EMILY PERKINS - PRINCIPAL
Bachelor of Education, Melbourne University. Certificate IV in Dance. Trained RAD Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz & Character at the Merilyn Bryrne School of Classical Ballet.
Performing member of Young Dancers Theatre (YDT) Ballet Company 1983 – 1988. Assistant teacher at Steppes 1994. Freelance dance instructor around Melbourne 1994 – 1995. Instructor at Steppes since 1995. Proprietor of Steppes since 1996. Member of Australian Dance Vision. Expertise – Photography, Costume design, Textiles and Visual Arts.
GEORGIA SHAW - TEACHER
Georgia started dancing in 2002 at the age of three, she learnt different genres of dance such as jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, and lyrical. She then completed two years of full time training at Transit dance, graduating with a Diploma of performing arts and received her certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management.
After completing her courses, Georgia expanded her knowledge of body movement by studying to receive her Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork and Reformer to further guide her dance teaching.
Georgia has been working hard as a professional dancer and is currently part of the South Melbourne Phoenix flame dancers for the NBL.
MIA INGRAM - TEACHER
Mia began dancing in 2002 at Utassy Ballet School specialising in RAD ballet, contemporary and character. Participating in original performances under the guidance of Sue & Kevin Hayes, highlights include performing at the Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse for the 50th Anniversary, lead roles in the annual production of "Peter & the Wolf" and ongoing performances of the traditional Ukranian Hopak. Mia later joined YDC for their production of "The Tales of Beatrix Potter" and was the youngest member of youth contemporary company, Yellow Wheel, in their first year. Mia extended her dance reportoire with hip hop, musical theatre and jazz styles at Haileybury College and completed tertiary studies at The Space Dance & Arts Centre under Adam Wheeler and Spectrum Dance where she obtained her Certificate III & IV in Dance. Mia is a senior dance coach at Haileybury College is now studying Bachelor of Arts & Master of Teaching at Deakin University.
MEG LEWIS - TEACHER
Meg danced at Mordialloc Dance studio for 13 years, competing in both Troupe and Solo competitions. She has also been heavily involved in Performing Arts throughout her schooling journey. Meg was involved in productions, such as Mamma Mia and Strictly Ballroom.
Meg is now training at Patrick School of the Arts for there Performing Arts Program.
Meg is also enthusiastic to be entering her 3rd year of teaching! (2024).
IMOGEN WALCH - TEACHER
Imogen started ballet at the age of 3 completing ballet exams in RAD, ADV and the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet and began training in Jazz and lyrical from age 9. Imogen trained in Dubai from age 11 performing with Dubai Performing Arts school where she performed with h2 productions London in the pantomime Snow White.
Formally a student at Steppes School of Dance she is currently training in her second year of full time, performing arts at Patrick School of the Arts.Kerri Morrison - Teacher
Growing up in NZ Kerri’s career includes a lifetime of teaching experience. With her mother she ran The Marmont School of Dance in Auckland, reopening the school when she moved to Melbourne in 1989. Additionally she has been active as a performer, choreographer and adjudicator throughout her life.
She holds qualifications in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance. Though Covid unfortunately forced the closure of her Melbourne school she is excited to join the team at Steppes.
NICOLE PAPAZOIS - TEACHER
Nicole is a passionate Hip Hop Dancer/Teacher and has danced for 18 years in many styles within Street Dance all around Melbourne. Nicole graduated from the Ministry of Dance Full Time course in 2019 with a Cert IV in Dance, Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management and a Diploma of Dance: Elite Performance. While in Full Time, she learnt all genres of dance and found her love for creating and choreographing. She has danced at The Grand Final footy show, Australia’s Got Talent, The Grand Prix and has performed at Festivals and in Hip Hop Dance Crew competitions
In January 2022 Nicole became a member in the leading Hip Hop dance company Ascendant DC and will continue in the 2023 season. In June 2022, she travelled with Ascendant DC to LA for a dance training trip at world renowned studios such as Millennium Dance Complex, TMilly TV and Offstage by GRV taking public and private lessons with A list LA choreographers.
Banjo - Mascot
Banjo is our studio mascot and has been part of the Steppes team since 2016. Always happy to greet our students. He is very much part of the Steppes family, putting smiles on everyone’s face when they arrive.
Russell Proud - Admin/Barista
Russell has been working in the performing arts industry for 30 years, successfully leading, designing, planning, and delivering a wide variety of projects in a diverse range of settings.
His experience has been cultivated touring nationally across Australia, delivering artist into many venues across Australia while managing a production company, before moving into venue management as Technical Manager of Monash University’s performing arts venues. Russell spent several years in the Middle East, Project Managing the delivery live performances of large-scale music events featuring world-renowned Performers, DJs and K-pop artists into a verity different venues and unique spaces, across UAE & KSA.
Currently, working on the new ECU City Campus project, leading the design of the new WAAPA performance venues and teaching spaces along with several leading Australian venues, provided technical asset reviews and upgrades.
However the highlight of his week is making coffees in Miss Elodie on Saturday mornings and assisting with the administration of Steppes.
