KAREN GAUCI - VICTORIA

Miriam Nicholls is a principal dancer, teacher and choreographer with Duprada Dance Company and founding director of Dusty Feet Dance Collective in Alice Springs. A graduate of the National Capital Ballet School and the Victorian College of the Arts, Miriam has worked with choreographers and companies across Australia and overseas, and taught dance in schools, company and community settings. Miriam also teaches with Ballet Without Borders in the Alice Springs, NT area bringing an added element of movement and classical ballet to the outback.

Why Ballet Without Borders? I believe that kids from all walks of life should have access to learning dance, and BWB helps to provide that. I was a late starter to ballet, encouraged by my high-school dance teacher at age 15, and it opened up a whole new world for me that previously I had thought inaccessible. As an artform, ballet has given me strength and confidence and joy, and led to my dance career around the world. I love being able to share this through Ballet Without Borders now, and give back through teaching in schools, where my own ballet journey began.

Rebecca is an expert teacher with a deep and has been immersed in the performing arts since the age of seven, training in jazz, tap, and ballet, hip hop, acrobatics and music theatre as both a student and teacher. She completed Classical Ballet and Tap examinations through the British Ballet Organisation (2001–2011), and was invited to participate in the BBO Scholars program in Victoria. Rebecca studied at Australia’s The University of Ballarat’s Arts Academy, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre.

Rebecca later completed a Master of Teaching at La Trobe University, qualifying as a specialist teacher in dance, drama, and music, as well as a primary classroom educator. With 18 years of teaching experience across all age groups and skill levels, she has held various school leadership roles and is recognised for her expertise in trauma-informed teaching, emotional intelligence education, and her work within arts and engagement programs.

Rebecca is passionate about using the arts to empower individuals of all ages, fostering confidence, creativity, and personal growth. A dedicated advocate for arts education, she is committed to ensuring that the performing arts remain a vital and transformative part of all learning experiences, which is why we love having her work with us at Ballet Without Borders.

Why Ballet Without Borders? I am a passionate arts educator and believe all children deserve the opportunity to explore performing arts in their formative years. BWB is doing amazing work, and the students engaging in this program show so much love for this art form. I feel privileged to work alongside BWB to bring arts outreach programs to regional and rural kids.

REBECCA JADE KORONEOS - VICTORIA

Karen has studied a wide range of dance styles, including VCE Dance, and holds a Diploma in Dance (Teaching and Management). She has also achieved her Licentiate Teaching Status with Cecchetti Ballet. 

Karen broadened her artistic perspective through time spent in New York in 2010 and 2012, where she learned from and danced alongside inspiring teachers and artists. She returned to New York in 2014 to complete an Independent Study Program at Steps on Broadway, focusing intensively on ballet technique. Driven by her passion for helping young dancers develop strong technical, professional, and personal skills, Karen interned at the Department of Education and Training at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. During this time, she worked closely with faculty across the Children’s Division (ages 3–14), the Pre‑Professional Program (ages 12–18), and Educational Outreach initiatives.

Karen continues to pursue ongoing professional development. In 2018, she completed her Licentiate teaching qualification in the Cecchetti Method, and in 2019 she attended training sessions led by The Royal Ballet School at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.More recently, Karen has worked with children from six months of age and up across private dance schools, where she has taught Cecchetti Ballet Examination classes for over ten years. She has also delivered recreational dance and creative‑movement programs in daycare and kindergarten settings. For the past seven years, Karen has also been a dedicated teacher with Kinderballet, nurturing children’s gross motor development, creativity, and self‑confidence.  

Why Ballet Without Borders? To share my passion for ballet with children and make the joy of dance accessible to all.