Teachers

Zoey Williams

Owner / Director   |  RAD RTS   |  Cert IV Dance (Teaching)  |  Aerial Arts Certified Teacher   |  Working With Children Check

Zoey began her dance training in Dubbo at the age of six, studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and National Character. She went on to complete advanced examinations in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and National Character.At fourteen, Zoey was accepted into the British Ballet Organisation Scholar Program for Ballet and Jazz. This opportunity saw her undertake further training at McDonald College and Urban Dance Centre in Sydney. By the age of fifteen, Zoey had begun teaching Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Modern in Dubbo, where she successfully produced award-winning solos and troupes for dancers of all ages.At twenty-one, Zoey relocated to Toowoomba, Queensland, where she taught Ballet and Contemporary. During this time, she was also a member of two elite performance crews, performing at sporting events, corporate functions, and a range of events throughout southeast Queensland.In 2019, Zoey became the Owner and Principal of Orana Dance Centre (now Nova Performing Arts). Under her leadership, the school has continued to produce high-calibre soloists, troupes, and full-time, industry-ready dancers. Zoey is proud to run her studio in an organised, professional, and family-friendly manner, ensuring families feel welcome, informed, and confident that their children are learning the art of dance in a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable environment. Her strong focus on technical training supports dancers in developing both skill and confidence.Zoey has been teaching children and adults of all ages for over 18 years and remains committed to ongoing professional development, continually updating her knowledge and skills within the ever-evolving dance industry.Zoey is a Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher, an Aerial Arts Certified Teacher, and holds a Certificate IV in Dance (Teaching).

Gabby Judd

Cert IV Dance (Teaching)  |  Diploma in Beauty Therapy  |  Working With Children Check  |  First Aid Certified

Gabriella began her dance training at the age of three in Parkes, studying under Cathy Acret at the Acret School of Dance (now known as the Parkes School of Dance).

She has trained extensively in Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Ballet, working through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and ISTD syllabi. Gabriella has completed examinations in Modern, Jazz, and Tap through the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing (FATD), as well as Ballet examinations through RAD.

In addition to her theatrical dance training, Gabriella has also trained in Ballroom and Latin dance styles and competed in Ballroom Dance competitions throughout New South Wales.

Gabriella brings a strong passion for performance and theatre to her teaching. Musical theatre, cabaret, Broadway, drama, and hip hop are at the heart of her creative practice, and she is deeply committed to sharing her love of the performing arts with the next generation. She believes theatre students deserve strong, well-rounded training across singing, dancing, and acting, which led to the creation of the NOVA Youth Theatre Program — a dedicated space for theatre-focused students, supported by exceptional mentors and workshops led by active industry professionals. Gabriella is proud to foster an environment that is more than a dance school; it is a creative home where young performers can grow, feel safe, and shine.

Gabriella currently holds the roles of Director of the NOVA Youth Theatre Program, Assistant Principal of NOVA Performing Arts, and Principal of The Western Dance Collective.

Her performance credits include Grease, Guys & Dolls, My Fair Lady, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Hairspray, among many others. She was also Runner-Up in The Voice of Narromine and a finalist in Telstra Road to Tamworth.

Gabriella’s creative credits include choreographer or co-choreographer for Dubbo Theatre Company productions of Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia!, and Guys & Dolls.

She was also a long-standing member of the Orange Theatre Company, performing in numerous productions including Hello, Dolly!, Guys & Dolls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Grease.

Brianna Shuttle

Cert IV Dance Teaching and Management  |  Working With Children Check  |  First Aid Certified

Miss Brianna has been a valued and dedicated member of the Orana Dance Centre faculty since 2022, supported by a further five years of assisting experience. Her dance journey began at just two and a half years of age, and she proudly graduated from Orana Dance Centre in 2025.

Brianna has trained across a range of dance styles, with cabaret and tap being particular areas of interest. As a teacher, tap is her favourite genre to share with students, as she is passionate about developing strong musicality, rhythm, and confidence in young dancers.

She is deeply committed to her professional training and has completed her Certificate II, Certificate III, and Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Brianna has also successfully completed her Intermediate RAD Ballet Examination, further strengthening her skills as an educator.

Brianna’s enthusiasm, dedication, and positive energy make her an invaluable part of the Orana team. She takes great pride in inspiring and guiding students in a supportive and encouraging learning environment and loves building strong connections with the dancers she teaches.

Kimberly Walter

Certificate Iv Dance Teaching and Management  |  Bachelor Education (PrimarY)  |  Certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor  |  First Aid Certified  |  Working With Children Check

Kimberly Walter is a dedicated and experienced dance educator and school leader, with over 15 years of teaching across all major dance styles. Specialising in Ballet and Lyrical, Kimberly brings expertise in technique, choreography, stage direction, and Acrobatic Arts coaching, with a strong focus on safe dance practices and injury prevention.

In addition to her dance career, Kimberly has worked as an Assistant Principal and Primary School Teacher, developing strong classroom management, curriculum design, and leadership skills. She has extensive experience supporting diverse learning needs and creating inclusive, engaging environments for all students.

Kimberly holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, a Bachelor of Education (Primary), and is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. She is also First Aid certified and holds a Working With Children Check, ensuring a safe and professional learning environment for students of all ages.

Throughout her career, Kimberly has built strong, positive relationships with students, parents, and studio teams, maintaining high student retention and parental satisfaction. Her expertise in student engagement, performance quality, curriculum development, and choreography makes her an invaluable member of any dance and educational program.

Marnie Matheson

Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance  |  Mat Pilates Certified

After graduating from Orana Dance Centre in 2023, Marnie spent the past two years completing full-time dance studies at Brent Street, one of Australia’s leading institutions for elite dance education.

Joining the Nova Performing Arts faculty in 2026, Marnie brings a strong technical foundation and extensive professional training. With her Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance and Mat Pilates certification, she offers a refined understanding of technique, conditioning, and choreography. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to excellence, discipline, and ongoing artistic growth.



We are thrilled to welcome Marnie back in 2026, confident she will bring fresh skills, industry knowledge, and enthusiasm to our team.

Billy Zell

Billy Zell began his dance journey at a young age and has been teaching since 2025, with prior experience assisting in classes. He has choreographed numerous winning solos for himself and, in 2025, began creating solos for his students, many of which have received awards and recognition.

Billy was the recipient of Dubbo Eisteddfod Scholarships, which enabled him to train at Newcastle Ballet Theatre and Brent Street Studios, further developing his technical and performance skills.

He enjoys teaching Hip Hop, Lyrical, Jazz, and Contemporary, and is known for his patience, dedication, and willingness to support every student. Billy has excellent rapport with both students and colleagues, and serves as a fantastic male role model for younger dancers, helping to encourage confidence, skill, and a love for dance in all his students.

Grace Murphy

Grace Murphy has been teaching Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, and Contemporary since 2025, with many years of experience assisting in classes prior to this. She has choreographed numerous award-winning solos and has achieved major accolades at eisteddfods, including reaching competition finals at the Gold Coast on multiple occasions.

Grace has completed RAD examinations and continues to pursue further training to enhance her skills and knowledge. She has also performed lead roles in many Orana Dance Centre productions, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the art of dance.

Known for her excellent rapport with students, Grace is patient, encouraging, and committed to helping every dancer grow in confidence, technique, and performance quality. She is a valued member of the Orana team, inspiring students through her teaching, mentorship, and passion for dance.

Jamie Chandler

Jamie Chandler has been teaching at Orana Dance Centre since 2025, sharing her expertise with students in both Dubbo and Wellington. She graduated from Orana Dance Centre and completed Year 12 in 2025.

Jamie specialises in Modern and Acrobatic dance, bringing energy, skill, and dedication to every class. Known for her patience and supportive approach, she builds strong rapport with students and helps them develop confidence, technique, and a love of dance.

Outside of dance, Jamie has begun her career working with disadvantaged youth, demonstrating her commitment to mentoring and supporting young people both in and beyond the studio.

Slohne Williams

Slohne Williams began teaching solos to students at Orana Dance Centre in 2025, with several of her pieces earning awards. She continues to assist in classes and teach her own classes in 2026, sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages.

Slohne has a keen interest in Tap, Lyrical, and Contemporary, and is actively completing her RAD Ballet examinations to further develop her training. Known for her patience, encouragement, and dedication, she builds strong connections with her students and helps them grow in confidence, technique, and performance quality.

Tilly Pickering

Miss Tilly Pickering is a passionate and emerging dance educator who has quickly made her mark at Nova Performing Arts. Beginning her teaching journey with group classes in 2025, Tilly made an immediate statement, choreographing a first-place routine at the Dubbo Eisteddfod in her very first year of teaching.

A dedicated performer as well as teacher, Tilly has played numerous lead roles in Orana Dance Centre productions, most notably portraying Elphaba in Wicked (2025), where she showcased her strength in performance, character work, and storytelling on stage. Her strong foundation in musical theatre and modern choreography shines through in both her performance work and her teaching style.

Tilly has a natural gift for working with young dancers, using a smart, nurturing approach that allows even the littlest students to learn confidently while dancing to the very best of their ability. Having grown up as a student at Orana Dance Centre, she deeply understands the culture, values, and expectations of our studio.

As a past Orana Dance Centre Senior Scholarship recipient, Tilly continues to lead by example. She is a valued member of the Nova team, and we are excited to see the impact she will have on our students in 2026 and beyond.

Luke Kent

Vocal Coach

Luke has been a musician and singer in various capacities for over 30 years.

He has created bands and sung in choirs for most of his life. He also has a home recording studio and has recorded with other vocalists, musicians and songwriters in various projects.

Luke has been teaching voice as his main focus for over 14 years. In that time he has studied with voice coach Jeff Alani Stanfill who is a master teacher based in New York in the USA. Luke has also attended various online vocal masterclasses to keep improving his teaching knowledge and skills.

He continually studies the resources and lessons he has received to keep sharpening his skills.

Luke has taught students with international contracts, singers who work for Opera Australia, singers with local original and cover bands and plenty of amateur and beginning singers. 

He has also taught group singing classes and workshops at Sydney Community College and St George and Sutherland Community College.

Luke is passionate about developing a great solid vocal technique for health and to be continually improving his student’s singing!

Whether someone is a beginner, amateur or a working professional, Luke has experience, tools and the passion to help them keep moving forwards towards their vocal goals.

Corey Binks

Directors Assistant - Nova Youth Theatre Program

Corey will be assisting in the nova youth theatre program in 2026! Corey has years of experience on stage, accounting to 10 musicals over the past five years in Drama Club Dubbo. Some of his roles include Kristoff (Frozen, 2024), Scar (The Lion King jnr, 2023) and Brad (Hairspray! 2025). He has also had work experience with the Australian Theatre for Young people, completed a Screen Acting Techniques short course at NIDA and a week workshop of Musical theatre at ATYP. 

Corey is very excited to bring his passion and expertise to the Nova Youth Theatre Program! He endeavours to create an environment that welcomes everyone, supports one another, and to have heaps of fun doing it - regardless of skillset or experience. 

Corey can’t wait for Nova Performing Arts to share the magic of musical theatre through singing, dancing, and acting because “everyone deserves the chance to fly” -Wicked