Meet the Empowerdance team

CEO & Founder of the Empowerdance Group

With over 30 years of experience in the studio, Gabrielle has worked with companies, studios and in schools, dancing and running workshops, programs and classes.

The extent of her knowledge far outreaches the two studio locations, hundreds of students and the team of staff she coaches and employs. Being the director of South Australia’s original self-built Registered Training Organisation for dance, whilst also creating the largest private provider of year 11 and 12 dance, Gabrielle takes pride in her ability to build a reputable and credible culture and community around her.

A registered RAD teacher, Gabrielle also is a service provider for studios in need of support and has consulted for RAD regional advisory panel and Ausdance SA.

Her role in Empowerdance is one of leadership, support and influence as she consciously navigates the RTO landscape and consults with National Regulatory bodies to seek improved standards within the dance industry. Being a progressive leader whose interest is in empowering others to take a stand for their business, community and industry, she has a transparent and educated approach to opening doors for the future generation of dance.

Gabrielle is the facilitator of the Australian Dance Festival VIP teacher’s room, giving her a deep foundation of experience and knowledge to be able to support Australia's dance teachers and studio owners toward continually improving their practices.

Aside from the work she does in the studio, Gabrielle has a passion for human behaviour and has extensive qualifications that support this passion both in and outside the studio space.

Assessment & Administration Wrangler

As a curious child, Melissa joined the dance world at an early age with the studio that has now evolved into Empowerdance. Obsessed with jazz, tap, classical and contemporary, she participated in the rigours of annual exams. Melissa obtained her Teacher’s Certificate through both Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance and Glenn Wood Tap. Completing a Bachelor of Dance Performance, after finishing year 12 and further her role in Empowerdance, completed her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Melissa is active in the studio and teaches students of all ages including Certificate students exam students and recreational students, with her passion genre being Tap.

Being a founding member of Empowerdance Melissa worked from the grassroots to establish the Registered Training Organisation while writing the original Certificate II, III and IV courses. Melissa's role at Empowerdance far exceeds the reporting, resulting and administration management systems. She is stable to the management and operations of the company and is a committed advocate to the legacy that dance can offer.

Chief Problem Solver

Emily Quensier's multifaceted skill set, encompassing compliance, creative problem-solving, and client & student support, has contributed significantly to Empowerdance's continued success. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with her unwavering commitment to compliance and systems innovation, makes her an invaluable asset to the Empowerdance team.

Emily's dedication to her role extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. She takes a proactive stance in staying updated on the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring that Empowerdance remains ahead of the curve in terms of best practices. Her commitment to continuous learning not only benefits Empowerdance but also serves as a testament to her personal and professional growth.

First Aid SuperHero

Caitlin joins us as our subject matter expert in First Aid. She is a highly experienced Coronary Care Nurse who has worked alongside some of the top doctors in this field. Caitlin is also a graduate of Empowerdance and has years of experience and teacher training in the Dance studio. A mother of two and keen advocate for both industries, she has spent years working toward amalgamating the two industries.

Caitlin rocks the floral scrubs and can be seen in many dance studios as our first-aid dance specialist.

Vanessa is a strong connector of people, and advocate for vibrant work cultures! Originally from Brazil, She has made a clear imprint in the Australian education sector since 2009. With a background in Social Communication, she is dedicated to helping individuals discover their paths and realize their growth potential. Whether fostering connections, streamlining operations, or brainstorming ways to boost productivity, Vanessa thrives on creating environments where everyone feels at home.

When not working, Vanessa spends her time giving back to the community or enjoying quality time with loved ones. Her motto.... life's an adventure, and I'm here to make the most of every moment!

Anna has been working as a professional in performing arts for over 20 years, as a soloists, actress, singer, choreographer and educator. Anna’s early training was in Perth, where she undertook dance classes from a young age, with a particular passion for tap. At the age of 17, Anna was cast by Dein Perry in his highly successful production ‘Steel City’ tap dancing around Australia and eventually Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Anna went on to further her studies at Danceworld 301 in Melbourne, and was accepted into the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) where she

completed a Bachelor of Arts (Musical Theatre). Anna has worked at high levels as a choreographer including for the Stage School Hamburg, and the State Opera of South

Australia (Madam Butterfly, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore). Other career highlights include The Boy From Oz with Hugh Jackman, Irene with Debbie Reynolds, the Australian

premiere of William Finn’s Elegies. And the Australian tour of My Fair Lady with Richard E Grant.

Anna began working with Empowerdance 4 years ago, loving her current role as a trainer and assessor. She is mum to a beautiful 2-year-old boy, and currently the administrator for the Australian Music Theatre Choir Perth.