Jade Marshall
Dance Studio Principal & Owner (2023 to current)
Jade has been a part of the Rivers Dance Centre (RDC) family since she was 5 years old and completed her senior level and 2-unit HSC dance certificate in 2012. At the age of 15, Jade had the opportunity to take classes in New York City at renowned dance studios like “Broadway Dance Centre” and “Steps On Broadway” this experience opened her eyes and inspired her to move to the Gold Coast when she turned 17. Jade successfully auditioned for "Ikin dance” and underwent full-time training in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary styles.
During her time in Queensland and New South Wales, Jade completed her Cert III and IV in Dance and Fitness while also performing in professional shows and gigs. She worked as a cheerleader for the Titans, performed in shows at Movieworld, participated in promotional events for companies like Disney and Mercedes Benz, and frequently performed at Jupiters Casino, among many other engagements.
In addition to her performing career, Jade taught Commercial Jazz for eisteddfod troupes and provided private solo coaching for dance competitions at various schools on the Gold Coast. She also gained extensive experience leading vacation care programs and conducting pre-school workshops in daycare centers.
Jade spent 3 years living in Vancouver, Canada, and had the opportunity to travel throughout the United Sates and Europe, immersing herself in different cultures and meeting incredible people. This journey further shaped her as a dancer and individual.
Returning in 2020, Jade remained resilient to the well-known public health orders and pursued her passion for movement by obtaining her certification in pilates, but Jade does not stop there – now being mentored by our very own, Antonia Erskine, she has completed her Part One Associate in Cecchetti ballet teaching, Jade feels strongly around the importance of ballet technique and thoroughly enjoys sharing her knowledge to young dancers and adults. Residing in Woolgoolga, Jade and husband Rob built their home by the beach, are growing their family and dedicate their days to creating the magic of Rivers Dance Centre as the owner and principal.
Kim Pedersen
Kim is a highly skilled dancer with a wide range of expertise in Jazz, Commercial, Funk, Classical, Contemporary, and Lyrical dance styles. Originally from Melbourne, Victoria, Kim dance journey began at the young age of 2 when she was inspired by her older sister performance at a dance concert. By the age of 12, Kim became an assistant teacher, and at 16, she was employed as a junior teacher at her studio. Additionally, she served as the dance captain for her high school dance team. Kim also has experience in producing and choreographing shows and annual musicals.
Professionally, Kim worked with a Melbourne-based company called “Lyrebird Dance Theatre” now known as “Desert Diamonds”, she performed at various corporate events, including channel 7 annual party, the “Paris To Province” festival, and “Elvis Tribute” river cruises, among others.
At the age of 18, Kim decided to explore opportunities abroad and secured a contract touring China in a commercial burlesque show. She then auditioned and enrolled in full-time studies at “Dance Factory”, where she completed her Cert IV in Dance and Teaching Management. Kim continued her training at “The Space Dance and Arts Centre” in Melbourne and had the privilege of collaborating with the popular Melbourne “Fringe Festival”, learning from experienced teachers and choreographers.
For Kim, dance is more than just performing; it encompasses personal challenges, goal setting, the creative process, expression through movement, and the meaningful friendships formed and cherished along the way.
Caitlin Mutton
With an Intuitive and embodied approach to movement, Caitlin is a dancer, yoga teacher and movement mentor who brings over 2 decades of experience.
Growing up in South Australia, Caitlin fell in love with dance at age 2 when she began her journey in Calisthenics. Her dedication to dance led her to compete at a national level across Australia, representing the Calisenthics Assosciation of South Australia and becoming a national champion at age 12. She went to acheive Grade 4 Honours in the Australian Calisthenics Federaion Skills Examination and completed a Coaching Accreditation. With over 10 years Teaching experience. Caitlin mentored dancers aged 3-25 in both competitve and non-competitive teams. Alongside calisthenics, she trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap building a comprehensive foundation in dance technique and artistry.
In her mid twenties, Caitlin took a step back from dance to deepen her understanding of the body and explore complementary movement practices. In 2019, she travelled to India to complete a 300hr Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, followed by a Trauma-Informed Practitioner Certificate through TCTSY in Melbourne. These experiences enriched her understanding of somatic awareness and biomechanics, shaping a teaching philosophy rooted in connection, while adapting to meet the unique needs and experiences of every student.
Now based in Bellingen since 2021, and having become a mother in 2022, Caitlin returns to dance with holistic approach that integrates her diverse training and life experiences. She is deeply passionate about sharing the transformative power of embodied movement, fostering strong technical foundations, and creating a nurturing space for confidence, self-expression, and community connection to thrive.
Emily Hennessey
We are excited to welcome Emily back to the RDC studio each Monday afternoon in 2026! Emily began her dance journey at the sweet age of five and has grown into a passionate performer, teacher, mum and wife, with a deep love for all things performing arts. Her warm, nurturing nature shines through in every class, creating a positive and engaging space for young dancers to thrive.
Emily trained at HPAC in Coffs Harbour, where she developed a strong technical foundation and discovered her passion for teaching young talent in 2010. With a natural connection to children and a love for movement, Emily gravitated towards Jazz and Hip Hop, inspiring her to further expand her knowledge and skills. In 2014, she moved to Sydney to train full-time, completing her Certificate IV in Dance at Village Performing Arts, broadening her experience both technically and artistically.
Alongside her teaching career, Emily has always loved working with children and spent time as a Children’s Party Entertainer and Character Performer, bringing joy, imagination and fun to countless little ones. This experience strongly influences her teaching style, blending technique with creativity, confidence and playfulness. Emily is also currently working with performance teams and teaches at JRDS in Coffs Harbour, and we are thrilled to have her share her experience, energy and passion with our RDC dancers.
Ellen Humphrey
Welcoming Ellen back into our studio for Wednesday night Ballet!
Ellen began her training at 7 years old. She studied the Cecchetti Ballet syllabus gaining honours in her elementary level before completing her final 3 years of high school at Victorian College of Arts Technical School.
Ellen completed 2 years fulltime training at South Australian College of advanced Education Contemporary Dance course before her first professional engagement as dancer/actor with Adelaide Theatre Company.
Having 2 children led her to beautiful Bellingen for reasons we all know. She has since performed with local companies such as Open Moves and Bellingen Playback Theatre. Ellen has freelancced as a teacher choreographer and performer with numerous projects and groups in the region, including Julie Ross Studio, CHEC, Lismore Conservatorium and with our Founder of RDC, Antonia Erskine.
Antonia Erskine
Founder of the original Rivers Ballet Studio
Antonia received training in classical ballet, contemporary, and jazz at Meldrums and The Karen Kerkhovens Schools of Dance, both located in Sydney, Northern Beaches. She began intensive classes relatively late, starting at the age of 14. Antonia studied the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and Cecchetti Classical Ballet Syllabi, acquiring technique and performance experience in community events, pageants, and festivals, including the Sydney Festival.
Later on, Antonia successfully auditioned for the professional company of The Margaret Walker Dance Centre in Sydney, led by director Miss Glynette Jeffery, a former soloist with the Essen Opera Ballet. The company specialized in ballet and national dance, regularly working with guest choreographers who focused on character dances from various cultures, such as Russian, Indian, Polish, Ukrainian, Romanian, Spanish, and Mexican.
These experiences fostered Antonia’s love and appreciation for classical ballet, classical music, international cultures, and history. She spent three years touring with the company, performing in theaters, schools, and community events. Antonia also obtained qualifications in teaching the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Syllabus through the Australian Academy of Ballet, under the guidance of Miss Valerene Tweedie and Miss Valerie Jenkins.
In 1985, Antonia moved to Bellingen and established the Rivers Studio in 1986, originally known as “Rivers Ballet Studio”