OUR TEAM
At STMT, our team is the heart of everything we do.
We're a group of qualified, passionate instructors who bring real training, performance experience, and industry credentials to the studio floor and a genuine love for what we do.
We've worked alongside each other year after year, continually investing in our own development so we can bring the very best back to our dancers.
When you join STMT, you don't just join a studio. You join a team that's invested in you.
Our Team regularly travel to other studios to provide student workshops, faculty training sessions, adjudicate competitions and set competition choreography. If you are interested in working with our team, get in touch.
Studio Director & Elite Team Leader
KARLA BATES
Karla is a highly qualified dance teacher and adjudicator with advanced qualifications across Jazz, Tap, Acro, Contemporary and Ballet, and is an AICD Licentiate under Donna Lee. As the founder of STMT and creator of the Statement Training Method, Karla has built a studio grounded in elite, individualised training - shaping dancers with technical excellence, artistry and integrity at the core.
Academy Leader & Elite Program Teacher
LAYLA GRAHAM
Layla teaches within our Full Time program and is the Coordinator of the Full Time Academy at STMT. She oversees the day to day running of the Academy, mentoring our pre-professional dancers through their training, development and performance opportunities. With a sharp technical eye and a deep care for every dancer's progress, Layla is a driving force behind the standard our elite dancers are known for.
Classical Ballet Specialist & Choreographer
DONNA LEE
Donna Lee is a respected name in classical ballet and a treasured part of the STMT team. As our Classical Ballet Specialist, Mentor and Choreographer, Donna brings decades of expertise, artistry and refinement to our dancers - guiding their technique, performance quality and classical foundations at the highest level. Her mentorship shapes not only our dancers, but our teachers, and her influence is woven through everything we do at STMT.
Studio Administration
BROOKE CONAGHAN
Brooke is the operational backbone of STMT. As our Studio Administrator, she manages enrolments, communications and the day to day administration of the studio, ensuring a seamless experience for every family. Her attention to detail, professionalism and care behind the scenes are what keep STMT running at the standard our community has come to expect.
Flourish & MVMT Program Teacher
LOUISE PHILLIPS
Louise teaches across our Flourish and MVMT programs, delivering technical training, artistry and movement education with care and precision. Louise creates classes that are both nurturing and progressive - reflecting the standard of teaching STMT is known for.
Flourish Program Teacher
ALEXIA GEISZLER
Lex brings warmth, energy and a beautiful eye for detail to our Flourish classes. She has a natural gift for connecting with young dancers - making every child feel seen, supported and excited to be in the studio. Her classes are filled with laughter, encouragement and genuine learning, with strong technical foundations built in along the way.
Junior Teacher
WILLOW JONES
Willow is a much loved Junior Instructor at STMT, currently learning and being mentored by our senior staff as she develops her teaching career. Bubbly, warm and full of energy, Willow has a natural way with our Flourish dancers and the feeling is mutual, with our littlest students absolutely adoring their classes with her. We're so proud to be nurturing the next generation of STMT teachers through Willow.
Latin Dance Specialist
JUSTYN MANDERSON
Justyn brings over 40 years of experience to STMT as our Latin Dance Teacher. A fully qualified Ballroom Instructor and the Owner of Mandersons Dance Centre, Justyn is a respected figure in the Latin and Ballroom community, with a depth of knowledge and expertise that's truly second to none. His passion for the artform and dedication to his students shines through in every class and we're honoured to have him share his craft with our dancers.