Meet The Team

Marnie Armstrong

Marnie Armstrong has been immersed in the world of dance for nearly 50 years, bringing over 35 years of teaching experience to students of all ages. She is a highly respected ATOD Ltd Examiner and holds the prestigious title of Licentiate Teacher—the highest qualification awarded by the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) Ltd. Marnie has also completed a Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, further enhancing her depth of knowledge and leadership in the field.

Her dedication to dance education has seen her teach and demonstrate the ATOD syllabus to both students and teachers across Australia and internationally. In addition to her teaching, Marnie has performed at numerous events around Melbourne and has played a key role in shaping the careers of many dancers, some of whom have gone on to pursue full-time training and professional roles in the dance industry.

Ashlene Mendolia

Ashlene has over 25 years of dance and performance experience with Broadbent Dance Academy, training in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop. After completing her Diploma in Dance and Dance Teaching in 2006, she toured extensively with children’s entertainment shows both nationally and internationally. Her performance credits include Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword, and The Wiggles Meet the Orchestra DVD, as well as playing Dora in Dora the Explorer – Search for the City of Lost Toys, touring across Australia, Singapore, Manila, and Qatar.

She has also performed at major events including the AFL Grand Final Opening Ceremony, Channel 7’s Good Friday Gala, and the Commonwealth Welcome Home Parade. Ashlene now shares her passion for creative expression as a 3-year-old Kindergarten Teacher and Primary Performing Arts Coordinator, holding a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Stacey Floyd

Stacey began her dance journey at the age of eight with Broadbent Dance Academy, where she trained and competed successfully for over a decade. Her passion and dedication led her to pursue full-time training under Trish Squire-Rogers at Spectrum Dance, where she completed three years of intensive study. She graduated with a Certificate IV in Dance, a Diploma in Musical Theatre, and proudly finished her final year as Dance Captain.

Following her formal training, Stacey launched a dynamic professional career both in Australia and internationally. She spent three years performing with Royal Caribbean, entertaining thousands each night in bespoke productions aboard their luxury cruise ships. Back home, Stacey's stage credits include performing with Jessica Mauboy, appearing on the AFL Footy Show: Grand Final Players Revue (Channel 9), dancing for the Melbourne Storm Cheerleaders, and taking the stage at high-profile events such as Stereosonic Music Festival, Crown Casino, and numerous corporate and nightclub events throughout Melbourne. She was also featured as a showgirl in the international magic production "Trixstars."

Beyond performing, Stacey is a passionate and dedicated teacher. She brings her extensive professional experience and deep love for dance into every class, with an exceptional talent for inspiring and nurturing the next generation of performers.

Teri Batis

Teri completed three years at Spectrum Full Time Performing Arts Studios on a scholarship, graduating with a Certificate IV in Dance and a Diploma in Musical Theatre. Since then, she has built a diverse professional career in Melbourne, performing as the official mascot for the Carlton Football Club, appearing on Channel 9’s AFL Footy Show: Grand Final Players Revue, dancing as a Melbourne Storm Cheerleader, and performing as a Crown Casino showgirl, among other corporate events and engagements.

Alongside performing, Teri is a passionate and experienced teacher. She currently teaches at Haileybury College, where she assists VCE Dance students in developing their technique and performance skills. Teri is also the co-director of Sculpted Dance Company, a new youth initiative launching in 2026, focused on creating performance opportunities for the next generation of dancers.

Tara Mildern

Tara started dancing at 3 years old and has been with Broadbent Dance Academy since 2013. Her love of performing began with a tiny girl who craved the spotlight and loved to be on stage.

Tara has a Bachelor of Education (Primary), completed in 2023 (Deakin University), a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, completed in 2017 (Transit Dance), and many years of experience working with students with additional learning needs in both academic and performing environments.

Tara specialises in Musical Theatre, working often with industry professionals, and is passionate about helping the next generation of performers have their own moment in the spotlight.

Sophie Sheppard

Sophie has been part of the Broadbent Dance Academy family since the age of four and brings over a decade of teaching experience across all age groups, from preschoolers to senior students. Her highlights have included incredible opportunities, such as performing on two international tours in the United States, representing Victoria at the ATOD National Competitions, and supporting many students along their dance journeys.

In 2016, Sophie completed her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management at Transit Dance. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and works full-time as a speech pathologist. This background gives her valuable insight and experience in supporting neurodivergent dancers and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. Sophie is passionate about nurturing confident dancers in a supportive and inspiring space.

Olivia Lea

Olivia is a vibrant and highly qualified dance professional with a Diploma of Professional Dance from Transit and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management through ATOD. Having trained at Broadbent Dance Academy since age four, she is skilled across a wide range of styles, including classical ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, heels, and commercial.

Olivia's diverse performance highlights include dancing for Katy Perry in the 2024 AFL Grand Final, performing as a Can Can Dancer at the Moonee Valley Race Course, and featuring at various Crown Galas. She also competed at state and national levels and was part of classical ballet companies such as the Victorian State Ballet and the Melbourne City Ballet, growing up.

As the founder of Launch Tutoring and a qualified Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor, certified through Unite Health, Olivia brings a diverse educational background and teaching experience. She is committed to creating a super fun, safe, and supportive environment at Broadbent Dance Academy, empowering students to reach their full potential and absolutely love their time in the studio.

Jordan Batie

Born and raised on the East Coast of the United States, Jordan has built a vibrant career that blends his passion for dance with a deep understanding of human behaviour and child psychology. His performance experience spans from entertaining crowds along the streets of Universal Studios to captivating audiences on board international cruise lines with nightly theatre productions.

Alongside his dance career, Jordan is a qualified behavioural therapist with a professional focus on child development. This unique combination of skills allows him to connect with students in a meaningful way, creating a learning environment that is both supportive and inspiring.

At Broadbent Dance Academy, Jordan brings his high-energy teaching style and a commitment to strong technical foundations. He encourages students to discover the joy behind each movement while building confidence, consistency, and a love for learning. Believing that passion is what fuels a great performer, Jordan works to guide every dancer through their own journey of growth and self-expression.

Isabella Fidanza

Bella has been dancing for 18 years and has trained at Broadbent Dance Academy since the age of five. Over the years, she has studied a wide range of styles, including jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre, completing examinations in each through the ATOD syllabus.

She has completed her Certificate I and II in VCE VET Dance through Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance and is currently undertaking her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management with ATOD.

A passionate performer, Bella has competed in both solo and troupe sections since she was 10 years old. She proudly represented Broadbent in the ATOD National Championships from 2019 to 2022 and had the incredible opportunity to perform in Hong Kong with the Dancing Around the World Dance Tours.

In addition to her studio training, Bella has worked closely with Street Dance Studios, a hip-hop-focused company, and was selected for their All Stars Team. Through this, she has performed at professional basketball games across the NBL, NBL1, and WNBL, entertaining crowds during quarter-time, half-time, and timeouts.

Georgia Shaw

Tessa Armstrong