As a teenager in Tasmania, Renee Ritchie never imagined that dance could become a full-time career — let alone take her around the world. What began as a love of movement soon transformed into a life of performance, choreography, and teaching, with credits alongside Paula Abdul, Tina Landon, Jennifer Lopez, and Disney productions. Today, Renee is known not only for her versatility on stage and screen but also for her passionate mentorship and her commitment to giving back through the Tasmanian Dance Expo. 
Discovering Dance as a Career
Growing up in Tasmania, Renee didn’t see many pathways into the professional dance world. “Being so far away, I didn’t really know anyone who had built a career in dance,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until I was 16 that I told myself, I want to give this a shot.”
That dream became real when she moved to Sydney to train full-time at Brent Street. “Spending a year immersed in learning about the industry showed me what it would take to build a career. I never thought I’d hit the global stage — I just kept wanting to evolve, step by step.”
Training Tomorrow’s Stars
From 2011–2014, Renee became a lead teacher at Brent Street, shaping dancers who have since become some of Australia’s most recognisable names: Michael Dameski, Paris Cavanagh, and Alex Miedzinski.
“I look at them now and feel so proud,” Renee says. “I see a little bit of myself and a little bit of Jason Winters in them too, because he was such a huge part of their training. Back then, we practically lived in the studio together — sometimes from 9am until 9pm. They’d even say they spend more time with me than their parents. It was an incredible time of constant dancing and growth.”
Pinch-Me Moments: From Tina Landon to Paula Abdul
While many dancers dream of sharing the stage with pop icons, Renee’s biggest thrills came from working alongside the choreographers she idolised.
“One of my biggest pinch-me moments was standing beside Tina Landon while choreographing for Paula Abdul. Tina is legendary — she worked with Janet and Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and so many others. To be learning and creating in that space was surreal. Those opportunities don’t come along every day.”
A Career of Versatility
From choreographing for So You Think You Can Dance Australia to Disney’s D23 Expo, Blippi The Musical, and high-profile music projects, Renee has proven herself across genres.
“I always wanted to be the most versatile creator I could be, because versatility opens doors,” she explains. “Whether it’s commercial, theatrical, or children’s entertainment, I think about the audience first. Who are we performing for? What do they need to feel or experience? That mindset shapes everything I do.”
Teaching with Heart
Renee is renowned for her powerful teaching style, one that inspires dancers to give their all. “When you come into my class, I don’t care if you’re the most technically trained. What I want is 100% commitment — leave it all on the floor. That’s what makes you unforgettable.”
She believes this intensity is what makes Australians stand out globally. “We’re passionate, we’re athletic, and we hit hard. That combination is uniquely Australian, and it makes us shine on the international stage.” 
Giving Back Through the Tasmanian Dance Expo
Alongside long-time friend Lockhart Brownlie, Renee co-founded the Tasmanian Dance Expo (TDE), an event designed to bring world-class training and networking opportunities to the community they grew up in.
“Locky actually dreamed it first,” she laughs. “At first, I thought, Oh, I’ve never considered that. But then I saw the vision too, and it clicked. Tasmania had never had anything like this. It was daunting, but it’s also been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
Mentors Who Shaped Her
Renee is quick to acknowledge the teachers and mentors who helped her along the way:
- Jenina Evans, her first teacher in Tasmania, who nurtured her from the very beginning.
- Jason Winters, who shaped her artistry and choreographic voice.
- Kevin Maher, who trained her in the US and taught her how to carry herself as a businesswoman as well as an artist.
- And those closer to home: “Chris, you were a huge mentor for me back in Sydney,” Renee shares warmly. “You helped guide me in business and supported both Locky and me in launching TDE. That support made a big difference.”
Becoming the Artist Within
For Renee, dance is about far more than steps. “Being a dancer transcends movement — it’s about becoming the artist within. Once you discover who you really are, it shows in your story, your lifestyle, your image, your performance. That’s when incredible opportunities come.”
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked for her top advice to young dancers, Renee doesn’t hesitate: “Research. To be timeless, you need to know where movement comes from — Bob Fosse, Michael Jackson, even swing dance from the ’20s and vernacular jazz. Study the history, understand the roots. That foundation makes your artistry stronger and your future brighter.”
What’s Next
At the moment, Renee is travelling and teaching in Atlanta while preparing for a choreography project in Palm Springs. With a career spanning television, film, theatre, and global tours, she continues to push forward — always evolving, always inspiring, and always giving back.
WATCH OUT FOR OUR UPCOMING SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH LOCKIE BROWNLIE & TASMANIAN DANCE EXPO FEATURE!!
