BBO Registered Tutors
Rebecca Keoghan MNZM
Director
Rebecca Keoghan Director of Gravity Dance Studio and a fully registered international BBO dance teacher. She was “sent” to ballet at age 4 in attempt to lower her “hyperactivity” and what followed has been decades of passion for music, ballet, jazz and musical theatre. Originally from Invercargill, Rebecca now resides in Westport and is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) teacher with ballet exams completed up to Advanced level under Joy Lewis-Benneworth School of Dance in Invercargill.
Rebecca loves all disciplines of dance & music and spent 13 years dancing herself in dancing & music competitions across Southland and Otago and as a student with the Royal New Zealand Ballet performances in Invercargill. In addition to the 13 years dancing with Joy Lewis-Benneworth, Rebecca also taught for 5 years in ballet (up to Advanced level), jazz, competition solos & choreography, before leaving to move to Dunedin to study medical science at Otago University. Whilst at University, Rebecca continued her teaching career – teaching RAD ballet with Karen MacLeod at McCay School of Dance in Dunedin.
After her study was completed, Rebecca took a break from teaching to pursue her career, International travel and working in Melbourne before meeting her husband Nathan and moving to Westport in 2006, purchasing the family farm and starting a family;
The move to Westport also brought about a change in professional career from medical science to cement and then dairying. Rebecca was Operations Manager for Holcim (cement plant) for 8 years while studying for an Advanced Business Management diploma and an International Institute for Management Development (IMD) leadership diploma from Switzerland. After the Holcim plant closed, Rebecca moved to Landcorp where she was Business Manager and then General Manager of the Pamu Academy.
In 2019, Rebecca resigned from her Executive roles to concentrate on governance only whilst taking on Gravity Dance Studio. Rebecca is Chair of Fire & Emergency NZ, Deputy Chair of Timaru District Holdings, Director of Alpine Energy and Director of Keoghan Farm. Rebecca has a passion for business with previous Directorships with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Buller Holdings, Westland Milk Products, Invercargill City Forests and Forest Growth Holdings. Rebecca has also completed a certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors.
In 2016, Rebecca was awarded Dairy Woman of the Year, in 2017 Rebecca received a New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honors for services to business, and in 2018 – Rebecca was awarded the Westpac Woman of Influence Award.
For 14 years in Westport - Rebecca has loved teaching alongside Beryl, and teaching the BBO ballet and jazz syllabus and running solo & group lessons for those wishing to compete in competitions. Rebecca’s children; Amelie (14) and Spencer (12) also have a great passion for performing arts in music and all dance disciplines.
Rebecca has for many years had a passion for all performing arts – including music and musical theatre. In 2014 and 2016, Rebecca was selected to represent NZ with the NZ National Brass band on tour in China and Korea. She also tutors percussion students in the Buller and performs professionally with a number of A grade brass bands in NZ and Australia. Rebecca loves playing piano, violin, baritone, euphonium and percussion. Rebecca has a massive passion for dance – especially ballet, jazz & musical theatre and it gives Rebecca great pleasure to be a team with Laura and to be part of carrying on the traditions that are Beryl Collins School of Dance for all Buller students.
Laura Griffin
Director
Laura Griffin a Director of Gravity Dance Studio and a fully registered international BBO dance teacher.
Laura fell in love with dance at just three years old, beginning her training with the beloved Beryl. From the start, she immersed herself in the performing arts—dancing, singing, acting, and competing in gymnastics across New Zealand.
In 2005, Laura began assisting Beryl with beginner classes, gradually taking on more responsibility and eventually teaching her own solo and competition students. Known for her dynamic and creative choreography, she specialises in contemporary, hip hop, and jazz.
In 2009, Laura moved to Christchurch to further her training, completing an extended certificate at Hagley Theatre Company in acting, musical theatre, film, and contemporary dance. During this time, she also trained in Advanced Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop at Southern Ballet.
In 2011, Laura returned home to Westport to help care for her niece and nephew, opening a small studio focused on contemporary and hip hop. She ran this until 2016, when she welcomed her first child, Leighton. Even while raising a young family, Laura continued to teach part-time and stay connected to the dance community.
That same year, she co-founded a local gymnastics club, serving as head coach until stepping back in 2018 to welcome her second child, Daphné.
In 2019, Laura officially took over from her mentor Beryl and, together with Rebecca, has proudly led Gravity Dance Studio ever since. She cherishes the vibrant studio atmosphere and the privilege of guiding students as they grow in confidence, skill, and self-expression.
Laura believes there is dance in everyone, and that every child deserves the chance to move, create, and shine. Her goal is to provide a supportive, inclusive space where students feel safe, inspired, and celebrated—just as they are.
Amelie Keoghan
Amelie began dancing at the age of three and has developed a lifelong passion for the art.
She trains in ballet, tap, and musical theatre, and loves how each style allows her to express herself in a unique way.
In 2025, Amelie proudly completed her Level 3 Certificate in Dance Teaching Assistant through BBO Dance with excellence — a reflection of her dedication, hard work, and growing expertise as a young teacher.
She especially enjoys working with young children and finds great joy in helping them build confidence, develop technique, and explore their creativity. With her patience, energy, and positive attitude, Amelie is a natural leader and an inspiring role model for the next generation of dancers.
Assistant Teachers
Honor Spittal
Honor began dancing at just 3 years old and quickly developed a deep love for it. She has taken part in numerous competitions and shows over the years, and performing on stage remains one of her favorite parts of dance.
As she’s grown, Honor has also found a passion for teaching. She enjoys helping younger dancers learn new skills and takes pride in seeing their progress. Teaching has also given her the chance to build her leadership skills and grow in confidence.
As she continues her journey, Honor is excited to continue her journey as a dance teacher. She hopes to attend dance school to expand her training and is looking forward to enrolling in the BBO teacher qualifications in the future.
Her number one favorite dance genre is tap — she loves the rhythm, energy, and creativity it brings to every routine.
Stella Forbes
Stella started dancing at just 3 years old and has loved it ever since. Her favorite part of dancing is all the competitions — and honestly, just everything about it!
Stella also enjoys teaching and finds it really rewarding to help younger students learn new skills. She especially loves seeing them improve and grow in confidence. Teaching has also helped her develop strong social and leadership skills, which she values just as much as the dancing itself.
Looking ahead, Stella is excited to begin her professional teaching journey and plans to work toward her BBO teaching qualifications in the future. Her favorite dance style is jazz — she loves the energy, style, and creativity it brings to every class.
Ayla Lind
Ayla began her dance journey at the age of 3, starting with Fairy Ballet classes taught by Laura.
She is now studying Advanced 1 Ballet and Jazz, while also enjoying the freedom and creativity of contemporary dance.
One of her favorite parts of dancing is performing solos — she loves the opportunity to tell a story through movement without saying a word. Over the years, Ayla has also developed a passion for teaching.
She enjoys watching younger students grow in confidence and seeing their personalities shine through dance. Ayla takes pride in being a positive role model in the studio and finds joy in encouraging and inspiring younger dancers to be their best.
Maya Hateley
Maya started dancing when she was about five years old, and although she took a short break during COVID, dance has always been a big part of her life. She loves performing on stage—it’s a fun and powerful way for her to express herself, and sharing those moments with friends makes it even more special.
She also really enjoys helping younger dancers grow their passion for dance. Watching them improve their technique and seeing the routines she helps teach come to life on stage is something she finds incredibly rewarding.
While Maya is still unsure what the future holds, she could definitely see herself continuing to teach dance for a while, as it’s something she truly enjoys.