Teaching Staff

Artistic Director: Susan Sargison A.R.A.D. Diploma of Dance, Australian Ballet School R.A.D. Advanced Certificate Teaching certificate, Royal Academy of Dance. Certificate 1V in TAA 40104 Susan is a graduate of the Australia Ballet School performing with both the Australian Ballet and the Dancers Company in her final year of study. Susan has had an extensive career as a professional dancer overseas including London's West End,South East Asia and Europe. Her career has spanned both Classical and Musical Theatre genres and has now gained a broad knowledge of dance. She is a qualified teacher for the Royal Academey of Dance. Susan is an Examiner for the Southern Federation of Dance as well as an Adjudicator and Internal Assessor.  Hawthorn Studio of Dance was opened in 1991.
Jessica Lee Masson: Assistant to the Director Jessica holds a Certificate 1V in Performing Arts (Dance). She is a versatile dancer that specializes in jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary. Jessica continues to dance professionally across Melbourne working as both a dancer and choreographer for corporate events and performance galas. She has been a member of "The Diva Dancers" and "One Big Blur" tap company with Paul Davis, Bollywood films and the 2008 T.V Week Logies. Jessica also works as a dancer in various childrens productions for the "Entertainment Store". A busy Jessica is also studying her Bachelor of Heath Science in Natural Therapies at the Southern School of Natural Therapies.
Laura Frew: Bachelor of Performing Arts, Ballarat University   Laura hails from Gippsland and has been dancing since the age of 6. Performing in competitions and theatre throughout high school she then went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre at the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. After completing her degree she studied full time dance at The Space dance and Arts Centre (2010).  Laura has also choreographed for Eagles Nest Theatre Companies’ production of Romeo and Juliet (2009), and the Melbourne Opera Studios Production of Orpheus in the Underworld (2011) Laura’s teaching specialities are in jazz, contemporary, ballet, broadway and tap.
Georgina Sargison Born in Tasmania, Georgina was a Champion Jazz and Tap dancer at the Launceston Eistetford for many years. She moved to Melbourne and studied at Dance World 301. After a further 2 years of study Georgina gained a Diploma of Dance, (Music Theatre) Dance Factory. As a prosfessional dancer she appeared in many corporate shows and T.V. commericals. Georgina worked for the  P & O Cruise Lines before taking on the role of a personal assistant to the choreographer William Forsythe. Georgina loves teaching and her styles include Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop. Recently she has studied at Box Hill Tafe and holds a Certificate 1V in Floristry.
Ricki Leicester VCE Teacher Ricki has been busy studying and has acheived a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Secondary Teaching English and Dance at Deakin University She is currently studying Masters in Education by Coursework at Melbourne University. Ricki has been a Guset choreographer for Rowville Institute of Arts Rowville Secondary Colleage in 2010/2011. She now has taken up the role of Artistic Advisor for Senior Dance Specialism for Rowville Institute of Arts for 2012. Ricki also speciallizes in teaching Hip Hop.
Tonya Jade Dawson Tonya has a been a student at the Hawthorn Studio of Dance completing all her Royal Academey of Dance Examinations from Primary to Intermediate with Distinctions. Tonya has had many years training to become a teacher and is a delight with our younger Baby Toes and Preliminary students. She also teaches Jazz and Tap. Tonya holds a Certificate 1V in Massage Therapy and is currently studying to complete her Diploma in Massage Therapy.
Laura Schultz Laura studied dance in the U.K. and has completed her R.A.D, Intermediate Examination. Laura has become a welcome staff member and has two beautiful girls of her own. As a mum, Laura is fantastic with our younger students and relates very well especially to the Baby Toes classes.
Thara Brown  Thara has trained at The Edge Performers School and at Patricks Studios Australia where she studied many dance styles such as Classical Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Tap. She gained professional experience in various commercial and corporate events including "The Countdown Spectacular" tour of Australia, and video clips for singing artist Ricky Lee. Thara has also studied for a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education) and is currently studying her Diploma of Education – Secondary. She has been teaching various dance styles since 2007 and specialises in Hip Hop.

The Hawthorn studio invites guest teachers on a regular basis with the latest dance styles.

All teachers have 'A Working with Children Check' and Level One First Aid training as required by the Victorian State Goverment.