Kangaroo Island Academy

Meet the Founder – Tiffany Banton
A passionate performing arts professional, Tiffany is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent on Kangaroo Island. While she manages our Retail operations of Emu Ridge, her true love for the arts shines through in everything she does, whether she’s teaching, mentoring, or creating opportunities for young performers to thrive.
Tiffany, originally from Kangaroo Island, has been passionate about the performing arts from an early age. Her journey began at just three years old when she joined the Kangaroo Island Calisthenics Club. Over the next decade, she demonstrated unwavering dedication as a student, even travelling every weekend to be part of the state team as a junior and intermediate competitor. Tiffany seized every opportunity to refine her skills, participating in various workshops focused on dance, musical theatre, singing, and acting.
In 2005, Tiffany’s talents earned her a prestigious three-year scholarship at Scotch College, where she further pursued her love for the arts and elevated her training to new heights. Upon graduating in 2008, she moved to New South Wales, where she began working for the children’s entertainment company Bop Till You Drop. After a year, she took a bold step by acquiring the South Australian franchise, bringing joy to children across the state through disco karaoke parties, school dance programs, and performing arts holiday workshops. Despite her demanding schedule, Tiffany continued to engage in her own dance classes and participated in amateur musicals in South Australia.
In 2022, Tiffany made the decision to return to Kangaroo Island to support her family business, Emu Ridge. Recognizing a continued gap in the performing arts on the island, she founded the Kangaroo Island Academy, an institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists and performers. Through her work, Tiffany remains committed to fostering a vibrant performing arts community on Kangaroo Island, blending her entrepreneurial spirit with her lifelong passion for the arts.
Tiffany is also one of the dedicated teachers for the Kangaroo Island Calisthenics Club.