Our Team

Megan Conkey, A. Dip C.B.A – C.I.C.B Cert IV in Workplace Assessment and Training; B Arts (Psychology & Psychophysiology), Advanced 2 Cecchetti, Masters of International and Community Development, Certified Instructor of S3 barre. Affil A.T.O.D, Youth Mental Health First Aid Certificate, First Aid Certificate, Working with Children.

I believe in the power of dance to build resilient and confident children and young people who bring these skills into their adult lives.

Co-Founder and Director, Megan Conkey has danced since the age of 5 with Suzanne’s School of Ballet where she completed up to Advanced 1 ballet exams (Cecchetti Method) Jazz and Tap. Under the guidance of Susan Eacott, Megan commenced her teaching training and taught all levels of Jazz, Tap and Ballet.

On moving to Melbourne to further her studies Megan attended classes in all styles at Dance World 301 and began studying and teaching under Lorraine Blackbourn O.A.M at the Heidelberg and District Ballet School. Here Megan gained her Advanced 2 ballet exam as well as completing up to her Associate Diploma teaching qualification and Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training.

Additionally, Megan has a degree in psychology and psychophysiology and a masters in international and community development, has worked in America with children with a range of learning and attention disabilities as well as working with people with disabilities in Australia to be part of their local community.

Lindsey Gillard, B Psych Sci (Hons), MTeach, Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher, Acro Dance Preschool Certified, Certificate IV in Pilates, Certified Instructor of S3 barre, Alixa Flexibility Certified Instructor,  Intermediate Gymnastics Coach, First Aid Certificate, Working With Children.

Acrobatics class is an inclusive environment where young people learn to set and achieve goals, appreciate their bodies, and work together as a team. It’s a place where difference is valued, but everyone belongs.

Lindsey’s performance career began with her country upbringing, where her “daredevil” nature drew her to Equestrian Vaulting and Circus Arts. She trained under some of Australia’s best circus artists at the National Institute of Circus Arts, and cross-trained in Contortion, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Pilates and Ballet in order to refine her craft. Lindsey enjoyed performing her solo Contortion acts and troupe acrobatics routines as part of Melbourne’s night life.

Lindsey studied Psychology and Teaching, writing her Masters thesis on the positive physical and mental health outcomes of circus and acrobatic programs for young people. After years teaching within the secondary education system, Lindsey decided to combine her passion for acrobatics with her desire to guide young people toward their positive potential.

As a qualified Acrobatics Teacher and Pilates Instructor with a background in teaching, Lindsey’s classes are safe, engaging, and holistically beneficial. She finds great joy in celebrating student progress, and creating a supportive community of acrobats.

Megan Wilson, BPA, Certified Instructor of S3 barre, First Aid Certificate, Working with Children.

I believe in encouraging children to  play, create and grow through dance. By developing skills in movement we can develop body confidence, self expression and self love.

Megan began dancing at the age of three in New Zealand, training in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. She then completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts at the University of Otago, cementing further her love of dance and cabaret style performance.

Megan began teaching dance at age 16 as an assistant teacher and at 17 began volunteering in a student dance collective, teaching, coordinating classes and organizing dance showcases, competitions and events. Upon moving to Melbourne, Megan performs regularly at various cabarets, shows and Corporate events.

Dance has been Megan’s passion from a very young age and she enjoys sharing that with her students, all the while instilling values such as body confidence, musicality and empowerment.

Cristelle Hucker, L.C.B.A-C.I.C.B Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, Diploma of Performing Arts, Level 2 First Aid Certificate, Working with Children.

Being able to positively influence and encourage people through dance, watching them grow and creatively express themselves is truly an honour.

Cristelle began dancing at the age three, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, at a local dance school in her hometown, Ararat. At the age of nine she started travelling to Ballarat to the Carole Oliver School of Ballet, studying Cecchetti ballet, jazz and tap under the guidance of Carole Oliver and Kelly Aykers. At the age of fifteen, Cristelle moved to Melbourne away from her family to attend Christine Walsh’s Australian Conservatoire of Ballet full time classical and contemporary course.

In 2003 she began training at Dance Factory in Richmond, focusing on the more musical theatre and commercial side of the dance world successfully graduating with her Diploma of Dance and Performing Arts in 2004 at the age of 18.

Since graduation Cristelle has taught ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, funk/hip-hop, singing and drama at a number of different schools. She also enjoyed a career in the arts as a dancer, actor and singer, working for Nickelodeon, the ABC, Showtime Attractions, Channel Seven and many other Melbourne and International Companies.

In 2013, Cristelle successfully completed her Associate Status with Cecchetti Ballet Australia. Since then she has gained her Associate Diploma, Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and most recently, her Licentiate Status in 2017.

Cristelle adores teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers to gain a full understanding of safe dance practice as well as the passion and creativity dance holds. She is always upskilling as a teacher and attends many professional development sessions throughout every year.

Sian Mckrill, CIII in Music, 200 YTT, Advanced Diploma in Dance, WWC, First aid. Currently studying a Graduate program at Transit Dance.

I encourage my students to explore the many benefits dance has to offer in a safe and inclusive environment, where everyone has the ability to flourish and be seen.

Originally from Perth, Sian was classically trained until the age of 14, in which she began training in other genres leading to completing an Advanced Diploma in Performing arts specialising in Dance. This then lead to an array of opportunities in the Perth dance community as an assistant choreographer for various musicals both professional and community based. Sian has had the opportunity to travel overseas as a contracted dancer and teacher, which led to in-depth knowledge of film and live performances. Sian has been teaching since the age of 14 originally assisting her mothers dance classes, which led to her finding her own unique style and voice as an artist and teacher.

Currently studying Year 10, level 5 DanceStep and Advanced 1 Cecchetti Ballet.

I believe the dance studio is a home away from home. A place where you can grow as a person and a dancer and feel safe and supported.

Milly began her dance career at 3, training in Cecchetti Ballet and dancing many years at the Ministry of Dance. Since the opening of Inner West Dance, she has participated in contemporary, acro, musical theatre, jazz, hip hop and pointe and has been in IWD concerts every year. Milly is always at the dance studio and is very excited and eager to be apart of the Inner West Dance Team of 2023

Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations), Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management and Masters of Creative Arts Therapy (Dance/Movement Therapy). First Aid Certificate, Working with Children Check.

I believe that dance can be a wonderful way to bring people together and build a community

Helena began dancing at the age of five in jazz and tap dance and found a lifelong love for dancing. She then trained in other styles such as ballet, contemporary and hip hop. She is a strong advocate for the health and wellbeing benefits that dance can bring to childrens and adults lives. In 2018, she completed her Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance and has been teaching various styles around schools in Melbourne ever since. Recently, she completed her Masters in Creative Arts Therapy specialising in Dance/Movement Therapy at the University of Melbourne and has developed a strong interest in working with children/adults with disabilities.

Helena’s teaching style is energetic, supportive and welcoming. She aims to create a space where her students can feel confident expressing themselves in dance and reach their potential.