Meet our amazing MJDS Team!
YLANDA ROBINSON
Miss Ylanda, Principal and Owner of Maxi-Jazz Dance Studio has been dancing for over 30 years. Styles that she has studied over these years include Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pom, Acro Dance, Contemporary, Pointe, Hip Hop, Funk, Cheerleading, Musical Theatre, Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue.
Ylanda has been teaching for the studio for over 20 years now, with taking the final step in 2007 as becoming the Principal of Maxi-Jazz Dance Studio alongside Maxine. As well as learning and teaching dance, Ylanda has performed at various events throughout New South Wales and has competed in Ballroom competitions all over Australia.
Miss Ylanda took 9 of her students to participate in our USA Dance Tour in January 2012 and 16 students in 2014, with performances at Disneyland, California Adventure Park, Hollywood Boulevard and Universal Studios in LA. She and her students also took part in classes at The Edge Dance Studio in LA and on Broadway in New York. In December 2016, she performed alongside 22 of her students on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas.
Miss Ylanda says, “These trips are an opportunity of a lifetime for myself and the students. We had an amazing time dancing at Disneyland and Universal Studios, and learnt SOOO much from the amazing teachers at the dance studios in the USA."
Miss Ylanda has dedicated her life to dance and Maxi-Jazz, and enjoys nothing more than seeing her students having fun, getting fit and confident by doing something they enjoy. She is like a proud mum to every student, every time they step onto the stage to perform!
FUN FACT: I started dancing at 2 years of age due to turned-in feet! I’m a movie buff! I love to chill out with my boys and watch movies, especially Disney ones!
FAVOURITE STYLE: It’s hard to pick, but probably Jazz!
SHORT MESSAGE: This year is shaping up to be another incredible year. I am so motivated and excited to implement our new teaching programs and practices. I’m looking forward to watching all our students grow and shine in each and every aspect of their dance lives. I am so proud of my teaching team and the hard work they put in for our MJDS families, and I cannot wait to continue to be a more supportive, motivating and inspiring leader. Together, let’s make this year’s dance season absolutely amazing!
Qualifications:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management
- Child Safety Course Module 1
- Dare to Lead Trained
- Level 1 AASCF Cheer Stunt + Tumbling Accreditation
- Acrobatic Arts Certification
- Dance Cirque, Little Cirque, Tumble Town & Flex Ability Training Certification
- Discover Dance Training
ABBIE McKAY-CLERKE
Miss Abbie has been dancing at MJDS since she was 8 years old and has been involved in styles such as Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, Pom, Circus and Tap. Alongside working and teaching at MJDS, she is also currently completing her Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the University of Newcastle!
Miss Abbie loves being involved in all of our MJDS events. She’s performed and assisted at community performances such as the Wallsend Winter Fair and Mattara Festival. In 2016, she was a part of the Cruise Dance Troupe! Miss Abbie also started competition dancing in 2018 and has loved every second of it!
FUN FACT: I have an obsession with funky socks! I HAVE SOOO MANY. You will never see me with a matching pair at the studio.
FAVOURITE STYLE: Lyrical!
SHORT MESSAGE: This dance season is going to be a big one, and I am certain our students are going to have so much fun!! I can’t wait to meet even more beautiful faces and to share my love of dance with everyone. Bring on the new dance season!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Studying Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
- Child Safety Course Module 1
- Level 1 IASF Cheer Stunt + Tumbling Accreditation
- Acrobatic Arts Certification
- Dance Cirque, Little Cirque, Tumble Town & Flex Ability Training Certification
- Discover Dance Training
ABBY ROBERTS
Miss Abby has danced with MJDS for 14 years and is in her 4th year as a student leader. Miss Abby joined the MJDS team in 2023 as a Junior Team Member while continuing to progress through her DanceStep levels. Miss Abby has been part of our EP Dance Teams since the beginning and has loved every part of it! Miss Abby has also trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical, Contemporary and Acro over the years.
AMY WOOD
A biography for Miss Amy will be available shortly.
CRYSTAL HATCHARD
Miss Crystal is an accomplished dance teacher with extensive experience in teaching various dance styles. She has worked at multiple dance studios in Newcastle, including MJDS, where she taught for 15 years from 2001 to 2015. Miss Crystal’s areas of expertise include LGTDA Tap, Jazz, Classical Ballet (BBO syllabus), and Contemporary.
Miss Crystal embarked on her journey in the dance world as a young dancer. She has successfully completed dance examinations and taken part in several eisteddfods and competitions along the east coast of Australia, winning numerous scholarships and accolades over the years. Additionally, Miss Crystal has showcased her talent at various local events and festivals and has choreographed routines for large dance and theatre productions.
Miss Crystal’s dance career has taken her on performance tours across the United States. She has had the privilege of performing at Disney World in Florida and attending workshops with Alvin Ailey in New York City. She also showcased her skills as a featured tap artist in the Sydney Olympic Games opening ceremony.
Alongside her dance experience, Miss Crystal has built a successful 18+ year career in executive administration and communications within the mental health promotion and prevention sector.
FUN FACT: I have a strong affinity for sweets, and I am an avid dog lover!
FAVOURITE STYLE: TAP
SHORT MESSAGE: I am excited to be teaching at MJDS again this year and bringing my expertise in communications to the studio community in my new role. I look forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with my students and inspiring the next generation of young tappers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Child Safety Course Module 1
- Compassionate Foundations Training
- ASIST training
- Qualified LGTDA Tap Syllabus Teacher
- Discover Dance Training
ERIN BRADSHAW
Miss Erin began dancing at 2 years of age, when her parents literally could not stop her from running into class while waiting for her sister. She completed extensive training in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and National Character. Miss Erin moved into dance teaching in a very similar way to our current Dance Step Program - first by assisting in junior classes progressing to teaching technique lessons and private coaching at the age of 14. She prepared students for their Royal Academy of Dance Ballet exams, obtaining her teaching certificate.
Miss Erin developed a flair for contemporary and jazz choreography in particular, choreographing winning routines at the prestigious Sydney Performing Arts Challenge as well as local eisteddfods in both solo and group categories.
Miss Erin expanded on her passion for teaching, becoming a qualified Primary School teacher in 2006. She is a choreographer for Star Struck and has also choreographed for many other school events, including Hunter Dance Festival, school musicals and concerts.
In the community, Miss Erin has been involved in musical productions such as Grease and Ultra Swing Lounge, both as a dancer and as a choreographer. In the last 18 months, she has been a member of our Adult Legacy Team, proudly representing MJDS at competitions.
FUN FACT: I love doing jigsaw puzzles and sudokus and can solve a Rubik’s cube.
FAVOURITE STYLE: Lyrical
SHORT MESSAGE: I have loved being a part of the MJDS community for the last 5 years, first as a parent, then as a student as well. I am looking forward to elevating my involvement at the studio to be able to work with some of the beautiful students in class, as well as the incredible team behind the scenes. Ultimately, I am looking forward to sharing my love of dance and nurturing and developing a life-long love of dance in others.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Anaphylaxis Training
- Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
- Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate
GEORGIA SMAILES
Miss Georgia has been dancing since 2004 with Maxi-Jazz and has loved each and every year. Miss Georgia works as a Registered Nurse alongside her role at MJDS.
Over the years, Miss Georgia has taken classes in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Cheerleading and is heavily involved with our Enhancement Program. Miss Georgia has been working on the MJDS team since 2015 and loves to have now stepped into a role that supports not only students but also teachers.
Miss Georgia has represented MJDS on the Royal Carribean Explorer of the Seas in 2016, and dances along side Stars of Newcastle at the past few years Cancer Council’s Starts of Newcastle.
In recent years Miss Georgia has attained her AASCF Cheer Accreditation, and passed a number of Tap Exams with LGTDA and is one of our trained Dance Cirque teachers.
FUN FACT: I began dancing at the age of 5 at Maxi-Jazz in Miss Maxine’s Junior 1 Jazz class (and Miss Ylanda as the assistant teacher!). I can balance objects on my head for a very long time!
FAVOURITE STYLE: TAP TAP TAP
SHORT MESSAGE: I love to meet each and every MJDS student and their family!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Qualified Registered Nurse
- Level 1 IASF Cheer Stunt + Tumbling Accreditation
- LGTDS Tap Exams
- Dance Cirque, Tumble Town, FlexAbility and Little Cirque Training Certification
- Discover Dance Training
- Child Safety Course Module 1
JASMINE DAVEY
Miss Jasmine has been dancing since 2012 with Maxi-Jazz and has loved each and every year. Jasmine has trained in Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pom and Acro and is also a part of our EP Dance Teams. Miss Jasmine is part of our DanceStep Leadership Program and is currently completing level 5 of this program.
KAYLIN ROBERTS
Miss Kaylin has been dancing since 2009 with MJDS and has trained in a wide range of styles of the years. Kaylin has trained in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pom and Acro and is also a part of our EP Dance Teams. Miss Kaylin was recently awarded Most Consistent Mighty Dancer of the Year. Miss Kaylin is also part of our DanceStep Leadership Program and is currently completing level 5 of this program alongside being a Junior Team Member
LILY CRIBB
Miss Lily has been dancing at MJDS since 2011 and I have been an assistant teacher in the classroom since 2018 and in 2021 I started being a Junior teacher at maxi jazz. At Maxi-Jazz Miss Lily has studied the styles Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Acro, Pom and Cheer.
In 2016 she was a part of the MJDS Cruise Performance Troupe, in 2017, she joined the MJDS Senior Competition Dance Team and in 2018 she became a Student Assistant. Since 2020 I have been the assistant coach for the cheer comp teams.
FUN FACT: When I was 7 I broke my arm going down a hill on a scooter and from that point I have avoided steep hill and scooters.
FAVOURITE STYLE: I can’t decide just one so it’s between Hip Hop and Contemporary.
SHORT MESSAGE: I can’t wait to start another amazing year at Maxi-Jazz and welcoming everyone into our family to learn and discover their passion for dance.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Level 1 IASF Cheer Stunt + Tumbling Accreditation
- Dance Cirque & Little Cirque Training Certification
- Discover Dance Training
- Child Safety Course Module 1
LAYNE PETERS
I grew up in Orange, NSW, where I danced from the age of 4 through to 18. I trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Ballet, and was also part of Cheer and Pom performance teams. In my final years of school, I completed HSC Dance, which deepened my appreciation for the art form. After high school, I moved to Wollongong to study and enjoy coastal life for a few years. In March, I made the move to Newcastle, and I’ve been absolutely loving every moment of it!
FUN FACT: Cheerleading has actually been around longer than Basketball
FAVOURITE STYLE: Contemporary/Lyrical
SHORT MESSAGE: Outside of work, I love staying active with Pilates and walks, spending time with my family (especially BBQs!), and heading back to Orange whenever I can to visit my Nan and all of her animals.
What I’m looking forward to most is meeting all of the wonderful families and students, and being part of such a beautiful, inspiring studio community. I already feel so lucky to be here and can’t wait to get started!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- NDIS Worker Check
NIKI HINCKS
Miss Niki has been dancing teaching since the age of 16, joining our studio in 2013. She has trained in RAD Ballet, Khorabushka Character, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. Miss Niki is also certified as a Pound Fit instructor which is a high energy cardio class stemming from drumming.
Miss Niki completed her Bachelor of Arts, with majors in Psychology and Sociology in 2014. As well as teaching at MJDS, Miss Niki is retraining to become an Allied Health Assistant in Occupational Therapy.
FUN FACT: I have danced for 23 years of my life.
FAVOURITE STYLE: I have a passion for contemporary because it gives me a sense of freedom to open up emotionally.
SHORT MESSAGE: I am excited for the year ahead and looking forward to welcoming new faces into our dance family. Our team has been reflecting on our past and looking forward to what is to come this year and we cannot wait to share this with you all!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology
- Child Safety Course Module 1
- Mental Health First Aid
- FlexAbility Trained
- Discover Dance Training
TAYLOR CLIMAS
Miss Taylor has been dancing with Maxi-Jazz since 2011 and has loved every single moment. Miss Taylor joined the Assistant Training Program in 2017 and joined the Maxi-Jazz staffing team in 2018 as a Junior Teacher.
Over the years at Maxi-Jazz, Miss Taylor has trained in the styles of Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Cheer, Pom, Lyrical and Contemporary. She has also been a member of our Competition Dance teams and is currently part of our Open Cheer Team. In 2016, Miss Taylor was a part of the Maxi-Jazz Cruise Performance Troupe on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of The Seas. Miss Taylor was also apart of our 2025 American Dance Tour that performers in DisneyWorld Orlanda, Universal Studios and onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
FUN FACT: I have no cousins
FAVOURITE STYLE: Pom or Cheer
SHORT MESSAGE:
I am super excited for what this new dance season holds for us and I cannot wait to learn new skills throughout the year. I’m so excited to see all of our students as well as meet all of our new families.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- WWCC + First Aid & CPR
- Cert III in Business Administration
- Level 1 IASF Cheer Stunt + Tumbling Accreditation
- Acrobatic Arts Certification
- Dance Cirque, Little Cirque, Tumble Town & FlexAbility Training Certification
- Discover Dance Training
- Child Safety Course Module 1
- Heads Up Concussion Training
MAXINE JOHNSON
Hi my name is Maxine Johnson, I have studied since the age of 3. Competing in Latin, Ballroom, New Vogue, and studying in Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. I am a qualified Adjudicator and coach and have received my ACHPER Certificate (Australian Council for Health and Physical Education)...
I opened Maxi-Jazz in 1987 and have trained many students who have successfully opened their own studios, with Ylanda now at the forefront as part owner and principal, bringing such a passion of dance, new ideas and development to our family friendly studio. It is a new beginning to our studio after 30 years of operation!
FUN FACT: I love spending time with my grandchildren!
FAVOURITE STYLE: I Love it all.
SHORT MESSAGE: No matter what age, ability, gender or physical obstacles, make sure you keep your passion of dance alive by having fun and participating!!
ZALI STRANG
GRACE PEARSON
“The staff are dedicated, beautiful women with a true passion for dance and performing who create a positive environment for young girls. Excellent role models for our growing daughter.”
– Dance Parent of Maxi-Jazz
Meet our amazing DanceStep Leaders!
EMILIA CRANNEY
NIKKI BLOCK
ZOEY HASTINGS
KAIYLEE WHITE
ADDISON RICHARDSON SMITH
CHLOE BRADSHAW
HEIDI WALSH
