Tracey Boyd
Passion for Dance Principal and leading ballet teacher
Tracey opened Boyd Dance Academy back in 1992 and under her direction has created a highly successful school for training ballet, contemporary and commercial dancers. Her past students dance in companies across Europe, lead Australian musicals, perform in top class cruise ships as well as many and varied commercial performances around Melbourne. Tracey initially trained as a ballerina extensively in RAD classical ballet under the incredible tuition of Kathleen Gorham OBE and full time with the amazing Eileen Tasker and Gaylene Stock OAM, CBE.
Ballet is Tracey’s great love and passion and has taught dance for more than 40 years. Her ballet career turned into a commercial one and she performed for many years in top Australian musicals as well as many and varied cabaret shows around Melbourne. Tracey annually teaches audition classes for the Victorian Ballet Teachers Workshop as well as interstate workshops and as a guest teacher for Vanemuine Theatre Ballet company in Estonia.
Her love and knowledge of the arts is well respected and she has expanded the Boyd school to accommodate talented young teachers who bring fresh views to dance.
“I choose my staff based not just on their skill, but their ability to communicate clearly with warmth, kindness and inspiration for our students. We all share the love of music and dance which creates a beautiful successful and caring bond here at Boyd.”
Laura Kelly
Jazz, Hip Hop and Kinder Dance teacher
Laura’s dance journey began at Boyd when she was just 5 years old. Over the next 13 years, she trained in R.A.D, ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater, taking part in competitions and exams along the way.
Her love for dance led her to further her training at Spectrum Dance’s Full-Time Program, where she learned from some of Melbourne’s top choreographers. After completing her diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre, Laura built a successful career performing in countless variety shows. From touring internationally with a Michael Jackson tribute show to a year in Turkey performing cabaret, and even cheering for teams like Melbourne Storm, Aces, and Stars – Laura’s career has been nothing short of exciting.
For the past 17 years, Laura has brought that same passion and experience back to Boyd as a teacher. She absolutely adores working with the next generation of dancers, sharing not only her knowledge but her infectious positivity. Laura’s warmth and energy create a space where students feel inspired, supported, and excited to dance.
Susan Sargison
Ballet teacher
Susan Sargison has had a distinguished career as a professional dancer, performing with the Tasmanian Ballet, Australian Ballet, Victoria State Opera, and Heidelberg Ballet Ensemble. She later expanded into Musical Theatre, securing international contracts in Singapore, Japan, Vienna, Portugal, and Australia.
For 25 years, Susan was the Artistic Director of her own dance school in Melbourne while also teaching Classical Ballet, Repertoire, Pas de Deux, and Contemporary at tertiary dance institutions.
A respected adjudicator at local and international levels, she also served as an Examiner for the Southern Federation of Dance as well as Associate Director of the National Theatre Ballet School from 2018 to 2023. She continues working as an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance now.
Susan is excited to share her passion and expertise with the students at Boyd Academy of Dance. We are lucky and grateful to have Susan on our team at Boyd.
Ellie Murtagh
Contemporary Artist teacher
Ellie Murtagh is a Melbourne-based movement artist with deep roots in dance, beginning her journey at the age of 3 in Gippsland.
Her training with Transit Dance from 2014 to 2019 saw her progress from Youth Programs to completing a Professional Diploma in Dance. During this time, Ellie had the privilege of working closely with renowned artists such as Paul Malek, Daniel Jaber, Adam Wheeler, Gabriele Nankivell, and Jayden Hicks.
Since graduating, Ellie has carved out a diverse career in the dance community, performing with CoExist Collective, directing the multidisciplinary art event ARTECA, and collaborating on films including ELLIE by Ashley Wright and DELPHIC.
Ellie recently returned from Berlin, where she immersed herself in Europe’s rich art scene. She performed in Barcelona with JazzBetween and expanded her contemporary practice through work with the B12 Artists, Gaga workshops, and Berlin-based collectives.
Ellie is excited to bring her passion for expansive contemporary movement to Boyd, where she looks forward to inspiring and guiding students in their artistic journeys.
Lili Gearon
Kinder Dance teacher
Lili’s love for dance began at age 3 at Boyd Dance Academy, where she trained for over 13 years in RAD ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theatre.
Her professional dance career sparked a passion for technique, leading her to study Pilates. Lili now helps Boyd students build strength and flexibility safely and effectively. As our resident expert with the youngest dancers, Lili brings joy and laughter to every kinder class, teaching far more than expected.
After 10 years of teaching at Boyd, Lili feels at home sharing her love of dance and helping the next generation grow.
Hannah Vaughan
Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics and Competition teacher
Hannah has over 15 years of dance training, primarily at Boyd Dance Academy, where she trained in RAD ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro, cheer, and musical theatre, while also refining her skills through private lessons.
Her passion for performance was evident through her lead roles in all her high school musicals, inspiring her to pursue full-time training at Patrick’s Studios Australia. There, she earned Certificates I–IV in Dance and Performing Arts, all while sharing her knowledge and love for dance as a teacher at Boyd.
Currently, Hannah works as a dancer and teacher, building an impressive portfolio of professional and corporate performances. Her choreography has earned significant recognition: She won Best Choreography in the Lyrebird Awards in 2023 (youth musical) – School of Rock , Brentwood, and in 2024 won again Best Choreography for Little Shop of Horrors, Brentwood. Hannah was also nominated for Best Choreography in the Guild awards for both years.
Hannah has grown immensely through dance gaining confidence, discipline and a strong sense of achievement. She is dedicated to fostering these same qualities in her students through her regular classes and especially in her competition classes at Boyd.
Skye Newcombe
Kinder, Jazz, Contemporary, Cheer and Acrobatics teacher
Skye Newcombe is an experienced dancer with 16 years of training in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, cheerleading and gymnastics. Currently studying teaching and management at Transit Dance, she is also a certified bronze gymnastics coach.
Skye has won awards for her choreography, leading to performances at basketball halftime shows and circus events. Passionate about teaching, she loves helping students express themselves and grow through the art of dance.
Kyralee Matthewson
Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz teacher
Kyralee began dancing at the age of four and, after discovering Boyd Dance Academy, transferred to further develop her skills. At Boyd, she trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro, and musical theatre, building a strong foundation across multiple styles. She represented Boyd at regional and statewide competitions and performed leading roles roles with the Victorian State Youth Ballet.
At fourteen, Kyralee’s talent and dedication earned her a place in the Victorian State Ballet Pre-Professional Program. She completed four years of full-time training under the directorship of Michelle Sierra and then accepted a place in to the Company! Kyralee has been promoted twice already and now is ranked as an Emerging Artist. Kyralee has performed extensively in the Company touring Australia with up to 60 shows annually.
Now entering her fourth year of teaching dance, Kyralee finds great joy in sharing her passion and experience with young dancers across Melbourne. She is committed to fostering a love for dance in her students while creating a positive and supportive environment. Kyralee is thrilled to return to Boyd Dance Academy as a dance teacher in 2025.
Summer Bramblebee
Contemporary and Jazz teacher
Summer has been dancing since the age of 3, with a focus on Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. Performing her way through Rowville Secondary College musicals, she developed a strong passion for the arts and was inspired to pursue a professional career in dance. After graduating from Boyd Dance Academy, she was accepted into Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, where she is now in her second year of full-time training in Musical Theatre. She is currently completing a Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management.
Although still immersed in her studies, Summer is already making her mark in the industry, securing professional work and gaining recognition. Passionate about choreography, she is excited to inspire young dancers at Boyd Dance Academy, helping them develop their skills and love for dance.
