never work a day in your life if you love what you do right ” and that I do! I do have one hell of a job.

The best part of this job is seeing the kids perform, seeing their smiles and the pure joy they express not only in the rehearsal space but on that stage also.

A bit about me: I am a mum of two, Oliver and Primrose. They are my absolute everything and more. They are the centre of my everything and I do it all for them. I have a loving partner Jamie who supports me every step of the way and helps me along the way because owning a dance company isn’t always glitter and shine.

I am driven to always start something new that fits with my values and dreams. I have always been one to go get it and will not settle. Go hard or go home! Dance has been apart of my life for a long time and I do see it apart of my life for a long time to come, even if I do live through my daughter (I hope).

I have a dream to be a Doula and I love working in the disability field. But I can never decide as I love many areas of helping others and making a difference.

Love Kristy xx

Kristy Lee A.S

Managing Director _ Pocket Rocket

Hi! My names Alycia,

I’m 19 years old and I’m currently at uni, studying speech pathology!

I’ve been a ballet dancer since I was six years old and it has always been a massive passion of mine!

I’m so excited to join the THDC family 💗

Alycia

Dance Coach

Hi, I’m Tabetha, Ella’s mum ( Aldinga LG Assistant )

Ella and I discovered THDC at a community event that they did a performance at back in 2017.

Ella first started with THDC at the Victor venue when it first opened it’s doors and we have not looked back since.

Ella expressed that she loved THDC during that first class saying that she can finally express herself through hip hop, unlike all the other genres she has done throughout her dancing career.

Ella now has classes at Victor, Aldinga and Goolwa.

I help out on the front desk and running around backstage at concerts. The girls also call me their mumma and support system.

Ella and I love our dance family and wouldn’t be anywhere else.

THDC has a wonderful, inclusive energy that supports and encourages everyone who enters their doors.

Love Tab

Tab Mosel

Desk Assistant/Volunteer _ Our Guide, A Beautiful Soul

Hi! My name’s Poppy,

I have been with True Heights since 2017, and been with our Victor venue since it’s opening. I teach at Victor & Aldinga Beach venue, with mini’s, little’s, middle’s and division.

I have been dancing since I was 4 years old, I am currently studying early childhood education, play netball on the side and have a small makeup business that I run from home.

THDC brings me so much joy, combining my love for working with children and dance, I am able to crate an environment for my students that is fun, welcoming, inspiring and full of opportunities. I am so proud of my kids every week, and every time they hit the stage.

I am so happy I found my forever dance family!

poppy

Dance Coach _ Dance superstar

Hi,

I am Ella, and dance is my passion and my drive.

I’ve been dancing with True Heights Dance Company since 2017, and I have met some amazing people and been involved in some great events.

I love hip-hop the best because it allows me to be free and I enjoy it so much.

I love being Kristy’s teacher assistant as I learn how to work with kids and skills which will help me later in life.

Love Ella

Ella Mosel

Dance Coach & Teachers Assistant _ Natural Talented Dancer

Hi All,

I’m Jes, I am currently teaching Mini Groovers and Little Groovers and Bboys at our Seaford and Victor Harbor venues.

I also dance with the Diversity and Distinct crews and am loving it!

I have been dancing since I was 5 years old and I absolutely love it. It has played a big part in my life!

I joined the True Heights family in 2018 and with my son and daughter both joining in 2019 we are now a big family sharing the same passion.

Love Jes

Jes Hankinson

Dance Coach _ Our Burst Of Positivity

Hi, I’m Deanna or Dee!

I’m a salon owner, a Mama and also a dance teacher for True Heights!

I teach at our Aldinga venue Wednesday evenings for our mini advanced (Division) and our adults advanced (Distinct).

I have been dancing ever since I could walk and I haven’t stopped yet! I love many dance styles and performing our pieces on the stage, but there’s nothing I love more than seeing the smiling faces of my teams when they dance and all the enjoyment, support, love and laughs we all share together.

I look forward to creating many more memories with you all and can’t wait to see all my students and friends excel in their dance journey.

Love Dee XX

Deanna

Dance Coach _ Beautifully Natured

Hi! I’m Kate and I’ve been apart of THDC since my daughter Jenna joined in 2015.

We were attracted to THDC because of the fun, non judgmental and professional way the teachers are with their students.

I work on the desk at Aldinga and have taken on many roles as needed at concerts.

I love dance and have been involved in dance for more than four decades, either as a student, teacher assistant and coach.

Seeing the students perform at concerts is definitely a highlight of my involvement at THDC.

I am married to my wonderful husband Mike, and also have a son Josh as well as Jenna.

I work in a primary school as an SS0 which I truly love. I’m forever grateful we found THDC.

Love Kate

Kate Turner

Desk Assistant_ Our Rock - Our Mumma

Hey I’m Caitlyn,

I’m a dancer who has studied in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop since 2007. I have competed in many competitions around Australia and have represented South Australia at the BBO theatre awards.

I’ve studied under the BBO syllabus and has received for certificate two equivalent, completing her Advanced One exams, qualifying her to teach high levels of ballet.

I’ve been involved in lots of productions and theatre shows such as The Wizard of Oz by the Australian Classical Youth Ballet, Candance for a Cure, and two fringe shows by Access Denied.

My favorite type of dance is contemporary and hip hop and I LOVE dance techniques and telling a story.

Caitlyn Rugless

Dance Coach - Routine Master

My name is Talia and I am 19 years old. I have loved to dance ever since I can remember and want to share that passion with others.

I am excited to be starting my teaching journey with B-Boys Seaford and hope they too develop a love and appreciation for dance.

Talia Aroha

Dance Coach

Hi I’m Liz,

Cat lover, Earring Maker and the girl who can never sit still.

I have taught and been a part of THDC since before we opened.

THDC was my year 12 art design project and knowing Kristy and I we got carried away and made THDC what it is today.

I teach Junior Groovers, Dilemma Crew and Diversity Crew.

My passion for dance grows each year as I see our students shine on stage.

Although I myself will not be dancing this year, 2020/21, due to an injury I will be teaching and joining you all at each concert and watching on as you make each of us proud!

Love Liz 😍

Elizabeth Bell

The Organised Superstar

Hi!

My name is Jenna and I’ve been dancing since I was 2 years old. I have been at THDC for the last five years. This year will be my 6th year here.

I love working with younger children and after being selected to be house captain at my school I can’t wait to gain more dance skills being teacher assistant for the Minis at Aldinga! Thanks Kristy for the opportunity.

I love coming to dance every Wednesday as its a chance to express myself outside of school in a creative way! THDC is my dance family and I feel safe here.

I’m looking forward to working and learning how to be a dance teacher in the year to come with the Minis and I look forward to meeting new dancers 🙂

Jenna

Jenna Turner

Teachers Assistant _ Our Young SuperStar

I am Kyrah Hope!

I’ve been dancing at THDC since about 2015 but I’ve also done other dance before that.

I am heading into high school and I love doing dance because, in THDC, we treat each other like family, and I enjoy it so much, the teachers are so amazing and come up with the best choreography.

I’m looking forward to being a teachers assistant in the 2022 dance season, and am so grateful to be a part of the THDC family, and can’t wait for more great experiences and learning.

Kyrah Hope

Teacher Assistant

Hey I’m Layla,

I’ve been dancing at True Heights since 2015.

I am very passionate about dance and love teaching all my lovely Minis, Littles and Middles.

I started as an assistant teacher in 2018 and in 2019, I started teaching, and I love it!

I’ve had experience in musical theater performing and some contemporary but overall my favorite style has to be Hip Hop.

I’ve had a love of dance and performing since I can remember and I can’t wait to share my love and passion with you, and see what we can achieve together!

Layla Brunt

Coach In Training

Hi my name is Olivia,

I started dancing at THDC back in 2017 when I was 9 years old.

I love dancing, going to the beach and skateboarding.

I look forward to learning more about dance and being a positive role model as I assist the Little Groovers in 2022.

Thanks,
Looking forward to getting back to dance.

Olivia Morris

Teacher Assistant

A Q&A With Our Assistant Coaches

What do our Assistant Coaches think of their role?

Well, here are some answers!

Recently management asked them the following Q’s and here are their responses.

What do you like most about being an AC with THDA? (Some responses may be reworded)

“Being given the opportunity to learn how to become a teacher one day” Jenna (Aldinga AC)

“Learning the Hip-Hop Basics and foundations and how to teach them to other dancers” Ella (Aldinga AC)

What do you gain from being an AC with THDA?

“Experience and more dance knowledge” Ella (Aldinga AC)

“Being able to express ourselves and our own ideas” Nikole (Aldinga AC)

We also asked them what would they like from management here at THDA?

“Tip sheets on how to gain control over classes when they are heightened or challenging?”

We supply our coaches with face to face copy cat coaching and onsite training from coach to coach; yes they can read a tip sheet to guide them but we believe face-to-face onsite training is more beneficial. We offer tip sheets (cheat sheets), where needed for our AC to be able to add to their learning and coaching skills.

Another staff member noted “Resume Experience” Which is important when building a resume for our young adults here at THDA. We are helping them add life experience to their resume.

It is always good to have these chats with our team and what a great team we have here at THDA.