T E A M
Jemma Powys (Nicoll) // Managing Director
Jemma is a teacher, choreographer, writer and speaker. She has trained in the areas of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary dance, and holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Business Management. Jemma began Inspire at the age of 16, and has since interacted with thousands of young people across Australia and New Zealand through creative education. She is the founding board member of KidsPace Code, an organisation dedicated to combating the objectification of children in the performing arts industry, and promoting positive, safer dance communities. She has worked alongside other pivotal voices in this field including Melinda Tankard Reist and Steve Biddulph. Jemma is cited in Biddulph’s latest book: ’10 things Girls Need Most’, was a 2016 Australian of the Year nominee, and presents regularly in schools and conferences. With a BA in Journalism and experience as a freelance writer, Jemma’s main writing topics are youth culture and wellbeing, and issues affecting girls and women. Jemma loves sharing her knowledge with young artists, and encouraging Inspire students in their talent, creativity and love for the Creative Arts. She lives in the Sutherland Shire with her husband Jon, and two daughters: Amelie & Annabelle.
Sarah Furnari // Musical Theatre and Drama Coordinator
With over 10 years of teaching experience across Sydney and the USA, Sarah is excited to be back for her fourth year with Inspire Creative Arts. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Wollongong's Bachelor of Creative Arts (Performance/Acting) course where she was awarded the UOW Creative Arts Scholarship. As an actor, Sarah has worked in theatre, film, television and musical theatre. She also has extensive singing and dance experience. In 2019 you will catch Sarah onstage performing in a Sydney Shakespeare season, as well as appearing in a brand new TV show on Channel 10. Our Musical Theatre and Drama Program has thrived under her guidance, with students now taking on the auditioning and casting world under Sarah's care and expertise. Sarah says: "My vision for my students is that they grow into courageous, authentic storytellers with open hearts, empathy for others, and a tonne of creative flair. I want them to know that by taking ownership of their own story, young people can make their voices hear - little by little, creative arts have the power to shape their future and change our world."
Taylor Murr // IPC Coordinator // Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Troupe & Soloist Choreographer
Taylor has been dancing since the age of 2, with training and performance in a versatile range of styles including Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet and Tap. Taylor’s dedication to inspiring her students and devotion to their love for dancing helps create an exhilarating environment for all those she teaches. Taylor has enjoyed 4 years of teaching experience at Inspire Creative Arts and is soon to begin her 5th year of teaching at Inspire.
Taylor completed a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management at the Australian College of Dance in 2019, proceeding to choreograph various group, solo and duet routines for Regional Dance & Local Shire Eisteddfods.
In 2020, Taylor completed her Dance HSC with Ev & Bow, receiving ‘Call Back’ nominations for both her Major and Core dance performances. Taylor is currently studying a Bachelor in Education (Primary), fulfilling both her love of inspiring and teaching children as well as assisting them achieve their own goals and aspirations in the process.