ABOUT US

Founded in 2014, LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre is the Gold Coast’s leading destination for dance and performing arts. With a strong foundation in passion, discipline, and care, we ignite potential in every student — building confidence, resilience, and a love of learning through movement.

Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, LAUNCH is a purpose-built facility designed to support both recreational dancers and those aspiring to a professional career. With five fully equipped studios and a wide variety of styles on offer, we welcome students aged three and up, catering to all levels of experience and commitment.

Our experienced teaching team is united by a shared love of dance and a dedication to bringing out the best in every student. Whether your child is dancing for fun, fitness, or future goals, we provide an inspiring and supportive environment where they can thrive.

Since opening our doors in 2014, LAUNCH students have grown into confident performers — some now stepping into the industry — while others carry the life skills, friendships, and joy of dance with them wherever they go.

Book your trial today and discover the program that fits your goals — whether you’re dancing for fun or dreaming big.

World Class Dance Lessons: Gold Coast

OUR VISION

At LAUNCH, our vision is to create a place where students feel connected, inspired, and empowered through dance — a community united by passion, respect, and growth.

We’ve seen first-hand how dance shapes more than just skills — it builds confidence, character, and lifelong friendships. Through exceptional training and strong leadership, we nurture every student’s journey, whether they dance for fun or aspire to a professional career.

While we strive to develop elite performers, we equally value our recreational dancers, providing all students with the tools to grow in self-esteem and reach their personal best — both on and off the stage.

OUR MISSION

At LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre, our mission is to empower students through high-calibre training while nurturing a lifelong love of dance.

We are committed to excellence in both artistry and education. Our faculty lead with passion, discipline, and dedication — striving to bring out the best in every student, at every level. Through exceptional mentorship and a supportive environment, we build talent, inspire confidence, and ensure each class delivers a meaningful and positive experience.

OUR VALUES

At LAUNCH, our values shape the way we train, lead, and grow — both as dancers and as people:

  • PASSION – We are committed to living with purpose, bringing energy and intention to everything we do.
  • RESPECT – We honour ourselves, others, our differences, and the institute we are part of.
  • CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT – We embrace constant and never-ending growth — always striving to be better than we were yesterday.
  • RESILIENCE – Through dedication and perseverance, we discover our true potential.
  • TEAMWORK – We believe in the power of unity — when we work together, we thrive as individuals.

Our Team

The instructors at LAUNCH bring a wealth of experience as professional dancers, performers, and choreographers. Each member of our team is passionate about sharing their knowledge and committed to nurturing every student with expert guidance, strong leadership, and genuine care.

We are collectively dedicated to safe dance practices and uphold the highest standards of child protection. All staff hold current Blue Cards, and our families can feel confident knowing their children are in experienced, capable hands. Our junior teachers undergo comprehensive in-house training before stepping into leadership roles, ensuring consistency, safety, and quality across every class.

At LAUNCH, our team works together to create a positive, disciplined, and inspiring environment where all dancers — from preschoolers to pre-professionals — are supported to grow, thrive, and shine.

Michelle Hopper-Doyle
OWNER AND DIRECTOR

Michelle Hopper Doyle is a highly respected leader in the Australian performing arts industry, with over 25 years of experience as a professional performer, choreographer, and creative visionary. Known for her exceptional standards, bold creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Michelle has earned a reputation as a trusted authority and mentor in the dance world.

As founder of LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre, Michelle’s purpose goes beyond credentials and credits. She created LAUNCH to be a space where students make lifelong memories, connect through their shared passion, and — for those called to it — have the opportunity to turn their love of dance into a fulfilling career. She is deeply passionate about instilling work ethic, self-respect, and resilience in her students, inspiring them to strive for their best, make choices that lead to personal growth, and step confidently into their future — whether on stage or beyond.

Michelle’s professional career spans stage, screen, and television. She performed in major productions including Singin’ in the Rain (Australasian tour, as Cyd Charisse) and Grease: The Arena Spectacular featuring John Farnham, and has shared the stage with global music artists including Kylie Minogue, Jessica Mauboy, Boyzone, and Adam Lambert.

Her film and television appearances include Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, Happy Feet 1 & 2, The Son of the Mask, and Goddess, along with The X Factor, Australian Idol, The ARIAs, MTV Awards, Nickelodeon, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing with the Stars.

Behind the scenes, Michelle has carved a path as a respected choreographer and producer. Her work has featured in major events such as the AHIA Awards, Aussie Home Loans’ national event, and a SEA FM flash mob that went viral. Her choreography has been showcased on Seasons 3–5 of The Masked Singer Australia, under the creative direction of The Squared Division.

Michelle has had the privilege of working with industry greats including Baz Luhrmann, George Miller, David Atkins, Kelley Abbey, Wade Robson, The Squared Division, John O’Connell, Jason Coleman, Nathan Mark Wright, and Dein Perry.

In addition to studio life, Michelle continues to shape the future of dance through her work as a faculty member and choreographer for national conventions including TDE, Light The Way, ADF, and VDF.

Troy Phillips

Troy Phillips began his dance training in Melbourne at the age of five, eventually graduating from the Dance course at the Victorian College of the Arts. He made his professional debut in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and has since performed in a number of major musicals: My Fair Lady, Sisterella, Chicago, Singin’ in the Rain, Get Happy The Musical, on which he was dance captain and We Will Rock You as part of the original Australian cast.He performed in the concert version of Sunset Boulevard for Luna Park’s re-opening celebrations, in the national tour of Hugh Jackman – The Boy From Oz the Japan tour of We Will Rock You and most recently the Melbourne season of Guys and Dolls. Troy is a highly sought-after dancer and has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jessica Mauboy, Christine Anu, Rhonda Burchmore, Vanessa Amarosi, Marcia Hines, Jackson Mendoza, S2S, Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem and Jade McCrae. He performed at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony in Manchester and at the opening of Fox Studios and has worked with many leading Australian choreographers at various conventions and award ceremonies. Troy’s film credits include Moulin Rouge, Scooby Doo, Bootmen and Happy Feet. Television credits include appearances on the Logies, In Melbourne Tonight, The Midday Show, Ocean Girl and the Australian Idol Unforgettable Special.

Devante Latorre

Devante Latorre is a highly sought after commercial dancer working consistently in Film, TV, Stage, Corporate Events and for Australia’s top Music Artists. His career has already seen him working with some of our country’s leading Choreographers and Creative Directors including: The Squared Division, Kate Wormald, Mitchel Woodcock, Move Like Water and Marko Panzic to name a few. His career highlights include: Katy Perry AFL Grand Final, Baz Lurhmann’s – ‘Elvis’, The Australian Film ‘Seriously Red’, Season 3, 4 & 5 ‘The Masked Singer’. 2019 – 2022 Eurovision, 2021 – 2023 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Sam Smith – ‘Mardis Gras’, Rita Ora – ‘Mardis Gras’ and Darren Hayes – ‘Mardi Gras’. Devante’s latest credits include : Katy Perry for the AFL Grand Final Under the direction of The Squared Division, Kaylie Yee & Cassie Bartho, Jess Mauboy and Courtney Act at ‘World Pride’ under the direction of The Squared Division, Kylie Minogue and Rodger Corser for ‘Qantas’ , Sophie Ellis-Bextor for Bondi Beach Party and Meghan Trainor for “ Australian Idol “ with Newground Collective, Adam Lambert for “ The Voice Guest performance “ with Move Like Water, Coca Cola Music Video for Tones & I with Kaea Pearce, Pepsi Rebrand with Paris Cavanagh & Michael Boyde and Keiynan Lonsdale for “ Rainbow Republic “ with Marko Panzic, Matthew Gode and Caetlyn Watson.

Roxanne Patterson

Roxie has been dancing since she was 3 years old, studying in all facets of dance including acrobatics under the direction of Peta Norton. Her professional credits include The Boy from Oz, The Production Company, The Royal Princess and Princess Cruises. She has also travelled extensively throughout the Middle East and Asia performing in shows such as ‘Let’s Imagine’ and ‘Barney’s Musical Castle’ for Millennium Entertainment and has also worked for choreographers such as Jason Coleman and Andrew Hallsworth. Roxie has lived in Sydney for the past 10 years teaching at some of Australia’s leading performing arts studios in styles such as Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Acrobatics.

Karin Mochizuki

Karin Mochizuki has been dancing since she was 7 years old and is continuing on her journey to this day. She firstly started training at a studio called Dance Technique before beginning her training at Launch Performing Arts Centre on the Gold Coast. She has trained in all genres such as Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Hiphop, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatics and many more. Karin has recently been training in the U.S to pass on her knowledge to her students. Karin has also completed her Cert III in dance. Recently she has been working as a lead dancer in Dora The Explorer The Movie releasing in 2019.

Caylee Francis

Head of Preschool

Completing her training on the Gold Coast, Caylee has been working professionally as a performer both in Australia and internationally for the last 9 years. She has worked for Showtime Attractions, Pen2stage Productions, Village Roadshow Theme Parks among many others. Caylee choreographed Season 1 of ‘Ashy and Friends’ live stage show and animated episodes. Caylee is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor, holds a Cert IV in Musical Theatre and Cert IV in Performing Arts (Dance) and is currently completing a Bachelor of Primary Education. She is passionate about teaching the performing arts to all ages and guiding safe and effective development.

Ngavaine Tearea

Ngavaine is a professional and award winning hip hop dancer from New Zealand. With 7 years of intense training and competing in dance crews & companies and another 7 years working so far as a professional dancer & teacher in the industry. She trained under Parris Goebel who opened many doors to opportunities for her in the entertainment industry. Her highlights throughout her career so far is when she back up danced for Jennifer Lopez on American Idol Season 6 and also landing a 2 year contract with Cirque Du Soleil’s residential show “Micheal Jackson ONE” in Las Vegas. Her recent achievement is being chosen to dance in The Dream Dance Company’s 2019 touring show “Goddess”. Ngavaine teaches & mentors all ages through her artist development program called “The Process” which she started at the beginning of 2017 and has successfully been running it now for the 8th time. She teaches regular classes at many dance studios in Queensland and workshops all over Australia and Internationally. With all the experience she has been blessed with throughout her dance career, she is determine to share, develop and inspire the next generation to chase their DREAMS.

Karen Perring

Karen is a member of the Panel of Examiners of the Royal Academy of Dance, London, examining students throughout Australia and internationally. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Karen is a fully registered R.A.D. Teacher and has a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She has mentored students completing the Ballet Education Degree at the London R.A.D. Headquarters. Most recently she became a Tutor and licensee for the Silver Swans. Karen was privileged to study under teachers such as Kathleen Gorham OBE, Valerie Bayley and Joy Ransley, completing her R.A.D. Teaching Certificate in 1988. After a career performing in various styles of dance, Karen taught in her own dance schools followed by freelancing in both Australia and London U.K., teaching at The Ballet School, Notting Hill, West London School of Dance and Anna Pavlova’s Ivy House. Karen brings extensive knowledge and a passion for classical ballet to pass on to our students.

Heidi Jennings

Trained in Melbourne studying full-time ballet at Danceworld 301, Heidi has been working globally as a professional dancer for the last 10 years. She has performed in various Casino shows, corporate events and on major Cruise Lines. A well sought after choreographer and dance teacher on the gold coast she wishes to inspire her students and pass on all that she has learnt from working and travelling the world.

Vanessa Krummenacher

Vanessa has worked as a lead vocalist and performer both nationally and internationally in various productions for a range of companies. Highlights include performing as a lead vocalist on board Seabourn Luxury Cruiselines, featuring in the National Australian Tour of Rolling Thunder Vietnam, and taking the stage for various nationally recognised companies including Harvest Rain Theatre Company, La boite Theatre, Echelon Productions, Artslink Queensland as well as hosting children’s theatre shows internationally with Pen2Stage Productions. Vanessa has also performed numerous roles at Warner Bros. Movie World, including Marilyn Monroe and hosting the Hollywood Stunt Driver Show. Most recently Vanessa performed in Mission Entertainment Co.’s Diamonds after Dark as a lead vocalist. Vanessa currently performs on the Gold Coast and interstate with various bands and leading corporate entertainment companies. As well as performing, Vanessa absolutely loves sharing her craft in her singing lessons. As an experienced and certified performing artist herself, Vanessa has the knowledge and the passion to support you on your growth as a vocalist and a unique, confident performing artist.

Brodie Gardiner

Erin Lampre

Layla Bennett

Elena McEwan

Rex Peers

Lili Moir

Administration Team

Our dedicated administration team is the heartbeat of our studio — committed to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring your experience at LAUNCH is seamless, supportive, and stress-free. From keeping you informed and up to date to assisting with enrolments and day-to-day queries, they’re here to help every step of the way.