Jade Robinson
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, to complete her 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 fiancé Rob built their home by the beach and dedicate their days to creating the magic of Rivers Dance Centre as the new 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.
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”