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About us
  • Uniform
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  • Code of Conduct
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Enrol
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Meet the Team

Miss Lara Barnes, Director

  

Lara started dancing at the young age of four, training in RAD ballet, ADA jazz and tap as well as contemporary, acrobatics and more. Growing up, Lara successfully completed all her examinations in the RAD and ADA syllabus show casing her dedication and strong technical foundation. She has competed in many local dance competitions and contributed her skills both as a choreographer and performer in many local musicals, productions, events, and functions. 

Training across a wide range of dance styles has enabled Lara to develop strong technical foundations and extensive knowledge of the dance industry as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. She remains committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest teaching methods and industry standards. Lara began teaching at just 14 years old, and since then, has continuously grown her expertise. She holds a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance and is a registered RAD teacher. Recently, Lara completed a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and holds additional qualifications in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Acrobatics.

As the proud owner and director of Elevate Dance Company, Lara is passionate about sharing her love for dance with every student. She believes dance is a way to express yourself and build confidence. Lara is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers of all levels can thrive and discover their full potential.

Mrs Sheree Barnes, Studio Manager

Sheree started out as a ‘Dance Mum’ making costumes for her daughter Lara but Sheree’s love of costuming blossomed, and it wasn’t long before she became fully immersed in the performing arts world in Cairns. She has worked on many school musicals as well as taking on the role of Costume Designer with the Cairns Choral Society for their productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Grease, Spamalot, Les Misérables and her all-time favourite musical Wicked. And of course, she has continued to create solo and troupe costumes for many of the talented young dancers from all over Cairns for eisteddfods and concerts.

Sheree is now the ‘Dance Mum’ to all students at Elevate Dance Company and is here to offer support and guidance to our EDC families. Sheree is so proud to be working alongside her daughter to make this studio a beautiful, positive, and welcoming space for the young dancers of Cairns.

Miss Brooke Troxell

Brooke Troxell has been dancing since the age of five and brings eight years of teaching experience working with dancers aged 3-18. She teaches a wide range of styles including Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Cabaret, Heels, and Ballet, and is passionate about incorporating strong technique, creativity, and performance into every class. Throughout her time teaching, Brooke has proudly choreographed award-winning solos as well as fun group dances for end-of-year concerts.

Brooke has completed exams in RAD Advanced 2 Ballet and CSTD Jazz Level 9, the highest level in both syllabi. Growing up, she loved performing and competing in numerous eisteddfods and competitions. Most recently, she danced with the North Queensland Cowboys Spirit Cheerleaders while completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours).

In 2026, Brooke will be relocating to Cairns and is thrilled to be joining Elevate Dance Company. She is excited to bring her choreography ideas to life and is passionate about nurturing young dancers to become confident individuals both on and off the stage.

Miss Brooke Zanetich

Brooke is originally from Cairns, where she completed 13 years of dance training. Throughout her training, she was actively involved in exams, Eisteddfods, and productions. She has successfully completed all RAD ballet exams up to Advanced 2, as well as extensive jazz and tap syllabus work. Brooke has a keen interest in both modern and classical teaching styles and is excited to bring a fresh, contemporary approach to the Cairns dance community.

In 2022, Brooke moved to Townsville to begin her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. While studying, she continued to pursue her passion for dance. She was a member of the Cowboys Spirit team, performing at NRL home games for the North Queensland Cowboys over two seasons.

Alongside her university placements, Brooke dances with KL Performance Industry at various functions and events and regularly attends dance classes to stay connected to the industry.

Brooke has now returned to Cairns to begin her professional career and is excited to continue pursuing and sharing her love of dance within the community she grew up in.

Miss Brooke Trainor

Brooke Trainor has been dancing since the age of four, developing a versatile and well-rounded background across jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, acro and musical theatre. She has competed extensively and has further developed her versatility through commercial and hip hop workshops in Sydney. While completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in Townsville, she also performed as a cheerleader for the NRL North Queensland Cowboys. Originally from Cairns, Brooke is excited to be back home and is passionate about supporting dancers’ growth, confidence and love of dance.individuals, and are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

Miss Kahlan Duggan

Born and raised in Cairns, Kahlan is a recent high school graduate who has been dancing for eleven years. Throughout her journey, she has been a constant face in local eisteddfods, competitions, and productions. Kahlan has a very strong passion for the arts and has always loved dancing. She has worked hard throughout the years having completed her RAD Ballet exams and reaching the Gold Star level in both Tap and Jazz. Kahlan has tried various styles of dance including ballet , jazz, tap, contemporary and even cheerleading. She is thrilled to be pursuing her dream of teaching and inspiring young dancers.

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