OUR TEACHERS

Alison Nestor was born into a family of professional dancers and musicians. Alison’s mother was a professional ballerina / soloist for the Australian Ballet Company , then known as the Borovansky Ballet. More recently her mother was invited to perform as a guest artist with the Australian Ballet Company in Graeme Murphy’s production of the Nutcracker. Alison’s father is an internationally acclaimed MD ( musical director ) who has worked personally with Dame Margot Fonteyn, one of the most famous ballerinas of our time. He is also famous for his numerous television scores which he has written, to include the incidental music for Doctor Who, which he wrote for over 30 years. It was a natural progression for Alison to persue a career within the same industry under the guidance of her parents. 

Alison Nestor was a ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCING SCHOLAR in London for 6 consecutive years. Scholars were selected by the Royal Academy and used to set the standard for all other students taking examinations. Scholars were re assessed each year and for the last two years of her training Alison was the only scholar representing her age in London. On completing her scholarship, Alison was one of few students accepted to study at the ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL where she studied full time and graduated with a DIPLOMA IN CLASSICAL BALLET. She performed on numerous occasions with the Royal Ballet Company at Covent Garden, the London Colliseum, and also performing for her Majesty the Queen, Prince Charles and Lady Diana in the ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE. Alison was also awarded the IMPERIAL SOCIETY of TEACHERS of DANCING CLASSICAL BALLET CHAMPIONSHIP. Alison passes on knowledge to her students which she herself has gained from leading teachers from around the world, through her own diligent training.

Alison has over 20 years teaching experience and most recently became involved in the television industry, choreographing for PAY T.V and CHANNEL 7 * DISNEY PLAYHOUSE* and has worked with many children’s entertainers in the past few years, to include THE HOOLEY DOOLEYS and MONICA TRAPAGA ( from Play School and Better Homes and Gardens ). Alison worked alongside Monica Trapaga , choreographing and incorporating her dance students in shows all around Sydney to include NEW YEARS EVE FOR KIDS, HYDE PARK / OLYMPIC TORCH CEREMONY , MAITLAND / THE LORD MAYOR’S CELEBRATIONS, THE DOMAIN / TEDDY BEARS PICNIC, RANDWICK. Alison has given her students opportunities as performers and also as actors in the DISNEY PLAYHOUSE SERIES. Alison’s students can be seen in the cooking segment of the show, and Alison’s name can be seen on the credits.

Emma Gobby, principal/ creative director of Studio A Menai, brings a positive and inspiring attitude to all her classes. She has a strong passion for teaching & creating, and always brings a sense of inclusive and improvement in her training. Emma has experience teaching a variety of styles, including Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Jazz, Heels, Stretch & Strength and Musical Theatre.

Emma has received her Certificate IV in 2017, and her diploma of dance in 2018, in the elite performance stream at Ev & Bow Full-time Dance Training Centre. Emma then processed to educate herself in the world of business, completing the Dream Show Business course under the guidance of Marko Panzic and Katie Sanchez in 2020.

Emma also has also completed the Acrobatic Arts course making her a qualified Acro teacher, who constructs a safe learning environment for all levels.

Emma has trained and travelled in London, throughout 2019, performing in Alice Robinson’s debut show ‘Does it matter in the dark’. She was also selected to compete in many choreographic competitions including Th3 Combination and Short sharp dance. Her choreography “Until we go down” was selected as the Australian people’s choice award and represented Australia at the American KAR awards ceremony. Emma’s choreography has also featured in The Dream Dance showcase, as well at the Dance Connect Boys only showcase. Emma has a strong passion for choreography and teaching, and is always eager share her passion for dance with all her students at Studio A.