meet the staff
meet the staff
KATJA DAVIS-RAISS RAD (MISS KATJA)
PRINCIPAL & STUDIO OWNER
RAD
Katja Davis-Raiss began her dance training with the Jess Morrison and Doris Porter School of Dance at the age of two and a half. In 2000 the studio transformed and became Lamont Dance Studio where Katja continued her training until the end of high school. She was one of the first students to enrol and be educated in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop.
Katja attended Mackellar Girls High School and was part of the first intake of students to be involved in an accelerated dance program. Throughout her years at high school, Katja was involved in School Spectacular, Rock Eisteddfod and the school dance ensembles. In her final year, Katja joined the NSW State dance ensemble and received a band 6 for her HSC Dance.
Katja went on to study full time dance at Ed5 International for 2 years. She graduated Ed5 with a Certificate IV in Performing Arts and a Diploma of Performing Arts and then continued her acting training at NIDA. Her professional credits include ‘Home and Away’, NRL Centenary Opening (choreographed by Dein Perry), Opening Ceremony of the Pacific School Games and Youth Olympics.
Katja has been teaching for over 13 years at multiple dance studios across the northern beaches. She completed her Pilates Mat training in 2018 and her Foam Roller Pilates training in 2019, both through Studio Pilates. She is a qualified Angelina Ballerina Coaching Academy Teacher, Pilates Instructor and is experienced in teaching the Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus and Tapatak Oz Syllabus. This year, Katja completed her Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.
In 2022 Katja fulfilled her lifelong dream and took over Lamont Dance Theatre as principal of the school. Since taking ownership of the studio Katja has rebranded and Katapult Performing Arts continues to be one of the Northern Beaches leading dance studios.
“My hope is to continue assisting students in achieving their dreams and guiding them through their love of dance, creating the safe and nurturing ‘home’ that I was lucky enough to have as a dance student growing up.”
NATHAN BROOK (MR NATHAN)
Ballet Teacher
Nathan was born and raised in Avalon Beach, New South Wales. He started dance classes at the age of seven after his parents recognised that, no matter what the music, Nathan was always dancing. He trained at Lamont Dance School in Avalon Beach, with Aryana Lamont, until the age of 14, when he moved to Melbourne to attend The Australian Ballet School. After graduating, Nathan joined Queensland Ballet’s Young Artist Program, where he had the opportunity to perform in George Balanchine’s Serenade© and Sir Kenneth McMillan’s Romeo and Juliet. He joined Queensland Ballet proper in 2015, touring with the company to Lausanne, London and Shanghai. Nathan joined the corps de ballet of The Australian Ballet in 2016; he was promoted to coryphée in 2018, soloist in 2019, and to senior artist in 2022.
Nathan left The Australian Ballet in March 2024.
Nathan is so excited to be returning to the studios where it all began for him as a dancer and to pass on his knowledge, training, expertise and love of dance to the students of Katapult!
ARAD, LIFE MEMBER ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
Suzanne Way trained at both The Australian Ballet School and The Royal Ballet School in London and was privately coached for principal roles in The Royal Ballet Company by the famous masters Dame Ninette de Valois, Sir Kenneth MacMillan and Sir Peter Wright.
At the invitation of Dame Peggy Van Praagh, Suzanne returned to Australia as a soloist with The Australian Ballet Company. Suzanne resided in the U.S.A. for 10 years, as a faculty member of the Washington Academy of Performing Arts, establishing a curriculum for full-time students and an outreach program presented in Elementary schools. Here she held teacher workshops to improve technical standards across the grades.
Suzanne coached many successful students with 100% placement into pre-professional programs both in Australia and overseas.
CINZIA MARROCCO (MISS CINZIA)
Jazz and Contemporary Teacher
Cinzia Marrocco started dancing at Lamont Dance Theatre at just 3 years old. Over the past 17 years she has learnt styles including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop and musical theatre. She completed 6 years of dance training at Brigidine Collage and was awarded dance captain in her final year. She received 2 nominations into call back for performance and major performance for her HSC dance.
In 2019, Cinzia began studying a Bachelor Of Dance, at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts, majoring in Contemporary Dance. She was also invited to join the Dance Makers Collective youth company, where she trained with industry professionals.
Cinzia’s passion for dance and choreography have been recognised by an array of companies. Her most recent works; “At Bay” and “Paranoia” have been featured on both Dance Life Unite and the Amherst Ballet Project.
WILLA BELL KLEMM (MISS WILLA)
Hip Hop & Jazz Teacher
Willa began her training at Lamont Dance Theatre from the age of 5, training in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap and Ballet.
In 2013 she was awarded the Lamont Dance Theatre Rap/Hip Hop Scholarship and in 2016 the Lamont Dance and Theatre Senior Scholarship and has completed her RAD Intermediate Exam.
Willa has featured in an ANZ TV commercial directed by Jane Campion in 2015 and has completed Dance Editorial’s Pre Professional Dance Course, receiving training from various Australian and International dance industry professionals. In 2017 she was selected to perform in their stage production ‘Love is Love’ as a protege where she was mentored by choreographer Tyson Almond. Following this opportunity, Willa was cast as an ensemble dancer in Dance Editorial’s 2019 production.
Willa completed her full time dance education at Brent Street in 2020.
Willa believes it is so special being able to show emotion through movement and strives to pass on her love and knowledge to the younger children.
Willa is currently performing in 'Gatsby at the Green Light' in the iconic Sydney Opera House.
CHLOE TAYLOR (MISS CHLOE)
Lyrical, Contemporary & Acrobatics Teacher
Chloe Taylor has completed her Certificate IV in Performing Arts and Dance. Chloe began training full-time whilst studying school via correspondence at 13 years old receiving numerous scholarships and under the guidance of many internationally recognised choreographers.
After graduating Chloe went on to train in Marko Panzics ‘Show Business’ course and also signed with Sydney’s Jeep Management. Chloe has trained under many well known teachers including Rhapsody James, Jacquie Howard, Marko Panzic, Mathew Gode , Leah Howard, Euan Doidge and many more.
Some of her credits include; Hailee Steinfeld, Macklemore, The Veronicas and dancing for the The Final series of The Voice au contestants. Numerous Corporate functions.
Chloe began teaching at the age of 14 assisting many top choreographers. Since then she has taught at many studios and full-time dance schools.
Chloe’s love for dance and choreography has seen many of her students and troupes go on to win national and international titles.
CHAVAUGN ODENDAAL (MISS CHAVAUGN)
RAD Ballet Teacher
Chavaugn began dancing in South Africa at the age of 4. After moving to Australia when she was 6, Chavaugn trained at a handful of dance schools across the Northern Beaches before commencing training in RAD ballet, contemporary, lyrical and jazz at Dynamite Premiere Academy.
Chavaugn’s love of dance and movement led her to a career teaching ballet, contemporary and lyrical dance and Pilates. In 2019 she completed her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, with the Royal Academy of Dance and her APPI Pilates Instructor Certification in 2021.
Chavaugn is currently undertaking a Bachelor in Physiotherapy at ACU with the intention to combine her love and knowledge of Ballet, Pilates and the human body. In the future, Chavaugn hopes to be able to work with dancers in not only their dance training but in injury prevention and rehabilitation, as well as creating programs to help with strength and conditioning, specialising to the needs of a dancer.
LILY BOFFA (MISS LILY)
Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Jazz & Acrobatics Teacher
Lily started her training at Lamont Dance Theatre at the age of 3, in all styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary. She was awarded the junior scholarship award in 2014 and the senior award scholarship in 2018.
In 2017 Lily completed the Dance Editorial Pre Professional Dance Course and then continued her contemporary dance training under Loredo Malcolm in The LOcREaDO Company performing in “The Variety” and “Affinity” shows. From this program she was selected to be apart of his Touring Company, performing in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
In the final years of schooling Lily completed her dance training at Elite Performance Studios and Stella Maris College in Manly under the direction of Rochelle Jones.
After high school Lily continued her training at Dance Force full time school on the Gold Coast for two years where she completed her PreProfessional training, involving choreographers from all over the world. She was then given the opportunity to tour Australia, performing as part of their graduation tour in 2021 and 2022.
Lily’s passion for dance and choreography comes from the idea that everybody can express themselves through movement and feel comfortable doing something they love, in a nurturing environment.
CHARLIZE PATIENCE (MISS CHARLI)
RAD Ballet, Lyrical & Technique Teacher
Miss Charli
AELA PARKES (MISS AELA)
Tap & Tiny Katapult Teacher
Aela started dancing at the age of 3 with Lamont Dance Theatre and continued her training over the years in RAD Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Competing in solo and group competitions across all styles.
She has completed her Grades 2-5, Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate RAD Ballet exams and was awarded an outstanding achievement award at Lamont Dance Theatre.
Aela has been an assistant teacher for many years under Studio Principal Katja, as well as many other staff members over the years and she is currently participating in ‘The Dance Apprentice’ dance teacher training program.
“I love teaching as I love to be a safe person for each child to come to, learn and grow as not only dancers but individuals”
KRYSTAL ELLIOTT (MISS KRYSTAL)
Junior Teacher
Krystal began dancing at the age of 3, training at Lamont Dance Theatre and continuing over the years has trained in Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap and Ballet. Competing in solos and group competitions.
At Lamont Dance Theatre in she was awarded an outstanding achievement award multiple years and was awarded the Tap/Hip Hop Scholarship.
Krystal has trained as an assistant teacher under studio principal, Katja for many years and in 2023 transitioned into a Junior teacher, taking on classes of her own.
Krystal is currently participating in 'The Dance Apprentice' dance teacher training program.
"Teaching is so special to me because I love to watch the kids grow as dancers and show their passion through dance."
Testimonials
Katapult is a wonderful dance school! My daughter is a senior student and has always been taught and mentored by professional teachers with amazing talent - she absolutely loves going to dance! The Principal, Miss Katja has made the school into a fun and loving environment but also challenges her students to work hard and achieve their best. I have been very impressed with Miss Katja’s concern and care for the health and wellbeing of all her students. The dancing community created at Katapult is amazing - we love it and the concerts are outstanding!!
Kelly B.
Katapult Performing Arts continues to be an amazing dance school for my daughters. The teachers are professional, approachable and knowledgeable. They have a passion and love for dance, and provide a positive and supportive environment for students.
Katja is an inspirational dance studio principal. She is friendly, enthusiast and very dedicated to the school and its students. She has taught all three of my daughters over the past 12 years and has always ensured they are enjoying their dancing, whilst encouraging them to grow and develop as dancers.
Katapult Performing Arts is more than just a dance studio – lifetime friendships are made, and valuable life skills such as resilience, self confidence, respect and teamwork are developed.
I highly recommend Katapult Performing Arts to anyone looking to join a wonderful dance school.
Kylie E.
Contact Us
ADDRESS & HOURS
74 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107, Australia
Monday: 9:30 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday: 2–8:30 PM
Thursday: 2–8:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM–3:30 PM
Sunday Closed
About
Katapult Performing Arts is located at Avalon Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
With 2 fully equipped studios in one convenient location, Katapult has fast become the place to go for students of any level to develop and sustain their chosen craft.
Established in the year 2000, our studio continues to provide a family atmosphere that encourages self-expression and enjoyment in dance and theatre.
Opening Hours
Monday: 9:30 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday: 2–8:30 PM
Thursday: 2–8:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM–3:30 PM
Sunday Closed
ADDRESS: 74 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107, Australia
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 2 9918 7304
We acknowledge and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
@ Copyright 2024 - Katapult Performing Arts - All rights reserved
