Meet the Team
Principal
Allanis Steffens
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Growing up Allanis learnt Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet & Acrobatics. During this time she has competed all over South East Queensland in competitions both as a soloist and in groups.
She has been fortunate enough to travel overseas performing at Disney land in their Main Street Parade both in Hong Kong & America. She has completed the highest levels of CSTD Jazz, Tap & Ballet examinations as well as obtaining her Cert III in Dance, Acrobatic Arts Qualification and Cert III & IV in Fitnes
Sarah Milligan
Hip Hop, Jazz & Adults Instructor
Sarah has been a teacher at Mayhem Dance Academy since it commencement back in 2015. She has over 17 years dance experience learning Jazz, Hip Hop & Contemporary. During this time she has completed levels 1-8 Jazz examinations through The Southern Federation of Dance. She has also choreographed & competed in many eisteddfods around the region including solos, duos and group dances. Sarah has always been passionate about dance and looks forward to sharing her love & passion with the students at Mayhem in 2024
Baylee Thrupp
Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theatre & Tap Instructor
Baylee started her dancing journey in 2007 making it her 17th year involved in the performing arts industry. She has found a real love for teaching which she has been sharing with her kids for over 5 years now. Baylee has attended her Cert 3 in dance and she is a qualified Acrobatic Arts teacher. Baylee is excited to further her knowledge by studying her cert 4 in dance teaching in 2022. Some of Baylee's highlights are performing in Hong Kong Disneyland in 2018, performing in Creative Generation as a senior featured dancer in 2017 and 2018 as well as completing a Summer Intensive at Brent Street in Sydney in 2019. She has competed all around Queensland in solos and groups as well as completing her CSTD tap, ballet & jazz exams.
Dakota Dolan
Student Teacher
My name is Dakota Dolan, but most of the students at mayhem know me as Kota. I have been dancing since 2008, at the age of 3 and have been with “Mayhem Dance Academy” ever since its inception in 2015.
I have done Hip hop ever sinse I first started, alongside most other genera’s and it is my strongest and most favourite.
The studio & dancing is my happy place and I am inspired more everyday. I love to watch the students grow and to share my extensive passion for dance in a positive & inclusive environment.
One of my favourite memories is Dancing and performing onboard with the Mayhem Team on The Royal Caribbean “Explorer of the Seas”.
I have been assisting with teaching and choreography since 2017 and started teaching my own classes in 2022. For me Mayhem is not just a dance studio, it is a family. I have formed many special lifelong friendships and memories and look forward to creating many more.
Hannah Budde
Westbrook, Jazz & Musical Theatre Instructor
I have been a part of the dance world for roughly for 20 years. Throughout this time, I have learnt and taught several genres including Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballet, and Hip Hop. I have been a part of Mayhem since 2016 and it is where I found my true passion for sharing my love of dance with others through teaching. I have completed my Bachelor in Primary Education and have taught dance in several schools as well as Mayhem. I aim to help my students build their confidence and become passionate performers.
Ella Currie
Jazz & Musical Theatre Instructor
My name is Ella Currie but my students at Mayhem know me as Miss Ella. Throughout the past 2 years I have been assistant teaching with many different styles, levels, and age groups, learning and improving from the absolute best mentors. I started my dance journey at the age of 6, taking my first class, Irish dancing. But I’d have to say now my favourite style of dance is Musical Theatre! I absolutely love the energy and enthusiasm in this genre. Being able to teach children to bring out their full potential in a relaxed, safe, and confident space. Mayhem dance academy has offered so many opportunities but my favourite one by far was performing in the 2023 Dreamworld parade for Tpt world tours. Teaching in 2024 I’m hoping to complete my certificate 3 and 4 in dance to expand my knowledge and opportunities. For me Mayhem has always been like a second home. I’m so excited to be taking classes this year and watching the Mayhem family grow and improve!
Grace Martin
Hip Hop & Heels Instructor
Grace has been dancing at Mayhem Dance
Academy since 2017. "I had never done any dance before then and had only joined to broaden my skill set and hopefully give me a better chance at potentially auditioning for musicals. Best decision I have ever made. Mayhem welcomed me with open arms and taught me many valuable skills dance and non- dance related. As I entered high school I participated in dance troupes and dance classes which only grew my love for dance even more. Since starting I have competed in numerous eisteddfods over the years and found myself with many opportunities to perform in other areas. My main style is hip hop but I love to experiment with any
and all styles whether or not I succeed. Mayhem has granted me opportunities to jump in and help out with the younger students and also teach/choreograph occasional classes and duos. I'm so excited to see where this year takes us and the years to come. Thankyou Mayhem for
everything."
Aimee Lancaster
Westbrook Hip Hop Instructor
My name is Aimee Lancaster, but students at the studio may know me as Miss Aimee. I entered the dance world with my first jazz class in 2012, at the age of 5, and have loved it ever since! I can now say I have taken many classes over the years and tried many different styles, however my favourite style is Hip-Hop. I love the upbeat energy this genre brings when in the studio and performing, it is fun, and a let loose style, and always leaves me smiling! I have been assistance teaching with many styles, ages and abilities of students since 2019. I have a passion to see students aspire to goals, grow confidently, build courage, and always leave smiling and with a positive mindset. I wish to continue this passion throughout Mayhem Dance Academy and my aspirations of becoming a Primary School Teacher. Gratefully, I can say I have been granted with many opportunities within the studio from Queensland Eisteddfods/Competitions, to walking and dancing parades, and being able to inspire and motivate students. I can’t wait to see what we achieve in 2024!
Kastell Smith
Hip Hop Instructor
"I have been a dancer for a big 17 years. Thave danced at many studios that include Dance Force, District Studios, The Hood Dance Academy and Homebase. Along my 16 year journey as a dancer I have participated in the Hip Hop International competition six times. have participated in creative generations as a featured dancer, and have danced in the cheer squad for the Brisbane Bullets. I have taken numerous dance workshops by the royal family, and I have also been taught by international choreographers such as Ian Eastwood, James Fenwick and Lance Savali. I'm excited to further my knowledge In dance as I am currently
studying a cert 3 in dance teaching. Overall, I'm excited for 2024 and what it
holds within the mayhem studio."
Gian
Guest Instructor
Gian has been apart of Mayhem Dance Academy for 5 years now. In these years he has performed in Creative Generation State Schools on stage.He loves all styles of dance, but his main style is Variation HipHop. You will also find Gian playing volleyball in his spare time!
I’ve been dancing for a total of 13 years now. I started off my dance years learning jazz. It wasn’t until my 6th year into dance that I decided to take up Hip-Hop. I have now come to realise that Hip-Hop is definitely my style. I still enjoy other styles of dance, but I shine when it comes to Hip-Hop
Sophia Matachhioni (Fifi)
Hip Hip Instructor
Laura Costigan
Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet & Hip Hop
I've been dancing for almost 15 years. I have been trained in all styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop. I love dancing and have lots of experience such as going to the Australian Dance Festival in Sydney and also competing many competitions through my life while also being apart of production performances.