About Linda Jean Dance Academy
Linda McLellan opened the Linda Jean Dance Academy in 1983. Her mission was to provide quality lessons for children of Whittlesea, Nillumbik, and Diamond Valley Shires. Four decades on, the school provides so much more! True to Linda's values, the school has grown into a welcoming, caring, and inclusive community where students grow into confident young people and well-rounded performers.
- Long-established dance school spanning four decades. We are proud to bring you 40 years of experience and an established community of passionate current dancers and dance alumni.
- A welcome location for locals. Our local students are welcomed with open arms from nearby areas of Yarrambat, Laurimar, Doreen, Mernda, Diamond Creek, South Morang and Whittlesea.
- A strong reputation for quality teaching. Students have travelled from afar over the years to dance under Linda's careful and caring eye – from Wallan, Kilmore, Kinglake, Essendon, Bendigo, Research, Eltham, Macleod and Bundoora.
"Our school is our students’ dancing ‘home’ and a place outside school and work where they can express themselves, learn skills, and grow friendships."Linda McLellan, Principal
Our Values and Vision
A Caring Environment
Our personal commitment is to provide a warm, healthy, and supportive environment. We want students of all ages to feel safe to express themselves and enjoy their love of dance. Our school is a place where students know they belong – it’s a social outlet as well as a place to learn.Opportunities For All
We want to help every student find their place in dance. We are all unique, and dancing can be for all students who wish to ignite their passion for movement and performance. Our teachers give their time and attention equally to all students.Cultivating Confidence
Confidence is a life skill that we deeply value. We know confidence is gained through mastering dance, finding friendships, and facing the nerves of performance. Our school is committed to fostering this in our students. Performing and doing exams helps students grow into confident young people.Coaches and Instructors
Linda McLellan
Principal and Teacher
Linda has dedicated her life to the joy of dance. She started dancing at the age of three, just like her pre-school dance students! She pursued her passion and trained under the CSTD syllabus. Linda teaches all styles of dance and has created a school environment where all her students feel like family. A member of Comdance (previously called the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing) since 1983, Linda helps students pursue their technical growth under the Comdance exam syllabi. Linda served several years also on the Comdance Executive Committee as well as the Comdance Victorian Social Committee.Qualifications: CSTD Th.Dip; CSTD T.ST.Dip
Sarah McLellan
Singing Teacher
Sarah has taught singing at LJDA for well over a decade, bringing students modern vocal training through a range of genres including musical theatre, country and contemporary. Teaching syllabi produced by Thelma Taylor, Sarah prepares students for performances in our concerts, local events and competitions, as well as ANZCA singing examinations. Sarah is proud of the brilliant results from students who have competed, and even more proud of her students who have simply overcome nerves, grown in confidence and now sing to an audience with ease.
Kate Rothacker
Tap and Jazz
Kate is always eager to pass on her love of dance and performance to students. She completed her CSTD teachers diploma in 1999 after being a student of LJDA in jazz, tap and ballet since the age of 7. For many years Kate performed in musical theatre productions and believes the stage is an amazing place to develop confidence and express your creativity. She believes in the importance of nurturing good technique in her classes and strives to bring out the best in every individual performer.
Kelsey Lyons
Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Acro Teacher
Kelsey started dancing from the age of 4. She has completed elite extension training, and obtained her Certificate II in Dance and senior level 1 exams with the Vaganova Ballet Syllabus. She had the opportunity to dance minor principal roles with Victorian State Ballet, including Lilac Fairy from Sleeping Beauty and Snow Queen from The Nutcracker. In 2020, Kelsey started full time contemporary dance at Transit Dance, working with renowned Australian and international choreographers. She has a Diploma in Dance and a Graduate Certificate, and is now a Certified Acrobatic Arts Teacher. She is currently studying for her Bachelor in Secondary Teaching. She is passionate about safe dance practices and wants to ensure she passes this on to her students.
Kate Alexander
Preschool, Tap and Musical Theatre
Kate has been dancing since she was just 4 years old, starting with tap, jazz, and ballet, and she hasn't looked back since. Now a dance teacher at the school, Kate shares her lifelong passion with her students, especially her love for tap dancing and musical theatre. Her daughter now dances at the same studio, continuing the tradition. Kate finds joy in inspiring others and is thrilled to pass on her love for dance to the next generation.
Keera Franceschini
Musical Theatre and Contemporary Teacher
Keera is a valued member of the teaching team at LJDA, bringing enthusiasm and a vision to help her students grow as performers. Keera teaches jazz, tap, classical, contemporary and musical theatre. Starting dancing at 3 years old, she later became a student of Linda McLellan’s, gaining first-hand experience in Comdance exams. Keera’s achievements include being awarded the Bruce Wilkinson Junior Scholarship (2010), the Jean Street Memorial Award (2016), and the Comdance Victorian Performing Arts Award (2016). Keera has also attended dance classes in America and full time training at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance school.