Our Teachers

At 5th Element Dance we have qualified, passionate and dedicated teachers, who aim to instill the love of dance into every student. Our goal is to give our dancers the motivation to come to class, to work hard to achieve higher levels and to help them have the confidence and self-esteem to let their creativity flow freely.

Amanda Bayford-Clark

Principal

Amanda has been teaching dance for over 30 years and is a Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. She holds a BA Hons Higher Diploma in Dance Education. Amanda is passionate about developing the love of dance and theatre in children and feels strongly about the benefits of dance for all ages.

Charlie-Jean Clark

CJ did her training at 5th Element Dance and then went on to complete a Certificate III in Dance and an ATOD Diploma of Dance while participating in the pre-professional classical program at Queensland College of Dance. She was awarded and attended scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, USA. She holds her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 Certificate (97%) and is a Certified Royal Academy of Dance and Certified Ready Set Dance teacher and is studying towards a Dance Cirque qualification. CJ has worked closely with Graeme Murphy AO (former owner of Sydney Dance Company and internatial choreographer) and Simon Kuban (international choreographer). After winning a scholarship as a finalist at the Jacqueline Morland Awards, she attended courses at Sydney Dance Company and the Australiasian Dance Collective. She was also a proud attendee of the prestigious Queensland Ballet Academy Associate Program and a member of the innovative Merge Dance Theatre. CJ is excited to bring youth and excitement to 5th Element Dance students, hoping to challenge them, find their creativity and extend them to be the best they can be.

Tara-Lee Clark

Tara has trained in dance from a young age and was a member of the pre-professional classical program at Queensland College of Dance. As a finalist in the Jacqueline Morland Awards, she was honoured with the Audience Choice Award. Tara holds her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 Certificate, has completed multiple Glenn Wood Tap examinations, and has trained extensively in many different styles of dance. She was also a proud member of Merge Dance Theatre for six years and has experience in musical theatre, both in training and performance. Tara is a qualified Royal Academy of Dance teacher and is deeply passionate about nurturing confident, well-rounded performers. She is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive learning environment and loves instilling a lifelong love of dance and performance in the students of 5th Element Dance.

Sammi Douglas

Sammi has been teaching jazz, heels, and acrobatic arts at 5th Element Dance since 2017. She holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance, along with a Teachers Certificate in Com Dance Modern Jazz. She most recently completed a five-year contract at The Pink Flamingo, and prior to that, she performed for many years with Norwegian and Princess Cruise Lines. Her notable credits include performances alongside Kelly Rowland, The Veronicas, and Julia Morris, as well as appearances on So You Think You Can Dance and at The Logies. In addition to her dance career, Sammi is qualified in Pilates and Nutrition, integrating this knowledge into her teaching to support and enhance her students’ training.

Kate Gresham

Kate has been dancing since she was seven years old and has been training at 5th Element Dance for nine years.
She holds her Royal Academy of Dance advanced two certificate and has completed multiple CSTD exams. Kate is a certified READY SET DANCE teacher and is currently studying a certificate in Dance teaching with the Royal Academy of Dance. She also has a background in musical theatre holding a certificate II in performing arts and has been involved in over 25 musicals performing roles such as Cinderella, aerial and many more.

Ciarna O'Keeffe

Ciarna has danced at 5th Element Dance since she was 3 years old. She had completed her Advanced 2 RAD exam with a distinction. Ciarna is currently training for a Ready Set Dance qualification and Dance Cirque qualification. I enjoy working with all my students, helping them achieve their goals and seeing the joy on their faces when they succeed.

Abbie Barnard

Abbie has been dancing at 5th Element Dance for 11 years and has danced many styles during this time. She completed her RAD Advanced Two exam last year. Abbie is currently completing her Dance Cirque qualifications and enjoys working with students of all ages. She is excited to learn and grow with everyone and watch as they succeed and excel outside of their comfort zones.

Jess Povey

Jessica has been dancing since the age of five and has trained across all major styles throughout her development. She completed both a Cert III in Dance and a Diploma in Commercial Dance with Queensland College of Dance, building a strong foundation in technique and performance. Alongside this she holds Pre‑Elementary Jazz and Tap qualifications through the Australasian Dance Association, as well as Mat and Reformer Pilates certifications. Jessica teaches with a strong passion for hip hop and loves moving and grooving with her students.

Contact Us

Our friendly and helpful administration staff are available to assist you with any enquiries you may have. You can contact us via email or phone, or in person at our 5th Element Dance office, or send us a message through our contact form.

Office Hours: Mon – Fri 3:15pm – 5:45pm
(Please note our office is closed during school holidays and public holidays.)

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