Meet Our Team

Director's Message

Knowing I can create an environment for students to develop, connect and create is incredibly important to me.

I really believe that our team are of the highest standard. They are dedicated, passionate and always willing to assist.

It is integral that our studio not only facilitates growth but also is a safe space for students to become aspiring performers.

I welcome you to join our community and look forward to sharing with you, the love and joy at ACPA.

Image
Kim Grant-Taylor

Kim Grant-Taylor

DIRECTOR

Kim Grant-Taylor is the founder and director of the Australian Company of Performing Arts which was established over 20 years ago.

Pep Rigano

Pep Rigano

MANAGEMENT

Pep is our marketing and promotions manager at the Australian Company of Performing Arts as well as the school's head hip hop coach.

Read More About Pep

Pep has been dancing since the age of 9 and trained in Hip Hop, Funk, Jazz, Tap, Burlesque and Commercial Dance. His persistence has seen him through National titles in competitions such as F.I.S.A.F, School Aerobics and Battlegrounds Australia. Pep, along with his team, were invited to compete in the World Hip Hop titles in Los Angeles in 2005. At the age of 18, he received a scholarship from Andre Fuentes (Britney Spears' Choreographer - Circus Tour 2009), to travel to America and work closely with the world's best international choreographers such as Tony Czar, Kevin Maher, Kyle Hanagami, Andye J and Brian Puspos just to name a few.

Having a strong focus on educating boys in dance, Pep decided to set up the very first all boys hip hop class at ACPA. With only 5 students, within a year, there were 6 classes with well over 130 boys. This specialty class is one of Pep's great passions as he watches the development and growth of boys from 4-16yrs old. In a report to Adelaide Now; Pep says, "I honestly love teaching the boys. Seeing their passion, energy and strength is something I work closely with to cater to a fun, exciting environment that is strong in discipline and always challenging".

Pep also has holds diploma in dance teaching and management through Australian Teachers of Dancing. 

MEAGAN MCLAREN

Meagan McLaren

MANAGEMENT

Meagan worked as a professional dancer for over 10 years performing in numerous shows and events around Adelaide as well as overseas.

Read More About Meagan

Meagan has been dancing since she was 3 years old and trained professionally alongside Kim Grant-Taylor. She has recently joined the Australian Company of Performing Arts in the role of business development manager as she believes in the passion and commitment both Kim and all of the teachers have towards developing their students in a fun yet professional manner.

Meagan has also had experience as a National Sales Manager with a leading fashion retailer. With the experience of managing over 120 staff with a turnover of $22M, Meagan developed skills in sales management, human resource, merchandising, induction, sales and service training and created and executed management workshops. She is also an accredited trainer specialising in front line management.

Meagan's love and passion for dance and entertainment has always been the fire in her heart which is why she joined ACPA and later the Talent Company. She currently teaches Streetjazz, Flash Fitness, Jazz 1 and our TCT performance team. Meagan is vibrant, energetic and dedicated to assuring a high standard of service and quality.

Alexis

Alexis

FULL TIME COORDINATOR

Alexis began dancing at 3, training in jazz, tap, ballet & contemporary, & completing multiple levels in vocational & graded RAD ballet exams.

Read More About Alexis

She also participated in her high schools dance program all the way through to year 12 with the successful completion of Stage 1 and Stage 2 dance. Alexis recently travelled to Los Angeles at the beginning of 2016 where she was able to train with some of the worlds leading choreographers and teachers as well as performing in Disney Land.

Alexis has always had a passion for dance with a particular interest in jazz and ballet and she loves to be able to share this passion with her students. Alexis is devoted to creating a positive and enthusiastic working environment for her students here at ACPA. Alexis currently teaches Jazz and Ballet at ACPA.

Abby

Steph

MUSIC THEATRE

Stephanie has competed in winning Eisteddfods in Melbourne and Adelaide, & completed ballet studies....

Read More About Steph

Stephanie has competed in winning Eisteddfods in Melbourne and Adelaide, & completed ballet studies in Cecchetti & Borovansky syllabi-Tap CSTD Gold Cross.

Born and raised in Adelaide, Stephanie studied dance at the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre and singing with Pauline Jamieson. She completed her ballet studies in both Cecchetti and Borovansky syllabi and received her CSTD Gold Cross in tap. Stephanie competed in Eisteddfods winning championships and aggregates in Melbourne and Adelaide. After completing her schooling, she continued her studies with The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts where she received a BA in Music Theatre. Upon graduation, Stephanie was awarded the Leslie Anderson award for Best showcase. She made her professional debut in Love Never Dies (RUC) the sequel to Phantom Of The Opera working under the direction of Andrew Lloyd Webber. She starred in A Chorus Line (TLP) as Maggie which toured both nationally and internationally. This went onto receive the Helpmann Award for Best Musical. She also starred alongside Geoffrey Rush and Magda Szubanski in A Funny Thing Happened Along the Way to the Forum (GFO) performing for Stephen Sondheim the composer of the show. Other credits include Anything Goes (WAAPA), Ragtime(WAAPA), Cabaret (WAAPA), The Producers (TPC), Pirates of Penzance (TPC) and Sweet Charity (HTC). TV credits include Mr & Mrs Murder and several televised live events.

Steph currently teaches Tap, Jazz and Music Theatre at ACPA. 

Jasmin

Jasmin

HIP HOP/JAZZ

Jasmin has been performing since the age of 8 and began formal dance training at the age of 13.  She has trained in numerous styles ...

Read More About Jasmin

Jasmin has trained in numerous styles such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, and Commercial.

A devoted member to ACPA, Jasmin has been a part of countless Children Interactive Pantomimes and has competed in various Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop competitions. In 2016, Jasmin got the opportunity to travel and train intensively in the US with some of the world’s best choreographers and has also extended her experience by performing in Disneyland. She will be returning to the US in 2018 to train once again.

After her successful completion of Stage 1 and 2 in Dance, Jasmin studied full time dance and recently received her Certificate IV in Dance through the ATOD. She is currently in the process of beginning her Diploma in Dance Teaching & Management.

Dancing and teaching is something Jasmin strives and lives for! She finds nothing more satisfying then seeing her students evolve and being able to share her passion and knowledge of dance with them here at ACPA. Jasmin currently teaches Hip Hop Crews as well as the Junior Tap and Kids Hip Hop classes at ACPA.

Jess Goldfinch

Jess

CONTEMPORARY

Jessica Goldfinch (Statton) is a local independent Artist who has been working in the arts for the past 12 years.

Read More About Jess

Graduating from a bachelor of dance performance at Adelaide Centre for the Arts in 2004, Jessica’s career has included professional performances with independent artists Katrina Lazzaroff, Aidan Kane Munn, guest artist for Elizabeth Cameron Dalman’s company, Mirrimu , as well as numerous performances with State Opera SA.

Further studies in a Master of Teaching from Uni SA in 2010 saw Jessica focus her skills in dance education, teaching at over 60 primary and high schools throughout Adelaide and regional South Australia, the UK and Thailand, as well as tutoring for private dance schools, professional companies, and contracts through Ausdance SA’s Artist in schools’ program and Adelaide Festival Centre’s CentrEd program.

Jessica’s teaching experience has ranged from beginners to advanced level in genres of contemporary dance technique, composition and choreography, ballet, hip-hop and body conditioning. Jessica has been a teacher and moderator for SACE dance and has sat on the panel for Carlclew Youth Arts ‘Artist in residence’ grants.

More recently Jessica has been working at the University of South Australia and Flinders University as a tutor in the school of education for Arts and Health and Physical Education programs as well as teaching for ACPA school, SACE dance and Full time course as their primary contemporary tutor.

Lara

Lara

KIDS HIP HOP/DANCESTAR

Lara has been dancing since the age of four and has trained in styles such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary and Tap.

Read More About Lara

Lara has competed and performed in a variety of different competitions since a young age. She has been involved with a range of performances that include musicals, school performances, showcases and fundraising events. Although being on stage is one of her favourite things, she finds nothing more rewarding than watching her students shine on stage.

Lara’s passion for teaching led her into a Bachelor of Primary Education, allowing her to turn her passion into a career. She enjoys nothing more than sharing her love and knowledge of dance with her students here at ACPA. Lara loves being involved in such a hardworking, supportive and fun environment. Her goal is to be a supportive, loving and creative teacher for all students as they are constantly inspiring her to be the best teacher she can be.

Dylan

Dylan

BOYS CLASS/HIP HOP

Dylan began training in Hip Hop/ Commercial dance at the age of 9. He’s competed in local and interstate dance competitions.

Read More About Dylan

He’s competed in local and interstate dance competitions all over Australia from a young age and has been a part of national award winning dance teams. Dylan has competed in Adelaide dance competitions with his own choreography producing extremely successful results.

Dylan joined ACPA in 2018 and began training full-time with us in 2019 learning various styles such as Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. After 2 years of full-time training, Dylan successfully completed his Certificate IV in Dance and is currently in the process of completing his Certificate in Dance Teaching and Business Management.

Dylan will begin his diploma in Dance Teaching and Business Management in 2021.

With a strong passion for the Hip Hop genre Dylan took the Australian Teachers of Dancing Level 12 Hip Hop Exam and received ‘Honours with Distinction’ for his efforts.

Dylan has a strong passion for dance teaching and loves sharing his knowledge with his students. He is committed to providing a safe, fun and encouraging environment in the dance classroom and loves to see the growth in his students each week here at ACPA. Dylan currently teaches junior Hip Hop classes.

Issabella

Isabella

KIDS GLEE GROUP

Isabella has loved the performing arts for as long as she can remember. She has been involved in dance classes since the age of 6.

Read More About Isabella

... and has had the opportunity to explore different styles. Isabella first realised her love of acting in 2008 when she was involved Theatre Bugs. Her love of performing has since been evident through her many onstage roles at ACPA. She has been involved in Children pantomimes since 2014 where she played a range of lead roles including Mrs Potts (Beauty and the Beast) and Wendy (Peter Pan).

In 2016, Isabella was given the opportunity to work with and learn from industry professionals when she was involved in the Hairspray Arena Spectacular. In recent years, she has continued to focus on her skills in Jazz singing and acting. Isabella is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Teaching at Flinders University where she majors in Drama. She also has completed her Cert III and Cert IV in Fitness.

Sarah

Sarah

MINNIES/JAZZ

Since the age of 7, Sarah has trained in Classical Ballet, completing multiple levels in vocational and graded RAD and Borovansky Ballet exams. 

Read More About Sarah

Since joining ACPA in 2018, Sarah has broadened her range and currently trains in styles including Jazz, Tap, Commercial, Musical Theatre and Contemporary. 

After her successful completion of Stage 1 and 2 in Dance, Sarah began training in the Academy, undertaking her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management through the ATOD this year. 

Sarah has a strong passion for dance which has evolved into a love for teaching and wanting to see her students thrive. 

Sarah currently teaches Minnies classes.

Dylan

Charlotte

BALLET

Charlotte has been dancing since the age of 3 but performing since she could walk and talk. 

Read More About Charlotte

Starting with ballet and then extending into other styles such as jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary as she grew.

Through her training Charlotte has completed her Cecchetti Ballet exams and even performed in the 2018 Cecchetti Conference. 

In order to further herself Charlotte has completed Stage 2 Dance and 2 years of Full time dance achieving her Certificate IV through ATOD. Growing up Charlotte always displayed a passion for dance but also children. Any event she went to you would often find Charlotte teaching a group of children a dance she made up and putting on a performance.

This passion for teaching and helping children to grow and learn has stuck with Charlotte as she has gotten older and has extended into her teaching.

Alex

Alex

HIP HOP

Alex has been training at ACPA since 2007 and for 11 of those years she has competed in several competitions on a state and national level.

Read More About Alex

She has trained across all genres including Ballet, Jazz, Music Theatre and Hip Hop. Alex is currently studying a bachelor of Podiatry and hopes to work more closely with children and dancers when she graduates.

She is an incredibly passionate dance teachers and says that the most rewarding experience is watching her students develop. ‘It just makes me so proud to see all their achievements’. Alex currently teaches Hip Hop at ACPA and also our competition and hip hop crews.