My journey

Jia’s dance journey didn’t begin in childhood. At 21, she took her first ballet class and never looked back. She went on to earn certifications in ballet, train in New York, and explore improvisation and Eastern movement practices.

Over the years, she has facilitated movement programs for diverse groups, from newborns to seniors. She has also collaborated with other artists to create original works.

Through it all, dance became her sanctuary—helping her navigate stress, major life transitions, and moments of uncertainty.

During Covid, Jia’s love of dance movement led her to ‘back’ to Qi Gong and Tai Chi, practices from her own cultural traditions. These forms have become a daily ritual, supporting balance, calm and connection with nature.

After the birth of her first child in 2023, dance became a special way to bond with her baby and reconnect with herself, confirming her belief in movement as a universal language. It inspired her to share its magic from the very beginning of life, creating space for bonding, joy and wellbeing.

With a background in anthropology, Jia appreciates the richness of world cultures. This is reflected in her class offerings.

Inspired by nature and the beauty of simple things, she continues to explore new ways of dancing, moving and making.

Creative background

Jia has directed many original performances that explored themes of nature & community, such as Labyrinths (Woodburn Creatives, 2023), Red Dust (Marian Street Theatre, 2022), and Traces (Bilpin International Ground, 2021).

She has presented work internationally, including solo performances and art exhibitions in Japan (supported by the Australian Embassy) & New York (Chen Dance Theatre & Dance Theatre of Harlem).

These experiences have shaped her teaching practice: inclusive, expressive and intuitive.

Well-being & Safety Certifications

• First Aid & Mental Health First Aider

• Working with Children’s Check

• Qualified Babywearing Consultant – Australian Babywearing Association

• Post Natal Training for Personal Trainers – Women’s Fitness Education

Dance & Movement Training

• Early Childhood and Creative Dance Teachers Training, Dance Education Laboratory, New York City, 2018

• Presenter on Inclusive Dance Teaching – Dance and the Child Conference, Slovenia, 2024

• Mamadances Facilitator Training, 2024

• How Movement Works Intensive – Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, 2020

• Language of Dance Intensive, Dance Education Laboratory, New York City, 2018

• Advanced 1 Certification in Classical Ballet (Merit) – Royal Academy of Dance (4000+ hours), 2021

• Full-Time Contemporary Dance Study – Martha Graham School, New York City, 2017-18

• Intermediate Cecchetti Ballet (Merit) – 2016

• Flamenco (Grade 3–4, Allianz syllabus) – 2016

Diversity & Facilitation

• BA Anthropology – Australian National University

• Working with Diversity – TAFE

• Group Facilitation Training – Groupwork Centre

• Teacher Training Workshop, Dance for Parkinson’s Australia