About Us.

 

Esteem is a unique dance studio that was born from a desire to offer a low pressure environment to learn, grow and achieve, not just as dancers, but as human beings. Leading with the core values of patience, kindness, gratitude and pride has gifted Esteem students with life long confidence, and subsequent successful careers in dance.

Esteem members, both students and parents, are open-minded, kindhearted individuals that over time have formed a sublime community of inclusion and encouragement. Bonding over mutual interests and investments in dance has provided the opportunity to enrich one-another’s the lives with a culture that is undeniably unique in the industry.

The studio has evolved and grown alongside it’s valued students, and now offers a variety of classes outside the domain of dance, include musical theatre, pilates, sound therapy and wellness workshops, making it one of the most dynamic and diverse studios in the state.

Carrie-Anne Forsyth.

Studio Owner & Lead Educator

Carrie-Anne Forsyth developed Esteem in 2008 in alignment to the expectations she had of what constituted a good studio. Although performance standards and quality of teaching were important, Carrie-Anne prioritised the learning environment, ensuring that each child felt comfortable to be the truest and best version of themselves when attending class. This gave them the confidence to be that very same person outside of the studio, illuminating her vision of gifting life-long confidence through dance.

Affectionately known in-house as Cas, Carrie-Anne has an extensive history and experience in dance, wellbeing and education. Her passion for teaching and nurturing the minds of young people lead Carrie-Anne to Early Childhood Studies, as well as several other tickets from the Australian Sports Commission.

Brittany Sears.

Studio Owner & Educator

Brittany is the force of energy that alongside her mum, Carrie-Anne, breathes life into the studio. Brittany’s love, passion and dedication for dance and movement started from the early age of 2. Dance has been at the centre of Brittany’s world throughout her life, with a big dream to own and run her own dance school where she could ignite confidence in young dancers. A testament to Brittany’s hard work is seeing this dream realised in 2020. In addition to ticking this goal off her list, she also has completed her diploma in Sport and Recreation, with a Cert 4 in Business Development and a Cert 3/4 in Dance & Dance Teaching.
Brittany is also a qualified Pilates Instructor

Choreography and creative movement are Brittany’s fortes; she has choreographed award-winning routines throughout multiple competitions and has developed a strong and dynamic style of dance throughout her contemporary and lyrical genres. At just 26 years of age, Brittany is an inspiration to the studio at large.

Our 2024 teachers.

  • Emily Barnes

    Studio Manager & Toddler/Jazz & Tap Teacher
    Hi, I’m Emily and I am excited to be teaching as well as taking on the new role of a studio manager here at Esteem
    I have been teaching Jazz and Tap at Esteem for 8 years, as well as dancing since the age of 3. During this time I have gained my Cert 1&2 in Dance Teaching and Dance. I love teaching Esteem students watching their confidence and passion for dance grow week on week. With my focus being creativity and inclusivity, I aim to inspire a lifelong love for dance in each of my students

  • Ciara McKenzie

    Ciara McKenzie

    HIP HOP & COMPETITION CLASS TEACHER
    Hi! I’m Ciara and I am the Hip Hop and Competition teacher at Esteem. I have danced since the age of 4 and love that I am now able to share my passion for dance with my students. I particularly love how dance is not only an art form, but also a sport that teaches my students life skills such as persistence, dedication, resilience and confidence.
    In 2023 I graduated with honours in my bachelor of Education majoring in dance & I was lucky enough to gain employment straight away at Sacred Heart College.
    I am always in awe of the growth my students have over the year and love being able to see them flourish. Esteem is the most welcoming, loving and positive studio to teach at and I love every moment!

  • Victoria Harrison

    Intermediate & Senior Jazz Teacher
    Meet Victoria, our dedicated jazz dance teacher at Esteem Dance Co since 2014. With 30 years in the performing arts, including stages in the UK, Disneyland Paris, and Australia, Victoria brings a wealth of experience and passion. With a Masters of Education specialising in leadership and classroom differentiation she tailors her teaching approach for each student.
    Her passion lies in creating energetic and challenging routines, fostering a supportive environment where every student can shine. After maternity leave, Victoria is excited to return to the studio, eager to witness her students' technical and performance skill grow and their confidence and resilience blossom

  • Briana Price Wright

    HIP HOP, LYRICAL & CONTEMPORARY TEACHER
    Since joining Esteem in 2021, I have felt so welcomed, cared and valued not only a teacher but personally. I love sharing my passion with all ages and seeing them succeed and their confidence grow not only in dance but in life itself. Each student inspires me as much as I hope to inspire them. Completing full-time studies at APAN Academy graduating with an Advance Diploma in Performing Arts Majoring in Dance in 2020. Briana has been in well known musical theatre and dance productions performed at the Regal Theatre, Perth Arena and The Royal Theatre. Briana has also performed at corporate events and sporting grand final games.

  • Jana Pope

    SENIOR HIP HOP TEACHER
    Hi! My names Jana and I have been with Esteem since I was 14! I have been teaching hip hop since I was 18 and have loved every second of it! I love being apart of the Esteem family and they are such an inspiration to everyone and I love being able to inspire my students like they inspire me

  • Kaitlyn Hinchley

    Senior Acrobatics Teacher

  • Gemma Bottega

    Senior Tap & Hip Hop Teacher
    Born and raised in Perth, Gemma discovered her passion for dance at the age of 4. She exhibited her competitive spirit early on, engaging in a variety of dance competitions and examinations, specifically CSTD theatrical examinations.

    At the age of 16, Gemma became a full-time student at the Australian Dance Institute. This endeavour led to the successful attainment of her Certificate III in Dance, specialising in Tap.

    Gemma's quest for growth and experience took her across the globe, training at esteemed dance institutions such as Millennium Dance Complex, Playground LA, Broadway Dance Centre and many others across Australia, the United States and Europe.

    Her repertoire also includes performances at iconic locations such as Disneyland LA, Disneyland Paris, and Carnival Magic Cruise-lines. In the professional realm, she has also enriched her portfolio by captivating audiences at various corporate events, festivals and gala balls.

    Gemma's competitive spirit remains strong, as evidenced by her participation and success in competitions such as DanceLife Nationals, Battlegrounds HipHop competition, and KAR Nationals.

    Currently, Gemma imparts her knowledge and expertise by teaching hiphop, commercial jazz, and tap classes. She excels in choreographing competition routines and provides assistance to aspiring dancers in their exam preparations, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers.

  • Harriet Wimhurst

    MUSICAL THEATRE & JUNIOR BALLET TEACHER
    Harriet Wimhurst has been training in Dance & Musical Theatre since she was 4 years old and auditioned for her first show at 5. Harriet has been in many musicals on stage and choreographing. Now Harriet’s focus is helping children feel the magic of performing on stage and particularly loves working with the children of Esteem. Esteems focus on the love of dance and team collaboration is what makes Harriet very proud to be an Esteem teacher.

  • Lauren Day

    Junior Ballet & Lyrical Teacher
    I started dancing in the UK when I was two years old .
    On immigrating to Australia , my friends went to Esteem so I began my exciting journey from student to teacher in 2021.
    I am currently studying at Matrix to gain my advanced diploma, majoring in dance.
    Dancing is my world, and I am so blessed to be a part of the amazing team of teachers at Esteem . This is a dream come true! 


  • Chelsea Richards

    Hip Hop Teacher
    Hey I’m Chelsea and I’ll be teaching the Grade 6 Hip Hop for 2024!
    I have been dancing since I was 3, this is my 10th year with Esteem, it’s my home away from home. I can’t wait to share my hip hop passion with my students
    I have competed in numerous dance competitions including nationals. I have also performed in various productions at the royal theatre and have had the opportunity to be a dancer at multiple perth glory games.

  • Monica Asphar

    Intermediate Acrobatics & Hip Hop Teacher
    Hey there!
    My name is Monica and I have been dancing at Esteem Dance Company for 10 years! I can’t wait to spend another year at Esteem to not only dance, but also TEACH classes in genres I am knowledgeable & super passionate about!
    I am so beyond excited to be teaching the Intermediate Acro class and the Grade 7 Hip Hop class this year. Bring on 2024!

  • Tayla Lowther

    Intermediate & Senior Ballet Teacher
    Hi, I’m Tayla
    I’m super excited to be teaching with Esteem this year and can’t wait to get back into the studio!
    I absolutely love teaching and dance, specifically ballet as I have grown up doing it not only for fun from the age of 3 but also pre professionally full time gaining all of my diplomas in dance, getting to perform in major theatres around Perth and learning from principal dancers and choreographers from all over the world!
    I’m currently also an EduDance teacher in different schools around WA and love working with kids every single day.
    I have a passion for watching students grow and learn in their own way and also teaching them the skills needed to be the best version of themselves.
    I can’t wait to see you all in class!

  • Lily Henderson

    Hip Hop Teacher

  • Mikayla Rollason

    Musical Theatre Teacher
    Hi, My name is Mikayla and i am super excited to be teaching at Esteem this year!
    I am so excited to be sharing my passion within musical theatre and hopefully inspiring my class to follow their passion in musical theatre and other classes too!
    I have been involved with esteem dance company since 2020 and have loved every part of it, from working alongside of all the amazing staff but also making so many new friends within classes.
    Im currently cast in a show ‘‘Saturday night fever’’ with the drew Anthony creative for 2024.

 

ESTEEM’S JOURNEY