MISS HANNAH
OWNER/DIRECTOR OF BLING PERFORMING ARTS
LGTDA TAP, TEACHER OF ALL STYLES
Hannah began dancing at the age of 3 at Bling Performing Arts with Tap and Jazz, throughout the years she then progressed into Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, JFH and Musical Theatre. Hannah has completed her LGTDA Tap Teacher Exam in 2023, qualifying with Honours with High Distinction and has also completed RAD Ballet Exams up to Advanced 1.
Hannah began student teaching in 2016 and has been doing so ever since. She has been involved in other performing arts opportunities outside the studio including being part of the Star Struck featured ensembles since 2015, a featured dancer in School Spectacular 2017, and a dance professional in Stars of Newcastle in 2024.
Hannah was part of the America Trips in 2011 performing in Universal Studios and Hollywood at the age of 5 and performing in Disneyland, Universal Studios and Hollywood in 2019. Being involved in our concerts and performing in multiple musicals as lead roles and ensemble, competing in eisteddfods since the age of 5 and being part of our performance and tap troupes Hannah is no stranger to the stage. Hannah was selected in 2018 by Jason Coleman to attend the Ministry of Dance based in Melbourne and is still participating in the MOD Star Program for several years. In 2024, Hannah also represented the University of Newcastle at the ASCAF National Championships in Queensland.
Hannah has achieved Nationals Championships and has choreographed for Star Struck, Stars of Newcastle and schools around the Hunter Region. She also teachers many private lessons with her students where her students have also received Nationals Championships with her routines.
On completing her HSC majoring in dance and dance teaching, Hannah was offered positions at the Adelaide College of the Arts, the Academy of Music and Performing Arts, and the Australian College of Physical Education.
Hannah has a passion for choreographing and bringing her ideas to life on stage through dance. She took on ownership of Bling Performing Arts in 2025, and has been thriving in her new position ever since.
"Bling has always been a second home for me since I was a little girl, my goal is create a space that feels like a second home for all my students and for future generations to come."
-Hannah Pandel
MISS TONI
LGTDA TAP
Miss Toni has been teaching for the past twenty years, in Newcastle including eight years in Singleton and decided in 2008 to start her own studio and call it Bling Performing Arts. In 2025, Miss Toni sold her studio to the wonderful Miss Hannah, who Toni believes has the passion, caring nature, and skills to take Bling to the next level.
My passion for tap came from learning off the gifted Mr. Les Griffith whom was my tap teacher from the age of three, and I have great pleasure in teachers my pupils the Les Griffith Tap Dancing Syllabus.
My love of dance comes through the children I teach and the pride of achieving wonderful results in dance, is both rewarding and special.
I have always had a love for making the children shine on stage, bringing out their special qualities.
I’m looking forward to fantastic years with Bling, warm and friendly Performing Arts Studio.
MISS KENDALL
RAD BALLET
Kendall began her formal dance training here in Newcastle with Marie Walton Mahon before moving to Sydney to study at the Tanya Pearson Academy, under direction of Lucinda Dunn OAM. Here she enjoyed many opportunities including a short-term contract with The Australian Ballet, performing in their production of Christopher Wheeldon’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”.
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In 2018, she won the 18 years contemporary section at Sydney Eisteddfod and was also successful in passing her Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal examination.
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Later that year she moved to Scotland to take up a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on their ballet course. Here Kendall enjoyed a variety of experiences and opportunities, most notably the Conservatoire’s close connection with Scottish Ballet.
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It was this connection that later saw her work extensively with Scottish Ballet. Touring the United Kingdom and performing in productions such as “The Nutcracker”, “The Snow Queen”, “Wee Hansel and Gretel” and David Dawson’s “Swan Lake”.
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She graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a Bachelor of Arts in 2020, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Modern Ballet in 2022.
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Kendall is excited share her passion with our amazing students at Bling. She is confident in teaching RAD ballet and her goal is to make ballet enjoyable for young dancers, whilst also upholding the core values of the art form.
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MR MAX
HIP HOP/LGTDA TAP
Max started tap lessons at the age of 8 and within a very quickly discovered his passion for all things dance – achieving LGTDA teaching accreditation under Toni Zink and studying Hip Hop under Danielle Kyneur.
Max gained invaluable dance performance experience competing at eisteddfods in Hip Hop and Tap. He has toured America twice, dancing at Universal Studios and Disneyland (both Los Angeles and Orlando) as well as onboard the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas Cruise ship. While in America, Max also completed workshops at Disney Performing Arts and with internationally renowned Hip Hop choreographer Dejan Tubic.
In addition to his LGTDA tap accreditation, Max completed Acro teacher training with Sydney Acrobatics School and has 10 years experience as a dance teacher.
Max has completed a Bachelor of Education degree at University of Newcastle and now works for the NSW Department of Education and has proven himself to be a versatile teacher with infectious energy, who is able to engage with all ages from toddlers to adults.
MISS JO
MUSICAL THEATRE/SINGING
Jo Andrew is a seasoned performer, vocal coach and director with a diverse background in opera, musical theater, and oratorio. In her directorial engagements, she has been thrilled to support young people in productions such as "Cinderella for Kids" at the Young People's Theatre, "My Son Pinocchio Jnr" with Opera Hunter and "Aristocats Kids".
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Jo began performing by being selected as an original member of the NBN Television Children's Choir and sang with them for 10 years, during which time enjoyed success in various choral festivals and performances, including those at the Sydney Opera House and Carols by Candlelight.
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Her extensive performance experience includes professional productions such as Aida with the International Opera Festival in Sydney, and she was selected to join the Sydney Symphony's production of Wagner's "Ring Cycle". Jo has also sung as a soloist in Oratorio such as Handel's Messiah, Christmas Oratorio by Bach, and Le Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini. Her contributions to oratorio extend to different choirs and venues, including Avondale College, University of Newcastle Choir, and Hastings Choristers & New England Sinfonia.
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Notable roles for Jo include , "Marmee" in Little Women (Maitland Musical Society), "Ruth" in Pirates of Penzance (Opera Hunter), "Valencienne" in The Merry Widow" (Opera Hunter) & (NSW State Opera Company), "Tessa" in The Gondoliers (Newcastle Gilbert & Sullivan Society) and "The Mother" in a new Australian work "The Things I Could Never Tell Steven" (Chookas). Her involvement in both contemporary and classical productions showcases her versatility as a performer. She was nominated for a CONDA for her portrayal of "Lady Thiang" in The King and I with Metropolitan Players. Additionally, she has achieved success as a winner in Aria competitions across NSW, VIC, and QLD.
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Jo's dedication to music and performance is evident in her educational background. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Arts (University of New England), a Performance Certificate from the Australian Guild of Music and Speech, after studying Bel Canto Singing technique for 10 years. Furthermore, she is accomplished in piano and flute, and has completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Victoria University), a Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment, and a Diploma in Business Management.
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In addition to her own performance career, Jo has made significant contributions to nurturing young talent and sharing her passion for the arts. For many years, she ran her own voice studio, fostering the growth of aspiring performers. Watching her students evolve in skills and confidence, and witnessing them transform into wonderful young talents, has brought Jo immense joy and fulfillment.
MISS MIKAYLEE
LGTDA TAP, FINALE CHOREOGRAPHER
Mikaylee began dancing at the age of 7 and became a part of the Bling family in 2009. Here, she has studied tap, jazz, hip hop, JFH, contemporary and musical theatre whilst also competing in both tap solo and group eisteddfods, achieving excellent results and winning major trophies and awards. She has also been involved in dance and performing arts pursuits outside of the studio, most notably being a member of the featured tap ensemble in Starstruck 2014 and 2015.
In 2011, Mikaylee was a Bling Performance Group troupe member, travelling to Los Angles to dance at Disneyland and Universal Studios and undertaking workshops at Disney Performing Arts with Josh Horner and in Hollywood with Dejan Tubic. Mikaylee will also be a part of the 2019 Bling Performance Troupe that will travel to America in 2019.
In 2018 Mikaylee completed her LGTDA Teachers Exam and is now a fully qualified tap teacher. She has also completed a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle.
Mikaylee is passionate about sharing her love of dance with students and her peers through her reception position at Bling Performing Arts!
MISS TELLINA LEE
TAP CHOREOGRAPHER
Tellina Lee's journey started in Newcastle Australia, where she grew up with a relentless vigor for dance and music. Known as a triple threat with a big stage personality, it was no surprise she pursued a career in the arts.
Since then, her entertainment career has taken her worldwide, where she has performed in an abundance of professional musicals/shows and followed her passions to create groundbreaking work, making a name for herself in the dance community internationally.
As well as dance, Tellina is an accomplished actress, singer, V/O artist, choreographer, creative director and producer. She has created content for many leading edge brands and companies, where she has relentlessly pushed the bars of creation. She also travels internationally to teach workshops, choreograph routines, and judge international competitions.
Some of her many highlights including; Performing at the Superbowl, Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony, writing top 5 song for Bejing Olympics and choreographing dance groups for international fashion shows, studios and artists as well as performing in many professional musicals internationally.
Tellina has won many scholarships and championships, as well as receiving awards for the top 5% in Australia for Performing Arts.
Recent triumphs include choreographing the televised entertainment segment for the prestiges Darley Awards at the iconic Dolby theatre, home of the Oscars, choreographing and performing on the tv show “Floored” at CBS studios and working behind the scenes on the Oscar award winning film “skin”.
​Tellina is the creator and choreographer of "Tap That" and is excited to use her passions and visions to bring tap to another medium incorporating film, videos and the live stage. ​
MISS KIM
SINGING
Kimberley has been performing since she was 3 years old, taking dance classes in a variety of styles for 10 years. She joined Pantseat Performing Arts in 2011, where she took Musical Theatre, Drama, and Vocal lessons, and completed singing exams. In her time with Pantseat, she also performed in many productions, including Xanadu, Devised Cabaret "On My Way", Little Shop of Horrors as "Ronette", Rent, and Mixtape: The Last 10 Years. She also began teaching Musical Theatre, Drama and Vocal lessons to students of all ages.
She has recently completed studying a Diploma of Musical Theatre through Atwea College, where she attended workshops with Rachel Beck and Francine Bell. Kimberley has since begun teaching Performing Arts courses with Atwea College.
Kimberley is excited to share her passion for the performing with the students of Bling Performing Arts, and assist and support them in growing their singing and performance skills.