LKM Dance Studios

Lisa Mandavy-Sammour (Studio Director)

Lisa is an experienced, highly creative and professional teacher, her enthusiasm for both her classes and her students is contagious!

Lisa has been dancing for 25 years - her passion for dance has seen her build her life around her thriving dance studio which started off with just a small number of students operating from a local community hall.   Not content with just dancing for fun, Lisa and a fellow student were responsible for the introduction of Dance as part of the HSC curriculum into Blaxland High School. Through her hard work and persistence, this school now boasts in excess of 100 students incorporating Dance into their HSC studies.

Lisa then went on to study Dance in a three year, full time degree at the University of Western Sydney, NSW, successfully completing her Bachelor of Arts degree. She has trained in Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theatre, Classical Ballet, Modern Expressive and Contemporary techniques. She has participated in numerous eisteddfods and other performances including the Olympic Torch Relay (2000), Penrith City Festival, the NSW tour with "MESH" dance ensemble, Australia's Wonderland, School Spectacular and the "Streets of Dance" in Sydney City.

Having studied under some of Australia's most influential choreographers including Bernadette Walong, Kay Armstrong, Helen Markstein, Garry Stewart and Graeme Watson, Lisa believes in passing on knowledge for those hoping to pursue a career in the Performing Arts.

One of Lisa's dreams was realised in April 2008 when she lead 100 members of the LKM Dance family to the USA. The 30 strong troupe of dancers performed at Disneyland LA and California Adventure. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for many and the memories made are priceless!

Lisa loves seeing her students grow and develop into amazing dancers and realising their dreams. Whether you're dancing for fun or seeking a career in dance, LKM Dance studios is the place to be - "Where Everyone's A Star"!!

Linda Aubrecht 
Linda comes to LKM with a wide and varied background. She is a professional figure skater and worked for 7 years in Europe for one of the world's top ice shows, Holiday On Ice. She more recently worked with Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean in the TV series 'Dancing on Ice' where she and partner Karl Stefanovic were runners up. She was also a coach to celebrities in 'Skating On Thin Ice' also on Channel 9.

Linda has done dance classes all her life including ballet, jazz, contemporary and ballroom. She is a level 2 accredited sporting coach with NSW Institute of Sport, and has worked as a skating coach for 8 years both in Australia and overseas. Linda is the Coach and the Choreographer of Sydney Ice Theatre, a troupe that will represent Australia in 2009 in a competition in Nice, France.

Linda is excited to be teaching our Tiny Tot Fairy Ballet, Jazz and Musical Theatre classes.

With Rebecca's vast experience in dancing and performing, we are excited to welcome her to our Studio. Dancing since she was just 2 years old, Rebecca has performed in many eisteddfods, concerts, shopping centre pantomimes and shows and has also appeared in commercials and film clips!

Highlights of her performances have been her appearance on Young Talent Time, Channel 7 Telethons, the opening of the Mo Awards, backup dancer for Joey Perone (former Young Talent Time) and a performance at the Regent Hotel.

Rebecca has successfully completed her exams in Jazz, Ballet (BBO/RAD) and Tap (BBO/Glenn Wood). Along with her studies in Musical Theatre, Singing and Drama, she has also choreographed and performed in musicals and rock eisteddfods.

We are thrilled to have Rebecca on our teaching staff at LKM - her experience and "all round" abilities are very impressive and her ability to pass this on to her students is evident in her classes.

Elise's specialty lies in Acrobatics in combination with Dance. Having completed her coaching studies in WAG Level 1 (Womens Artistic Gymnastics) and General Principles of Gymnastics (GP), Elise is currently completing her Level 1 Sports Acrobatics Course and several additional bridging workshops with Gymnastics NSW including Salto Bridging and Limbers to name a few.

Elise has been dancing at LKM now for more than 5 years, assisting as a student teacher since 2007 and in 2010 we welcome her as our Acrobatics teacher. She has also participated in several classes and workshops at Sydney Dance Company and at Sydney's Urban Dance Centre. Elise has trained in various forms of gymnastics and tumbling since she was 5 years old and now has experience in Circus skills, having participated in workshops at the Sydney Aerial Theatre.

During her HSC studies, Elise had the privilege of being choreographer for the St. Columba's School Spectacular held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Elise was also responsible for costuming, rehearsals and managed the dance portion of the production.

Elise is aspiring to become a dance teacher through University studies at the Australian College of Physical Education under the Youth Leaders Scholarship and continues to further her coaching knowledge and understanding in many facets of Gymnastics. She fosters an enthusiastic class atmosphere and strives to help her dancers to achieve their skills to the best of their ability.

Michelle Court

Michelle may be a familiar face to many as she has been a student at LKM since 2002. During her time at LKM, she has studied Tap, Classical Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Jazz and joined the Senior Performance Troupe in 2007.

Kayla Hely  

Kayla found her passion for dance at a young age, dancing in front of the TV to the likes of FIVE and Rod Stewart. From the age of 7, Kayla has trained in many forms of dance including jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop and ballet, completing numerous examinations under the SFD. She has performed in many competitions and showcases such as the Sydney Eisteddfod, the NRL grand final, Penrith Mayoral musical and Wakkakirri, and has travelled to Melbourne numerous times for her dancing. Kayla has also studied many workshops learning from some of Sydney’s most professional dancers and choreographers. Kayla completed an excelled HSC Dance program, and during her HSC studies also had the opportunity to choreograph for a production titled ‘Dancing with the Staff.’ 

 Kayla  is currently studying a Bachelor of Dance Education and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education to become a secondary teacher. Kayla has high expectations of herself and strives to foster this in her students. She looks forward to continuing to develop her passion for dance and passing this on to her students.

Dara Peen

Dara is an experienced Dance Teacher and has been teaching for several years in the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains Region. She has trained in many areas of Dance and Performing Arts including Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Contemporary, RAD Ballet, Tap, Singing and Drama. With over 20 years of Dancing and 10 years of working in the Dance industry, Dara is excited to be joining the team at LKM Dance Studio.

Dara's professional achievements include being selected to Tap Dance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games. She danced alongside the Tap Dogs, and was taught under the strict guidance of Dein Perry. She describes the experience as "The highlight of my career so far!"

Dara has danced in many performances and shows throughout Sydney and has also choreographed many routines for local Primary Schools and Dance Schools, where they have achieved outstanding results.

Dara currently holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and is employed at Hazelbrook Public School where she can incorporate her love of Dance into student's learning programs. Dara is thrilled to be joining the LKM team!

Tess Bratusa

Tess’ strong and energetic flair led her to dancing at the young age of three. Throughout her seventeen years of dance Tess has become to love all types and genres, training in ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, modern and general acrobatics. Tess has always been assionate about her dance, performing throughout her life at many dancing events and competitions such as Showcase National Dance Championships, McDonalds Challenge, and many other Sydney eisteddfods.

Although Tess is currently studying Government and International Relations at The University of Sydney, she aims to further her dance education after the completion of her degree. Tess looks forward to getting to know her students and encourage them to achieve their best.

Kara Berry

Kara is a born performer.  Her love for dance began at the age of 3 and continues to grow. Kara has studied RAD Ballet, GWT Tap, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, American Cheerleading, Acrobats, Drama, Singing and Musical Theatre.  Her devotion to performing has taken her across the world.  Kara has benefited from participating in workshops in New York, Florida, San Francisco, Hollywood and Los Angeles where her skills have been refined by companies such as Steps on Broadway, Radio City Hall Rockets, Disney World, Disneyland, San Francisco Ballet Company, Stella Adler Acting Academy and The Edge.  She has performed at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Disneyworld Florida and Disneyland LA as well as well known shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as both dancer and vocalist.

Kara has completed all of her RAD Graded examinations (Grades 1-8) and 4 Major Examinations (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 1 Ballet Exams).  Kara has experience in Theatre, Stage and TV, getting call backs for “Oliver” and “The Sound of Music” as well as many other musicals. Kara was also an extra in a number of commercials and performed in 2 video clips: “Dance Sitting Down” by Fiona Fields and “She Knows Love” by Indigo.  Kara has also performed at the 2011 NRL Grand Final and Rugby Union Australia vs New Zealand Test match and was also given the opportunity to be a part of a Bollywood Movie “Orange” as a dancer.

Kara was offered the opportunity to complete the Dance component of her H.S.C a year early, and not only topped her class, but received 2 nominations for “Call Back”.

Kara has attained her WAG Level 1 (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics) Coaching Certificate in 2011. This course enabled Kara to teach gymnastics in an In- School Sports Program for “Live, Play, Work Health and Fitness”, a company owned by professional football player Chris Lawrence. This is a program offered to children involving Dance, Active Lifestyle, Gymnastics and Games which is linked directly to the PD/H/PE Syllabus.

Kara auditioned for both ED5 International and Ev & Bow full time dance courses in late 2011, being accepted into both, Kara has decided to undertake a 2 year Diploma course in Performing Arts through ED5 International after being offered a scholarship.

In 2010 Kara completed the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies. This was an intensive course of study over two years. As of November 2011 Kara achieved her Registered Teacher Status and she is eligible to enter candidates for R.A.D Ballet Examinations.

Kara hopes that her love of dance and her dedication and drive will help inspire the students of LKM to strive to be the best performers that they can be.

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 Rebecca Morley - Studio Administration & Accounts

Another familiar face at the Studio, Rebecca is responsible for all the administration and accounts.   

Also known as "Miss Lisa's mum", Rebecca is able to help out with most questions - or if she doesn't know, she'll find out!

 

Any queries can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

We also have a huge range of costumes available for hire - contact Rebecca for further details.

 

 

 

 

Grant Blackwell - Studio Photographer

We are very pleased to have Grant on board as our official Studio Photographer. Grant is the man responsible for all those wonderful photographs at dress rehearsals and concerts!

 

If you'd like to organise a family portrait or other photographs, please contact the Studio and we'll put you in touch with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSITIONS VACANT

There are currently no positions vacant, however if you are interested in joining our teaching staff, please email your resume and contact details to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

"I do not try to dance better than anyone else.
I only try to dance better than myself."

 

Mikhail Baryshnikov