Jessica Modica

Director/Principal

Jessica has studied many syllabi including examinations with: I.S.T.D (Cecchetti), C.S.T.D, C.D.T.A, M.D.E.S and adap (Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, & Character). Jessica has studied Dance at Deakin University and Dance Education and Business Management at Box Hill Institute. Wanting to expand her knowledge and qualifications she has completed a Diploma Dance teaching and Management, Certificate IV in Dance teaching, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment , Certificate III in Fitness, Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Training), Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Body Balance Instructor, Certified Barre Attack Instructor, Acrobatic Arts Certified, YPAD Safety and Wellness Certified, Keeping Kids Safe in Dance, Certificate in Nutrition Coaching and Certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Jessica has also recently graduated with a Dip. in Holistic Counselling. 

Growing up Jessica studied Modelling with Tanya Powell, Drama with Judy Banks and Gymnastics. Jessica spent most of her childhood in the dance competition world, travelling across the state to compete. She has performed in numerous floor shows, cabarets and musicals. Jessica enjoys choreographing for school productions, rock eisteddfods, festivals, television and of course teaching. A highlight for Jessica was being awarded a scholarship by dance royalty Laurel Martyn for her choreography skills. Jessica has choreographed for the Melbourne Moomba Parade, shopping centres, Festivals, Royal Melbourne Show, TV program MZONE and for the theme parks on the Gold Coast as well as USA.

Jessica is also involved in teaching VCE Dance, VET certificates and Diploma's to dance students and teachers. Jessica is an accredited dance examiner, examining dance students throughout Australia.

In 2012, Jessica decided it was time to open her own dance studio. She wanted to share her accumulated knowledge and experiences with her dance students and wider community.

Jessica dreamed of creating a dance school with a difference, focussing not only on the students skills but their overall wellbeing. The Dance Centre was born with a vision to offer a No fuss, Stress free approach with affordable specialised dance training and opportunities to students of all ages and abilities.

In 2020 (during the COVID pandemic), Jessica was honoured to be offered a position on the board of Dance Arts Alliance (DAA). DAA advocates, represents and supports Dance and Performing Arts studios and the Dance industry in Victoria.

Atlanta Marshall

Contemporary, Jazz, Hiphop, Acrobatics & Performance

Atlanta commenced her dance training at the age of 10, studying the styles of Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Song & Dance, as well as dance competitions.

She has completed her ballet exams and has a Certificate IV in Dance Performance Studies from the Australian Dance Institute. Atlanta attended the Victorian College of the Arts where she obtained her Bachelor of Dance. Here, she got to work with world-renowned choreographers, and majored in contemporary and ballet; as well as choreography, kinesiology and anatomy. Atlanta has had several performance opportunities, some of which include the Australian Dance Awards, back-up dancing for song artists at CD launches, as well as being featured in the Australian band 'Client Liaison's' film clip 'Free of Fear.' She has also performed in dance tours in Qld, performing at Dreamworld and White Water World, and has been featured in famous Melbourne parades such as the Myer Christmas Parade and Moomba. 

Amanda Norman

Tap Specialist

Starting as a tiny tot in traditional forms of Tap, Jazz and Ballet she then continued as a student of Contemporary and Hip hop,before venturing in to teaching. Another creative outlet for Amanda is her indie pop band SANS, which she plays keyboard and sings lead vocal in.

She gigs regularly in both Melbourne and regional areas, and interstate. Amanda teaches Tap across all levels from Tinies to Advanced, specialising in both traditional and street styles. Her ambition is to create a classroom that evokes a sense of creativity in the students, where they are empowered to choreograph their own combinations and improvise rhythms using tap theory and practice as the foundation.

Carla Lusi

Jazz & Ballet & Dance Acrobatics

Carla started dancing at 7 years of age. She trained under the guidance of Jessica Modica Crichton in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.

Carla has also trained and competed in sports acrobatics. Carla has completed all of her Ballet and Jazz examinations with top marks. She has received her Certificate IV in Dance Performance Studies in both Classical and Jazz style. Carla has completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree and has recently completed her PhD.

Dakota Barkell

Hiphop

Through dancing Dakota has truly found the best way to express herself. Dakota’s mission is to use dance as a tool to teach life lessons and help combat the mental health epidemic. Using dance Dakota teaches confidence through movement and courage through performing. It is important to herself that every student leaves class with a smile on their face and a spring in their step. 

Dakota has been teaching since 2018 and has a Certificate IV in Dance teaching and management which she completed at Transit Dance.

In 2019 Dakota applied for and received a scholarship at Transit Dance in the 2 year full time Performing Arts course - Diploma in Elite Performance. This earned her a spot in the Prestigious Performing Arts Course in 2020. This course tested her determination and passion especially during the Covid lockdown and introduced her into the professional world of dance. She has been a backup dancer and has worked with well known Melbourne choreographers such as Kim Adam and Paul Malek. 

Currently Dakota is focussing on her passion of dance teaching and performs casually in professional gigs around Melbourne.

Eliza Carlin

Jazz, Contemporary & Acrobatics

Eliza has been dancing since the age of 3 and singing since the age of 7, and has always enjoyed studying a wide variety of styles. She began training with Jessica Modica Crichton at 6 years old and is thrilled to be returning to the studio where it all began. 

She developed a passion for music theatre, which led her to New York in 2017 to study at New York University in the Summer Study in Music Theatre. She completed Showfit in 2019, and in 2020 moved to Perth to study at WAAPA in the Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre). Eliza also completed her Certificate II in Dance through the VET Dance program. Throughout this time she has also found a love of teaching, and has taught Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, Music theatre, Acrobatics, Hip hop and Singing in both studio and school settings. As a teacher, Eliza is committed to creating an environment which fosters individuality, versatility and respect, whilst always maintaining a little spark of silliness. She also remains an active part of the performing industry and brings that current knowledge into her teaching. Her professional credits include Annie (Gordon Frost Organisation) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML Enterprises).

Emily Duffin

Contemporary, Jazz

Emily commenced her dance training at 3 years old in a range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip hop. She began training with Jessica Modica Crichton at the age of 6.

Emily commenced her dance training at 3 years old in a range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip hop. She began training with Jessica Modica Crichton at the age of 6.

Emily has completed Ballet exams through the Australian Dance Institute and has also trained in the Cecchetti syllabus. She completed VCE Dance as a part of her VCE subjects in 2016 and is now studying at La Trobe University. Emily has recently completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, as well as completing a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance through an internship with Exercise Research Australia. Emily has also completed a Master of Physiotherapy and loves to bring her knowledge of exercise, rehabilitation and the human body into her teaching.

Throughout her training she has participated in many dance competitions across Victoria in addition to numerous public performances. These include the Myer Christmas parade, Dance Cancer Initiate, Moomba parade and Time to Shine Catholic Schools Gala. Emily has developed a love and passion for choreographing over the years, and works towards creating capturing pieces to put on stage for her students. 

Bree Kent

Hiphop

Bree Kent, a well-respected Choreographer, Dance Teacher, Creative Director and Dancer. 

Monica Cioccia

Musical Theatre, Singing, Drama

Monica has been performing, writing, directing, producing and teaching for over 20 years. Her passion for the arts lead her to study at NMIT (Dip Sm Co & Community Theatre) and DEAKIN Bachelor of Arts (Drama/Dance).

Monica has taught drama and voice at several performing arts schools across Melbourne.  She has created countless theatrical events, as well as youth arts development and inclusion programs, specialising in wellbeing and special needs.  In 2015 Monica was nominated for the Spirit of Moonee Valley award for her twenty years service to the community arts.  Monica is also the owner of Playback Productions, a production company that was established in 2015 and produces musicals, workshops and vocal competitions.

Monica's driving passion is musical theatre, drama and singing. She prides herself on creating a safe, warm environment where the authentic voice is fostered, bravery encouraged and a space for the individual to inspire themselves and others.

Natalie Lo Grasso

Pre-School Dance, Jazz & Ballet

Natalie Lo Grasso started her dance training at the age of seven. She has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe and Contemporary dance styles.

Natalie has also been a part of several performance opportunities throughout Melbourne. Natalie has completed her Certificate I and Certificate II in Dance Performance studies majoring in Classical ballet.

Natalie also holds a Bachelor of Education teaching Prep- Year 12 students.

Olivia Coli

Toddler & Pre-School Dance, Jazz, Ballet & Tap

Olivia commenced her dance training with Jessica Modica Crichton at age 3 studying various styles including Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Contemporary, Hip hop and Tap.

Olivia has completed all her Jazz and Ballet exams through the Australian Dance Institute and Cecchetti syllabus. She has recently completed both VCE Dance and VCE VET Dance during her year 12 studies allowing her to receive her Certificate II in Dance. Olivia is currently completing a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Dietetic Practice at the University of La Trobe. Olivia has participated in numerous dance competitions across Victoria and has performed in public events such as the Moomba and Myer Christmas Parades, the Moonee Valley Festival and the Time To Shine Catholic School's Gala in both 2014 and 2016.

Livinia Thompson

Jazz and Contemporary

Livinia’s qualifications include a Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) in the Performing Arts stream at Transit Dance, where she has undergone full-time dance training, as well as the SFD Jazz Teaching Certificate.

Livinia’s dance journey began at the age of 5, training in the styles classical, jazz, tap and contemporary. Livinia’s qualifications include a Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) in the Performing Arts stream at Transit Dance, where she has undergone full-time dance training, as well as the SFD Jazz Teaching Certificate. Additionally, Livinia completed Units 1 - 4 of VCE Dance and VCE Drama. Due to outstanding results, she performed her drama solo for Top Class at the Arts Centre Melbourne. 

In the wider dance community, Livinia has taken up assistant roles for leading industry members such as Paul Malek (Victorian Dance Festival) and Jillian Green (Transit Dance). 

Livinia has performed for Challenge Cancer’s Galas (Crown, Pullman Hotel) as a featured dancer, waved the Aussie flag on-field at the 2023 Melbourne Cup, as well as played the main role in Aussie dance legend Andrew Hallsworth’s show, Glamour’e (Transit Dance). She is currently striving to pursue a career in the performing arts industry whilst passionately passing on her learnings to the next generation.

Sharen Reynolds

Tap and Ballet

Sharen holds an Associate Diploma in Cecchetti Ballet and CSTD Tap Diploma.  

Sharen's journey of dance commenced at the age of 7 years old in Melbourne. Sharen was lucky enough to learn and train with Shirley Tully, Thelma Williams and Coral Brown until the age of 19. Sharen then moved to Regional Victoria and opened her own dance school.

Since returning to Melbourne Sharen has taught for several dance studios enabling her to continue doing what she loves.

' Dance has, and will always be a huge part of my life. It has allowed me to be expressive, creative and allowed me to pass on my love to many others. I now have the pleasure of seeing my grandson continuing on what is very much a family love of dance' .

Sharen has also Adjudicated both regionally and in Melbourne over past years, and looks forward to continuing to share her knowledge and love of dance.