About Us.
Esteem is a unique dance studio that was born from a desire to offer a low pressure environment to learn, grow and achieve, not just as dancers, but as human beings. Leading with the core values of patience, kindness, gratitude and pride has gifted Esteem students with life long confidence, and subsequent successful careers in dance.
Esteem members, both students and parents, are open-minded, kindhearted individuals that over time have formed a sublime community of inclusion and encouragement. Bonding over mutual interests and investments in dance has provided the opportunity to enrich one-another’s the lives with a culture that is undeniably unique in the industry.
The studio has evolved and grown alongside it’s valued students, and now offers a variety of classes outside the domain of dance, include musical theatre, pilates, sound therapy and wellness workshops, making it one of the most dynamic and diverse studios in the state.
Carrie-Anne Forsyth.
Studio Owner & Lead Educator
Carrie-Anne Forsyth developed Esteem in 2008 in alignment to the expectations she had of what constituted a good studio. Although performance standards and quality of teaching were important, Carrie-Anne prioritised the learning environment, ensuring that each child felt comfortable to be the truest and best version of themselves when attending class. This gave them the confidence to be that very same person outside of the studio, illuminating her vision of gifting life-long confidence through dance.
Affectionately known in-house as Cas, Carrie-Anne has an extensive history and experience in dance, wellbeing and education. Her passion for teaching and nurturing the minds of young people lead Carrie-Anne to Early Childhood Studies, as well as several other tickets from the Australian Sports Commission.
Brittany Sears.
Studio Owner & Educator
Brittany is the force of energy that alongside her mum, Carrie-Anne, breathes life into the studio. Brittany’s love, passion and dedication for dance and movement started from the early age of 2. Dance has been at the centre of Brittany’s world throughout her life, with a big dream to own and run her own dance school where she could ignite confidence in young dancers. A testament to Brittany’s hard work is seeing this dream realised in 2020. In addition to ticking this goal off her list, she also has completed her diploma in Sport and Recreation, with a Cert 4 in Business Development and a Cert 3/4 in Dance & Dance Teaching.
Brittany is also a qualified Pilates Instructor
Choreography and creative movement are Brittany’s fortes; she has choreographed award-winning routines throughout multiple competitions and has developed a strong and dynamic style of dance throughout her contemporary and lyrical genres. At just 26 years of age, Brittany is an inspiration to the studio at large.
Our 2025 teachers.
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Emily Barnes
Kindy & Senior Jazz & Tap Teacher
Hi, I’m Emily and I am excited to be teaching at Esteem in 2025
I have been teaching Jazz and Tap at Esteem for 9 years, as well as dancing since the age of 3. During this time I have gained my Cert 1&2 in Dance Teaching and Dance. I love teaching Esteem students watching their confidence and passion for dance grow week on week. With my focus being creativity and inclusivity, I aim to inspire a lifelong love for dance in each of my students -
Ciara McKenzie
Competition Class Teacher
Hi! I’m Ciara and I am U16 Competition teacher at Esteem. I have danced since the age of 4 and love that I am now able to share my passion for dance with my students. I particularly love how dance is not only an art form, but also a sport that teaches my students life skills such as persistence, dedication, resilience and confidence.
In 2023 I graduated with honours in my bachelor of Education majoring in dance & I was lucky enough to gain employment straight away at Sacred Heart College.
I am always in awe of the growth my students have over the year and love being able to see them flourish. Esteem is the most welcoming, loving and positive studio to teach at and I love every moment! -
Briana Price Wright
Senior Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary & Hip Hop Teacher
Since joining Esteem in 2021, I have felt truly welcomed, supported, and valued—not just as a teacher, but as a person. I love sharing my passion for dance with students of all ages and watching them grow in both skill and confidence, not just in dance but in life. Each student inspires me just as much as I hope to inspire them.I also hold an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts, majoring in Dance, which I completed in 2020.
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Kaitlyn Hinchley
Senior Acrobatics Teacher
Kaitlyn Hinchley – Senior Acrobatics Teacher
Kaitlyn has been dancing since the age of three and has been part of the Esteem family since she was 12. Growing up alongside Carrie-Anne and Brittany since primary school, she has formed lifelong friendships and considers Esteem more than just a dance school—it’s home.With a deep passion for Acrobatics, Kaitlyn loves sharing her knowledge and helping students grow in a positive, supportive, and safe environment. She finds so much joy in watching her students build confidence, strength, and new skills, and she is incredibly proud to be part of the Esteem teaching team.
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Gemma Bottega
Senior Tap & Hip Hop Teacher
Born and raised in Perth, Gemma discovered her passion for dance at the age of 4. She exhibited her competitive spirit early on, engaging in a variety of dance competitions and examinations, specifically CSTD theatrical examinations.At the age of 16, Gemma became a full-time student at the Australian Dance Institute. This endeavour led to the successful attainment of her Certificate III in Dance, specialising in Tap.
Gemma's quest for growth and experience took her across the globe, training at esteemed dance institutions such as Millennium Dance Complex, Playground LA, Broadway Dance Centre and many others across Australia, the United States and Europe.
Her repertoire also includes performances at iconic locations such as Disneyland LA, Disneyland Paris, and Carnival Magic Cruise-lines. In the professional realm, she has also enriched her portfolio by captivating audiences at various corporate events, festivals and gala balls.
Gemma's competitive spirit remains strong, as evidenced by her participation and success in competitions such as DanceLife Nationals, Battlegrounds HipHop competition, and KAR Nationals.
Currently, Gemma imparts her knowledge and expertise by teaching hiphop, commercial jazz, and tap classes. She excels in choreographing competition routines and provides assistance to aspiring dancers in their exam preparations, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
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Harriet Wimhurst
Senior Musical Theatre & Junior Ballet Teacher
Harriet Wimhurst has been immersed in Dance and Musical Theatre since the age of four, auditioning for her first show at just five years old. With a wealth of experience both performing on stage and choreographing, Harriet now dedicates her passion to helping children experience the magic of performing. She especially loves working with the students of Esteem, where the focus on a love for dance and team collaboration makes her incredibly proud to be part of the teaching team. -
Lauren Day
Pre Senior & Junior Ballet & Lyrical/Contemporary Teacher
I began dancing in the UK at just two years old. After immigrating to Australia, I followed my friends to Esteem, where I embarked on an incredible journey from student to teacher in 2021.I have since graduated from Matrix with an Advanced Diploma, majoring in Dance in 2024
Dancing is my passion, and I feel so grateful to be part of the amazing teaching team at Esteem. It truly is a dream come true!
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Chelsea Richards
Pre Senior Hip Hop & Lyrical/Contemporary Teacher
I have been dancing since I was 3, this is my 11th year with Esteem, it’s my home away from home. I can’t wait to share my passion with my students
I have competed in numerous dance competitions including nationals. I have also performed in various productions at the royal theatre and have had the opportunity to be a dancer at multiple perth glory games. -
Monica Asphar
Intermediate Acrobatics & Senior Hip Hop Teacher
Hey there!
My name is Monica and I have been dancing at Esteem Dance Company for 11 years! I can’t wait to spend another year at Esteem to not only dance, but also TEACH classes in genres I am knowledgeable & super passionate about!
I am so beyond excited to be teaching the Intermediate Acro class and the Grade 7-8 Hip Hop class this year. Bring on 2025 -
Lily Henderson
Senior Hip Hop Teacher
Lily has been dancing at Esteem since the age of 10 and has grown up surrounded by the incredible energy and support of the Esteem family. Her passion for Hip Hop shines through in her teaching, and she loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students.Lily is dedicated to creating a fun and encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop their skills, and express themselves through dance. She feels so lucky to be part of the Esteem team and to inspire the next generation of dancers!
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Mikayla Rollason
Junior Musical Theatre Teacher
Hi, My name is Mikayla and i am super excited to be teaching at Esteem this year!
I am so excited to be sharing my passion within musical theatre and hopefully inspiring my class to follow their passion in musical theatre and other classes too!
I have been involved with esteem dance company since 2020 and have loved every part of it, from working alongside of all the amazing staff but also making so many new friends within classes.
Im currently cast in a show ‘‘Saturday night fever’’ with the drew Anthony creative for 2024. -
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