Meet our faculty members across our Dance, Drama and Singing Departments!
OUR TEACHERS
EMMA GOBBY - PRINCIPAL
Emma Gobby, principal/ creative director of Studio A Menai, brings a positive and inspiring attitude to all her classes. Emma is a passionate Sydney based choreographer who continues to push boundaries and create new and exciting movement. While contemporary dance serves as her primary passion, Emma finds joy in sharing her expertise across a diverse range of styles.
In October 2023, Emma presented her work “Anaclisis”, a full length independent contemporary show. In 2020, Emma took on the role co-owner of Studio A School of Performing Arts, a role where she passionately nurtures aspiring talents, fostering creativity and excellence in the realm of performing arts.
Emma attained her Certificate IV in 2017 and followed it up with a Diploma of Dance in 2018, specialising in the elite performance stream at Ev & Bow Full-time Dance Training Centre. Seeking to broaden her horizons, Emma delved into the realm of business education, completing the Dream Show Business course in 2020.
Throughout her career, Emma has had the privilege of collaborating closely with many amazing dancers and businesses. From choreographing routines for Dream Industry Nights to serving as a guest choreographer at the Dream Experience Oz, her work has been showcased on diverse platforms. Emma has also worked closely with the prestigious Ev & Bow youth company, where she not only choreographed but also mentored aspiring young dancers.
Emma has choreographed three school Musical productions to date.
Emma’s artistic journey has taken her to London in 2019, where she performed in Alice Robinson’s contemporary show, “Does It Matter in the Dark.”
Emma is deeply passionate about choreography and teaching, always eager to share her love for dance.
ALISON NESTOR - HEAD OF BALLET
A.R.A.D. – E.D.T.A. – ADV I.S.T.D. – CECCHETTI
Alison Nestor, founder of Studio A Menai, 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.
MATTHEW MANAHAN
DRAMA COORDINATOR, SINGING AND ACTING COACH | CLASS TEACHER |Drama & Singing
Matthew Manahan is a graduate of WAAPA the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. His Performing credits include Cabaret the Musical (Showtune Productions), Paris: a Rock Odyssey (MTM), Brigadoon (The Production Company), the 25th Anniversary tour of Hair: the Musical (Peace Productions, Sydney Opera House), and most recently, playing Ben Reid in the Nickelodeon/Network 10 television series, The Bureau of Magical Things. Matt returned to the stage last year for the Sydney Season of La Cage Aux Folles understudying Paul Capsis and Michael Cormick as Albin and Georges respectively, and will appear at the Hayes Theatre Sydney in February for the first Neglected Musical of 2024, They’re Playing Our Song. Matt is passionate about sharing his knowledge with Studio A’s drama and screen acting department, writing scripts and directing Studio A’s end of year drama and singing production.
ZOE IOANNOU
HEAD OF SINGING
Zoe Ioannou is a graduate from NIDA, and most recently performed her role in Grease the musical (Crossroads Live) whilst also understudying the roles of Sandy, Frenchy and Jan. Before this Zoe was Associate Director/Choreographer for the Australian premiere of The Dismissal, and Assistant Director on If/Then at the Hayes Theatre. Prior to this, she appeared as Tammy in the Australian tour of Hairspray (Crossroads Live) in which she understudied the roles of Penny and Amber. Before this, Zoe debuted the lead role of Rose in the Australian premiere of Dubbo Championship Wrestling (Hayes Theatre Co). Zoe featured in the musical version of The Bridges of Madison County (Matthew Management/Neil Gooding Productions) at the Hayes Theatre, playing the role of Carolyn. Prior to this, Zoe toured Australia and internationally in West Side Story (Opera Australia/GWB Entertainment) as Rosalia, alternating the role of Maria. Prior to West Side Story, Zoe understudied the role of Dorothy for the Australian tour of The Wizard of Oz (Gordon Frost Organisation/Suzanne Jones). Other credits include Big Fish at the Hayes Theatre (RPG Productions) and Pepper in Annie (Gordon Frost Organisation). Zoe’s screen credits include Paige in the ABC TV series Dance Academy, resident work for Disney Playhouse, and most recently joined the cast of Channel 7’s Home and Away, bringing the ongoing role of Ally to life on Australian screens. Zoe has been a semi-finalist for the Rob Guest Endowment in both 2016 and 2018. She has also performed alongside iconic musician James Morrison as a vocal soloist. Other performance credits include Woolworths’ Carols in the Domain, Australian Diving Championships, The Lord Mayor’s Picnic, New Year’s Eve at Hyde Park and New Year’s Eve at the Domain.
HANNAH JONES
CLASS TEACHER / RECREATIONAL
Hannah is a Sydney based choreographer, performer and dance teacher. She began her dancing journey at a young age. Hannah trained at one of Sydney’s most well known contemporary full time dance centres where she completed her Diploma of Elite Performance. During her studying Hannah has had many opportunities to collaborate with choreographers such as, Holly Doyle, Sophia Nadaba, Billy Keogh, just to name a few. She has had many opportunities to perform live throughout her years of experience. In 2023 Hannah attended Brisbane’s international contemporary dance prix. During the Prix she was offered training at Rambert school of contemporary and ballet based in London. In 2024 Hannah began her training in London.
MIKAELA BINNS-RORKE
CLASS TEACHER / DRAMA
Mikaela is a Sydney based actor, dancer and singer. She has trained in all facets of dance (classical ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap) since she was 4 years of age at Studio A. Mikaela developed a love for TV and theatre at this Studio and subsequently has trained and worked with respected Australian and international industry professionals.
Since the age of 4, Mikaela has worked professionally in the TV and film industry with a string of TV commercials, short films and TV series over that time (most recently in the role of Young Tess alongside Jodie Whittaker in One Night on Netflix). Mikaela has mastered a solid standard American accent and continues her acting studies via personal and short courses as well as various industry workshops. Along with her experience in musical theatre productions as a child, Mikaela brings experience and a joy of performing arts to her students.
GEORGIA LILY
CLASS TEACHER / HIP HOP
Georgia Lily is a performing artist who grew up in Newcastle with a versatile training background in dance and performance. In 2022 Georgia moved to Sydney to further her dance career and within this time has featured as a backup dancer for artist Jazzy K in her Australian show Press Play & Music video Jealous. Georgia’s other performance experiences include Red Bull AU, NOVA FM, Timomatic Live, Australian Small Business Awards & Ninja – by Rob Rich. Her on-screen experience includes appearances on Australia’s Got Talent and performances for Legends of League
JADE WATSON-STEEGE
CLASS TEACHER / ACRO
Jade is currently studying an Advanced Diploma. She expanded her Acro foundation during her 5 years with Ev and Bow Youth Company where she trained regularly and went on to complete her Acro teacher training. Over the past few years, she has gained valuable experience teaching students from ages 6 through to senior levels. She has a strong passion for teaching Acro – believing that there is nothing more fulfilling than helping students build strength, coordination and confidence while they learn to safely master challenging skills. Jade loves creating an environment where each student feels supported, encouraged, and excited to push their boundaries and grow.
SAMANTHA TURPIN
GUEST TEACHER
