OUR TEAM
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At The Dance Collective Tas, our faculty is a team of dedicated, passionate professionals who are committed to nurturing every student’s potential. With years of experience in the dance industry, each instructor brings a unique perspective and expertise to the studio, all united by a common goal: to inspire, encourage, and support students in their dance journey. Our teachers not only focus on technical excellence but also prioritize creating a positive, inclusive environment where every dancer feels valued and empowered to grow. Whether in the classroom or on stage, our faculty strives to foster a love for dance, instill confidence, and help each student achieve their personal best. We believe in the power of dance to build resilience, discipline, and creativity—and our teachers are here to guide, challenge, and cheer on every dancer along the way.
Madeleine Pentland
Maddy began her dance journey at the age of three in Launceston, developing a passion for a wide range of dance styles and the art of performance. She continued her training in Launceston, studying ballroom, Latin, jazz, lyrical, tap, classical ballet, and Highland dancing, until completing her Year 12 studies. During this time, Maddy also began teaching junior students, which ignited her passion for dance education.
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After graduating year 12, Maddy moved to Sydney, where she was accepted into the prestigious Brent Street Performing Arts School, one of Australia's leading institutions for dance and performing arts training. At Brent Street, Maddy further honed her skills, earning a Certificate IV in Dance and Performing Arts, while also forming valuable industry connections with professional dancers.
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In 2015, Maddy returned to Tasmania to teach at The Dance Collective while pursuing a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education at the University of Tasmania, as well as a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management. The following year, she purchased The Dance Collective and assumed the role of Principal and Director.
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Recognising the gap in training opportunities between Launceston and the mainland, Maddy made it her mission to bridge that divide. As a result, she has brought many of Australia’s rising professional dancers and choreographers to the studio, offering our dancers the chance to train with some of the industry’s best.
Over the past nine years, Maddy has worked diligently to cultivate an inclusive dance community that fosters creativity and personal growth for students. Her commitment to quality teaching, student wellbeing, and the development of a supportive performing arts environment remains at the core of her educational philosophy.
Alison
Winn
Alison trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, achieving a Certificate in Dance in 1986, Bachelor of Arts – Dance in 1990 and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Edith Cowan University in 1991. Alison also obtained her Solo Seal in 1991 under the Borovansky Memorial Syllabus. During her dance career Alison has received the following awards: Borovansky Memorial – Australian Academy of Dance Scholarship (Intermediate Syllabus) – 1989, Borovansky Memorial – Australian Academy of Dance Scholarship (Advanced Syllabus) – 1990 and the Dance Theatre of WA Award from WAAPA – 1989.
Alison performed with the Youth Dance Company of Western Australia (1985), the Perth City Ballet Company (1989/90) and was invited to be part of the assessment panel at WAAPA for the end of year grading of 1st and 2nd year contemporary students (1995). During that same year she was employed by the Secondary Education Authority in WA to write the Year 12 Ballet Studies course and Year 11 & 12 Ballet Studies Teacher Support Materials.
As a teacher, Alison has also had an association with the John Curtin School of the Arts (1992–1995) and was founder and coordinator of the Governor Stirling Senior High School Specialist Dance Course for Gifted and Talented students in Dance from 1996–2007, this role also included directing and choreographing numerous Rock Eisteddfods, school musicals and dance concerts. Since moving to Tasmania permanently in 2007 Alison has been teaching ballet, contemporary dance and stretch classes in the private ballet sector including Tasdance and the Tasmanian Youth Classical Ballet Company. Alison received the Australian Institute of Classical Dance Teacher Scholarship in 2023 giving her the opportunity to envelope and experience day to day teaching methods at The Australian Ballet school. She was awarded a Licentiate Diploma in 2024.
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Alison has enjoyed teaching at The Dance Collective since 2022.
Hannah Woolston
Hannah began her dance journey at Dance Academy 34 at the age of three, where she trained in a wide range of styles, including Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Highland, Broadway, Commercial, and Musical Theatre. Throughout her time at the academy, she was selected to train with prestigious programs such as the Tasmanian Youth Classical Ballet and the Australian Ballet’s Interstate Training Program.
After completing her Year 12 studies, Hannah successfully auditioned for Launch Performing Arts Centre on the Gold Coast, where she pursued her Certificate IV in Dance in 2023.
In 2024, Hannah returned to Launceston, stepping into a teaching role at The Dance Collective to share her passion and expertise with the next generation of dancers, while also working towards her Certificate III in Dance Teaching.
Claire
Stevenson
Claire's journey in dance began at the age of three, and she's never looked back. From an early age, Claire discovered a deep passion for both performing on stage and teaching others the art of dance. Throughout her years as a student, Claire trained in a wide range of styles, including Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre (Broadway), National, Highland, and Ballroom.
At just 14 years old, Claire took her first step into teaching when she became an assistant instructor at her local studio. Since then, she has dedicated herself to creating a safe, supportive, and positive environment for students to develop their love for dance.
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After completing Year 12, Claire moved to Sydney to pursue full-time dance training at EttingshausensPRO. Over the course of two years, she gained invaluable insight into the dance industry, including expertise in various dance styles, audition techniques, dance on camera, and anatomy for safe practices. During this time, Claire also earned her Certificate IV in Dance and her Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance).
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Eager to pass her new skills and knowledge onto future dancers, Claire moved back to Launceston to teach dance whilst also extending her knowledge and skill set by studying/gaining her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and a Certificate III in School-Based Education and Care.
In 2024, Claire joined the teaching team at The Dance Collective, where she is excited to contribute to the growth and success of both the studio and its talented students. She can’t wait to see what the future holds for TDC and all those who are part of its dance family!
Jasmin Garwood
Jasmin is a passionate and dedicated tap dance teacher who has been immersed in the world of dance from a young age. While she trained in all genres, it was tap that truly captured her heart. Her love for rhythm and movement has driven her to refine her craft, continually pushing herself to grow as both a dancer and an educator.
To further her expertise, Jasmin has been traveling to Melbourne to train with industry professionals, gaining invaluable knowledge and inspiration from some of the best in the field. This ongoing training allows her to bring fresh techniques, styles, and insights to her students, ensuring they receive top-quality instruction.
In addition to her extensive dance background, Jasmin holds a Graduate Certificate of Education, equipping her with a strong foundation in teaching methodologies and student engagement. Her educational background enhances her ability to create structured, effective, and inspiring classes for dancers of all levels.
As a teacher, Jasmin fosters an energetic and supportive environment where students can develop their skills, confidence, and creativity. She is committed to sharing her passion for tap, keeping its rich tradition alive while embracing innovation and individuality in her classes.