Meet The Team...
Principal - Jessie Garbellini
(A.R.A.D, C.B.T.S, R.T.S, B.Env. Sc)
Jessie commenced ballet at the age of 11 and at the age of 16 began studying ballet full-time. This included comprehensive Ballet Technique, Pas de Deux, Repertoire, National Character, Jazz and Contemporary.
Jessie was accepted into several national and international schools and in 2003 Jessie took up a place at the New Zealand School of Dance as a Classical Major. Due to injury she returned to Australia and completed her HSC, receiving 94% for HSC dance and being selected for the “Callback” showcase.
Jessie has completed the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Advanced 2 exam with distinction and gained the Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (A.R.A.D) qualification. Jessie taught for eight years at dance schools in Penrith and the Blue Mountains before opening Glenbrook Ballet Theatre in 2008. Jessie has completed the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, and is a fully registered and qualified teacher and teaching mentor with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Bio Coming Soon...
All the GBT Teachers make every lesson so enjoyable. I love all the time spent in the studio - there is constant joy!
Carolina - GBT Student for 13 years
Teachers & Staff
Ilona Blake
Classical Ballet, Silver Swans, Tap, GBTA, Cygnets, Solos
(A.R.A.D Teachers Dip [Dist.]
Ilona began ballet at the age of 3 with Warren Gasson at the Penrith Academy of Ballet. In 1990, she left school to study full-time ballet at Glen Street Academy under the direction of Tanya Pearson and Janice Graham, building a strong foundation for a lifelong career in dance.
In 1992, Ilona was awarded a Rotary Award for her contribution to dance in the community. In 1994, she opened her own studio, Dance Creation, which she successfully directed for 20 years, establishing herself as a respected teacher and mentor within the industry.
Ilona joined the GBT faculty in 2016 and brings over 30 years of teaching experience to the studio. She enjoys sharing her depth of knowledge and lifelong love of dance with the students of Glenbrook Ballet Theatre, supporting them to grow with confidence, discipline and artistry.
Isabella Bonanno
Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre,
Open Ballet, Adults Class, Solos
(Cert IV in Dance Performance)
Isabella has trained across a wide range of styles including Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre and Classical Ballet. She has completed ballet examinations in both the RAD and Cecchetti syllabi, achieving multiple Cecchetti Ballet scholarships and Runner Up in the Cecchetti Medal Awards. Her dedication was further recognised with both of her HSC Dance works selected for performance at Callback.
In 2016, Isabella completed the prestigious Pre-Professional course at Sydney Dance Company and attained a Certificate IV in Dance, refining her artistry, performance quality and professional approach.
Isabella brings a strong technical base and creative focus to her work at GBT, supporting students to develop both confidence and artistry in their dancing.
Remy Carveth
Petite Program, Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Stretch
(Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management)
Remy is a graduate of Glenbrook Ballet Theatre, where she trained from a young age and completed both RAD Graded and Vocational examinations.
During her time at GBT, she participated in the Student Teacher ‘DanceStep’ program and was the first student Australia-wide to successfully complete the full program, reflecting her dedication, consistency and commitment to her training.
Remy has a particular passion for working with younger students and takes great joy in supporting them as they build confidence, creativity and strong technical foundations. She is especially committed to helping children find enjoyment in movement in a positive and nurturing environment.
Renelle Jones
Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre,
KLT, Hip Hop
(B. Dance)
Renelle trained extensively in both Sydney and Queensland, developing a strong and versatile foundation across a range of dance styles. After a four-year break from dance, she returned to full-time training, completing a Bachelor of Dance degree at Wesley Institute/AMPA.
In 2014, Renelle became a Top 4 Grand Finalist on So You Think You Can Dance Australia, working with internationally renowned choreographers including Parris Goebel, Jason Gilkison, Travis Wall, Marko Panzic and Stephen Tannos.
Since then, Renelle has worked professionally across the industry, including on The Voice Australia and The X Factor Australia, and continues to work as a choreographer, adjudicator and teacher across Australia, sharing her industry experience and passion for dance.
Gabriella Stockwell
Studio Admin & Teacher
(RAD C.B.T.S, RAD Registered Teacher)
Gabby has trained at a number of prestigious ballet schools across the Blue Mountains, Sydney and Brisbane, gaining extensive training in Classical Ballet, Repertoire, National Character, Jazz and Contemporary Dance. Her broad training background brings versatility, artistry and depth to her teaching.
She completed all Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Graded Examinations with Distinction and progressed through all vocational levels, completing her Advanced 2. Gabby went on to complete the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies through the RAD and is a fully registered RAD teacher.
Alongside her work in dance, Gabby is also a highly experienced professional Makeup Artist and Hairstylist, working across film, television, advertising, weddings and editorial shoots.
Anna Koutzas
Saturday Studio Concierge
Anna has been part of the GBT family for 17 years, growing up through the school and becoming a valued member of our studio community. Throughout her time at GBT she has completed RAD examinations as well as the DanceStep Student Teacher Program, developing her knowledge, confidence and leadership skills along the way.
Anna is currently studying Speech Pathology at university, combining her passion for communication, learning and working with children and young people.
Anna works in the studio boutique and office on Saturday mornings, where she enjoys helping families, assisting students and being a friendly and familiar face around the studio.
"DanceStep" Student Teachers
We are proud to be an official Studio Partner of the "DanceStep" program. "DanceStep" is a formalised and progressive Dance Student Teacher Education Program which empowers students to serve as role models, grow as leaders and care for others in their dance studio community. (https://dancestep.com.au/)