Our Epiphany Team
Sarah-Ellen Maxwell
Director/Principal
(Head of Choreography, Senior Teacher)
Sarah-Ellen was initially trained by her cousin in Seven Hills and commenced full time at 15 years of age at Dynamite Dance Studios and Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy. She also completed a year of full time in Performing Arts with J&L Productions. Miss Sarah is a graduate of the Vienna State Opera Ballet School and has danced professionally in Australia, Europe and Asia for many years where she spent 4 years performing at famous French Cabaret.
Sarah holds Advanced Tap and Jazz Certificates and completed her Solo Seal Ballet with BBO & Advanced level RAD and danced competitively for many years nationally winning many eisteddfods and scholarships. Miss Sarah is also accredited in the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) program.
Her fine choreography skills have ensured that our student performances are widely recognised and well-placed at Eisteddfods. Sarah-Ellen has been a guest teacher and adjudicator for several studios and more recently was invited to teach at the annual BBO Dance Days in New Zealand, and CPD sessions in Sydney for the BBO. Sarah-Ellen has been teaching dance for nearly 30 years in all genres of dance and strives to bring the best out of every student with a focus on artistry, technique and performance quality.
Outside of dance Sarah-Ellen heads up the Human Resources department at Australia’s most diverse hospitality company, Solotel who own/operate 25 venues across Sydney and Brisbane. She holds a degree in HR and IR (Dean’s Medal winner) and a Masters degree in Labour Law & Relations from Sydney University. Sarah also enjoys the fitness industry and holds a personal training accreditation and has competed in fitness/bodybuilding competitions.
Miss Sarah’s “Epiphany Moment” - bringing our most recent production to life with an amazing team of creative and talented humans, after 16 weeks on zoom, I was so incredibly proud and moved by all my student’s resilience, tenacity and commitment. Not only did we get our show on stage, it was a 3 Act (63 scene) Production that took everyone’s breath away….our best show yet in the most challenging year!!!
Rebecca Siemionow
Teacher: Preschool Program & Studio Manager
I danced for over 20 years. Completed up to Senior grades of B.A.L examinations including Major tap solo and Major jazz solo exams.
I taught recreational and exam classes while also experiencing professional performance opportunities around Sydney, all before getting married and having my 4 children.
I am excited to see our tiniest dancers begin their dance journey at Epiphany Dance and Co.
Elissa Zappia
Teacher: Preschool & Junior School
Elissa has been dancing with the studio for over 10 years, allowing her to attain a deep passion for all genres of dance. She has completed her RAD Grades and has successfully competed and performed routines in various eisteddfods and productions. While dancing at the studio, Elissa has been given several opportunities to perform at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Dreamworld and on the Carnival Cruise.
Her training from the studio has allowed Elissa to be accepted into Bossley Park High School’s GAT Dance Program in 2015. During her time at the school, she performed at NSW Public Schools Regional Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular several times. In 2020, Elissa successfully completed her HSC for Dance which saw her achieve a Callback Nomination for her HSC Core Composition.
Outside of dance Elissa is currently studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/ Law at the University of New South Wales. While completing her studies, Elissa aims to maintain her dance training while also sharing her knowledge and passion for dance to her students.
Miss Elissa’s “Epiphany Moment” - would be when I performed my first lead role in the ‘Around the World’ production in 2016. It was when I found my passion for acting and musical theatre…..
Emma Vassili
Teacher: Acrobatics & Aerial
Emma, based in Sydney, brings over a decade of teaching expertise across diverse age groups, dance genres, and acrobatics. She holds a a Cert IV in performing arts from Brent Street, Advanced Tap and Jazz Certificates and completed her Solo Seal Ballet with the BBO.
With notable professional credits in live performances, music videos, and commercials alongside artists like Jason Derulo, Kelly Rowland, Ricki Lee, and RuPaul.
Driven by a passion for nurturing creativity, technique, and a love for dance and acrobatics across all skill levels, Emma is thrilled to become a permanent member of the Epiphany team.
Cassandra Ioane
Teacher: RAD Grades & Junior School
Cassandra has danced for over 20 years, beginning dance at the age of 4 at our very own studio. She has completed her RAD Ballet Examinations and FATD Tap and Jazz exams also, excelling in all areas.
Cassandra attended Westfields Sports High school in their selected dance program where she represented NSW in the State Dance Ensembles over numerous years and performed in Channel 9’s Schools Spectacular.
She continued dance through her studies and completed a Bachelor of Dance Education at Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE). Cassandra is now a primary school teacher with qualifications to teach all years from K-12 majoring in Dance and PDHPE subjects.
Cassandra has always had an eye for technique and loves exploring the full potential of her students by encouraging a strong base in their foundations to allow them to excel further with their examinations and performance opportunities.
Stephanie Puglisi
Teacher: Senior School
Stephanie has been dancing with the studio for over 13 years in all genres, her love of musical theatre and all things dance shines through. She has completed her FATD Jazz and Tap exams and RAD Ballet grades. Stephanie has a real eye for detail and deep understanding of the important technical elements to ensure all students are receiving high quality dance training.
We are so excited to have Miss Stephanie working with our examinations students to mentor, train and ensure each student is able to achieve their own personal best. Stephanie will also be teaching Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) to develop our younger dancers technical foundation and strength.
Stephanie has successfully competed and produced routines in numerous eisteddfods and productions and has studied dance education at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE). While dancing at the studio, Stephanie has been given several opportunities to perform at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Dreamworld.
Miss Stephanie’s “Epiphany Moment” - was when I danced the lead role as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, a truly memorable experience, where I could shape the role artistically as my own….
Alyssa Garcia
Teacher: Jazz, Funk & Hip Hop | Acting & Singing
Alyssa is a Sydney based performer and teacher. She’s began dancing at the age of 2, where she found her love of performing. Alyssa was fortunate enough to be able to train and be mentored by some of Australia’s best, including William Forsyth, Mitch Hatton, Loredo Malcom.
She then began her singing and acting training at the age of 8. Alyssa is a Mcdonald College high school graduate, where she majored in musical theatre. She was able to perform in musicals such as; Grease, 13 the musical and a chorus line. After High School, she took a little walk down the road and auditioned for ED5 International. Where she has spent her last two years, and now a graduate with an advanced diploma in Performing Arts.
Alyssa is really excited to introduce singing and acting into the Epiphany Dance co timetable. She feels that it will create a new avenue for the students to express themselves, and hopefully assist in their confidence.
Jenny Le Huynh
Teacher: Juniors & Pre-Teens
Jenny Le Huynh has been dancing at our studio for over 13 years, her passion and natural artistry is shown in class, performance and choreographically. Her refined technical ability and understanding of fluidity of movement is Jenny’s secret weapon, and we are so thrilled to have this being passed on to our younger students.
Throughout her years of training, Jenny has accomplished many achievements including; competing at an elite competition and scholarship level at numerous eisteddfod platforms. Jenny has danced for a HSC student at the age of 13 and was awarded 1st in Dance Education for several years.
Jenny has undertaken many lead roles in several of our studio productions, taking on the role of ‘Violet’ in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, ‘Princess Jasmine’ in Aladdin and more recently the notorious kid villain ‘Uma’ in our rendition of Disney’s Descendants. She has also been involved in several performances with the studio including Dreamworld Gold Coast and the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Miss Jenny’s “Epiphany moment” - that pause on stage accompanied by the bright lights. That moment of complete and utter stillness whether that's in the middle of a dance or taking a bow after a performance. A point in time where everything stops, the lights encompass her body and the crowd is silent. Just her and the music.
Savanna-Rose Deans
Teacher: Acrobatics & Junior School
Hi my name is Savanna-Rose and I first started dancing when I was 3 however, I stopped for a couple year but in the last two years I refound my passion and love for dancing again. Only recently joining the studio I have immensely improved and my love for the art form has only grown. Exploring new genres and learning new techniques is one of my favourite things about dancing.
Throughout my break from dancing I did gymnastics and many other sports which taught me strength and determination. Completing level three gymnastics at a young age taught me resilience and control within my movements. Acro has always been one genre that has stuck out to me. Learning new skills and new ways to perfect my training has always been something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Recently joining the studio I was lucky enough to perform at last years concert and The Royal Easter Show. These opportunities helped me grow and build my confidence in dance.
My “Epiphany Moment” - Is the feeling of accomplishment when finally achieving a new skill, running off stage after a competition or running out of the exam room. The utter bliss of knowing you did the best you could and left everything on stage, or in the room. All the hard work and time spent for those precious minutes and once done the feeling of gratitude to have had the chance to be able to dance.
Lily Tieu
Teacher: Preschoolers & Junior School
Lily has been dancing for 12 years with 9 of those spent at our studio. She undertakes an array of dance styles which only demonstrates her love and passion for dance.
Lily has accomplished a number of achievements throughout her years of training, which wouldn’t have been made possible without the help of the studio. These attainments include completing several examinations in BBO dance with receiving high distinctions in her jazz work, having recently sat her solo seal exam, passing her examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance with high marks, and receiving a 3rd place at Sydney Eisteddfod.
In regards to the end of year dance productions, Lily has been casted with several lead roles with having taking on the role of “Alice” in Alice in Wonderland, “Veruca Salt” in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and was most recently featured as the role of “Mal” from Descendants.
Miss Lily’s “Epiphany Moment” - is wholly based on the feeling of pure elation when dancing on stage. That moment in time when the distractions dissipate and all that's left is her most authentic self. When the lights feel almost too illuminated and the audience is engrossed in the movements created; this sense of familiarity is her epiphany moment.
Olivia Blaskovic
Teacher: BBO Examinations & Junior School
Olivia began dancing at age three and has since grown an immense passion and appreciation for the art form. She trained at the McDonald College for three years, becoming a dual scholarship winner for RAD Ballet plus Tap & Jazz, also performing with the Imperial Russian Ballet in ‘The Nutcracker’ at the State Theatre. Olivia represented the school in multiple genres and competitive troupes, receiving 1st places in contemporary and classical sections at Sydney Eisteddfod. Now she continues her training at Epiphany Dance & Co. She completed her Advanced 2 and Solo Seal jazz exams, as well as all prior grade and vocational levels in the jazz syllabus achieving high distinctions. She currently trains at a high vocational level with respect to her RAD ballet and BBO tap exam work.
Olivia participated in Tanya Pearson Academy’s Summer intensive and gained experience in Sydney Dance Company’s Youth Summer Intensive Program. She undertook NSW Arts Unit workshops, including one aimed at HSC dance students and another in conjunction with the Australian Ballet. She was invited to perform at the RAD’s 80th gala event and fundraising event ‘Project Pink’, beside Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem. Olivia performed in ‘Mary Poppins’ by Packemin Productions, starring alongside Penny McNamee from Home and Away and Sam Moran from the Wiggles. Olivia has enjoyed dancing competitively as a soloist, achieving a Most Versatile Dancer Award and twice receiving a Top 5 Dancer Award. Aside from dance, Olivia has experience in modeling and has developed her musical skills with the International School of Music, achieving honours plus in the exams she took.
Miss Olivia’s “Epiphany Moment” - was the moment I took my final curtsey, expressing my gratitude. Smiling and out of breath; it was unbelievable to think that only minutes ago, I was dancing the last jazz exam I would ever do. Just like that, I completed my Solo Seal! I took my first jazz exam in 2012, beginning with Primary, when I was only six years old. Over the next nine years I worked hard to improve my technique, performance quality, and everything in between. It all brought me to where I stood in the examination room. It dawned on me as I indulged in the satisfaction of knowing that I had come all this way, overcoming hardships and enjoying the journey. Registering the achievement of Solo Seal was an epiphany moment I will never forget.
Amity Reyes
Acrobatics & Junior School
Amity has been dancing with Epiphany Dance since the age of 12, and has a passion for the styles of musical theatre, jazz and hip-hop.
Amity has achieved a number of opportunities throughout her time, including dancing with the Parramatta Eels Pom Squad Team in 2019, performing on the Sydney Royal Easter Show stage and at the Crochet Guild Australia Show in 2023, both with her dance team. Throughout her high school years, Amity has accomplished her HSC in 2021 and has completed subjects of Music and Drama, which have been associated with her university work and dance performances.
She is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Recreational Therapy for young children. In 2023, she finished her 2nd year university placement with Campbelltown Hospital and is excited to begin her 3rd year internship placement.
Amity believes in helping young students to find and continue their passion for dance in any genre with positivity, kindness and enjoyment.
Daniella Hannaoui
Preschool & Junior School
Daniella has 15 years dance experience and has completed and achieved Honours and Honours with Distinction in the B.A.L and Tap & Beats syllabus.
Daniella attended the Westfield Sports High School Dance Program in year 7-12, and choreographed two Tap Ensembles, placing at school Eisteddfods. She has also completed a qualification in Certificate III Assistance Dance Teaching and is currently studying a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws.
We are so excited to have Daniella join the Epiphany Dance & Co preschooler teaching team in 2024, to support our Tiny Diamonds, Epiphany Gems & Sapphires with their dance training and journey!
Maggie Tieu
Studio Manager
I am pleased to introduce Maggie Tieu who will be supporting the team and dance families as our friendly Studio Manager.
Maggie will be assisting with enquiries, customer service, supporting our dance families, undertaking studio tours and organising events. This is to ensure we provide a wonderful experience and a professional, safe and fun environment for all our students.
A few words from Maggie:
“Watching a shy dancer suddenly come out of their shell is a wonderful thing to see. Being part of a dance family that encourages that is even better. I have been part of the dancing mum's life for 12 years and have loved every moment of it.
Being part of Sarah’s prop making crew for a number of years makes me pretty handy with a hot glue gun and heavy duty staple gun - I think we have come up with some pretty amazing ideas in that time and also had some great laughs along the way.
I am a people person who loves to chat and have a laugh. I enjoy reading, going for long walks and sitting watching the waves crash at the beach.
I look forward to meeting you all and helping Epiphany Dance Co achieve amazing things”.
Danielle TeRaki
Studio Manager
I am a mum of 2 kids. My daughter Melayna started dancing at 3 and in this time I have loved watching her dance journey and growth, the friendships formed and seeing her fellow dancers courage, technique of love dance grow each year.
Dance is certainly a sport and they are phenomenal athletes and artists.
Lillian Evans-Wilkinson
Assistant Teacher
Lillian began dancing at 3 years old and has found her passion for ballet and contemporary/lyrical but enjoys all art forms.
Lillian has had the opportunity to be selected for the Bolshoi Ballet Summer program. Being able to participate in a different genre of ballet gave her a new respect and appreciation for where hard work and dedication can take her. She has also danced with the Victorian State Ballet as part of the Victorian State Youth Ballet in the production for Beauty and the Beast. Lillian has completed the RAD Joan and Monica Halliday awards on multiple occasions and is looking to complete the Isobel Anderson awards this year. Lillian also had the opportunity to be part of the Joan Halliday 100th birthday Défilé. More recently Lillian was part of the Macarthur Youth Ballet for their performance of the Sleeping Beauty. Lillian has completed her Level 6 Acrobatics Arts exams with impressive results.
Lillian’s “Epiphany moment”
It was being part of the epiphany ballet day. Being up there in front of everyone by yourself, no one to hide behind. Being able to show your hard work and have it acknowledged. It wasn’t a competition or an exam it was just a pure performance, being able to show others my passion doing what I love.
Lucinda Bahbah
Assistant Teacher
I began dancing when I was four years old, laying the groundwork for a lifetime love of the art form. I have accomplished a number of achievements throughout my years of training, which wouldn't have been possible without the help of the studio. For me, dance was more than just a physical activity; it became a focused pursuit with remarkable results. My commitment to dancing only grew stronger with time, demonstrating a deep desire for success in this exciting field. I concentrated on strengthening my BBO jazz talents, moving from inter-foundation to intermediate and now advancing to Advanced 1. I'm delighted to mention that I earned high distinctions at both levels. It's been an exciting experience, and I've embraced my role as a dancer passionately. I had taken on the lead role of Mal, and in the same year, I received a scholarship in the first year of dance.
Epiphany Moment - In the dance studio, with soft lights and music playing, I had a moment of discovery. Moving to the beat felt like painting feelings with my body, a connection with the music that became even more real during my jazz dance exam. I worked hard to perfect the moves, and during the exam, everything clicked. Each step felt like a triumph, a result of dedication. It was a moment of accomplishment, a celebration of the effort I put in. That day, as the music played and I danced, it became clear – dance is a powerful way to express who I am, and achieving it all with hard work made it even more special.
Olivia Kencevski
Assistant Teacher
Olivia has been dancing since she was three years old and has been at Epiphany Dance & Co for less than a year. Her love and passion for dance are always shining through her performances and time in class, along with her love for choreographing. Olivia’s favourite styles are Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Musical theatre, and Tap.
Throughout Olivia’s dance journey, there have been some ups and downs such as breaking her arm but that never stopped her from dancing in her cast. Before coming to Epiphany Dance, Olivia received many high distinctions in her BAL exam work for Tap, Jazz, and Modern. Olivia came to Epiphany Dance one term before our big Production “Twas the Night”, and already had learned all of the dances within that time. Including coming and competing in a competition with us in the first week of her being here.
Olivia’s “Epiphany Moment”: My Epiphany Moment is the first time I got a solo part in our JFH dance Fergalious and Dance the night away. Miss Alyssa gave me a part where I showcased my dance strengths. I remember doing it and everyone cheered and clapped for me. It felt amazing to hear and to see how supportive the Epiphany family is. When I performed that same part at the “Twas the Night” Production, I knew that I was at the right place and that I did an amazing job!