linda gamblin
& sam dashwood
Why dance teacher training matters
linda gamblin
Linda Gamblin trained at The Royal Ballet School (London) before performing soloist and principal roles with The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the National Ballet of Portugal and Sydney Dance Company. Alongside her international performing career, Linda developed specialist expertise in anatomy and biomechanics during her years of training and teaching Pilates in the UK. This foundation informs her distinctive approach to classical and contemporary dance training. Her ongoing professional development in mindfulness, psychology and mental health continues to shape her commitment to safe, sustainable and emotionally intelligent learning environments.
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As Head of Training, Linda pioneered Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program in 2014, establishing an industry-informed, holistic and rigorous training model that supports the physical, psychological and artistic development of young dancers. This approach underpins all advanced training at Sydney Dance Company, including the nationally accredited Teacher Training Program.
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Linda holds the CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), CUA50311 Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, CUA40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology UK and current First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates.
sam dashwood
Samantha Dashwood (Sam) is the Head of Open Programs and Learning at Sydney Dance Company, where she oversees Sydney Dance Company’s RTO offerings as well as the delivery of programs that have over 90,000 attendances per year. Working collaboratively with the Head of Training and Learning Associate, Sam ensures that Sydney Dance Company’s training curricula meet the highest national standards and reflect current best practice across dance, education and youth development.
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With a background spanning classical ballet, musical theatre and vocational education, Sam brings a holistic understanding of the sector to her leadership. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, respectful and psychologically safe environments for dancers of all ages, with a particular focus on safeguarding children and young people. Her leadership strengthens the organisation’s culture of care, accountability and learner-centred practice.
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Sam holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), the CUA50113 Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), CUA50213 Diploma of Musical Theatre, CUA40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and current First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates. Her combined artistic and educational expertise supports the continued excellence and integrity of Sydney Dance Company’s nationally accredited training.