Teaching Faculty
Samantha Grant - Director
L.C.B.A – C.I.C.B (Licentiate)
As the Director of the DV Dance, Samantha Grant has had an extensive background in dance. Samantha studied with Lorraine Blackbourn OAM (F.C.B.A) for over 20 years, obtaining all Major Cecchetti examinations, including Advanced 1 & 2 with Distinctions.
Samantha began her teaching qualifications under the guidance of Miss Blackbourn and has attained her Associate, Associate Diploma and Licentiate Status. Samantha has a Certificate in Applied Anatomy & Physiology, Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management, Cert IV in Training & Assessment, a Level 2 First Aid Certificate. Samantha is also an Affiliate Member with ATOD. Before starting the school in 2004, Samantha was a qualified Law Clerk obtaining her Adv Dip (Legal Practice).
Miss Sam loves teaching our little Tiny Tots all the way through to our Advanced level students. A big part of her role as Director is to mentor our younger teachers and guide them through their qualification process. Teacher training and VCE/VET dance is one of Sam’s favourite areas of teaching dance.
"The best part of owning DV Dance is watching the next generation of beautiful students transform into incredible teachers. Having home grown teachers creates the most connected community and something I am so proud of."
Emma Lanza-Craig - Studio Manager
L.C.B.A – C.I.C.B (Licentiate)
Having started ballet from the age of 4, Emma knew that dance was going to be a life long passion. Emma has completed many examinations and competitions in both ballet and jazz with various methods, and danced full time at Dance Factory in 2007. Emma starting working at DV Dance in 2007, and under the guidance of Samantha Grant ,Emma was immersed in the Cecchetti Method. Emma has successfully completed all Major exams including Advanced 2 with distinction. Emma holds her Licentiate (Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management) with Cecchetti Ballet Australia as well as Cert IV in Dance and Performance. Emma also holds a Cert III in Children's Services and a Level 2 First Aid Certificate with Anaphylactic Management.
"I'm so very lucky and honoured to be able to teach at DV Dance and it has been a privilege to watch the studio grow and continue to grow over the years. I hope that I can pass on the passion and joy I experience when dancing to every student I teach, and that they leave every class feeling a little bit more inspired and confident."
Tess Wright - Lead Teacher and Creative Director
A. (Dip) C.B.A - C.I.C.B, Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management
Classically trained, Tess is a Melbourne based Cecchetti Ballet teacher. With over 13 years of teaching Tess has taught at dance schools across Sydney and Melbourne. Most recently, Tess has returned to teaching at DVDance where she initially trained in the Cecchetti method under the guidance of Samantha Grant. Tess is experienced teaching students of all ages and abilities and enjoys sharing experiences with her students on and off the stage.
Tess’ dance journey began when she was 5 years old training in the styles of ballet and jazz. Her love of dance continued to evolve undertaking classes in tap, contemporary and hip hop.
In addition to dance, Tess has completed an Honours degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne.
Bernadette Meehan - Customer Experience Manager
As our resident “Nana B”, Bernie looks after everyone and knows everything! She has been part of the DVDance family since the very start of time (fun fact - she is actually Sam’s mum, so she is the original Dance Mum!) and is an integral part of our DVDance Team. Anything you need to know, any questions you have, costume requirements, confirmation of times, info, events, or anything else you can possibly think of, Bernie is there for a chat and to help you.
Our front desk would not be the same without her!
Sheridyn Sandford - Dance Educator
Sheridyn has been part of our DV Dance community since 2006, and after working as an Assistant Teacher for many years she joined the Teaching Faculty in 2018.
Sheridyn thoroughly enjoys teaching a wide range of DV Dance students, from our tiniest Little Stars right up to our awesome tappers at our Rubies and Diamonds level. She feels extremely privileged to be able to nurture and encourage each student no matter where they are on their dance journey.
Sheridyn has successfully completed her Cecchetti Advanced 2 Ballet, ATOD Level 6 Contemporary, ATOD Gold Star Tap and ATOD Gold Medal Jazz examinations, as well as completing her Cert II in Dance (VCE VET) in 2018.
Outside of dance, Sheridyn is a certified Pilates instructor, working across various studios and sharing her love of movement with clients every day. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from ACU, majoring in politics and history.
Olivia Andrit - Dance Educator
Olivia’s journey with DV Dance began at the age of six in 2009, where she trained across a range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary. In 2017, she became one of DVDance’s original DanceStep Student Teachers, before officially joining the teaching team in 2019.
Throughout her dance training, Olivia has completed numerous examinations across multiple disciplines. She has successfully completed her Cecchetti Major examinations in Intermediate and Advanced 1 Ballet and is continuing her classical training through Cecchetti Advanced 2. She has also completed a range of ATOD examinations in Jazz, Tap and Contemporary, including her Gold Medal in Tap, consistently achieving outstanding results.
In 2019, Olivia completed her Certificate II in Dance (VCE VET) under the guidance of Samantha Grant. Alongside her involvement in dance, she graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management, and now works professionally in Marketing. She also holds current First Aid qualifications.
Having grown from a young DV Dance student into a member of the teaching team, Olivia loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm across all styles of dance. She is proud to continue her journey at DV Dance, a community that has played such an important role in her own development as a dancer and individual.
Chloe Kerr - Dance Educator
Chloe joined DV Dance in 2008 and has been a member of the DV Dance community ever since. Throughout her years as a student, Chloe participated in ballet, jazz and contemporary classes and completed multiple ballet and contemporary examinations.
Her love for dance and working with children led her to join DVDance’s DanceStep volunteer program in 2017, where she developed the foundations of dance teaching, gaining valuable experience assisting teachers and working with younger students. In 2021, officially joined the DVDance teaching team and has since enjoyed teaching ballet, jazz and the Little Stars program.
Chloe is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging and fun environment where students can build confidence, develop their skills and, most importantly, enjoy their love of dance. Currently completing her Bachelor of Primary Education and working towards her Advanced One ballet studies through the Cecchetti method. Chloe has completed her Certificate III in Education Support and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, as well as holding current First Aid and CPR qualifications.
With a strong background in both dance and education, Chloe loves combining her passion for teaching and performing with her experience working with children. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers and helping each student discover the same love and enjoyment of dance that she has had throughout her own journey at DV Dance.
Penelope Sholakis - Dance Educator
Pene has been a part of the DVDance community since 2009, where she has trained across Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary. Throughout her dance journey, Pene has completed multiple examinations across these genres, including her Cecchetti Advanced 1 Ballet examination.
In 2017, Pene became part of the original DanceStep program, assisting with classes and working predominantly within the Little Stars program. Her passion for teaching continued to grow, and in 2021 she officially joined the DVDance teaching team.
Pene currently teaches Ballet and Jazz to the Sapphires at DVDance, while also working within the school’s events team. She loves creating a positive and encouraging environment for her students and watching them grow in confidence, technique and their love of dance.
Alongside her work at DVDance, Pene completed her Diploma of Interior Design at Swinburne University in 2022. Since graduating, she has continued to work within the creative and visual space as a Field Visual Merchandiser for Nike.
Pene is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation and feels incredibly proud to continue growing within the DVDance community.
Abigail Keiper - Dance Educator
Abby joined DV Dance in 2010 and since then has participated in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop and acro classes. Abby has completed multiple Checcetti ballet and ATOD exams in these styles attaining high marks.
In 2022 Abby joined our Dancestep program where later joined the DVDance Team in 2025. In 2025 Abby graduated from Transit Dance where she completed her high school studies alongside pre-professional dance training. During this time Abby completed her Cert || in Dance (VCE VET) as well as her certification from The Acrobatic Dance Association in Intermediate Teacher Training.
Abby continues to further her dance training in hope of a career in professional dance.
Abby loves seeing her Acro, Hiphop and Little Stars students grow and loves sharing her passion of dance with them. She is so excited to see their love for dance grow.
Aleisha Dam - Dance Educator
Aleisha has been a part of the DVDance community since 2015. Beginning her teaching journey by gaining experience through the DanceStep program and as an assistant teacher, she joined the teaching faculty in 2026.
Aleisha has successfully completed various ATOD examinations, as well as her Cecchetti Major exam. She is currently furthering her ballet training through her Cecchetti Advanced 2 studies. Additionally, she completed her Cert II in Dance (VCE VET) in 2024 and holds current First Aid qualifications.
Aleisha loves teaching a variety of dance styles and feels proud to continue to share her passion of dance with the DVDance community.
Ava Davies - Dance Educator
Ava has been dancing at DV Dance since 2011, and has participated in many styles including Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary. She completed 3 years of the DanceStep program, 1 year of assistant teaching and then officially joined the DV Dance team in 2026!
Ava has completed many dance examinations including her Intermediate Cecchetti Major exam. She is currently working towards her Advanced 1 Ballet exam. She has also completed numerous Jazz exams with outstanding results.
Outside of dance, Ava is completing a Bachelor of Business Professional Practice, majoring in Human Resource Management at RMIT.
Ava loves teaching the younger generation of dancers to have the same love and passion for dance she has!
Melissa Spiropoulos - Dance Educator/Trainer
Melissa has been a part of the DVDance community since the doors opened in 2004 - where she completed 15 years of dance, participating in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz & Tap. Melissa has successfully completed ATOD Contemporary exams in the highest degree, achieving Honours with Distinctions.
Finding a passion for Fitness through her journey with dance, Melissa has attained Certificates 3 & 4 in Fitness with the AIPT in 2015, shortly after completing a Business Diploma at LaTrobe University in 2014 which lead her to open her very own Personal Training studio in 2015. Further along, Melissa completed a Barre Fitness certificate with Barre Body in 2020, where she gained her knowledge and skills to be the Barre Fitness Instructor at DVDance today.
Melissa thoroughly enjoys utilising her education and expertise to help others in all ways of health and fitness
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