Atalie Wilmoth

Atalie has been dancing since the age of 3, studying Jazz, Hip Hop, Classical, Broadway, Contemporary and Latin styles of dance. She has been working as a professional dancer for 10 years travelling to Asia, Europe and Latin America for shows. Her experience includes performing on Cruise Ships, in Corporate productions in Hong Kong, Resort shows in Mexico, performances in Canada and London and in award winning musical "Tempo" in Estoril, Portugal. Back home in Australia, Atalie now teaches and performs locally, featuring with Cristo Zablah in the ABC show Strictly Dancing.

Becca Llewellyn

Rebecca Llewellyn (AKA Becca) started classical ballet and jazz as a tiny tot. From a young age she began to perform and choreograph. She left for broader horizons in the UK where she was professionally trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz and choreography at Lewisham Dance College. Whilst studying Rebecca was producing choreography and performing for UK Hip Hop artists "Foreign Beggars". Rebecca has performed in London's West End, dancing on "Where It's At" TV in Piccadilly and performing in clubs, private functions and at corporate events. She was also a principal member of "The Touring Company", which show cased contemporary, jazz and hip hop dance, working with some of Europe's top choreographers and performed at the TATE modern Art Museum London. Whilst in London Rebecca taught ballet, contemporary and yoga. After 6 years in the UK and craving the warm sun and happy faces from home, she returned to Sydney in 2006 and is now teaching and choreographing Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Body Conditioning. She was the main feature in a recent Bonds TV advertisement pitch, Dancer for Rikki Lee, Roxanne film clip dancer and also plays the part of Tinkerbell and Alice in Wonderland. Rebecca is Co-Director of "Chimera Dance Company" a contemporary jazz company. She is also part of "Sirens" classical indian, bollywood and contemporary fusion and "Funk-d".

Borracha

José De Amorim is known in Capoeira as Teacher Borracha. Teacher Borracha is a product of Grupo Capoeiracre and the teachings of Contra Mestre Olho de Peixe. Born in the state of Acre, in the Amazon region of Brazil, Teacher Borracha began playing Capoeira in 1989. In 1994 he began teaching the art he loved. He attended many Capoeira events all over Brazil and has done many courses to qualify himself as a Capoeira teacher.
He has also had the opportunity through capoeira to travel to the U.S.A, India and New Caledonia. In 1997, Teacher Borracha arrived in Sydney, Australia and is now teaching in the inner city areas, the western suburbs and the city of Newcastle.

Bunny Star

Bunny Hoop Star is a multimedia artist, hoop teacher, and founding member of The Hoopaholics, Australia's one and only hulahoop troupe. She has been hooping for over a decade and now performs professionally in Australia and throughout the world. Drawing inspiration from both the Circus Arts and from the US Hoop Dance scene, Bunny merges the two influences into a unique hybrid hooping style. Her training includes classic circus hoop technique, American Hoop Dance, Nia Technique /Spirited Movement, Yoga and self-directed dance land groove. With an emphasis on movement and flow her classes range from learning the basics of how to spin a hoop or two... or three or four... to more advanced Hoop Dance moves. With a background in the Arts Bunny's approach to hooping has always been about being creative, crafting performance and staying fit while having fun. As business owner of Hoop Empire, her intention is to share the hoop with as many people as possible in whatever way rocks their rhythm. Most importantly, as a devotee of the dancefloor, particularly those filled with disco beats, she is always on the lookout for dance spaces that accommodates her hoop and excites others to hoopjam!

Cecilia Ibacache

Originally from a Peruvian and Portuguese background, Cecilia has been dancing from an early age. After extensive travels to South America, Europe and the USA, her dance experience includes salsa, merengue, samba and most Afro-Latin rhythms. Cecilia performs with Sydney percussion and dance group SambaFrog. Cecilia is a school teacher by day and combines her skills to create refreshing and enriching dance classes.

Danni Bozinovska

Daniella Bozinovska has trained over a decade in Hip Hop, Commercial dance and Jazz. She has choreographed and taught at various dance studios and high school's and has done numerous workshops and classes with leading choreographers from the U.S. In 2005 she travelled to the United States and trained at The Edge School of Performing Arts and Millennium Dance Complex. Her recent achievements have been performing with Nate Wade at the Rock Da Block concert featuring Chingy, Ja Rule, 112, Case and Nitty in both Sydney and Perth. She was also a dancer at the 2005 Australia MTV Music Video Awards and appeared as an extra/dancer in the movie Son of the Mask. Danni is also a regular dancer for 411 at the Pumphouse representing NewYork101.

Dianne Dupont

Dianne Dupont has been teaching, choreographing and performing the art of Belly Dance for over fifteen years. She has studied Yoga, Drama, Contemporary Dance, Eastern European Dance, and has a background in Visual Arts. Dianne had her own Belly Dance Troupe for several years performing in festivals and functions throughout New South Wales. In 1998 she travelled to Cuba where she studied Cuban Dance, collaborated and performed with Rosario Cardenas "Danza Combinatoria". She recently choreographed a contemporary Latin Fusion piece called Flotando for Bodies 2001.
Dianne has a unique style emphasising posture and the strength of the spine, while keeping the classes fresh funky and lots of fun.

Edgee Ribeiro

Edgee Ribeiro is the director of Performing Brazil Dance Group. He is originally from Brazil where he learnt the national dance - Samba, performing with the traditional Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro. Over the last 10 years he has developed his skills as a dance teacher, choreographer and performer in Sydney. He is dedicated to the promotion of Brazilian music and dance.
Edivaldo was the lead dancer in big events such as the Festival of Cultures at the Sydney Opera House, and Bacardi, Brazilian and Latin Festivals at Darling Harbour, as well as diverse community festivals and corporate functions. He has been teaching Brazilian dance in Sydney since 1997 at community colleges and dance studios.

Eliza McNeill

Aspiring to be a dancer from a young age, Eliza attended Newtown High School of the Performing Arts where she studied classical ballet and contemporary dance. In 2001 she attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in which following an intensive 3 year training course, she was selected into the academies full time graduating dance company, Link. While working with Link, she performed works choreographed by Olivia Millard, Phillip Adams and Fiona Cameron. Of her completion at WAAPA, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. The following year, ELiza worked as a full time independent contemporary dancer whilst also receiving a young and emerging artist grant from the Western Australian Arts Council to work with an experienced and professional contemporary dancer, Olivia Millard. In 2006, Eliza travelled to the UK and Europe to expand her dance employment and skills. Some of her accomplishments in the last year involve attending the largest contemporary dance festival in Vienna (Impulstanz); Projects at the PLACE in London; and other experimental projects throughout the UK. Having recently returned to Australia, Eliza is looking forward to teaching and pass on her knowledge and passion.

Eve Robinson

Eve Robinson has been dancing professionally for 10 years in Belly Dance, Samba, Lambada, Salsa, Tango and Street Dance. Featured in Strictly Dancing on the ABC, The Matrix, Garage Days, Robbie Williams Live Concert Tour, Kelly Clarkson Video Clip... and the list goes on. Eve has toured Internationally to London, Los Angeles, Japan, Dubai, Egypt and Malta. At age six Eve studied Jazz ballet for 10 years being awarded with silver medal. Then at sixteen Eve studied Ancient Egyptian Belly Dance with Ruth from Arabesque for two years. Eve then moved on to learn Latin Dance and Hip Hop with 7 flavours and Brazilian Dance with Brazilian Fantasy Productions. Competing with a partner on Strictly Dancing meant Eve then had to study Ballroom dance and street Salsa with Gabrielle Ugas. Being such a versatile dancer has kept Eve very busy performing at functions and events all over Sydney. Having just completed Fitness Certificate III Eve is now a qualified group fitness instructor.

Ishtar Morosi

Inspired by movies such as "Fame" and "Flashdance", Ishtar started dancing at the tender age of 4 years old in her hometown, Canberra. Training in many different styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and Funk/Hip Hop as well as traditional Filipino dance led to Ishtar being involved in numerous productions and performances in local and national dance festivals and eisteddfods. Ishtar furthered her dance training by studying at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) where she was accepted into the Bachelor of Arts (Dance) program in 2001. Although she majored in Contemporary Dance Ishtar has always had a love of Jazz and Musical Theatre and in 2004 scored a lead dancing role in the Act One, Scene One production of Bob Fosse's "Chicago". Other performing credits include the "Fall Down" film clip for Perth band Jebediah and numerous performances with top Australian contemporary choreographers Justin Rutzou, Olivia Millard and Becky Hilton. Ishtar has also choreographed routines for competitors on the ABC TV's "Strictly Dancing".

Jayne Turner

Jayne is originally from Queensland where she started Ballet at the age of 4. At 14, she moved to Sydney and trained as a Jazz dancer at the Brent Street School of Performing Arts for 5 years. She then headed to The United States where she discovered the LA style of Video clip choreography. Jayne was able to combine her formal training as a dancer with the style and rhythms found in the US. Jayne has been choreographing for events such as The Nicolodeon Kids choice awards with Joel Turner, the Chanel V Detour and Music OZ awards with Christian Alexander and the Mike Champion Showcase at the Cave Night Club. She also choreographed for UK TV commercials (Archers Alcohol, Road Tax and Toyota Scion) as well as fashion shows for Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, Betina Liano, Toni Maticevski, Tina Kalivas and Josh Goot. Jayne also choreographed for special events such as Mardi Gras, Harbour Party, Adultshop.com, Kornwall Launch, Champion Clothing Launch, Idea works 25th Anniversary. Jayne is currently teaching Funk and Hip Hop throughout Sydney.

Jean-Luc Stora

Jean-Luc Stora (aka. SambaFrog) began studying Brazilian Dance, Capoeira and Percussion back in 1990 with the Samba schools of San Francisco. Inspired by the intoxicating rhythms of Brazil and the thriving Latin and Caribbean arts community in San Francisco, he began dancing and drumming professionally with various local companies and bands, and in 1995 was chosen as San Francisco's King of Carnaval. Pursuing his interest in Latin American music, dance and culture, Jean-Luc travelled extensively in Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico. He speaks Spanish and Portuguese along with English and his native tongue, French. Jean-Luc began performing and teaching Samba in Australia in 1996 before returning to San Francisco for several years where he enjoyed teaching packed classes at the Dance Mission studio. In 2001 he taught Brazilian percussion and dance in France, performed at music festivals throughout the country with "Les Diables Bleus" and directed the Brazilian dance company, Cuisse de Samba. In 2002, Jean-Luc established Dance Central studio in Sydney with the vision of bringing together various dance styles in one location. Now based in Newcastle, Jean-Luc brings with him his energetic and exhilarating brand of Brazilian dance and percussion.

Julia Harte

Julia has trained in a diverse range of dance styles including ballroom, ballet, tap, jazz, funk, and belly dance as well as exotic dance, pole dancing, and burlesque. Her deep passion for sensual movement and exotic dance stem from their combination of strength, glamour, sensuality, and playfulness as well as their ability to inspire and empower both the performer and the audience. Julia has performed professionally as a dancer in various clubs in Sydney as well as appearing in a number of television spots on Channel 9 and SBS. She has also performed in musicals, in competitions, at festivals, birthday parties, in restaurants, in a music video, and at other public events.
Julia's love of gorgeous dance costumes led her to begin creating her own and she has made costumes for belly dancers, pole dancers, and for the showgirls. Julia teaches the Showgirls dance class, the Lapdancing class, and the Exotic dance class at Dance Central. Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Homeopathy degree at Nature Care College.

Lalita Lakshmi

Lalita has learnt traditional folk dancing including Gidda and Bhangra through the Indian community in Brisbane, Sydney and in Amritsa, India. Her love is for the Bollywood dances which incorporates the more traditional folk dance elements, group/village dances including wedding and celebrations. She is particularly keen to infuse the happiness, fun and colour of Bollywood Dance into her classes.
Lalita currently dances as part of a dance duo “Spiced Tingle Bollywood Dancers” which have created Indian inspired dances for the Carnivale Bollywood party 2002, private functions, Indian community events, and Multicultural Dance events. Lalita has also danced with the gypsy band “Straight Back Fellows”, appeared in a Punjabi music video for “Blindmans Holiday”, and performed as part of the Shutri Indian Ensemble at the Opera House and the Festival of the Winds at Bondi, and Urban Theatre Company production India@Oz.com at the Riverside Theatre. Lalita is also a proficient bellydancer, having learnt and taught for over 13 years and has performed for many years in Sydney as part of dance troupes and as a solo artist.
Lalita also holds a Diploma of Teaching (primary), Bachelor of Business (Film and Television) and Train the Trainer (Category 2). I In her other life she is a community development worker and she was the Education Manager for NSW Community Arts Association.

Manuela Oliveira

Manuela is a well recognized performer who has appeared as a Dancer, Actor and Model in many National and International TV Commercial, Short films, Stage shows, Tours, Product Launches, Print Ads, Billboards and Brochures throughout Australia, Europe, Japan, India, Malaysia and USA. Her credits include: Microsoft, Old Navy USA, Pump Water, Nippon Paint, Tiger Beer, HSBC Bank, Seagram, Sony Ericsson, McDonalds, Daihatsu, Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Nike, Adidas, Yamaha, 3 Mobile and more... She performed at Australia's Urban Music Awards 2006 for Israel (the artist) and has toured throughout Asia for Guinness Blacks and Martell VSOP. She has worked and trained with US Leading Choreographers who have Choreographed for Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Usher, JLo, Missy Elliot, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue and more, most recently worked with the well known US Choreographers MICHAEL ROONEY and BRANDON HENSCHEL. She has taught Nationally and Internationally throughout Asia (Malaysia and Indonesia) and is currently teaching at The Sydney Dance Company, Dance Central, and Mango Dance Centre. She trained at The Broadway Dance Center (NY), The Edge Dance center (LA),The Millennium Dance center (LA) and Debbie Reynolds Dance center (LA). Her Dance styles are: Hip Hop, Breaking, Jazz, Latin, popping, locking, and House.

Maya Martinez

Maya is a versatile performer and choreographer with over 20 years experience in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, and Contemporary dance. Although proficient in most dance styles and as a result of her intercultural heritage has studied with Dance masters the styles of Balinese, Mongolian, classical indian, West African and afro-caribbean. In 1995 she was chosen by Dance master Kofi Walker from Jamaica to be principle dancer of the Afro Caribbean Dance theatre. The company, a tribute to “black dance” produced dance theatre shows telling the stories of Slavery, Negro spiritual, Primitivo, Haitian folk dances, Dancehall reggae and Afro-contemporary as seen in the style of companies like the New York Dance Company or Alvin Ailey Dance theatre. The ACDT toured NSW and QLD holding master classes and workshops in Dance schools and Universities. Maya has studied under and worked with other well know influences of global dance throughout her career like Paul Saliba, Shirley Sweeney, Aboriginal Islander Dance school, QLD Folkloric Dance Association and Bangarra Dance Theatre. Although Maya specialises in African derived modern dance styles she also performs Jazz/funk/Hip-hop with experience touring on the national tours as international support acts for Public Enemy, Naughty by nature, De La Sol, Beastie Boys, Ice –T, New Kids on the Block and House of Pain. Additionally to holding master classes for full-time performing arts schools she has choreographed videoclips for Sound Unlimited, Renegade Funktrain, and most recently Vassy and Kid Confucius.

Melanie Hitchcock

Melanie's dance history includes 20 years of study/performance in most dance styles including ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz and Musical Theatre. However for the last 7 years Mel has focused on developing her street styles including RnB/funk, Hip Hop dance and breaking. Melanie has choreographed and performed in numerous events throughout Australia and Japan. She has performed and toured with Laycock Dance Theatre (ballet company), Central Performance Project(Contemporary/Corporate) and the Lost in Bexley Theatre Company (Musicals) performing in various theatres, fringe festivals and arts projects. After completion of her HSC in 1996 Melanie attended ACE (Australian College of Entertainment) as a Dance Major. Followed by a year at MASQUE (National institute of Performing Arts), Studying Singing, Acting and Dance. In 2000 Melanie Studied at QUT Queensland University of Technology) to gain her Advanced Certificate in Dance Teaching. Melanie has spent the last three years dancing and choreographing for "Caramell Dancers", Performing regularly in nightclubs, corporate events, competitions, and festivals such as "livid, Sweatfest and the Big day out". She has also danced in video clips for Marea's Tonic, Selwyn, Delona and choreographed Amanda Perez clip "I Like It". Television credits include appearances on Channel V, Sunrise, Sydney weekender, The Footy Show and Movie "Son of the mask". Melanie's unique dance style and teaching ability has gained her ongoing work and also enabled her to pass on her experience to students for the past 12 years throughout various teaching institutions. Melanie is in high demand as one of Sydney's leading HipHop choreographers and teachers. With all of Melanie's achievements, she brings experience and professionalism to every project she touches.

Nancy Carrasco

Nancy originally hails from Chile and has been dancing all her life!! Her initial dance training was informal and she then began traditional folk dancing which is very common in the Latino culture. Nancy is trained in Flamenco, Rhythmic gymnastics, Jazz, Salsa, Afro Cuban and Brazilian Samba. She has been performing professionally with Samba for many years and is a very popular dancer who is held in high regard throughout the Sydney Latin scene.

Nate Mendelsohn (aka Nacho Pop)

Nate has been popping since he was very young, growing up in New York City. Back then, he saw people busking on the streets, and was amazed by the ‘robot’ style and the moonwalk. He and a few other friends would only watch and imitate, until his own style began to develop. He has been in Sydney for four years, coming 2nd in the Planet X 2001 extreme games, constantly performing at hip hop gigs, and starring in a few commercials (Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Sprite, Room 208, MTV, Zima, etc.). But more importantly, Nate has won battles against some of Sydney and japan’s best poppers, and is held in high regard by dedicated poppers worldwide. Nate is also a member of the "Seven Dollars" crew.

Nigel Douglas

Nigel Douglas started dancing in 1981 in the styles of American swing, Hustle, Latin, and other social dance forms. In that same year he started full time training as a dance teacher and, in the years since then, has worked in studios around Australia and the UK including "Rubies Dance Club" in London's Carnaby Street. Nigel has studied dance at a tertiary level with a range of subjects including classical and contemporary dance, jazz, folkloric, applied anatomy, human movement and music theory. As a performer he has appeared in stage musicals, pantomimes, feature films, fashion shows and dance theatre productions. He has also danced in several companies including "Expressions dance theatre" and the "Australian Folkloric dance company" with (over a period of two years) he toured regional areas with dance in education programs through the Queensland Arts council. He has provided choreography for actors in a television drama and has himself appeared on the screen in small speaking roles. Nigel has also conducted classes for TAFE and Sydney University. While in Europe in the early nineties he became interested in Argentine Tango and since that time and has studied with Argentine teachers in various world capitals including several study trips to the "Mecca" Buenos Aires to learn from the Tango masters. Nigel Douglas currently teaches Tango and West coast swing in studios around Sydney, and also teaches couples to dance for their weddings in a variety of musical styles.

Ramona Lobo

Ramona's roots stem from Mangalore, India. She was born in Canada, spent her childhood in Africa, then moved to Australia at the age of 8. Ramona's eclectic mix of traditional Indian, jazz, and contemporary, with strong hip-hop/funk roots, has made her one of the most unique dancers in Sydney. The exciting fusion of these styles is reflected in her energetic and entertaining Bollywood choreography. Her professional dance career spans over 15 years, and includes highlights such as the World Hip-hop championships in Belgium. Ramona has also danced at large-scale, international concerts Big Day Out, and Rumba. Ramona is an established performer, dancing at a variety of nightclubs around Sydney, such as Gas, Hunter Bar, and The Cave, and at competitions including Groove, and Elite. She has also performed as a member of Sydney hip-hop dance crews Suppology, Resonate and Caramell, and as a member of the contemporary dance company Red Opal, at Carnivale. Ramona is a new mum and has returned to the dance scene after a year caring for her baby. She is looking forward to sharing her rich dance experience with her class and demonstrating her wonderful talent for bollywood.

Rosario Klahr

Rosario comes originally from Peru where she grew up with the rhythms of salsa. At 15 years of she migrated to Australia where she discovered the exhilarating beats of the Brazilian Batucada in the various Latin festivals held all over Sydney, like the Bacardi Festival in Darling Harbour. Rosario immediately fell in love with the Brazilian Samba and embraced the it's contagious energy and it's people's passion for life. She started attending samba lessons shortly after at various schools in Sydney. Taught by talented Brazilians, she developed a strong technique and flair. Rosario was awarded the prize for the best female in Samba Batucada at the famous and prestigious Latin Dance Australia Ball in 2003. Soon after this she started performing in Brazilian shows with various dance troupes in Sydney and in Sweden. Rosario has taught Samba in Sweden for 9 months in the cities of Koping and Vasteras to packed classrooms. She has developed a clean, clear and gracious teaching style and she is now the Director of Brasileras, a Brazilian Dance Group available for corporate and private functions.

B-Boy Rush

Ruth Fayerz

Ruth has been Bellydancing since 1997. In 1999, she joined the dance troupe “DESERT BLOOMS” which started her dance career performing solo in many restaurants, Arabic nightclubs and special events. In 2002, Ruth began teaching at the Bankstown Community College until mid 2003 when she traveled overseas. Before 1997, Ruth was a very academically minded scientist and had no dance background. When she fist saw this form of dance, she felt so compelled by its beauty, passion and femininity, that she became immersed in every aspect of it. The main aim of Ruth's class is for everyone to have fun while learning something new and to leave feeling energized and uplifted.

Sam Dynamite

Aka "Big Hug and "Sam I Am", Sam is from New York City (money-makin Manhattan). Currently based in Sydney, Australia, Sam has toured the USA, Europe and Asia. His specialties include rappin, breakdancing and teaching the history of hip hop culture. Sam has taught and performed in Cologne, Germany (1996), Geneva, Switzerland (1996). In 1999, he established his own rap group called "QI DYNASTY" (QI meaning "energy" in Chinese). Sam along with DJ/Producer Chay Lum toured to Tokyo, Japan in 2002 and upon returning to Australia performed in various clubs throughout Sydney. Their hit single, "3rd Eye" appeared on the "Blazin" Compilation CD for Universal Music Australia. In 2004 QI DYNASTY was nominated in the top 5 Hip Hop/Rap category in the OZ Music Awards. Sam also performed with Gangstarr (2004 Good Vibrations Festival), opened up for Jungle Brothers (2004) and K-C and Jo-Jo (2004) on their Australian tours. QI DYNASTY has recently completed their CD titled, "TOUCHED BY AN MC".

Sarrah John

Sarrah is originally from Trinidad a Caribbean island famous for its infections rhythms called Soca and Calypso. She has been performing for over 10 years in various styles such as Hip Hop, Caribbean, African and Brazilian. Sarrah started teaching in gyms about a year ago, combining her passion for Dance with her Fitness experience and knowledge.

Sharmane Mitchell

Shar has been dancing and performing from a very early age. Originally from North Coast she studied ballet, jazz and various other styles at Ballina Dance Academy where she was also in charge of assisting, teaching and choreography for the younger students in training. Making a move to Sydney in 1999 to pursue her dancing, Shar completed her Yr 12 studies at Newtown Performing Arts High School and then took it upon herself to train in many exotic and interesting styles to further her dance training purely for the passion. One of the styles being Polynesian dance and culture through Aruna Po Ching the Director of "Pasifika Sway", a Polynesian dance company who's vision is to "To bring forth the spiritual power and grace of the women of the South Pacific, embracing the past and present, uniting all cultures outside of Polynesia with Polynesia, paving a new light and learning for our future generations". Shar performed with Pasifika Sway in shows for various community/music festivals, private parties and corporate events in Australia,New Zealand and Hawaii. Shar has also most recently trained for the last five years under the guidance of her sister Maya Martinez who specialises in African derived modern dance styles. Maya’s natural flamboyancy in choreography and teaching has been an inspiration for Shar in the styles of Afro Contemporary, Jamaican Dancehall and Reggaeton! Most recently Shar has fallen in love with her new son Raja and become one of the new Directors of Dance Central.

Sky Blue

Sky trained as a dancer from a young age and studied design and small business management. She has trained in dance in Australia, London, San Francisco, Spain, Brazil and Cuba. Her background includes: Jazz, Ballet, Flamenco, African, and Street Latin (Salsa, Rueda, Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Latin hip hop, Reggaeton, Samba and Samba Reggae). In 1999 Sky formed Picante Latin Dance and since works as a dance teacher, choreographer, performer and event organiser at many major Latin events. She has performed at The Sydney Salsa Congress, Darling Harbours Fiesta, South American Festival and many more. Event organization has included the Latin Dance Corroborree, The Australian National Salsa Championships and Sabor Latino, Byron Bay.Catering to a niche market of clients Picante Latin Dance specialises in teaching Cuban Style Salsa and the latest street Latin dance craze's sweeping the world, Reggaeton and Bachata! She combines her skills and talents along with her passion for the Latin world and is admired for her ambitious spirit and real love for what she does.

Swipa

Swipa started dancing with his brothers when he was about 6 years old to the Jackson 5. In 1984 he saw Hip Hop for the first time and it was love at first sight. At the age of 9 he join a break crew called "Movement Unit 2" with his brothers. Justin began teaching all forms of Hip Hop dancing at 17 and a year later in 1993, he created the still current crew "Robotek". In 1997, he created a professional BreakDance crew called "Ground Assault" sponsored by Levi's, Black Flys and Caution clothing. Ground Assault became very successful and began touring with "planet X", performing at The "Big Day Out" and "Vibes on a summers day". Also supporting artists such as Naughty By Nature, Jungle Brothers, 1200Techniques, DJQbert, Morganics and Jurassic 5. Justin also made appearances on Fox, National Geographic and F.H.M. He often travels around Australia teaching hip hop workshops in isolated and disadvantaged communities as well as adult and juvenile correctional facilities.

Tiana Canterbury

Tiana was discovered at the age of 13 by RnB dance music producers/artists Disco Montego/Kaylan, as she supported International Hip-Hop group Lighter Shade of Brown at the Coogee Beach Palace auditorium. Dennis and Darren Dowlut (Disco Montego) were mesmerised by not only her South African beauty, but her outstanding dancing ability and stage charisma. Tiana worked alongside this talented duo as they became two of Australia's most successful urban producers and artists. She went on to perform regularly as a lead dancer for many of Sydney's various Hip-Hop groups, award winners Kulcha and elite hip-hop dance group J-Foxx. She is also performance director and choreographer for Sydney's favourite RnB artist - Mike Champion.
Tiana featured as a lead dancer in many video clips for popular RnB artists such as Selwyn, Mercury 4 and recently with Shakaya as well as performance developing for Warner artist Kyle. Tiana also danced for Australia's Idol winner Guy Sebastien at the Aria Awards in October of 2004 and graced the stage on large international tours such as Roc Tha Block and alongside hip-hop star Chingy for the MTV Australia Awards and the Sydney Kings guest appearance.

Timbalada

Tim is an independent artist from Bahia in Brazil and has danced and played drums since he was a child. He is proficient in numerous styles of Brazilian dance including; Samba, Axe, Lambada, Forro, Lamb-Axe and Lamba-Aerobics. Tim trained in Brazil with the renowned music and performance group Timbalada and studied the Brazilian martial art Capoeira with the group Topazio. He also toured Europe with the Axe BaBa Dance Company in 1999-2000, and whilst in Portugal taught Latin dance at Lisbon University. Since moving to Australia, Tim has taught Latin dance at Newcastle University as well as venues on the Gold Coast, QLD. He is currently performing, teaching dance, and playing percussion in Sydney.

Vimala Sarma

Vimala has been learning Indian Classical (Kuchipudi) dancing since 1990, from students of Sri Vempathi Chinna Satyam both in Australia and in India. She has presented solo performances for community functions in Australia and she has performed in the prestigious Madras Music and Dance Festival. She has also been developing skills in Hatha Yoga in accordance with the teachings of BKS Iyengar.

For Dance Central's regular teachers, click here.