Meet our
Team
Our dedicated teaching faculty are the heart of everything we do. Each teacher brings a wealth of expertise, passion and professional training to the studio, creating a supportive, inspiring and nurturing environment where every student can thrive
Karlie Grace Johnson
Owner & Principal
Karlie has a deep passion for dance and a strong commitment to passing that love and skill on to the next generation of performers. She began dancing at age five and trained extensively across styles before completing full-time study at Dance Factory in Richmond, where she earned a two-year scholarship. With a Diploma of Arts, Cecchetti Ballet qualifications and multiple dance teaching and management certificates, Karlie has taught across Melbourne, interstate and overseas. Her professional dance experience includes work in television, live performance, corporate events, major productions and choreography for award-winning competition routines. Karlie founded the school in 2011 and has grown it into a thriving community with over 300 students.
Hannah Rieschieck
Teacher
Hannah has come full circle at KGD — graduating as a senior student and returning as a teacher. She completed Cecchetti Ballet Australia exams up to Advanced 1 and trained in multiple styles while performing in competition troupes and productions. Hannah holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and the Associate Diploma in Cecchetti Ballet. She also performs professionally and is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary).
Isabelle Greenwood
Pilates & Movement Specialist
Isabelle is a classically trained dancer with an international performance background, including study and performance with The School of Hamburg Ballet and work with Tivoli Ballet Theatre in Copenhagen. After discovering the transformative benefits of Pilates for dancers, she pursued comprehensive Pilates certifications and now works across multiple studios, helping students build strength, flexibility and body awareness. Isabelle’s expertise supports dancers of all levels and enhances their technical training at KGD.
Lisa Furze
Dance Teacher
Lisa is a graduate of the Spectrum Dance Full-Time Performing Arts course and a professional dancer with experience performing in corporate events, theatrical tributes, television commercials and major live shows, including the AFL Grand Final Footy Show. She has also achieved distinctions with Cecchetti Ballet Australia and brings strong technical knowledge and performance experience to her classes.
May Wiltshire
Dance Teacher
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May is a proud KGD graduate and alumni, having completed all Cecchetti Ballet examinations up to Advanced 2 with Honours. She holds the Associate Diploma Teacher of Cecchetti Ballet (A.C.B.A. (Dip) – C.I.C.B, Honours) and brings a deep understanding of classical technique to her teaching.
In addition to her dance training, May is a fully qualified physiotherapist, giving her a strong foundation in anatomy, injury prevention and safe movement practices. This unique combination allows her to support students with both technical precision and physical care, fostering strong, healthy dancers at every stage of their training.
Msy is passionate about guiding students with encouragement, discipline and care, and takes pride in helping each dancer build confidence, strength and longevity in their dance journey.
Georgia Fraser
Acrobatics & Dance Teacher
Georgia’s journey at KGD began as a student, and today she brings her acrobatic expertise back to the studio as a qualified teacher. A gifted performer with competitive dance and acrobatics experience, Georgia is certified in the Acrobatic Arts teacher training program. She inspires our acrobatic students with skill, enthusiasm and a passion for movement.
Tanya Tranter
Administration Manager
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Tanya is the friendly face and organisational backbone of KGD. As our Administration Manager, she ensures the studio runs smoothly behind the scenes, supporting families, students and staff with care, efficiency and attention to detail.
With a strong background in administration and customer service, Tanya is often the first point of contact for enrolments, enquiries and day-to-day studio operations. Her warm approach, clear communication and genuine care for our community help create a welcoming and supportive experience for every family.
Tanya takes pride in supporting students throughout their dance journey and is always happy to assist parents with questions, schedules and studio information, helping ensure every child’s experience at KGD is a positive one.