come dance
with us
APR 12-14 2024 \\ MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS
VDF24
LINE UP
*Instructors subject to change.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR YVETTE LEE
ANNOUNCES THE LINE UP FOR VDF24
NADIA TORNESE HIP HOP & COMMERCIAL
Nadia Tornese is a sort after choreographer, instructor & creative. TV credits include The Wrong Girl, Neighbours, TV Week Logie Awards - Meghan Trainor (Assit. Choreographer). Other credits include Justice Crew, Carrie Bickmore's Brain Beats concert, Nickelodeon Kids Tennis Day (Australian Open), Diamonds at the Spiegeltent, NOVA FM, Mercedes, Mazda, Listen Out Music Festival, NIKE Aus and more.
gina michael hip hop
Gina Michael is an internationally renowned Egyptian-Australian choreographer from Melbourne. She is a sought-after instructor who has travelled the world teaching her unique and eye-catching style in over 40 countries.
Career highlights include being the Founder and Director of Ascendant Dance Company, a World Finals Judge at Hip Hop International 2018 - 2022, technical director of Hip Hop International Australia (2018/2019) and Head Judge of HHI Australia in 2022.
Gina was a Grand Finalist on Australia’s Got Talent (2016) and choreographer for the likes of Bliss n Esso and Fatai (The Voice). Recently Gina was a dancer for Robbie Williams x Delta Goodrem at the AFL Grand Final 2022 and starred in Nike x Rebel Campaigns 2022.
SOPHIE HOLLOWAY JAZZ
Sophie Holloway hit the industry at 16, featuring in TV shows and commercials before starring in Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby. In 2014 Sophie joined the renowned “Radio City Rockettes” in New York. Her 7 years with the company has included over 600 performances, The Tony Awards, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and more. In Aus Sophie’s credits include, Katy Perry, Cher, Opera Australia, Dance Academy, The Wiggles, Bonnie Lythgoe Productions, The Voice, Australia’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars and more.
amy campbell musical theatre
Amy Campbell is one of Australia’s most accomplished creative talents with a career spanning all areas of the entertainment industry. Her extensive list of choreographic credits include the Sydney Theatre Award Nominated Once (Darlinghurst Theatre Co), In The Heights -Nominated for a 2019 Helpmann Award and winner of the Sydney Theatre Critics Award (Blue Saint Productions in association with The Hayes Theatre), the Australian premiere of Violet (Broadway World Australia Award), the national tour of HAIR (Sydney Opera House and Peace Productions), An Act Of God (Darlinghurst Theatre Co), Spring Awakening (ATYP), the original Australian work Guilty Pleasures (Blue Saint Productions) and Oklahoma for The Production Company.
Amy’s theatre credits include the Australian tour of Dirty Dancing, Fame The Musical, Saturday Night Fever, Xanadu, the world premiere of King Kong Live on Stage, principal dancer in Opera Australia’s Carmen. She was Resident Choreographer on The Bodyguard Musical Australia and Resident Director on Hamilton Australia.
She was also the Choreographer/Movement Director and Assistant Director on The Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s productions of Funny Girl, Porgy and Bess and Candide.
Amy has appeared in commercials for Sony, Vodafone, Coca Cola, Video Ezy, Sci-Fi Channel, Kmart and was an ambassador for Lorna Jane’s Active Living Campaign. Her other television credits include Everybody Dance Now, placing in the Top 3 on So You Think You Can Dance Australia Season 2, as well as appearing on The X Factor, The Nickelodeon Awards, TV Week Logie Awards, Australia’s Next Top Model, Australia’s Got Talent and The Biggest Loser.
Amy has performed domestically and internationally, dancing alongside Kylie Minogue, Flo Rida, Redfoo, Tina Arena, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Sam Sparro and Sam and The Womp. Amy has choreographed on Dance Academy, The X Factor, ABC’s Giggle and Hoot and her film work can be seen across various campaigns for Opera Australia, Sydney Opera House and Powerball Lotteries.
This past year Amy choreographed Velvet Rewired in Australia and Germany. She also made her directorial debut originating a brand new Australian production of A Chorus Line (Darlinghurst Theatre Co) for the Sydney Festival followed by the hugely successful season at the Sydney Opera House.
Most recently Amy created and directed the world premiere of LEAP in April 2022.
cassie Bartho commercial
Cassie Bartho is a dynamic dancer and choreographer from Newcastle. At 16 she moved to Sydney to complete her HSC and fulltime training at Brent Street.
Since graduating fulltime Cassie has jet-setted into the commercial dance world to dance for artists such as Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Sam Smith, Ricky Martin, Jessie J, Kylie and Danni Minogue, PNAU, Client Liaison, Hailee Steinfeld, Kim Petras, and Havana Brown. Bartho has also performed on shows such as X-Factor, The Voice and Australia’s Got Talent as well multiple corporate events.
Cassie’s choreography is making an impact within the industry. Her work is slick and polished and her approach to creating visually exciting pieces – whether the brief calls for on-trend movement or something more classic – is fresh and energetic. Most recently she has been in Spain choreographing for David Guetta and Becky Hill at the Los 40 Music Awards for The Squared Division and movement direction for Delta Goodrem’s Bridge Over Troubled Dreams Tour. Bartho has also joined various creative teams, choreographing for companies, major brands and artists such as The Masked Singer, Optus, Mugler, Harvey Norman, The Star Casino, Luke Antony, NuSkin, Channel 7, Westpac and the ABC Network. Bartho has also assisted choreographers such as The Squared Divison, JTown, Matt Lee, Lucas Newland and Cat Santos.
Cassie hopes to continue to grow and develop as a dancer and choreographer and wishes to continue sharing her knowledge as much as possible with the Australian dance community.
michael waldrop
ballet & contemporary
Joffrey Ballet School will return to VDF in 2023 to hold both Ballet and Contemporary Masterclass Auditions! What an opportunity. You could be offered a place to train in New York City with the renowned Joffrey Ballet School.
Michael Waldrop was born in Los Angeles, California. He has toured the world, performing with Ballett des Theater Koblenz, State Street Ballet, and Pasadena Dance Theatre, as well as guest performances with Odyssey Dance Theatre, Seamless Dance Theater and the Covent Garden Dance Company’s international gala, Ballet in the Park. During this time, he performed in the classical and contemporary works of Peter Chu, Andreas Heise, Daniel Ezralow, Steffen Fuchs, Bella Lewitzky, Cathy Marston, Ihsan Rustem, Tom Ruud, William Soleau, Uwe Scholz, and Josie Walsh.
From the world of concert dance to the commercial industry, Michael has also appeared in the feature film Underground Comedy, ABC’s Bunheads, Nickelodeon’s Fresh Beat Band, and the Emmy Award winning opening routine of the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Other credits include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, industrials for Disney and MAC Cosmetics, performances at Los Angeles’ Music Center and the Getty Museum for the Dance Camera West Film Festival and American Choreography Awards.
Michael has choreographed original works for Theater Koblenz, Marymount Manhattan College, and the Joffrey Ballet School, as well as commissioned presentations for the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensives, and the School of State Street Ballet. Michael is currently Associate Artistic Director of the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program at the Joffrey Ballet School and on faculty at Peridance Capezio Center in New York City.
paul malek contemporary
Paul Malek is one of the most highly regarded Directors, Choreographers and Educators in Australia. With a passion for education, self-empowerment and artistic innovation; he inspires many individuals, businesses and communities to strive towards becoming the greatest version of themselves.
Trained in Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, his performing career saw him tour the world through 5 continents as dancer, dance captain, rehearsal director and company manager all before the age of 26.
Returning to Australia in 2006, he became an avid entrepreneur, creating businesses such as Collaboration the Project (2008 – 2014), responsible for events such as UNDRGRND Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, DANCE CHAT and DANCE CHAT LIVE, Project Y (youth dance company) and over 16 professional production seasons and tours.
Paul is the original Founder and Director of popular Melbourne Dance Institute MAPA Australia (2006 – 2011), and was also the co-director of BOOM Media, a Marketing and Media Company, For Dancers by Dancers from (2011 – 2016).
Currently a choreographic regular on television, credits include Dancing with the Stars (2012- ongoing) and So You Think You Can Dance (SE 3 & 4). Paul has been the choreographic brains of well over a hundred corporate events, award ceremonies, television commercials, music videos and dance festivals over the last two decades. Being awarded best choreography, best director and best producer at various festivals and award ceremonies during this time.
In 2015, Malek founded Transit Dance, and currently resides as Artistic Director of Transit Dance Company. Paul is also a highly sought-after Host and Inspirational Speaker, speaking at many corporate events, conventions and festivals not only in Australia but across the globe. On top of this, Malek is a passionate dance photographer and is the resident photographer at Transit Dance. He has also collaborated with many independent artists and companies such as Stephanie Lake Company and Project Animo.
arna singleton hip hip
Sponsored by Jump Dance Challenge
Arna Singleton aka Robotgirl (rbtgrl), is a respected and highly sought professional hip hop/street choreographer, dancer and performer who has already reached a career goal highlight when chosen to dance with Madonna in Canada after an intense audition process.
Her numerous dance credits include - So You Think You Can Dance (top 100 season 1 & 2, Ch 10), Australia's Got Talent (Ch 7), Everybody Dance Now (Ch 10), The Good Friday Appeal Variety Show (Ch 7), AFL Footy Show Player Revue (Ch 9), Lipton Tea Tv commercial, Jay Jay’s 3D Dance off campaign and many more. Choreography credits include - Fame: The Ultimate High School Musical (co-choreographer alongside Kelly Aykers), Undrgrnd, Victorian Dance Festival, Short & Sweet Dance Festival, Once Upon a Time 1 & 2, Nightmare on Dance Street 1 & 2 and Signs of the Zodiac and Grounded - Battle of the Arts, placing 2nd in the choreography competition.
Arna has continued to skill develop thousands of dancers and has contributed to the
professional development of so many interested in street dance forms. In 2018, she debuted her own dance company, The Legacy & Co, creating an all age dance environment for talented and passionate street dancers. Arna is a highly successful dance crew/soloist/duo choreographer with her work receiving high recognition at some of the country's best dance competitions. She created, directed and choreographed her very own debut dance show, 'Seeing Red', at the Malthouse Theatre in 2015 as well as The Legacy & Co's 2018 production, Her Name is Alice, the 2019 production, Follow, and Glitch in 2022 at Gasworks Arts Park. In
2019, Arna become a top 3 finalist for the Community Service Award for the Grounded Industry Awards. In addition, Arna has previously been a finalist for the Victorian Dance Awards in categories, Favourite Female Choreographer, Favourite Dance Event and Favourite Online Video. Arna has also produced many hip hop/street dance events for the Melbourne dance community, celebrating 15 years of Step Off at Festival Hall and 3 years of co-producing Heavyweight Dance Championships.
Hëna Memishi grooves
Hëna Memishi is a professional movement artist of Albanian descent based in Naarm. She immerses herself in street dance and choreography.
Hëna has an unyielding desire to evolve as a dancer and has travelled internationally to further develop her skills. Her credits include Robbie Williams, Jessica Mauboy, Baker Boy, Joyce Wrice and has worked with global brands such as Google, Bonds and Platypus Shoes.
Since 2011, Hëna has used dance to engage with youth and the next generation of performing artists, by using dance as a vessel to enrich the community through the Arts. Hëna has been a Teaching Artist with Not-for-profit L2R Dance since 2015 and in 2019 she was appointed the role of Community Development and Events Coordinator, striving to explore new ways to create, engage and innovate, while celebrating everybody in the Arts. Hëna has a profound passion for dance, and it’s how she identifies herself. Dance allows her freedom to be an explorer and a creator while inspiring her to create positive change through the power of movement. The invaluable experiences and possibilities dance have offered her throughout her practice have been instrumental in making Hena the person she finds herself today.
JASON WINTERS CONTEMPORARY
Sponsored by COMDANCE
Jason Winters, originally from the U.S. and currently living in Sydney has had a long and lustrous career. Not just as a world class dancer for Southern Ballet Theatre, The Walt Disney World Company, Radio City Music Hall, and The Mia Michaels contemporary dance company RAW, but also as an associate choreographer
for shows On and Off Broadway, Cirque de Soleil, and SYTYCD US & Canada to name just a few.
Jason’s work as a choreographer has included shows for Australian television such as SYTYCD, Dance Academy, and You Are the One, as well as music artists The Veronicas, Nick Broadhurst, Emma Louise, Fractures, and Brad Cox.
In 2012-2013 Jason created a completely original Diploma of Dance in Elite Performance for Brent Street Studios, Sydney. As Director of this year long accredited course Jason introduced a wholistic way of educating that included equal parts Yoga, Dance, Theory, Choreography, Performance, & Mentoring. Today, this program is used in many Full Time Educational programs throughout Australia, & The Jason Winters Contemporary Syllabus is recognised by the Queensland board of education as an official certificate of education in Contemporary Dance. This was followed by the launch of Youth Contemporary Dance program ‘The Movement’. Jason's faculty positions have included The Joffrey School, Broadway Dance Centre, STEPS on Broadway, Amsterdam Dance Centre, The American Dance Awards, Sydney Dance Company, DanceLife Unite, Get the Beat Asia, The West Coast Dance Festival, The Brisbane Eisteddfod and more.
2022 saw the 10yr anniversary of Jason's original comprehensive Contemporary Syllabus, the first of its kind in the world, sold exclusively through COMDANCE Australia, & CSTD International. Jason is currently director of TheWintersExperience for the Full Time training program at The Next Step Performing Arts Professional in Sydney.
JAmes maxfield
COmmercial performance
With an International Career spanning over a 18 years, James Maxfield is one of Australia and the UK's most versatile creatives. Starting his career as a Musical Theatre performer and Touring with International Artists, James has established himself as a highly sought after creative across all platforms of entertainment.
His main credits include The Voice Australia, The Masked Singer, Australia's Got Talent, X Factor, Dancing On Ice, Hamilton, Wicked, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon, Dirty Dancing, My Fair Lady, Taylor Swift, Kelly Rowland, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, Little Mix and Rita Ora.
TIANA CANTERBURY AFRO FUSION
Tiana Canterbury has worked actively at the forefront of the Australian dance scene for close to two decades. Her experience working with dancers to bring them to their fullness potential has sparked the attention of many large organisations seeking talent for their campaigns.
Over the past 3 years Tiana has served as the dance scene expert for Red Bull Australia. She plays the role of the middle woman between Red Bull and the dance community throughout Australia. A role which calls on her to actively liaise with Red Bull teams internationally, deliver and mentor talent through preliminary and final stages of competition, and build overall relationships between corporates and communities.
Tiana featured in films The Great Gatsby, The Matrix and Son of Mask and has danced with Macklemore (USA), JaRule (USA), Montell Jordan (USA), Marvin Priest (UK), Guy Sebastian (AUS), Jessica Mauboy (AUS), Stan Walker (NZ), Color Me Badd (USA), Timomatic (AUS) and CHINGY (USA) and featured in commercials for Google, Telstra, 2dayFM and even been Janet Jackson’s body double!
Tiana is active as a Choreographer. She is currently appointed as Head Choreographer for touring artist “Sampa The Great”. Her choreography has been showcased on world-renowned stages. Lead Choreographer credits on TV and Stage also include Hungry Jacks, Timomatic Dance Boss, MADIBA Aus/NZ Theatre Tour, KMART Active Wear, Macklemore NRL, The Voice, Stan Walker Nickelodeon, Australia Got Talent, SYTYCD, MTV Awards CHINGY and more.
Tiana is highly respected as a leader and somewhat mother figure to the Australian Dance Community. She is regularly booked to travel nationally and deliver both spoken and dance choreography workshops. She is currently developing her own on platform which she refers to as ‘The Dancing Mind’. This approach leans into sparking Self Belief and overcoming self by tapping into the energy centres of dance and movement.
Todd patrick jazz
Todd Patrick is the Founder of Patrick School of the Arts, Australia's most successful performing arts institution. Under his guidance, his Alumni have gone on to perform on every stage across the world. Todd founded Patrick Studios Australia, now Patrick School of the Arts 17 years ago, which altogether encompasses a Full-time Performing Arts, Musical Theatre and Professional Development Course as well as Patrick Arts High School for the Performing Arts to specifically train dancers for a professional career in the arts. Each year Patrick School of the Arts continues to grow and push boundaries, opening doors for so many upcoming artists. In addition, he started Patrick Management to help students and professional performers break into the industry and foster their career.
Prior to Patrick School of the Arts Todd’s long spanned career saw him travel all over the world working for some of the most industry respected companies as both a dancer, choreographer and creative director. He began his career with the internationally acclaimed company, Walt Disney Studios before beginning an impressive stint across Europe and Asia with the prestigious Lido in Paris, France, Royal Palace Strasbourg, W Hotel South Korea and Jupiter’s Casino in the Gold Coast, Australia.
The credits that Todd has to his name as a choreographer and dancer are nothing short of impressive, having worked with the likes of Crown Melbourne and Star City, Australian pop acts Vanessa Amorosi, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Zoe Badwi, Kate Ceberano and Dannii Minogue not to mention MAC Cosmetics, Christian Dior, Versace, Issey Miyake, Chanel and Gucci alongside Giselle Bundchen, John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld.
His students and talent are now following in his footsteps and can be seen around the world in shows like Moulin Rouge, Wicked, Hamilton, Frozen, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Beauty and the Beast, and in venues across Europe including The Lido, Moulin Rouge and La Nouvelle Eve. His students frequent in music videos, TV programs, cruise ships, commercial functions and fashion parades with highly acclaimed directors and choreographers.
nathan pinnell jazz
Nathan is an award-winning performer with a career spanning over two decades. His professional career began at the age of 9 in two Opera Australia productions, Falstaff and Manon Lescaut. As a young boy he appeared in numerous television commercials such as Sea Monkey’s,Australia Post and Meadow Lea. Nathan has been involved in Melbourne Fashion Week, re- opened Hamer Hall Arts Centre, performed for the Prime Minister at Australia House in London and took part in launching for Mercedes Benz.
His theatre credits include Singin’ In The Rain, Hugh Jackman: Broadway To Oz, Anything Goes, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Chicago: The Musical (for which he received a Green Room Award), Dusty:The Original Pop Diva, We Will Rock You, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, High School Musical, Eurobeat: Almost Eurovision and Rhythm and Runners. For the Production Company: Gypsy (receiving Best Supporting Actor for the Theatre People Pro Choice Awards), Boy From Oz, Promises Promises, 42nd Street, Sweet Charity and The Music Man.
TV credits include: Toyota Corolla Campaign, It Takes Two, Blue Heelers, SYTYCD, The Footy Show, Australia’s Most Wanted, Wicked Science, The Morning Show, Morning’s with Kerrie Anne and Sunrise.
Amanda stone jazz
Amanda Stone is the Academy Awards of Childrenʼs entertainment: Choreographer, Director, Producer, Dancer and Teacher; she does it all with precision and professionalism. She has choreographed for Walt Disney Studios, Gary Ginivin Attractions (Lazy town Live , Pinocchio and Possum Magic) , Andrew K and Associates (Hairy Maclairy & Friends and Bananas in Pyjamas ), Shine Entertainment(Thomas and the Hidden Treasure), X system Entertainment (Barbie -Mattel, Nickelodeon, Hit Entertainment, Sesame Street Workshop, Astro Boy, Garfield, Care Bears), and Marilla productions (Looney Tunes, Winx Club, Totally Spies and Strawberry Short Cake).
As a dancer she has worked across the globe as Kylie Minogue’s body double, in TV shows, film clips, cheerleading for Melbourne Storm and huge corporate events. Amanda danced in every Disney production in Australia and Asia for several years until her talent for choreography was noticed and she became one of their highly respected Choreographers.
Amandaʼs company, Stone Productions Australia, is a children’s entertainment company that creates stage shows to tour throughout Asia and Australia including Paroro Live, Sesame Street Live, Chuggington Live, Warner Bros. and Dinosaur Train.
Amanda is also Director of Patrick School of the Art’s Academy - High School for the Performing Arts, Elite Squad and Junior School.
jarryd byrne latin and partnering
Jarryd is a creative, choreographer and dancer who has forged a successful career on both stage and screen. Specialising in Latin and Ballroom, Jarryd is a Dancing With The Stars Champion, winning with Actress and Comedian, Celia Pacquola.
His most recent choreography credits include Stan’s “Ten Pound Poms”, Dancing With The Stars; MTC’s Heisenberg; Immersive Cinema’s Dirty Dancing; The Unbelievables and White Night Melbourne.
Professional Credits include: “Nathan Starkey’ Baz Luhrmans Strictly Ballroom The Musical (understudy Ken Railings), Burn The Floor; The Unbelievables and Shake Rattle & Roll.
A resident professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars, Jarryd has been partnered with stars such as Renee Bargh, Olympia Vallance, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Jesinta Franklin and Ash Pollard.
antony hamilton contemporary
Antony Hamilton is Artistic Director and co-CEO of Chunky Move. His work employs a sophisticated melding of choreography, sound and visual design to collaboratively imagine complete worlds in performance.
Antony has been the recipient of major fellowships from Bangarra Dance Theatre (the Russell Page Fellowship), the Tanja Liedtke Foundation, the Australia Council for the Arts and the Sidney Myer Foundation. In 2013, he was Resident Director of Lucy Guerin Inc and in 2014 was guest dance curator at The National Gallery of Victoria. He was also the inaugural International Resident Artist at Dancemakers Toronto from 2016 to 2018. Antony has received four Helpmann Award nominations, winning for Black Project 1 & 2, and Forever and Ever (Sydney Dance Co.). He has won numerous Green Room Awards and has also received a New York Performing Arts Award ‘Bessie’ for Outstanding Production for MEETING.
In his time as Artistic Director at Chunky Move, Antony has premiered Token Armies (2019), Universal Estate (2019), Nocturnal (2020), Yung Lung (2022) Rewards for the Tribe (2022) and AB_TA_Response (2022). He has also championed a range of sector support programs, including the Victorian Regional Artist Residency, commissioning program Activators and the Choreographer in Residence initiative.
TRISH SQUIRE SHOWGIRL/GUY
Trish Squire is one of Australia’s most in-demand choreographers and directors with
a remarkable career in the performing arts industry spanning over 20 years. An established performer, talent manager and producer of national and international premiere live events, Trish has an extensive body of work and long list of A-list clients eager to work with her extraordinary talent.
With a reputation for training and providing clients with the highest calibre of Showgirl Entertainment, Trish is dedicated to delivering the finest in corporate entertainment. Trish has worked with and choreographed for artists including Guy Sebastian, Rhonda Burchmore, Anthony Callea, Ricki Lee Coulter, Chris Lilley, Toni Pearen, Hi-5, Wendy Stapleton, Jon English and Tottie Goldsmith, and has worked with exclusive corporate entertainment companies Crown Casino, Channel 7, GTV 9, Schweppes, Star City, Shared Tables and Siemens to name a few.
With a long list of live performance credits to her name, Trish has also achieved a Diploma of Musical Theatre as well as Dance Teaching and Management and is the founder and director of Spectrum Dance Studios and Spectrum Talent Agency.
Launching the agency in 2008, Trish has secured contracts for Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Holland America Cruises, Royal Palace Germany, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disneyland Tokyo, Disney Sea Tokyo, Disneyland Paris, Moulin Rouge Paris, West Side Story, Universal Studios Japan, Disney Live Asia Australia Tour, Resorts World Genting, The Footy Show, Target, Kmart, Coles, Melbourne Storm NRL Street Crew, Melbourne Storm NRL Cheerleaders, Collingwood Dance Crew, Melbourne Star Cheerleaders and Showtime Attractions.
Trish’s leading incentive is sharing in her client’s achievements and the success of her students, mentoring them as they progress from student, to professional. Trish’s passion is in attending to her student’s needs and helping them believe in their ability to improve and grow as performers, as they make their mark on the world.
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RAMBERT GRADES CONTEMPORARY
Training to empower.
Rambert Grades is a progressive and inclusive contemporary dance syllabus created from the landmark collaboration between two of the world’s leading dance organisations: Rambert School and Rambert company.
The benchmark for creative contemporary dance learning and practice, Rambert Grades offers students of all abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to develop lifelong skills. Carefully designed with an unequivocally holistic approach at its heart, the syllabus embraces an ethos of progressive dance education and is about inspiration, confidence, and self-belief.
The syllabus was developed by some of the most dynamic and relevant voices of contemporary dance in the UK, including material from renowned choreographers Hofesh Shechter and Alesandra Seutin. The syllabus offers dance training across Grades 1- 8 and through Creative Dance for Early Years (Creative Movers, Pre-Primary and Primary).
Holly Pooley is a well-respected contemporary dance and ballet teacher based in Perth. Following her training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (UK), Holly pursued further studies in teaching, receiving a Postgraduate Teaching Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dance. Holly is a qualified Rambert Grades and Royal Academy of Dance teacher.
Holly's passion for dance led her to pursue a career in teaching, and she has since become an integral part of the dance community in Perth. She is the co-director of Ignite Dance WA, a leading dance school in the area, where she teaches students of all ages and levels. Holly's teaching style is known for its creativity, technical precision, and focus on individual student progress.
In addition to her work at Ignite Dance WA, Holly is also the chairperson of the Western Australia Royal Academy of Dance Regional Advisory Panel, a role that reflects her deep commitment to the development of dance education in the region.
TREVOR SANTOS GROOVES AND MOVES
Trevor Santos is a Naarm/Melbourne born dance artist and choreographer. Working alongside artists such as Guy Sebastian, Mo’Ju, Missy Higgins, Hayden Calnin, Sheppard and Hangeng. Trevor has worked with brands such as Lee Jeans Australia’ Leesures’ campaign, Nuform clothing, Toyota, Baker’s Delight, Vicks and Boost Juice. In recent year, Trevor has been expanding his craft stepping into the world of theatre, casted in Jagged Little Pill and the worldwide hit Hamilton.
Trevor is also a choreographer & teacher working on the Miss World Australia 2022 finals and creating his first solo work 100 Haikus, receiving a 4-star review in the Age. His teaching credits include cities such as Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, Hobart and Beijing, Malaysia and New York.
A sought-after artist, both locally and internationally, he is a significant figure in the Melbourne dance scene. Passionate about the arts, Trevor continues to push and refine his craft, lending them to many different artistic platforms. Learn more and follow his journey at Instagram.com/trevorjsantos.
luke alleva tap
Luke began his musical theatre career in Man of La Mancha as Juan, Brains in Get Happy, Cliff for We Will Rock You Australian tour.
Luke’s West End credits include We Will Rock You at The Dominion Theatre, Saturday Night Fever at Apollo Victoria u/s Joey, Chester and Cesar and West End Rocks UK tour.
On return to Australia Luke performed in The Rocky Horror Show u/s Brad and Eddie/Dr Scott, Scranton Slim & u/s Benny in Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia u/s Pepper and Eddie,
Young Danny in Xanadu, Moonshadow the musical as Dance Captain, A Chorus Line u/s Mike, Al, Don & Larry, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The recent tour of Hot Shoe Shuffle u/s four brothers including Spring and also playing the role of Spring in Birdie productions Hot Shoe Shuffle in Sydney, and currently performing in Dirty Dancing Immersive Cinema in Melbourne and Sydney, playing Gene Kelly in the regional tour of Gene & Judy.
For The Production Company, Al Saxon in Dusty, Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl, Boy From Oz, 42nd Street, Little Me, Guys and Dolls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jimmy in The Boy Friend. Luke recently played the roles of Eddie/ Dr Scott in John X Presents production of Rocky Horror.
Luke is the Creative Director and Founder of Luca Entertainment Productions. He produced the international acclaimed Gene Kelly the legacy for the Australian tour at Sydney State Theatre, Melbourne Recital Centre and Brisbane Qpac. He has also created many shows and including starring in One Man show The Dancin Man Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria and various International Cruises lines and other upcoming productions including Dance Fitness on Broadway.
Luke is also a sort after Choreographer and Director, Carols by Candle Light & Ballarat Carols for Channel 9 for Daryl Somers, Saturday Night Fever at chapel off chapel, Cabaret the musical Spiegel Tent, Gene & Judy, 50’s Shake, Give My Regards to Broadway, Tis The Season, Fr Bob’s We need A Little Christmas Fed Square, Tap & Musical Theatre Ambassador for VDF ‘20/ ATF/ DDA, Music Videos, Corporate Shows, Musical Theatre Workshops, Adjudicator/ Judge.
Film credits are Montmartre Team lead dancers in Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, Dein Perry’s Bootmen, Tom Usher in Gallipoli From Above, and The Divorce for the ABC.
Tv credits include Always Greener, Australia's Got Talent, Paul O’Grady Show, Kerrie Anne, Countdown, Sunrise, Sydney Opening & Closing Olympics and various Tvc commercials appearances, Corporate Gigs and Photoshoots.
SARAH BOULTER LYRICAL
Sponsored by Jump Dance Challenge
Since paving her professional dance career, Sarah has become an Australian house hold name specialising in contemporary choreography. Her choreographic work has been described as breaking boundaries for its theatrical edge.
Sarah’s choreographic journey began on the global television hit So You Think You Can Dance, where she was engaged for the UK & Australian seasons.
On film, television, and stage, her credits include “Enter the Vortex" by the Dream Dance Company, "Dance Academy the Come Back", The Opening Ceremony of the Arab Games (David Atkins Enterprises), SYTYCD UK and Australian season 1,2,3 & 4, Dance Academy ABC3, The Voice for Jennifer Hudson, Dance Boss, Puberty Blues and Dancing with the Stars.
Performance highlights include working for legendary artist Celine Dion in the resident show “A New Day”, working with industry greats, Mia Michaels and Franco Dragone. Westend credits include a solo for her Majesty the Queen, Royal Variety performances and West end musical “Notre dame de Paris”.
As well as performing and creating, Sarah finds passion in teaching and is the Co Director of renowned full-time course Ev & Bow in Sydney. She has taught all around the world receiving much acclaim, teaching workshops and master classes in Australia, USA, UK, Italy, Indonesia and Middle East. Sarah is sought after for her contemporary works and find’s great pleasure in sharing her knowledge to up and coming dancers.
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damian smith ballet
Damian Smith is an acclaimed and highly accomplished First Nations artist, having enjoyed 18 years as Principal Dancer with the renowned San Francisco Ballet. He brings with him more than 25 years international experience as a dancer with companies such as the Boston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Ballet Du Nord and New York City Ballet too.
He has been chosen more than 20 times to be the original cast for some of the world’s best choreographers, including Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Alexei Ratmansky and Nacho Duato, and worked with them on the creation of their new ballets.
Beginning his dance training in Newcastle with the Robyn Hick School of Dance and the Marie Walton Dance Academy, Damian completed his studies at the McDonald College, Sydney, before being accepted into the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York at just 16 years old.
Damian is currently the Artistic Director of The National Ballet School, Melbourne.
jason coleman mega class
As a dancer, actor, choreographer and director, Jason has covered more show business territory than most. Jason’s music industry credits are as numerous as they are diverse. Jason has choreographed for Christine Anu, Tina Arena, Kylie Minogue, Samantha Jade, Olly Murs, Sheena Easton, Chrissy Amphlet, Human Nature, Bardot, John Farnham, Chaka Khan, Vanessa Amorossi, Bee Gees, Deni Hines, Kate Cebrano, Euphoria, Toni Peron, Melissa Kautz, Megan Washington and more.
As a dancer, Jason even performed on the same bill as international artists like Whitney Houston the legendary Frank Sinatra. Jason’s engagement as Choreographer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games was a career highlight.
Following the international success of the 2000 Olympic Ceremonies, Jason was also chosen to choreograph for the highly acclaimed handover ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Jason subsequently acted as Director of Choreography for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. This was one of the largest and most expensive shows ever made.
TV credits include choreographer on Water Rats, G.P, E-Street, Popstars, Hey Hey it’s Saturday, Roy and H.G. the Footy Show, the Midday Show, the TV Week LOGIE Awards, and The Kitchen Musical. He was also on the judging panel on So You Think You Can Dance Aus.
Musical Theatre credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity, Fame, The Man from Snowy River, Hair, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Saturday Night Fever, Dancin’ Man, Dancin’ Dynamite and Hairspray (choreographer of the 2010 Australian tour).
Jason opened his own entertainment empire, Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance in 2008, his own record label, Groove Pill Records in 2011 and In 2021 he launched The Ministry of Performing Arts College.
olivia carniato musical theatre
Olivia Carniato is one of Australia’s most exciting emerging Artists and a true triple threat. After graduating from Brent Street Performing Arts in 2015 with a Certificate IV in Performing Arts, she immediately began working with esteemed choreographers such as Kelley Abbey, Cameron Mitchell, and Mitchell Woodcock.
Olivia has performed on screen on Dancing with the Stars Australia, The Voice AU and Australia’s Got Talent. She was also featured as a judge on Channel 7’s singing competition show All Together Now.
In 2016 Olivia was cast in Opera Australia’s Carmen performing to sell out crowds at The Sydney Opera House. Olivia then made her musical theatre debut in 2017’s The Bodyguard (Gordon Frost Organisation). The following year, she was cast in the Ensemble and Understudy Mistress in Evita (Gordon Frost Organisation) and then went on to tour Australia & Internationally as Consuela and Understudy Anita and Rosalia in West Side Story (Opera Australia/GWB Entertainment/BB Group). In 2020, Olivia shared the stage with Marcia Hines in Velvet Rewired (Rix Management and Entertainment) before opening the Australian Musical theatre sector with the first show post pandemic lockdown, Pippin (Gordon Frost Organisation). Since 2021, she has been an original company member in Australia’s tour of Hamilton (Michael Cassel) as a swing.