Our Studio

Mrs Ruth Keenan (nee Limmer) 

Owner & Principal of Movements Academy of Dance 

Royal Academy of Dance - Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) - RTS, Comdance Affiliate Member (Theatrical, Tap & Modern Jazz in Full), Glenn Wood Tap Approved Teacher, Acrobatic Arts Accredited (M1, M2 + Aerial & Back Handspring), also trained in Cecchetti & NZAMD American Jazz & Tap. 

Miss Ruth is also a regular guest teacher at the local High School's Dance Excellence Program (Murrumba State Secondary College).

Miss Ruth started dancing at five years old, competing in solos, duos, trios and teams as well as examinations. Then on moving to Australia she began at Movements Academy of Dance at age 14 when it was owned by the previous owner (who had opened Movements in 1995). Miss Ruth then began assistant teaching while studying to become a teacher and also began office administration studies and became the office manager. This was the perfect place to be as she was already very well known to all of the students and parents when Miss Ruth took over the studio in January 2009.

Since then the studio has grown in students as well as expanded to cover extra genres to ensure the studio is preparing students for a career in this current industry of dance.

Coming from a large family of eleven children - six of whom danced competitively and completed their examinations she is sensitive to the cost this brings to families and tries to ensure that where possible there are measures in place to ensure all students are given opportunities without compromising on the quality of the dance instruction and their overall dance experience - this is why the costume wardrobe began in 2009 and many other things were introduced such as platinum dance packages and family discounts.

Miss Ruth is passionate about preparing students to be their very best by ensuring they are surrounded by qualified and experienced teachers that are able to give them the very best technical tuition to aide them in any future dance ambitions but also in a caring and inspiring environment. 

Miss Zarah Sawyer (nee Langford) 

Royal Academy of Dance CBTS - RTS, Acrobatic Arts Accredited (Pre-School) Bachelor & Post Graduate Degree of Creative Industries (Interdisciplinary) Sub-Majoring in Dance and Literary Theory & Cultural Studies, Completed ALL Elementary Comdance & Modern Jazz Levels CSTD. 

Miss Kiara Barry 

Comdance Teachers Diploma (Theatrical), Advanced 1 RAD (Distinction), Gold Star Tap Comdance, ED5 International Graduate, Professional Experience as a Dancer (Dances as a back-up dancer for singers such as Sneaky Sound System, Marcia Hines, Molly Meldrum & appeared as a dancer for Australian Idol including the final in the Sydney Opera House). 

Mrs Jane Limmer 

Dancing from a young age and completing many of her dance exams as a child/young adult Mrs Jane put her dance teaching career on hold to become a mother.....eleven times. After having many of her children pursue careers in dance - from singing, dancing, teaching and examining she continued her training to be able to teach the next generation of dancers! She currently holds her Royal Academy of Dance CBTS - RTS and is a RAD Silver Swans Licensee. 

Miss Georgia Lear 

Georgia has been teaching since 2014, she has taught and choreographed at a range of studios including dance at high schools including Kenmore State High School, West Moreton Anglican College, Murrumba Downs State Secondary College, Bray Park State High School - imparting her love of dance and choreography. Georgia holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre through RAW Dance Company. Georgia has also performed in a range of professional contracts including - The Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast, 'The Herd' at GOmA in Southbank, Queensland Firebirds (Netball) as a dancer as well as Back UP Dancer for Ellen Reed to name a few. 

Miss Chelsea Ryan 

Chelsea has been dancing at MAD since she was 3 years of age. Chelsea holds
her Comdance Teachers Diploma (Modern Dance) Certificate II in Dance. She also holds Advanced 1 RAD Ballet, Comdance Grade 9 Modern Jazz (Honours) Level 13 GWT Tap. Chelsea is studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Clinical Health at UQ and looking to pursue a Post Graduate Doctor of Medicine Degree. 

Miss Ashlee Smallfield

Certificate III in Fitness, Level 1 Cycle Certification, Totalfusion Reformer Certification, Totalfusion Level 1 & 2 Mat Pilates Certification, Level 1 ASCA,  Kettlebells Level 1 & 2/Comp Style, TRX Suspension Training Course. Miss Ashlee grew up dancing on the Sunshine Coast - from there she successfully auditioned for the Moulin Rouge and danced there professionally from 2008-2010. On moving back to Australia she danced at Jupiter's Casino on the Gold Coast, Ruby Princess Cruiselines, Cabaret de Paris Showgirl as well as various gigs throughout Brisbane, the Gold & Sunshine Coasts. Miss Ashlee then ventured into the fitness instruction world and has been working and directing Gyms in Brisbane. Miss Ashlee has also been teaching at several local high schools including The Lakes College, Murrumba Downs State Secondary College & Pine Rivers State High School.

Miss Jamie Neilson 

Miss Jamie training comes from Lawnton Academy of Artistic Gymnastics where she has been a member for 17 years, reaching Level 10 (top level) and having competed at a National Level, she has been an Accredited Coach for 10 Years. Acrobatic Arts Teaching Accreditation. Miss Jamie also holds a Bachelor of Primary Education. 

Miss Raelee Ryan 

Raelee has been dancing at MAD since she was 4 years of age. Raelee has
her Comdance Teachers Diploma (Modern Jazz). She also holds Advanced Foundation RAD as well as Level 13 GWT Tap (Gold Award - 100%). Raelee also holds a Bachelor of Podiatry.