Hannah Desmond
Teacher – Singing & Musical Theatre Specialist
I have danced all of my life; starting formal dance classes at the age of four in Jazz, Tap and Ballet. Dance was never something I did it was and still is who I am. There was never enough dancing and it wasn’t long before dancing was a seven days a week. Throughout my school years I participated in locally run competitions as well as CSTD Theatrical, Tap and Ballet exams together with RAD Ballet exams.
After finishing school I spent 3 years studying Performing Arts majoring in Dance at Principal Academy. During this time I completed Advanced ISTD tap and modern exams as well as Advanced RAD ballet, graduating in 2013 with an Advanced Diploma. At Principal Academy I have was fortunate to study a wide variety of genres in dance including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary/Lyrical, Commercial, Pas de Deux and Show Girl as well as studying Musical Theatre and Acting. I have been fortunate enough not only to share my love of dance through teaching but also performing, dancing in a variety of corporate events as well as in Crown Casino Showcases.
Sharing my passion of dance with others through teaching is a dream come true for me and giving my students goals to work towards so they too can reach their full potential gives me great joy. I am excited to see where this next phase of my life at Ambiance Dance. Our team is strong and we all look forward to encouraging our students to accomplish things they never thought they could achieve.
Love Miss Hannah x
Michelle Screaigh
Teacher – Acrobatic Specialist
Michelle is now back in her hometown Perth after living in Sydney for 5 years. She started dancing at the age of 3 and has trained in a variety of styles including jazz, acrobatics, tap, ballet, hip hop and musical theatre. From the age of 10 Michelle developed a passion for performing and acrobatics. Michelle is a past student of Ambiance Dance and having her back in Perth is a wonderful opportunity for our current members.
Since graduating from ED5 International in 2015 she has performed regularly on Sydney Showboats as a dancer/show girl sailing Sydney Harbour as well as many corporate gigs and kids shows. International performances include performing on the most luxurious ship ever built -The Regent Seven Seas Explorer sailing Europe and the Caribbean and the
Norwegian Sky sailing in the Bahamas and Cuba.
Before moving to Sydney to complete her Diploma in Performing Arts, Michelle performed in a number of corporate shows at various venues including the Crown Casino, Hyatt Regency, and the Perth Exhibition
& Convention Centre, as a dancer, acrobat, showgirl and scallywag.
Michelle has also trained on various aerial apparatuses including, Silks, Lyra, Spanish Web and Trapeze. Michelle performed and toured with the Skadada Youth Runaway Circus. This included both performing and teaching workshops to young people.
Michelle is an experienced teacher/instructor, having started teaching at an early age and is a competent teacher in many Performing Arts related disciplines. However, her focus/passion is teaching acrobatics in an encouraging and safe environment.
Love Miss Michelle xo
Annika Torretti
Teacher- Classical Specialist
Annika Torretti started dancing at the age of 3 starting with just jazz, tap and musical theatre. It was at the age of 5 that Annika joined Ambiance Dance and began her training with Miss Tania. Over the next 10 years Annika participated in many competitions and exams in many different styles including jazz, tap, classical and many more. Annika has completed many exams in numerous genre’s under the CSTD, ATOD RAD and Cecchetti method receiving high end results from all. Annika hasperformed at the CSTD Convention several times and interstate in the Sydney Festival.
After many years of competitions and furthering her knowledge for something she loved, Annika decided that she wanted to pursue a career in dance, but more particularly in a classical company. From then on her main focus has been classical ballet whilst still continuing her training in other genre’s of dance.
When she was 15 years old she started her first year of full time training at Charlesworth Ballet Institute under the leadership of Sonya Sheppard. Where she performed many different classical repertoires.
The next year Annika made the big move to Sydney for the year to train at the prestigious Tanya Pearson Academy under the leadership of Ms Lucinda Dunn. Whilst over in Sydney Annika was opened up to many opportunities, including competitions and being able to perform in the Sydney City Youth Ballet’s December season of ‘The Nutcracker’. She also completed her Cecchetti Intermediate exam as well as her RAD Intermediate Exam.
In 2019 Annika moved back home where she completed her third year of full time training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she has received her Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance). Annika will continue her training at WAAPA for the next two years and graduate in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts.
Annika has been a part of the Ambiance Dance community for many years and will be for many more years to come. She’s very excited to be able to share her vast knowledge on classical with her students and to hopefully inspire them to be able to follow their dreams.
Love Miss Annika xo
Richard Timms
Assistant Teacher & Production Manager
Mr Richard began dancing at the age of 3 at the Jody Marshall Dance Company. From there, he began training in jazz and tap which he grew to love and later found a passion in Hip Hop. Richard completed CSTD examinations and competed in the annual CSTD competitions for most of his childhood.
Throughout his school life, Richard developed a love of the behind the scenes lifestyle. Through his school, he was able to complete a Certificate II in Live Production, Theatre and Events and a Certificate II in Music Production. His keen eye to detail and interest in lighting and sound has been most beneficial in showcasing his talents.
In 2018, Mr Richard will be attending the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts to pursue his talents and dreams in the Lighting department. He is keen to learn so much more and to pass on his knowledge to the kids at ADC.
Love Mr Richard xo
