Our passion is dance

CM dance teachers are a wonderful group of passionate people who have danced most of their lives and share a common love for dance and teaching children. We are proud to have attracted some of Brisbane’s brightest and talented dance teaching professionals, who bring their shared experience of dance training, performance, and teaching to instil in every student a love of dance and a desire to express creatively through movement and music.

 

Our teaching team must meet our standards for dance and teaching qualifications, safety awareness, and care, and by providing a rewarding environment in which to work, we are able to keep teacher changes to a minimum, ensuring your child enjoys the stability and consistency needed to grow and develop. Teachers at CM Dance are also acutely aware of the need to encourage and support younger students who may experience anxiety, and will work with you to develop your child’s confidence in this regard.

 

At the heart of what we do is a conscious intention to nurture and develop talent, while also inspiring a love and appreciation of many dance styles. Recognising every child is different, we celebrate achievements at every level, from Little Dancers to our Irish dancers competing on the world stage. At CM Dance you will find a commitment to providing a safe and positive environment where all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves.

Our CM Dance team is:

Professionally qualified

Our teachers are professionally trained dancers and have teaching  experience qualifications. CM Dance Director, Clare Michelsen, carefully screens all teachers for their suitability, skills, and alignment with CM Dance teaching philosophy and values.

Child safety aware

All of our teachers and staff members have undergone official checks allowing them to work with children. They are also made aware of any child custody arrangements and maintain strict confidentiality in the interests of each child’s wellbeing.

Trained in first aid

Our staff members are trained in first aid. Additionally, we enforce a nut-free policy at the studio to ensure the safety of any students or parents with allergies to nuts or nut products. Gluten, dairy, and nut free foods are encouraged when involved in fundraisers or studio events.

Respectful and dedicated

CM Dance teachers are inspired to provide the very best environment for development of your child, taking a respectful and dedicated approach to classes. Feedback is welcomed, either directly to your child’s class teacher, or to Clare Michelsen, CM Dance director.

Meet the CM Dance Team

Our team is approachable, friendly, warm, and encouraging. If you are new to our school and would like to meet our team at CM Dance, take a few minutes to read their stories below. And if your child is interested in a career as a professional dancer or dance teacher, we encourage you to get in touch to learn more.

 

At the heart of what we do is a conscious intention to nurture and develop talent, while also inspiring a love and appreciation of many dance styles. Recognising every child is different, we celebrate achievements at every level, from Little Dancers to our Irish dancers competing on the world stage. At CM Dance you will find a commitment to providing a safe and positive environment where all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves.

Clare Michelsen

Owner and Director
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching | T.C.R.G. (Certified Irish dance teacher affiliated with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, Ireland) | FBEAQ (Fellow Business Educators Association Qld)
Clare brings a wealth of experience to Irish dance, with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years as a secondary school teacher, performing arts producer, director, and choreographer, as well as a year-level and subject coordinator. Under her expert tuition, Clare has guided young dancers to:
  • Win State Championships in both solo and team events.
  • Achieve top-five placements at national competitions.
  • Qualify for and secure medals at the World Championships.
  • Pursue professional dance careers, performing and traveling internationally.

Clare’s passion and dedication continues to inspire dancers to reach their full potential on and off the stage.

Specialty: Irish Dancing

Holly Michelsen

Studio Manager and Troupe Coordinator
Qualifications: Bachelor of Interactive Design and Games
Growing up in a life of dance, Holly has lived, breathed and ‘been’ dance since the age of 3. Training in almost every dance genre until her late teens she deeply understands the passion driving the next generation of dancers. Turning to a career in Design and Technology she is the creative force behind CM Dance, handling everything digital and physical. Holly is CM Dance’s greatest supporter and hardest worker. Her friendly face is a welcome presence at the studio, where she continues to inspire and uplift.
Specialty: Graphic Design, Creative Marketing & Administration

Madison Wieland

Dance Teacher
Qualifications: Advanced Diploma in Classical and Contemporary Dance | Gold Star CSTD Tap | A.R.A.D (Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance)
Growing up in a dancing family, Mady’s love for dance has been a lifelong journey. With her mother and sister co-owning a dance school in Gladstone, Mady has been immersed in the world of dance from an early age. Currently, Mady is pursuing a degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science at the University of Queensland. Her academic background complements her passion for dance, as she prioritizes safe dance practices while striving to improve her students’ technique.
Specialty: Ballet & Pointe

Stephanie Fernando

Dance Teacher and Troupe Teacher
Qualifications: Certificate III in Dance | Certificate IV in Dance Teaching

Steph began dancing at the age of 3 in New Zealand, training at the Mary Rodgers Ballet Academy. In 2012, she moved with her family to Rockhampton and continued her dance journey at Michael Robertson’s Dance and Musical Theatre Academy, based at the Rockhampton Grammar School. There, she undertook jazz exams in the Australasian Dance Association syllabus, participated in RAD classical ballet classes, and trained across multiple styles for eisteddfods, musicals, and showcases.

When Steph relocated to Toowoomba for high school, she joined Radiance Academy and deepened her training, completing exams in the ATOD syllabus for both classical ballet and jazz. Driven by a passion for both dance and teaching, she also achieved her Certificate III and IV in Dance through ATOD. Throughout her time in Toowoomba, Steph featured in numerous productions and regularly competed in eisteddfods across the Darling Downs.

Now based in Brisbane to further her studies, Steph is thrilled to be apart of the CM Dance team. With a particular love for contemporary and jazz, she is especially excited to work with our older dancers and inspire creativity and confidence through her teaching.

Specialty: Ready Set Dance, Acro Dance, Hip Hop & Jazz

Nikita Van Heerdan

Apprentice Teacher - Irish Dancing
Starting her dance journey with CM Dance at the young age of 4, we have had the privilege of watching Nikita grow into a talented Irish dancer and an exceptional individual. Her Irish dance journey has brought her recognition on State, National, and even World stages. In 2025, Nikita joins our teaching team as she takes the next step in her journey to becoming a qualified Irish dancing teacher. We are beyond thrilled to have her passion, dedication, and expertise inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Specialty: Irish Dance

Get in touch

Many parents will ask Why should I choose CM Dance? We like to answer that question with total upfront honesty. CM Dance is a dance studio that does things differently, putting the overall development of your child front and centre of the way we teach.

 

Whole dancer focus – Every child is encouraged. Delivering pastoral care by focusing on the individual as a whole, we aim to bring out their best.

Quality of teachers – Our teachers  are dancers at heart,  , both as students and professionals. Together, they share a common passion for dance and teaching children.

Family friendly – Families are the heart of our business and we strive to make all welcome in the CM Dance family.

Affordable tuition – Classes are priced to make dancing affordable for families, including those with more than one child and/or taking multiple classes.

Beginner to professional level – All levels of ability and aspiration are encouraged and supported, including students who wish to pursue dance professionally.