OUR TEAM
Lisa Archer (Director & Principal)
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L.C.B.A. – C.I.C.B., Cert IV in Workplace Training & Assessment; Cecchetti Advanced 2; Certificate in Applied Anatomy & Physiology; Experienced in all styles including Classical, Jazz, Tap; Sub-committee Member – Cecchetti Ballet Australia Inc. (Vic. Branch); B.AppSci (Food Technology).
I was introduced to dance at the age of two and a half which at which point ignited my enduring passion for dance. My last 30 plus years of my involvement with the school was under the guidance of Lorraine Blackbourn OAM, herself trained by Madame Lucie Saranova, a student by Maestro Cecchetti himself.
Lorraine always saw the true potential in people, even if they did not see it themselves and when I was invited to provide assistance in the dance class, I was amazed how my love for and ability in dance flourished, and it was from that point at 15 I knew that teaching and sharing my love for dance was for me.
I also have an inkling for science so I went to University and studied a B.AppSci (Food Technology) whist continuing to take any opportunity to teach and learn about dance, to which enriched my career achievements outside the studio. I found myself on a 20-year long career with a global dairy company Fonterra, which saw me travel both nationally and globally -my aim always to get the best out of people and processes.
In 2017 Lorraine asked if I would like to “take off where she left off”. What an opportunity and one that was a dream come true. I am honoured to continue to lead HD Dance into the future. There are so many paths and directions in dance and life that if we can ignite, inspire and nurture these dreams (like seeing my own become a reality),and to assist these amazing people become the best version of themselves, then I can take great pride and celebrate this success.
I am so fortunate to have a wonderful and truly inspiring team behind me, many of whom started here at HD Dance students themselves.I welcome you to experience being a part of our ‘HD Dance Family’ and share with you my love for dance.
Harriet Jenkins
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L.C.B.A. – C.I.C.B.: Cecchetti Advanced 2; Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management; Master of Teaching (Primary); Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, History & Youth Work). Experienced in all styles including Ready Set Dance, Classical, Jazz & Acro.
Dancing has always been a part of my life, whether as a dancer or a teacher I have always found a supportive space within a studio. Dancing challenges us to be the best possible versions of ourselves. It gives us an opportunity to focus on what we can do better, as well as providing inspiration and vulnerability.
As teachers we have an amazing responsibility to provide our students with opportunities to be challenged, to be valued and to achieve their best. We are not only teaching the correct technique, we are teaching confidence, team work, self-worth and most importantly, opening the doors for our students to discover their full potential. As a teacher there is nothing more rewarding than the look on a student's face when they finally achieve something they believed impossible.
Emily Roberts
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Spectrum Dance (2014); Dance Factory (2013); Classical (Advanced), Pointe (Intermediate), Pas De Deux (Advanced), Showgirl, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Drama, Voice and Singing. Centrestage Performing Arts School (2015); “Showfit” full time Musical Theatre Course
Emily became part of our HD Dance team in 2016 teaching our Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and
Contemporary classes.
"I believe dance is a liberating art form because it brings both a sense of control and freedom all at once. It allows us to be the best version of ourselves; both confident and fierce, and also to be completely vulnerable. For this reason, it was so easy for me to fall in love with dance and music.
Music is so influential in dancing because it is telling us a story, and as dancers we must always listen to these stories being told.
I love teaching dance because it not only allows me to create these stories through movement but to ignite the love of dance in my students, and help them reach their full potential. "
Sandra DiCesare
Office Manager
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Sandra commenced her working career with a city based Accounting Firm while studying Accountancy part time at R.M.I.T. She remained with this same firm for eight years before moving on to manage a family owned business.
In 2000 Sandra commenced her own bookkeeping service. It was at this time that she met Lorraine Blackbourn (Miss B) of the Heidelberg & District Ballet School; a relationship spanning 17 years. During this time Sandra started her own family and is the proud mother of two wonderful boys who keep her very busy with their sport commitments.
“Miss B introduced me to her Dance world and I have loved every minute of my involvement with the HDBS: both on a professional and personal level. I look forward with excitement to the New Year ahead and feel honoured to be included as a part of the “HDDance Family”.
Anne Sunderland
Studio Office Coordinator
Registered Nurse; Bachelor of Arts (Hons); Cecchetti Advanced 1; Currently studying a Master of Theological Studies.
"When I brought my little girls to their first ballet lesson, I little imagined that long before too long I would be back at the barre myself. As a child I had certainly enjoyed my classes but as an adult I have gained a new appreciation of the magic of ballet and dance where, with the help of some music, the body and brain are challenged to become one.
As part of the HD Dance team I have the privilege of supporting our teachers, students and their families as they grow and achieve great things."