OUR TEAM
Holly Diggle – Studio Founder, Owner, and Director
I’m Holly Diggle, the founder, owner, and director of Dance Northside.
In 2006, I purchased what was then a small ballet academy, and I’ve grown it into a vibrant community of around 400 dancers. I’m proud to continue the 38-year tradition of running dance classes at Kaleen Community Hall—especially as I celebrate my 20th year in business in 2026.
My love for dance began as a child in Edinburgh, where I trained at a community-focused studio that welcomed people of all ages and levels. That early experience sparked my passion for inclusive, community-focused dance and set me on the path to formal training. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance (Theory & Practice) and a Diploma in Dance Teaching & Management. I’m also a qualified Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance accredited RYT 200hr), Kids Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance accredited RYT 50hr), and Acrobatic Arts instructor. I’m currently studying for a Diploma of Counselling, which I expect to finish in 2026.
Read more about Holly
Earlier in my career, I performed as a professional contemporary dancer across Australia and overseas. Highlights include performing a season with Mirramu Dance Company in Taiwan and collaborating with countless local companies and independent artists in Canberra. I was honoured to be nominated for Most Outstanding Female Performer in the Australian Dance Awards for Mirramu Dance Company’s River. I’ve also been recognised for my choreography, winning Most Outstanding Choreography and the People’s Choice Award at the Short and Sweet Dance Festival. But performing was never the “why” behind my dancing—I danced because I loved it, and performing was a fun (sometimes anxiety-inducing) bonus.
I have been recognised as a leader in my field, including as a notable ACT public school alumnus and as a finalist in several national and local business awards. In 2022, I received a Women With Altitude Brave Award, and in 2024, I was honoured with the Australasian Dance Education Silver Award for Inclusion & Diversity.
My personal relationship with dance inspired me to create a space where children and adults can discover the joy and transformational power of dance—without objectification, unrealistic perfectionism, or competitive pressure. At Dance Northside, my focus is always on recreational dance and real-life community connection. As a certified Youth Protection Advocate in Dance, I’m passionate about prioritising children’s physical and emotional wellbeing and building an environment where everyone can thrive.
As a proud AuDHD and dyslexic woman, I have lived experience of both the challenges and the strengths that neurodiversity brings, as well as the positive, transformational impact dance has had on my own life. That perspective drives my commitment to creating dance experiences that are supportive, adaptive, and empowering for all students. With more than twenty-five years of teaching experience across studios, schools, universities, refugee groups, women in recovery, and youth at risk, I’ve seen again and again how dance can change lives.
These days, I balance raising my two young children with teaching, mentoring my staff, handling all the business essentials, studying to become a counsellor, and dreaming up new creative ideas to nurture and support Dance Northside (that’s definitely the most fun bit!). It’s vital to me that the growth and direction of the studio always align with my values and its purpose.
For me, Dance Northside will always be more than dance—and I’m grateful for it every day.
Cara – Studio Manager
Cara’s dance journey began at Dance Northside at age five. Over the years she has trained in hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and lyrical. She was a valued member of the Dance Northside Performance Team for 6 years, enjoying performing with her team mates across numerous performances throughout Canberra.
Cara is a highly skilled and experienced Dance Teacher, having undertaken extensive in house training, and has taught the Dance Northside community for 6 years across many styles and age ranges.
In 2023 Cara was promoted to Customer Relations Manager, and in 2024 she stepped up again to take on the role of Studio Manager. A position she has earned through her profound understanding of the studio’s values gained through lived experience over her 17 years at Dance Northside.
In addition to her work at Dance Northside, Cara is currently undertaking a degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra.
Cara strives to make everyone who comes into contact with Dance Northside feel included, welcomed, supported and well informed.
Maddi – Studio Coordinator
Maddi is a dedicated dance educator and emerging arts professional who has recently completed her Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University, graduating with multiple academic and creative awards. Her studies and artistic practice inform her thoughtful, imaginative approach to teaching, choreography, and studio leadership.
Alongside her work in dance education, Maddi has gained extensive experience in the arts and event-management sector, working at Belconnen Arts Centre in both reception and front-of-house roles. These positions strengthened her skills in community engagement, customer service, artist support, and the smooth running of busy arts events — all of which she brings into her new role as Studio Coordinator.
Maddi began her teaching journey during HSC Dance, creating original solos and duets that explored expressive choreographic intent. Since then, she has continued to teach and choreograph across schools, studios, and community performances, including musical theatre numbers and dance productions. She is known for guiding young dancers to understand intention, build confidence, and express their own creative voices.
Her dance training began at age three and spans across contemporary, jazz, modern, Broadway, and hip hop. Maddi has also performed nationally with the ANU Competitive Dance Team – Premier Hip Hop (2022/23) and expanded her training through workshops with The Royal Family (NZ).
Maddi is excited to be continuing her work in the arts sector within a community she knows and loves — Dance Northside. She is thrilled to step into the role of Studio Coordinator, supporting families, teachers, and dancers with her creativity, organisation, and unwavering passion for inclusive arts education.
Issy – Performance Team Coordinator
Issy is an experienced dance educator and long-time member of the Dance Northside community. She is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Education at the University of Canberra, where she continues to develop her strong skills in teaching practice, child development, and inclusive learning — all of which enrich her work with young dancers.
Issy began dancing at age four and has trained across a wide range of styles including jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. As a passionate and committed performer, she spent several years as an active member of the Dance Northside Performance Team, representing the studio at events and performances across Canberra. Her experience as both a team member and emerging leader gives her a deep understanding of what helps young dancers thrive in a performance environment.
Issy was a part of the DanceStep Leadership program in 2020 and has been teaching at Dance Northside since 2022. She is known for her exceptional organisation, calm leadership style, and her ability to uplift and encourage young performers. Issy is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where dancers feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow their confidence and artistry.
Entering her new role as Performance Team Coordinator, Issy is excited to support the next generation of performers — helping them build teamwork, resilience, and joy through dance.
Neve – Dance Step and Studio Events Coordinator
Neve is a dedicated young leader within the Dance Northside community, stepping into the role of DanceStep & Studio Events Coordinator in 2026. She will also begin her Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Australian Catholic University, further developing her passion for teaching, child development, and creating meaningful learning experiences for young dancers.
Neve began dancing at the age of three and has trained across Tap, Contemporary, and Jazz before joining Dance Northside in 2019. Her journey through the DanceStep program, beginning in 2021, allowed her to gain hands-on teaching experience in Minis and Kids classes under the mentorship of senior teachers. After completing the full DanceStep curriculum, Neve moved into the DanceStep Coordinator role, where she has continued to support and mentor her team of student leaders.
In 2024, Neve attended the DanceStep National Summit, where she was awarded 2nd place in the National Leadership Award — a testament to her dedication, initiative, and emerging strengths as a teacher and mentor. She has also developed her leadership skills outside the studio through her role as College Captain and through ongoing leadership coaching at Dance Northside.
In her expanded 2026 role, Neve will be responsible for coordinating both the DanceStep program and an exciting calendar of in-studio events, creating engaging and community-focused experiences for families and dancers. Working closely with her committed team of DanceStep Student Leaders, she is passionate about fostering connection, confidence, and joy across the studio.
Neve brings warmth, organisation, and a genuine love of working with children and young people to everything she does. She is deeply committed to Dance Northside’s values of Kindness, Respect, and Community, and strives to reflect these in every interaction.
Dance Teachers
Ellie
Ellie started dancing at the age of five, at National Capital Ballet School. Specialising in ballet and contemporary, she moved to Canberra Dance Development Centre in 2014 before joining Dance Northside in 2018.
She has been a part of the Dance Northside Performance Team for three years and as a result has danced at numerous festivals around Canberra. Ellie is an experienced and passionate teacher, holding student wellbeing at the center of her teaching philosophy she sensitively and steadily builds confidence and progress in all her students.
She graduated her Bachelor of Contemporary European Studies and Arts at the ANU in 2025, and will commence Honours in 2026
Erin
Erin is an experienced dancer, dance teacher and primary school teacher, holding a Batchelor of Education.
She started dancing at the age of four with the Jill Glastonbury Ballet Academy. She has trained in a range of dance styles, and has taught tap, cecchetti ballet, jazz and lyrical dance. Erin enjoys choreographing and has received several awards at choreographic competitions.
Erin joined Dance Northside’s adult contemporary class a number of years ago and quickly joined the staff to teach ballet and jazz classes.
Her main goals in teaching are to build skills, confidence and creativity in her students, all within a fun and supportive environment.
Talia
Talia began to dance at Dance Northside in 2009, at the age of 5. She was a member of the Performance Team for seven years, where she had various performance opportunities at local events and Dance Northside concerts. Talia is a passionate contemporary dancer trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical and hip hop.
Talia has completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She currently works as an educator and room leader at a local childcare centre. Talia loves working with young children and helping them learn and have fun. She began working as an Assistant with Dance Teacher Rebecca Allan in 2020 and was a member of the DanceStep program at Dance Northside.
Talia has a strong child-focused approach to teaching, which aligns with the Dance Northside values of kindness, respect and community.
Talia enjoys welcoming new members to the Dance Northside community, encouraging everybody to join in and dance.
Lily
Lily began her dance journey at age five and returned to dance more formally at age ten. She trained at Elite Dance Studio for 4.5 years as part of a competition troupe, performing a wide range of styles including multiple Jazz genres, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, and Heels. During this time, she competed in group routines, duets, and choreographed solos for school.
Alongside competitive dance, Lily has sought out community-based and artistic dance opportunities that celebrate creativity and performance. These have included Wakakirri, AusDance ACT Youth Dance Festival, and workshops with industry-renowned choreographers such as Paris Cavanagh and Stephen Tannos. In 2020, Lily completed the NXTGEN Project — an intensive program designed to replicate 10 days of full-time dance training with an industry showcase.
After graduating high school in 2024, Lily commenced study at the Australian National University. In 2025, she joined the ANU Cheer & Dance Team, competing in Pom and Jazz across three AASCF competitions, including Nationals, expanding her skills and versatility. She will be transitioning to a double degree in Law and Arts in 2026.
Lily has developed strong leadership skills through a range of roles, including School Captain (2024), Dancefest Rehearsal Director (2023), First Year Representative for ANUCAD (2025), and a 2026 role supporting costuming and merchandise for the team. She brings this leadership experience into the studio with confidence and care.
Lily is deeply committed to upholding Dance Northside’s values of Kindness, Respect, and Community. She strives to cultivate a welcoming and supportive space where every dancer feels comfortable to express themselves, learn at their own pace, and find joy in movement.
Lily's main goals in the classroom involve everyone feeling comfortable, included and supported so that dance can always be a fun, engaging environment for all to enjoy.dance.
Aria
Aria started dancing at age 2, before joining Dance Northside 2017. Aria successfully auditioned for the Dance Northside Performance Team in 2018. She performed extensively across Canberra for five years with the Performance Team, whilst also extending her skills in jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrica and acrodance through both weekly classes and workshops.
Aria undertook teacher training through the DanceStep program in 2020 and in 2022 and undertook specialised teacher training in acrodance with Dance Northside’s Director Holly Diggle in 2023 and 2024. At the beginning of 2025 Aria completed her Acrodance Teacher Training with The Acrobatic Dance Association.
Aria lives the Dance Northside values of kindness, respect, and community. Both through her interactions with her students and within her own classes as a dancer. She loves sharing her passion for acrodance with students, striving to make all students feel included, respected and capable in the studio.
Sharon
Sharon started dance at the age of 3 and trained in ballet, jazz, tap & contemporary until her first teaching employment at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Canberra. She has 2 amazing kids, and is a single mum as well as a qualified Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Caricaturist, designing the 1996 Australian Tax Pack Cover, and has taught many classes of both Zumba and ballroom at Radford College over the years.
In 2000, Sharon competed and placed 4th in the international Fred Astaire Argentine Tango Showcase Division. She later appeared and placed 3rd on the 2005 season of the ABC television program, Strictly Dancing. Sharon is the 4-time undefeated Professional On2 ACT Salsa Champion. She also created and organised her own glamourous, friendly, independent Smooth and Rhythm competition, “ASDAC – The Outback Crown,” bringing world champions to inspire us isolated Aussies. Over 10 years, ASDAC built up a world-class reputation.
Sharon is a qualified Zumba Fitness, Zumba Kids, Strong by Zumba (now called Strong Nation), and Zumba Gold, Toning and Gold Toning instructor. She holds Associate and Licentiate degrees as well as Fellowships in nine smooth and rhythm ballroom dance styles. In 2016, Sharon successfully undertook the USISTD/AIDA Examiners Assessment, achieving her goal after 10 years of study, experience and innovation. She is one of only 11 such Examiners in the world, and the first and only one outside of the USA.
Sharon was the Co-Owner and -Creative Director of Danzon Dance Studio from 2004 – 2021. In 2017, Sharon created the “Articulate” Dance Training Program – her own teaching method based on 20 years of teaching, performances, competitions, mentoring, and experiencing the joy that students feel when they are happy and successful within themselves. Because the world is only about people, and we deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, to be accepted for who we are, and to feel joy – values that align directly with Dance Northside’s, which is why Sharon is so excited to be part of the team.
Arden
Arden (they/them) has been dancing for as long as they can remember, with a passion for American Style Ballroom which they started learning quite young! In this style, they have recreationally competed around Canberra and NSW. In 2016 Arden joined Dance Northside, taking classes in Hip Hop and Contemporary, and went on to join the studio’s Performance Team in 2023.
From 2019 to 2021, Arden honed their teaching skills by leading Zumba classes under the mentorship of professional ballroom and Zumba instructor Sharon. While in college, Arden developed their versatility as they choreographed and performed numerous dance pieces for their school in styles including Ballroom, Hip-hop, Jazz, Contemporary and K-pop.
Arden has a passion for dancing for fun and strives for continuous personal improvement, often learning and practising K-pop choreographies in their spare time. Arden is deeply aligned with Dance Northside’s core values of kindness, respect, and community, which they incorporate into their everyday life. They are especially passionate about working with children, helping them grow and find joy through dance.
Jahna
Jahna has been dancing since the age of 4. She’s done many styles, including Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip hop, Commercial and First Nation Traditional Dance.
Some of Jahna’s biggest achievements; Performing with ADT (Australian Dance Theatre) in their work, Savage- 2022, QL2 x BDA (Bangkok Dance Academy) Thailand tour exchange- 2023, Choreographed a Hot to Trot piece called Hazy Misconceptions-2023, NSW Aboriginal Youth Dance Company (Bangarra)-2021 and TDP (Talented Dance Program) at Erindale College- 2022-2023.
Jahna has been focusing on Modern Contemporary dance for 3 years. Her favourite thing about Contemporary, is that it allows her mind and body to create and move, through articulation and abstract outlets and ideas. Jahna also has a deep love for improvisation and freestyle, as it releases her movements from any expectations.
This is the third year Jahna has fully taken on the role as a dance teacher, having previously taught workshops and small groups. She is excited to share her knowledge, along with supporting her students to grow in creativity, values and their love for dance.
Charlotte
BIO COMING SOON
Studio
Kaleen Community Hall
Georgina Crescent Kaleen ACT 2617
Contact
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Dance Northside acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, traditional custodians of the land on which our studio is located. We pay respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. Music and movement have long been performed in this place by First Nations Australians; Dance Northside recognises this and appreciates the richness it adds to our community. We are glad to be dancing here today, on what always was and always will be Ngunnawal and Ngambri land.
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