Bom Funk Faculty:
Dance is about sharing emotions and experiences, as well as technique, to collaborate and create something meaningful. Bom Funk has a fabulous team of experienced and trained teachers with a wealth of dance and performance knowledge. These teachers encourage the love of dance and create opportunities for those who share this passion. The skills a child gains from the art of Dance extend far beyond the classroom; increasing confidence, discipline, commitment, determination, flexibility, focus and leadership.
DID YOU KNOW that the dance industry in Australia is unregulated – meaning anyone regardless of their skill or experience can open a dance school! A number of parents don’t realise this when they are looking at what studio to take their children to. While dance may be an activity that children participate in recreationally, it may also be an activity that children continue for a large part of their life. At Bom Funk, we take our responsibility of dance education seriously and our award winning staff are dedicated, qualified and experienced industry experts.
All of our staff have Working with Children Checks, First Aid qualifications and must complete Child Protection, Workplace Harassment and Discrimination courses before commencing work. Further to this, our staff are either qualified in dance and/or education, having completed a relevant nationally recognised qualification, or are completing qualifications/training under guided mentorship. All Bom Funk staff also complete regular professional development as a requirement of employment.
At Bom Funk we follow the A.T.O.D (Australian Teachers of Dancing) & Acrobatic Arts & Acrobatic Dance Association examination syllabi & are affiliated with DanceSTEP, Empowerdance (Elevate program – RTO40397), B Street Crew & Fitmindz 4 Kids.
+ Kym Degenhart - Owner/Director, Principal Teacher. Kix Arts Productions Artistic Manager. CHILD SAFE OFFICIER.
- Bachelor Arts (Japanese)
- Bachelor Journalism
- Grad Dip Ed(Secondary)- Dance
- Cert IV in Training & Assessment
- Adv Cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- IASF Cheer Coach Credentials
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Kym has been teaching dance since 1998 and has had a 10 year international professional dance career, most notably as a Cancan dancer at the Moulin Rouge in Paris & Principal/Dance Captain for Dance Encore Productions in Tokyo. She has a Bachelor of Journalism, Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education specialising in Dance (receiving the Australian Council for Educational Leaders Undergraduate Prize) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is an A.T.O.D (Australian Teachers of Dancing) affiliate teacher and holds Australasian Dance Association (formerly FATD) Tap and Modern Teachers certificates, and a certificate in Event Management. In 2019, Kym was awarded Business Person of the Year at The Local Business Awards, Canberra. In 2018, Kym was awarded Canberra’s Young Business Women of the Year.
Kym published her first book in 2019, Frou Frou to Fruition in which she shares her experiences as a professional dancer, dance teacher and studio owner to help those who love to dance find success in the industry. It hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller list in 3 categories: Women & Business; Performing Arts; & Dance.
Kym has lived and danced professionally in Hong Kong, Japan and Sydney, and toured to Rome, USA and Edinburgh. Furthermore, Kym has extensive commercial and modelling experience, including shows for Coca-Cola, Xbox, Ainori (Fuji TV), Secret City (Fox), FTV Model Awards (FashionTV), Il treno dei desideri (Rai 1, Italy), Fashion Hall-of-Fame designer, Richard De Chazal, and with Penelope Cruz on France’s Hit Machine. In 2010, Kym moved from her teaching position in Hong Kong to Canberra to be Principal at a local dance studio and the Arts Education tutor for Dance at the University of Canberra. She was the Head of Dance at Calwell High School (2012-2015) & at the time, ran Canberra's largest High School Dance program. In 2016, she began teaching at Namadgi School to Kindy -Year 10 until resigning from school teaching in 2023. Kym has been an Ausdance ACT board member since 2014 and Vice-President (2017-2021) and President (2021-2022).
Aside from performing, Kym has written for the Australian Dance Teacher magazine and featured as a guest speaker in the VIP Teacher’s Room at the 2017 & 2019 *Australian Dance Festival *(Sydney), for CONNECT Boys Dance (Sydney), for Bold Festival (National Library of Australia) and on Clint Salter’s Transform my Studio podcast. She was a key note speaker for Jane Grech’s, Exchange conference in Oct 2019 speaking about delivering Epic Events & Function Flair. A chapter about Kym’s experiences writing Frou Frou to Fruition was published in Natasa Denman’s book, *Shut Up and Write Your First Book. *
In 2018 she attended the Industry Dance Awards and Dancers Against Cancer benefit show in Los Angeles as a special guest of Kids Artistic Revue (KAR) and commenced working as a judge/adjudicator in 2019.
While Kym enjoys teaching all styles of dance to the young and old, she has a particular passion for sharing her expertise in tap and cabaret. She also specialises in teaching boys to dance and has had great success running Boys Dance programs in Queensland and the A.C.T. Many of Kym's former students have continued on to dance professionally in Australia and overseas.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I’m a big believer in the power of Dance. It teaches skills far beyond the steps and can be incorporated into all facets of life, encompassing highly valued skills to create a collaborative and adaptable workforce. I believe that dance can help support our future generations develop healthy mental and physical habits.
Owning Bom Funk Dance Studio gives me the opportunity to provide inspiration and quality training to all ages while nurturing a lifelong passion for the Arts. Every day I see the positive impact that dance can have on a student’s life and I wish to provide this experience to as many students as I can.
+ Kym Mullins - Business Manager. Child Safe Officer.
- Bachelor of Economics
- Masters in Commerce
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Kym holds a Masters in Commerce and a Bachelor of Economics from ANU. She has been a member of Bom Funk faculty since 2016 after attending an overseas tour with the Studio to Hong Kong.
As the only non-dancer in the faculty, Kym has quickly learnt the language of dance and has seen first hand the change and benefits dance provides to children of all ages.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I like the small family feel and the ability to make a change, no matter how small, in someone's day.
+ Amy Orman - Instructor & VOCAL COACH. Kix Arts Productions Creative Director.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Musical Theatre)
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Amy Orman has performed around the world in theatre, television and film. A true triple threat, she began her professional career at the age of 19 performing as a singer and dancer with Princess Cruises. After her adventures on the seas, she relocated to the US to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University where she graduated with honours. She has also completed her Australasian Dance Association (formerly F.A.T.D) teaching and dance exams.
Her professional Chicago theatre credits include Merrily We Roll Along starring Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller, White Christmas starring Tony-nominated Sean Allan Krill, Hairspray featuring Tim Kazurinski, The Who’s Tommy, Annie, Guys and Dolls, and multiple productions of 42nd Street.
The highlight of her time in Chicago was a production of Smoky Joe’s Cafe directed by Tony-nominated Marcia Milgrom-Dodge and attended by composer Mike Stoller himself. The nine-person cast won the award for Best Ensemble at the 2016 Joseph Jefferson Awards.
Shortly after moving to NYC Amy joined the cast of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes as a singer. She performed for three seasons with the holiday favourite for over a million audience attendees.
Amy has also worked in TV & Film, Print, and Commercials with credits including Betrayal (ABC US), Wakefield (ABC Australia), Sensodyne, Weber Grill, All State Insurance, Miller Lite, and the voice of Princess Amelia in Uppercut Games' video game Epoch 2.
In between performing opportunities, Amy has worked as a teacher of dance, drama and singing. Her most rewarding experience as an educator came with choreographing and directing for the Chicago-based not-for-profit organisation, After School Matters. Working with inner-city teens, they created productions of Hairspray, In The Heights, and Once On This Island.
After relocating to the Canberra region in 2019, Amy has spent her time primarily as an educator. She has directed and choreographed productions of Annie, Legally Blonde, Elf and The Drowsy Chaperone with students ranging in age from as young as 8 and to 35. In 2023 Amy choreographed a critically acclaimed production, The Hello Girls for Heartstrings Theatre Company at The Canberra Theatre followed by a 2024 season at The Hayes Theatre Co. in Sydney.
Her favourite creative outlet is as Kix Arts Productions Creative Director (High Kix Cabaret), Bom Funk’s pro/am commercial dance company.
Amy believes that theatre, dance and the arts are an important exploration for students of all ages. She loves watching them grow not only on stage but off as it teaches confidence, commitment, communication skills and team work.
+ Why do you love working at bom funk?
I enjoy the sense of community and having a fun and supportive place to come to work.
+ Michelle Skerry-Wallace - Instructor. STaff wellbeing & Support Advisor. Child Safe Officer
- Bachelor of Science
- Grad Dip Ed(Secondary)- Dance
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and has completed her Tap BAL teacher’s exam. She has been a Secondary School Teacher since 2001 and has taught Dance in high schools for most of those years. She was the Head of Dance at Calwell High School for 5 years and Acting Executive of the Arts Faculty for part of this time. She then taught Dance at Namadgi School before taking up the position of head of the Talented Dance Program at Erindale College in 2019.
Michelle has choreographed and work-shopped more routines than she can possibly remember and has had students perform in many events across the ACT and NSW including Rock Eisteddfod, the Youth Dance Festival and Limelight. Several of her students have continued on to have successful Dance careers of their own, attending places like The Australian Ballet School & WAAPA. Outside of high school, Michelle has taught Dance in studios across Canberra since 1999 and specialises in Tap and Tiny tots.
+ Why do you love working at bom funk?
I love my tappers!!
+ Shekiralea Healy - INSTRUCTOR & Programs Coordinator.
- Diploma in Dance
- Cert IV in Training & Assessment
- Cert IV in Event Management
- Acrobatic Arts & Aerial Arts
- Adv Cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- IASF Cheer Coach Credentials
- PBT
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Shekiralea has studied ballet since the age of two. Her part-time training took place at Lisa Clark Dance Centre in Canberra where she participated in eisteddfords, receiving first place for the Betsey Sawyers awards (inter found) and taking on auditions. She then was accepted into the fulltime ballet program at Melbourne City Ballet, taking on corps and principle roles in the Melbourne city youth ballets seasons of Giselle and the wonderful wizard of oz, performing alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, participating and performing in the Joffrey ballet schools summer intensive in NYC, as well as training as an emerging artist at National Theater ballet school - where she performed Act 2 Swan lake and assisting choreographing for a contemporary production. She began assistant teaching at the age of 16 and later received her Diploma in Dance. She completed RAD examinations up to Advanced 2 as well as studying Ceccetti and Vaganova syllabus.
Since returning to Canberra in 2020, she has attained a Cert IV in Training and Assessment, Cert IV in Event Management, Cheerleading coaching credentials in Tumbling & Stunting, Acrobatics Arts & Aerial Arts (Hoops Theory) Qualifications, PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique - Level 1) qualification and became a qualified Zumba instructor. Shekiralea also was recognised for her successful submission for the World Ballet Competition (making it into the finals, but unfortunately was unable to attend due to COVID restrictions). In October 2021, she decided to share her passion & story, about her experiences as a Ballerina, and wrote a book; "Ballet: Behind the Beauty" which has since become an Amazon Best Seller. Shekiralea has been a finalist in the Local Business awards for the Youth award in the years; 2020, 2021, & 2022. She was also a finalist in the 2023 ADEA Dance Studio Teacher of the year. Shekiralea had dance photos published in a Paris Magazine and was invited to perform as a guest artist for Joffrey Ballet School, NYC.
Her biggest passion has been teaching - guiding and assisting students to grow into the dancer they aspire to be. Shekiralea has loved her time here at Bom Funk so far, and looks forward to many more exciting times ahead!
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I love how organised everything is and that I'm able to share my passion with like-minded people. The energy is so encouraging, and there's so much room for opportunities for further learning.
+ Zoe Tuckfield - INSTRUCTOR & ADMIN TEAM MEMBER.
- Masters of Creative Arts Therapy (Dance Movement Therapy)
- Bachelor of Dance Practice
- Adv Cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- IASF Cheer Coach Credentials
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Zoe, a longstanding member of Bom Funk, started as a dancer before transitioning into teaching. In 2018, she completed a Bachelor of Dance Practice at the Australian College of Physical Education in Sydney. Zoe was a cheerleader at ACPE Pirates, achieving 2nd place in the Uni Games competition. Coming back to Canberra, Zoe joined a local Cheer studio attending several other cheer competitions and in 2024 completed her Cheer Coaching accreditation in both Level 1 & 2.
In 2022, Zoe completed her Masters of Creative Arts Therapy majoring in Dance Movement Therapy and is keen to bring this gained knowledge to her teaching at the studio to ensure a safe, healthy and positive place for all people.In 2023, Zoe was a finalist in the AEDA Dance Studio Teacher of the year award and went to the Gold Coast to attend the awards.
Zoe has also participated in an exchange program in the United States where she worked and lived at Walt Disney World Orlando Florida, gaining a wealth of knowledge about caring for guests and creating a magic. Having been part of the Bom Funk community for many years, Zoe has been a member of NRJ, JSide and High Kix Cabaret in the early days of their operation.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I love our community and how the students are so eager to learn!
+ Emily Bell - Instructor
- Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance)
- Adv cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- Aerial (LA25 Grad program)
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Emily has been dancing since she was 3 years old, starting with ballet at LCDC and eventually venturing into jazz and contemporary. She competed in many competitions both group and solo and also completed dance exams.
In 2014 Emily came to Bom Funk and became a member of High Kix Cabaret, falling in love with the can can and cabaret heel work. She later joined the Senior Performance Squad, winning Senior Performer of the Year in 2016. She assisted and taught a number of classes and privates from Ballet Bunnies to Adults.
In 2019 Emily moved to the Central Coast to study dance full time at Lee Academy, obtaining her Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) and dancing in the LA25 Graduate Program. While there, she trained in many styles but she found a love for aerial, specifically aerial Lyra, performing five lyra solos over 2022 and 2023.
In 2024 Emily is excited to be back in a teaching role at Bom Funk.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I am looking forward to working with all the incredibly talented students and staff members at Bom Funk and specifically working in the Queanbeyan studios which is a new addition since I last taught.
+ Bailey Wyatt - Instructor & Theatre/Venue Manager
- Cert III in Dance
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Bailey has been dancing since he was 3, training in classes of Ballet, Ballroom, Hip-Hop, Breakdance, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Jazz, and Lyrical. Bailey leads Bom Funk's Street to Stage Boys Program and is the crew leader for Jkix Jnr, Bom Funk's all-male hip hop crew. He can often be found behind the scenes managing Bom Funk's Highlight Theatrette and stage managing shows in there.
Bailey started as student teacher in 2017 and showed a keen interest in teaching. He has completed work experience teaching dance at Namadgi School and Gowrie Primary School. He has completed his Certificate III in Dance. He has won Bom Funk's Most Promising Male Dancer & Senior Student of the Year awards.
Bailey finds so much inspiration from his dance teachers and peers, past and present, and hopes for nothing more than his students to feel that sense of joy learning from big role models in their lives everyday.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I enjoy giving all of my students an inclusive, catering environment to both assist with and catalyze their mental and technical growth. To stand along side my crews and classes and watch every single body take bigger and bolder steps towards their personal goals has always been my favourite part about working at Bom Funk.
+ Tahlia Jones - Instructor
- Adv cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- IASF Cheer Coack Credentials
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Tahlia has a passion for dance with extensive experience including ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip-hop, popping and freestyle dancing. Along with dance, she has also worked with children in coaching, peer support, and work experience roles. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Engineering (honours).
Tahlia has been dancing since the age of 4 years beginning ballet followed by other styles such as tap, jazz, modern and contemporary. She was selected to be part of the Candy man stage performance at the Canberra Theatre with Dancer Scott Wayne Kermond age of 7 and undertook many Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet exams. In 2017, she moved on to explore more genres of dance and specialised in hip-hop, urban and popping. She was also a member Project Beats’ varsity crew Project 2, that competed in Hip Hop International (HHI) for state and interstate 3 years in a row, world supremacy battlegrounds (WSB) for state, interstate and international in September 2019. Tahlia has competed in many state and interstate freestyle battles 1v1; entering in popping freestyle, hip hop freestyle, and open style freestyle. She made it to top 2 and placing runners up in Born to Battle competition in 2018 and competed in Destructive Step in 2018 and entered 3 interstate battles, under 18s, ladies night, and hip hop.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I am looking forward to meeting all the students and staff at Bom Funk. Create some amazing friendships with my co-works. I am excited to be able to inspire my students.
+ Lillian Ellison - Instructor & Admin Team member
- Adv cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
- Completing Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Mangement
Lillian has been a dancer with Bom Funk for a number of years learning a variety of styles and participating in Bom Funk's Performance Squad Troupes. Lillian is currently studying Diplomas in Photography and Make Up at CIT while also working in retail and running her own Photography business.
Lillian joined Bom Funk originally as an assistant teacher, mostly for the Dance Kingdom Program, but has enjoyed taking on more teaching roles as her experience and confidence grew. Lillian also really enjoys taking photos for Bom Funk events and if you can't find her on stage or backstage, she could be in the audience taking action photos!
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
It will be a very different experience for me transitioning from student to teacher and I’m looking forward to learning the job and the skills that come with it.
+ Brooke Sargent - Instructor
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Brooke is passionate about dance as it has consistently been there for her throughout her entire life. She is a current member of Tap Kix. The studio is Brooke’s 'happy place' and she has always dreamed of being a dance teacher. Brooke is so excited to be able to share her passion and skills gained from 18 years as a dancer, and teach at a studio that is so welcoming, vibrant and inclusive. In 2023, Brooke assisted tap classes under the mentorship of Michelle Skerry, and choreographed for Tap Kix Caddettes which went on to win several awards. Brooke is very excited to officially join the Bom Funk Faculty for 2024, and teach the next generation of wonderful dancers.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I am so excited to officially be part of the Bom Funk Faculty after spending time assisting and covering classes. I cant wait to spend a year with some passionate Tappers and help them continue to grow and develop their craft.
+ Brock Kershaw - Instructor
- WWCC
- Cert II in Dance
Brock is a dedicated and passionate dancer with a Certificate II in Dance and a wealth of competitive experience. As a standout performer, Brock was a semifinalist at the 2024 HHI competition in two divisions and a bronze medalist at the Upgrade Dance Competition in the adult division. Having trained under the guidance of mentor and coach Hamlin Croft-Hita, Brock continues to hone his craft while also mentoring others in the dance community.
Brock has been a valued member of the Bom Funk Dance Studio family for many years, first joining as a student and now bringing his experience and energy to the studio in new ways. Outside of dance, Brock is currently studying Certificate III in Electrotechnology and working as an electrical apprentice, balancing his passion for dance with his growing career in the trades.
+ What do you love about Bom Funk??
I love that anyone could walk into this studio and feel like they're at home. The Bom Funk fam are one of the nicest communities I've ever been a part of and there is nothing like it!
I'm looking forward to sharing what I have learnt over the last couple of years off multiple different mentors and giving everything I have to this community, and of course I'm super excited to be a part of the Bom funk fam again because I miss everybody!!
+ Laura Rose - Instructor
- Adv cert in Acrobatic Dance Association
- First Aid/WWVP
Laura has been dancing for over 20 years, amassing experience in almost every style you can think of (she has a bucket list). Her main focus for most of her dancing life has been in calisthenics and ballet, finding her feet in heels later in her dance career. Previously a nationally ranked calisthenics competitor, Laura is passionate about creating good foundations and technique in all her dancers, from tiny tots to adults. Laura returns to Bom Funk after a couple of years focusing on strength training and weightlifting, and is excited to impart the same passion for health and wellness to her dancers.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I have missed the family energy that Bom Funk radiates and am thrilled to be turning my drill sergeant cap back on for my troupe this year. It is an exciting challenge for me.
+ Chloe Edwards - Instructor
- RSD Training
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Chloe began dancing at the age of 5 and has trained in a wide range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary/Lyrical, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. She has completed RAD exams from primary to Grade 8 receiving distinctions in all levels. She has also competed at Eisteddfods from the age of 8 as a member of highly successful troupes. Chloe has been teaching since 2022 and has enjoyed working with younger students and is a qualified ‘Ready-Set-Dance’ teacher. More recently, Chloe has been a member of the Talented Dance Program at Erindale College, which provided her with the opportunity to expand on her teaching skills, including choreography and she also performed as part of the school troupe in events including the Youth Dance Festival.
Chloe is excited to be joining the Bom Funk team and can't wait to meet and work with the team and students in 2024.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I'm looking forward to meeting the teaching staff and building relationships that will contribute to a positive, fun and exciting culture.
+ Taya O'Brien - Instructor/Cheer Coach
- IASF Cheer Coach Credentials
- Adv cert in Acrobatic Dance Association
- First Aid/WWCC
Taya brings a wealth of experience and passion to Bom Funk Dance Studio. With a Certificate III in Sport and Fitness and another in Makeup and Beauty, she is also certified in acro and has her cheer coaching credentials. Taya's dance journey began with 10 years in calisthenics, where she competed at the state team level. She then transitioned to competitive cheerleading, a journey that has seen her compete at the prestigious NCA in Dallas, Texas. Taya's cheer team was undefeated throughout 2023, securing two National Championships, and she is set to compete at the IASF World Championships in April 2025 in the International Open Level 5 All-Girl division.
Outside the studio, Taya's talents extend to her work as a makeup artist at Mecca and as a dedicated disability and community support worker. Taya even worked as an MUA on a feature film in 2024. Taya is thrilled to share her skills and experiences with her students, helping them reach new heights in their dance and cheer journeys.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I am looking forward to being able to be a role model/leader for my cheer girls. As someone who has been in their shoes before where they’re at a new level and still understanding the skills and perfecting the technical side of things, it can be a scary thing. It’s very exciting to watch them overcome that level on uneasiness and I can’t wait to watch them grow and have fun as a team on the floor this year!
+ Karley Mullins - Instructor & Admin Team member
- Adv cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Karley has been a Bom Funk dancer for a number of years competing in Troupes and Crews. Karley is studying an Arts/Science degree at ANU. She enjoys assisting the Boys Hip Hop class and occasional Dance Kingdom classes when needed.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I love the community.
+ Laura Clee - Instructor & Vocal Coach
- Diploma of Musical Theatre
- WWCC
Laura is a dynamic and talented teacher with a diverse background in dance, singing, and musical theatre. After completing her Diploma of Musical Theatre at Brent Street, she recently moved back to Canberra, bringing a wealth of experience from her time there. While in Sydney, Laura taught private vocal lessons, further expanding her teaching skills.
She has competed in many dance and singing competitions, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the arts. Laura also performed in the charity production Sweet Charity at Brent Street, where she portrayed the role of Valentine, adding to her extensive performance experience.
In her academic achievements, Laura completed her ATAR in Dance, Drama, and Music, earning exceptional ranks of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at her college.
Laura approaches teaching with a heart full of passion, believing that learning should come from a place of joy. She tailors her classes to ensure each student feels heard, supported, and appreciated, emphasizing the importance of building both technical skills and a love for performance.
+ What do you love about Bom Funk?
I love that there are so many opportunities to learn, with an action-packed timetable and expert teachers!
I am looking forward to getting to know all of the talented students!
+ Bridgette Geary - Instructor/Assistant Cheer Coach
- Adv cert in Acrobatic Dance Association
- First Aid/CPR/WWCC
Bridgette has a background in both gymnastics and dance, beginning competitive gymnastics at the age of 7 and transitioning to dance and acro at 13. She has been part of competition teams since 2020, showcasing her talents in lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and acro. In 2021, she achieved a significant milestone by completing her Level 6 Acrobatic Arts exam and winning first place for her acro solo. Bridgette began the Assistant Teacher Acrobatic Arts Course, though her progress was interrupted by a move back to Canberra.
Her dedication to dance was recognized at her studio in Karratha, where she received the Tamiya Lovell Shinning Star scholarship, awarded to a student who embodies the values of passion, love of dance, kindness, dedication, and teamwork. In 2023, she was honored with Bom Funk's Passion, Pride & Professionalism Values trophy, highlighting her commitment to the studio's core values.
Currently, Bridgette is pursuing a double degree in International Relations and Environmental and Sustainability Science full-time at ANU. Her journey in dance and academics reflects her commitment to excellence and her passion for making a positive impact in the world.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
This year I am really looking forward to comps and Sydney trips but I am also excited about the chance to teach the younger students and share my love of acro.
+ Lilly Monterosso - Instructor
- Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching
- First Aid/CPR/WWVP/WWCC
Lilly began dancing at the age of 6. In 2023, Lilly completed her Certificate III in Dance and Assistant Teaching and received Bom Funk's Senior Student of the Year award. Alongside her dancing pursuits, Lilly is currently completing her part time apprentice in Hairdressing. Lilly has completed ATOD Tap exams and has competed at numerous dance competitions, placing 1st at National Championships.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I'm looking forward to being a part of the Bom Funk faculty and teaching and assisting with classes.
+ Gemma Batten-Drake - Junior Instructor/Assistant Cheer Coach
- IASF Cheer Coach Credentials
- Adv cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- First Aid/CPR
Gemma has been a part of Bom Funk for many years and joined her first squad team in 2017. In 2019, she toured with the studio to Paris and London to perform and attend workshops and shows. Gemma has her Level 1 Cheer coaching accreditation and is excited to be the Assistant Coach for High Flyers in 2024. She can't wait until she's 18 so that she can get her Acrobatic Arts quaulifications. Gemma was a DanceStep student leader at Bom Funk for 3 years. She won Junior Student of the Year in 2018 and Bom Funk's Community Spirit Values award in 2023. Gemma has competed at numerous dance competitions placing 1st at National Championships.
Gemma is excited to share her love for dance and cheer, inspiring others to embrace the same joy and dedication that has driven her forward on her journey so far.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I'm looking forward to basically everythin - classes, comps and our trips to sydney, as well as being an assistant teacher this year!
+ Bella O'Connor - Instructor
- Aerial Coach Course
- First Aid/WWCC Vic/WWVP
Bella has spent six years building her skills in aerial arts and dance, with two of those years dedicated to inspiring others as an instructor. A natural performer, Bella has been captivating audiences her entire life, often breaking into spontaneous dance to entertain those around her. She has competed in aerial, achieving audience choice 2025 & 1st place 2024 at a Valentine’s competition in Canberra, and 1st runner up 2023 at Ignite comp duet. For Bella, the studio is more than a space to train — it’s a sanctuary that liberates her spirit and fuels her creativity. She cherishes her connection to these art forms and is passionate about sharing her love for them with others. Bella ism passionate about the environment and ecofriendly ways to experience life.
+ What do you love about Bom Funk?
I love the vibe and energy everyone brings to the space. The creativity and passion from each person make it such an inspiring place to be.
+ Amelia Norris - JUNIOR Instructor
- Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching
- First Aid/CPR
Amelia has been a dancer at Bom Funk for many years. She has received a number of studio awards including, the Growth & Creativity Values award in 2019, the Crew Commitment Award in 2021 and Bom Funk’s Senior Performer of the Year award in 2023. She has completed her Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching. She has completed several dance exams through ATOD and in 2023 received Honors with Distinction Gold Medal Jazz exam. Amelia has competed at numerous dance competitions, placing 1st at National Championships.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
It is a very supported team and is well looked after and cared for.
+ Hanna Cochrane - Junior Instructor
- Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching
- First Aid/CPR
Hanna's dedication to dance shines brightly through her achievements and commitment. She started dancing in 2013 and in 2023, completed her Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching. She has received accolades such as Junior Student of the Year in 2016 and 2019, and Senior Performer of the Year in 2022, and Bom Funk’s Crew Commitment Award in 2023. Hanna has completed a number of her ATOD exams and in 2023 received 100% in the Jazz Gold Star exam and 99% for her Gold Medal Tap. Hanna has competed at numerous dance competitions for solos, duos and troupes, placing 1st at FYD & Hollywood Bound National Championships.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I am looking forward to new experiences and extending my knowledge on dance teaching.
+ Abby Marshall - Junior Instructor
- Adv cert Acrobatic Dance Association
- Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching (completing)
- First Aid/CPR
Abby has been a dancer at Bom Funk for many years now and has assisted classes for 3 years. She has received a number of studio awards including, the Crew Commitment award in 2017, Junior Performer of the Year in 2019 and Junior Student of the Year in 2020. She is currently completing her Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching and can’t wait until she’s 18 so that she can complete her Acrobatic Arts qualifications. Abby has competed at dance comps in teams, solos and duos and received a number of 1st at FYD & Hollywood Bound National Championships.
+ Why do you love working at Bom Funk?
I love working at Bom Funk because the environment is so friendly. I've been dancing at Bom Funk for a long time and wouldn’t change a thing. I love watching the small kiddies grow into these amazing talented dancers and I love seeing the talent and new abilities just keep growing throughout the studio. I love the environment and the friendships I've made along the way. I feel like being a part of the faculty is a massive step up and achievement for me and I can't wait to experience working as a teacher.
+ Jonah Fairhall - Instructor
- Gymnastics Coach acreditation
- WWVP
Jonah is a passionate and dedicated dancer and teacher with experience in both hip-hop and gymnastics coaching. He has been teaching hip-hop since 2021, sharing his love for movement and performance with students of all levels. In addition to dance, Jonah spent two years coaching gymnastics for children aged 3 to 12, helping young athletes develop their coordination, strength, and confidence.
As a competitive hip-hop dancer, Jonah has been training and competing for the past three years, qualifying for both national and international-level competitions. In 2023, he had the incredible opportunity to compete on the world stage at Hip Hop International (HHI) in Phoenix, Arizona, where his crew advanced to the semi-final round.
Jonah is passionate about pushing his own limits while inspiring his students to do the same. He believes in fostering a fun, supportive, and high-energy learning environment, helping dancers build strong foundations, confidence, and a love for hip-hop culture.
+ What do you love about Bom Funk?
The community and support that the studio provides for each staff and student. I'm excited to teach hip hop to all range of ages and to assist one of the hip hop crews!
Teacher Training:
At Bom Funk Dance Studio we wish to encourage and nurture senior students who would like to consider a career in teaching dance and choreography. We are an affiliate partner studio with DANCEstep: Student Teacher Education Program and have incorporated this teacher training and mentoring program to allow our student teachers time in the classroom with qualified teachers so they can learn how to teach and correct students safely, instruct correct technique, learn how to develop dance curriculum, integrate progressions for differing abilities and to help support their creativity development.
Interested in teaching for us?
We're always on the lookout for passionate, energetic and experienced teachers to join our faculty. If you are interested in teaching, please email us your resume detailing your experience. We'd also love to hear from you in at least 250 words why you'd like to join our inspiring team of teachers.