Faculty
Kira Marie
Director / Head Teacher
Kira grew up on the Central Coast N.S.W and started dancing at the age of 3 at Crane Academy of Dance. Kira trained in all styles of dance and completed her BAL Jazz exams receiving Honours with Distinction.
Kira started teaching at 13 years of age under the supervision and guidance of Janelle Crane. Through teaching her passion for dance grew even stronger. Watching her students enjoying the same love for dance as she does made her realise that teaching dance was her future and something that she could do forever..
During Kira’s years at the Crane Academy she was entered in many Eisteddfods on the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney in group, duo and solo performances often achieving high results and accolades. At the age of 14 Kira and her duo partner received a Hip Hop Scholarship to dance with Christopher Jones from the movie ‘You Got Served’.
Throughout Kira’s studies she has learnt and taught many dance genres to the students of Crane Academy, including Technique, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary.
In 2017 Kira auditioned for the Choreographer’s Community opening performance routine choreographed by Natasha Crane and was selected in the top 25 senior dancers.
Dancing has always been a second home for Kira somewhere she could laugh, make friends, learn new skills and build her confidence, now she is excited to provide that second home for all of her students.
Owning a dance school has always been a lifelong dream for Kira and she is so motivated and determined to create a fun, energetic, professional studio for her students.
Rachel Mitchell
Rachel is a performer, choreographer, and passionate teacher. She trained and graduated with her Advanced diploma in dance and Certificate 4 in dance teaching and management at Lee Academy Fulltime.
Rachel has performed in shows such as epiphanies directed by Robert McDougall, lead dancer in Le Freak directed by Keith Hawley, most recent overseas contract performing in The Parisian in Macau, China as a Showgirl and Commercial dancer.
Rachel loves to create and has Choreographed and performed in Christie Lamb’s country music video Judgment day, performed, and assisted in choreography alongside Jo Cotterill and Ame Delves in The Commonwealth Bank CEO Awards, adjudicated for the Showcase eisteddfods and has Choreographed multiple concert and eisteddfod pieces all receiving high marks and places.
The people Rachel has met through dancing have inspired her in both her dancing career and life in general, she has been a teacher now for over 6 years and hopes to inspire her students in the same way.
Lara Chapman
Lara started dancing when she was 4 but fell completely in love with it at the age of 5 when she danced with Crane Academy, she has been dancing under Kira at The CMPNY for the last 6 years and in 2021 choreographed her own routines for the Sub Juniors, Teen and Intermediate Students at The CMPNY. Lara’s routines have competed in Competitions with receiving points 90 and above.
Lara has competed in Eisteddfods with groups, trios, duos and solos, she also received a scholarship to attend a hip hop workshop after receiving a first place in her hip hop duo.
Lara has completed her High School Certificate and was selected as a Prefect, in a leadership team and is currently studying Primary School Teaching at the University of Newcastle.
Lara is known for her soft and caring nature, her positive attitude and creative mind. She loves to dance and can’t wait to continue working with THE CMPNY students in 2024
Abby Bell
Abby has been teaching for 12 years. She trained competitive high level gymnastics competing in championship competitions. She has worked along side Olympic gymnastics coaches, Russian circus performers and many other well known coaches in the industry. She takes pride in coaching athletes to their full potential.
Abby has a strong background in circus, singing, performance, drama, dance, acrobatics and gymnastics. She has also trained stunt doubling for Disney! She has been gaining accreditation’s since 16 years old and is very well skilled in the industry. This includes working with special needs and children of all ages. She has a strong passion for acrobatics and tumbling and is very excited to be taking our studio to the next level.
Taylor Stirton
Lucinda Gibbs
Lucinda Gibbs is a passionate and experienced performer with a strong background in dance, musical theatre, and acting. With a Diploma of Musical Theatre and certifications in dance and musical theatre, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her teaching.
Lucinda has performed in high-profile productions, including TINA – The Tina Turner Musical at the 2023 NRL Grand Final, Veronica in Heathers: The Musical and Holly in The Wedding Singer. She trained at professional institutions such as Palm Studios Co. and Milk Dance Studios, refining her expertise in various performance styles.
As a teacher, Lucinda is dedicated to inspiring her students, fostering their confidence, and helping them discover their own love for performance.