Meet our amazing MJDS Team!
“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
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 in Disneyland and Universal Studios and learnt SOOO much from the amazing teachers in the USA dance studios.
Miss Ylanda has dedicated her life to dance and Maxi-Jazz, and enjoys nothing more than to see her students having fun, getting fit and confident by doing something they enjoy. She is like a proud mum of each and every student, every time they step onto the stage to perform!
FUN FACT: I started dancing 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 watch 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 supporting, motivating and inspiring leader. Together let’s make this year’s dance season absolutely amazing!
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management
- Level 1 AASCF Cheer Stunt + Tumbling Accreditation
- Registered Acrobatique Acro Dance Instructor
- First Aid
- CPR
- WWCC
- Dance Cirque Training Certification
ABBIE McKAY-CLERKE
Miss Abbie has been dancing at Maxi-Jazz since she was 8 years old and has taken classes in a wide range of styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro and Tap! She will be moving into Year 12 at school this year and will be completing dance as one of her HSC subjects.
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: I am so excited to be a Junior Teacher in 2021. 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 2021!!!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- First Aid and CPR
- WWCC
- Dance Cirque and Little Monkeys Trained
- Tumble Town Trained
- FlexAbility Trained
- IASF Level 1 Cheer Credentialing
- Concussion Training
ANNIE STEWART
Miss Annie has been studying and teaching dance at Maxi-Jazz since 1992. Over the years, she has performed and taught styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Funk, Hip Hop, Cheer and Musical Theatre. She has performed at local festivals, shows, Ballroom competitions and other special events, and has enjoyed seeing many of her students do the same since beginning her Dance Teaching career in 2005.
Miss Annie is a Qualified Teacher currently teaching Primary School part-time, and holds a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies with a focus in Creative Arts.
FUN FACT: I started dancing with Miss Maxine at Maxi-Jazz at the age of 4. I have a 5 year old daughter, Alexia who absolutely loves dancing with MJDS, and a 2 year old son called Zander.
FAVOURITE STYLE: Jazz
SHORT MESSAGE:Hi everyone! I absolutely love Maxi-Jazz and am so excited about continuing my role behind the scenes this year. My passion is to inspire young people to have confidence and really love what they do and this is the best place for it.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Teaching/ Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Creative Arts)
- First Aid
- CPR
- WWCC
ELISE SELLICK
Miss Elise is our behind the scenes admin extraordinaire and has been working at MJDS since 2016! She is a mum to 4 precious little boys.
Prior to becoming a mum in 2013, Miss Elise worked as an office administrator at a financial planning firm and has recently returned to this role part time.
Miss Elise is no stranger to dance, dancing for approximately 25 years in the styles of Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary & even a little bit of Ballroom Dancing. She also enjoyed playing Netball for many years.
In 2012, Miss Elise was a part of Maxi Jazz’s first USA Performance Troupe visiting Disneyland, Universal Studios and Broadway.
FUN FACT: I have been dancing in various locations since I was 3 years old & have been dancing with Maxi Jazz since 2008. My favourite colour is aqua & my favourite food is cheesecake.
FAVOURITE STYLE: Hip Hop
SHORT MESSAGE: I am so excited to be a part of the MJDS staff team again this year & leading the administration side of the business. I am looking forward to being a part of celebrating all that MJDS represents for our first full year in our new studio home. I can’t wait to get back in the classroom as a student again this year & get to see more of the wonderful faces in our MJDS dance family!
EMMA HALL
Miss Emma has been dancing with Maxi Jazz since 2010 in styles such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Tap. She has also enjoyed participating in many performances over the years as a performer and Student Assistant at events such as Wallsend Winter Fair and Mattara Festival. Miss Emma joined the staff in 2020, becoming a Junior Teacher in 2021
FUN FACT: I broke my finger 3 days before my practical HSC Dance exams. .
FAVOURITE STYLE: Jazz
SHORT MESSAGE: I am so excited to meet more of our beautiful students this year and share my love for dance with you all!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- First Aid / CPR
- WWCC
- Dance Cirque and Little Monkeys Trained
- Tumble Town Trained
- FlexAbility Trained
GEORGIA WAY
Miss Georgia has been dancing since 2004 with Maxi-Jazz and has loved each and every year and is also studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Newcastle University.
Over the years, Miss Georgia has taken classes in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Cheerleading and has recently become involved in the Competition World. Miss Georgia has been working on the MJDS team since 2015. Miss Georgia plans all of our competitions, extra performances and events here at MJDS so make sure you come to one of her events!
In 2016, Miss Georgia was a part of the Maxi-Jazz Cruise Performance Troupe performing on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of The Seas.
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 haha!). 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! I love to plan all our community extras and can’t wait to see you in and around the studio!
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Studying Bachelor of Nursing
- IASF Level 1 Cheer Credentialing
- Dance Cirque and Little Monkeys Trained
- Tumble Town Trained
- FlexAbility Trained
- First Aid/CPR
- WWCC
- Concussion Training
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.
MIRANDA HYLAND
Miss Miranda has been dancing with Maxi-Jazz since 1996 and in 2008 she joined the teaching staff. Over this time she has studied many styles of dance including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue. Miss Miranda has participated in many performances and competitions over the years representing Maxi-Jazz everywhere she goes.
Along with being an enthusiastic and dedicated Senior Teacher, Miss Miranda holds a Bachelor of Primary Teaching/Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and works as a Primary Teacher. She is a passionate dancer who always has a smile on her face. She takes pride in teaching dance to her students and loves to see them enjoy their classes just as much as she does.
Miss Miranda also joined Maxi-Jazz on their USA Dance Tour in January 2012, performing At Disneyland and Universal Studios in Los Angeles. She attended classes at The Edge Dance Studio in LA and on Broadway in New York.
FUN FACT: I started dancing 4 and a half years old. I started in the ‘Tiny Tots’ at the old studio location in Charlestown. I have an extra bone in each foot.
FAVOURITE STYLE: My favourite style would have to be Jazz. It was where I started all those years ago. It has given me my foundation for dance, body control and discipline I need to pursue other styles of dance. I feel at home in the style of Jazz where I can express my happy and smiling personality within my routines.
SHORT MESSAGE: This year, I’m most excited about my new role into parenthood. You will still see me around the studio throughout the year mostly at our major events - Miss Ylanda can’t get rid of me just yet! The friendships I have made here at MJDS I still hold so dear to me I love that I see the same thing happening within our studio.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Primary Teaching/Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
- First Aid
- CPR
- Anaphylaxis
- WWCC
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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:
- First Aid
- CPR
- Working With Children Check
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology Majors)
- Certified Pound Fit Instructor
- Mental Health First Aid
ROCHELLE HESSE
Miss Rochelle has been dancing since 4 years old, performance and being on the stage has always been the light of her life! Trained in styles of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Kicks/Turns/Leaps, Commercial Jazz, Heels, Musical Theatre, Singing, Acting, Acrobatics, Aerial, Tumbling, Lyrical and began training professionally at Full time school Lee Academy in 2019.
Miss Rochelle’s career, highlights includes; TV paid experiences such as Australia’s Got talent with team aKrobatika (grand finalists achieving 2x golden buzzers) working with square division and Sony media, working with Channel 7 on The Voice & Farmer Wants a Wife (as an TV extra), featured dancer/tumbler at Mardi Gras, sponsored by BMW mini Australia. Some of her cooperate/ stage show events include; suit character roving work such as: Olaf, Mickey, Minnie and Bluey as well as portraying Disney princesses/villains/superheros etc; Love Lanes festival roving hand cane soloist and cheerleader for Central Coast Mariners, immersive shows working with creative director Keith Hawley.
FUN FACT: A Competitive National Champion at Dance life unite given the opportunity to attend dance workshops in New York, Los Angeles with companies, Broadway Dance Centre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, The Edge Performing Arts Centre.
FAVOURITE STYLE: As there are so many different styles in dance it is difficult to make a choice, I love all equally as it shows a persons talent in the way they dance as an individual.
SHORT MESSAGE:
Hello everyone! I’m super excited to be part of the team to share my knowledge and experience with you all, encourage every student to their best capabilities and reach their goals. I’m excited this is my first year teaching at Maxi Jazz Dance Studio and looking forward to collaborating with Staff to create the best experience for the MJDS family.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching.
- Cert IV in Arts Admin.
- Cert IV Dance.
- Diploma in Dance specialising in Acro & Aerial.
- Advanced Diploma in Dance (currently studying 2nd year).
- First Aid.
- Working with Children Check.
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. In 2016, Miss Taylor was a part of the Maxi-Jazz Cruise Performance Troupe on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of The Seas.
FUN FACT: I have no cousins
FAVOURITE STYLE: Pom/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:
- IASF Level 1 Cheer Credentialing
- Dance Cirque/Little Monkeys Trained
- Tumble Town Trained
- Flex Ability Trained
- First Aid / CPR
- Anaphylaxis Training
- Child Protection Training
- Concussion Training
- WWCC
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!!
Meet our amazing DanceStep Leaders!
ZAHLEE JOHNSON
Hi my name is Miss Zahlee and I‘m a student leader at Maxi-Jazz this year. I have dances for 10 years and trained in a lot of different styles. I am in year 7 this and a Preteen at dancing. When I’m not dancing, I love hanging out with my friends. I love being a student leader because I get to help with the the kids and help the teachers too.
ZALI STRANG
My name is Miss Zali and I am a Student Leader here at MJDS. This is my 3rd year at Maxi-Jazz and my first year as a student leader. I am starting high school this year and when I‘m not dancing, I love hanging out with my friends. This year will be my first year on an Enhancement Program Team and I’m super excited. I will love being a student leader this year because I get to help you be the best dancer you can be.
TARYN BRYLA
My name is Miss Taryn and I‘m a student leader here at MJDS. This is my 7th year dancing at MJDS and my first year as a Student Leader. I am starting high school this year and when I’m not at dancing, I‘ll most likely be on face time with my best friend Kayla. This is my 4th year in a comp team and I am so excited. I love being a DanceStep Leader because I’m excited to encourage young kids to learn and dance.
LILI SARGEANT
I‘m Miss Lili and I am a Student Leader at Maxi-Jazz. I have danced for 23 years and it is my second year at Maxi-Jazz. I am in year 11 at school and a senior at dance. When I’m not at the studio, you‘ll find me in the craft room or at BraidLab. Last year I was awarded Mighty Most Improved Dancer of the Year and I will be competing in the Open Cheer Team this year. I’m so excited to be a student leader to share my love for dance.
KAYLA FOX
My name is Miss Kayla and I am a student leader at Maxi-Jazz. This is my 6th year at Maxi-Jazz and my first year as a student leader. I am in year 7 at school this year. When I’m not at dancing, I am hanging out with my friends.
MAGGIE JOHNSON
Hi my name is Miss Maggie and I am a student leader here at Maxi-Jazz. This is my 11th year dancing at Maxi-Jazz and my 2nd year as a Student Leader. I am in year 8 at school and an Inter at dance. When I am not dancing I am hanging out with my friends. Last year I was a part of our Junior Firestorm Team that won 3rd Overall at a Competition. I was also awarded the Most Outstanding Ballet Dancer last year. I love being a student leader because I learn a lot and get to bond with the students I assist.
JACINDA ZENIUS
My name is Miss Jacinda and I am a student leader here at Maxi-Jazz. This is my 5th year dancing at Maxi-Jazz and my 2nd year as a Student Leader. I am in year 10 at school when I am not dancing I am often in the pool swimming. Last year I got awarded Best Scorpion at a competion last year. I love being a Student Leader because I love watching the students grow and being a positive role model to them.
HANNAH MULHERON
My name is Miss Hannah and I am a student leader here at Maxi-Jazz. This is my 11th year dancing at Maxi-Jazz and my 2nd year as a Student Leader. Over the years i have done Jazz, Ballet, Acro, Lyrical, Pom, Hip Hop and Tap. I am in year 8 as well as an Inter this year. When I‘m not at the studio I’m hanging out with my friends. Last year I was a part of our Junior Firestorm Team that won 3rd Overall at a Competition. I love being an leader because I get to bond with students and I get to help students improve their dancing.
ABBY ROBERTS
My name is Miss Abby and I am a Student Leader at Maxi-Jazz. I have danced with MJDS for 11 year and this is my 2nd year as a student leader. I am in year 8 this year and also an Inter. When I‘m not at dancing, I’m playing with my dog. I love being a Student Leader because I get to connect with the students and families.
MADI LAWRENCE
My name is Miss Madi and I‘m a student leader at Maxi-Jazz. I have danced for 10 years and done styles such as jazz, hip hop, lyrical, pom. acro and cheer. This is my 3rd year as a Student Leader. I’m in year 11 at school and a senior at dancing. When I’m not at dancing, I like to spend time with my friends. An accomplishment I have was back in 2019 when I won best walkover at a competition. I love being a student leader as i love to help students grow as dancers and become more confident in themselves.
LILY ALLEN
My name is Lily and I am a student leader at Maxi-Jazz. This is my 11th year at the studio and my 3rd year being in the DanceStep program. I have done many different styles but my favourite is cheer and jazz. I‘m in year 8 and this year I am an Inter at the studio. When i’m not at dancing, I’m either reading, at the beach or hanging out with my friends. Last year I got experience a live competition after competing virtually for a few years. I love being a leader because I get to share my love of dance.
KAYLIN ROBERTS
My name is Miss Kaylin and I am a student leader at MJDS. This is my 14th year at Maxi-Jazz and I have done tap, acro, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, pom and EP. This is my 3rd year as a student leader. I am in year 11 at school and a senior student at MJDS. When I am not at dancing, I like to spend time with my friends and family. Last year I was awarded Most Consistent Mighty Dancer of the Year. I love being a student leader because I get to be a role model for the students and creating a connection with them.
JASMINE DAVEY
My name is Miss Jasmine and I am a student leader at MJDS. This is my 10th year at Maxi-Jazz. This is my 4th year as a student leader. I am in year 9 at school and an Inter student at MJDS. When I am not at dancing, I am usually spending time with friends and family. This year I am excited to be joining a competition team for the first time. I love being a student leader because I love being able to watch and help the younger students grow as dancers.