Read through the bios of our fantastic team and get to know us here.
GORDON GILKES
SHERRIE KENT
Sherrie Kent
Latin & Ballroom Dance Teacher/Coach/Adjudicator (FATD, DSA)
Currently:
Sherrie is currently in high demand as a dance teacher, competition coach and adjudicator. Sherrie is currently the Program Director and Head of Technique for Dancesport Challenge, a successful Ballroom dance program delivered in the public- school system. Sherrie is also involved in teaching those seeking certification with DanceSport Australia, as either a coach or adjudicator or students in the junior mentoring program.
Qualifications/ Certification:
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FATD Coach Latin American Level 1 (Associate), Level 2 (Licentiate), Level 3 (Fellowship)
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DSA Coach Latin American Level 1 & 2
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DSA Adjudicator Latin American Level 2
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ANDA Coach Latin American Level 1 (Associate)
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ANDA Coach Latin American (Member)
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Australian Sports Commission Coaching Principles Level 1 & 2
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Working with Children (WWC)
History:
Sherrie Kent has been dancing since the age of five training in Jazz, Tap & Ballet. Between the ages of five and twelve Sherrie attained the highest honours results in every tap examination and was awarded several dance scholarships. At the age of twelve Sherrie started training in Latin, Modern and New Vogue and immediately started competing at National and International Level. During her competition career, Sherrie competed in Australia, Europe, Japan, USA, Canada, Asia and the UK.
Sherrie has represented Australia at the World Championships in Sweden and Miami and been Australia’s representative five times at World level. Among her titles include – Australian Dancesport Amateur and Professional Latin American Champions. Sherrie has also toured internationally in the smash hit Australian Ballroom dance show “Burn the Floor” (2001-06) and appeared in a variety of Films, Television Shows, Events and major performances. Sherrie was a featured dancer on the main stage of the Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony alongside John Paul Young.
Major Achievements:
2011
- NSW Open Latin Pro-am Champion
- 2nd Place Australian Pro-am Championships
- 3rd Place South Pacific Pro-Am Championships
2001
- Australian Dancesport Professional Latin American Champions
- 2nd Place Crown Professional Int Champs – Melbourne
- Victorian Professional Latin American Champions
2000
- Australian Dancesport Amateur Latin American Champions
- Victorian State Amateur Latin American Champions
- National Capital Amateur Latin American Champions
- Queensland Open Latin American Champions
- East Coast Classic Latin American Champions
- 34th Place British Amateur Championships
- 6th Place Snowball Classic – Vancouver
- 5th Place “La Classique” – Montreal
- 3rd Place IDSF International Championships – Tokyo
- Sydney Olympic Games Closing Ceremony Performer
- 8th Place IDSF International Open – Singapore
- 2nd Place Harbourside Dancesport Titles – Sydney
- Received the “Australian Sports Award”
1999
- South Pacific’s Amateur Latin American Champions
- Victorian State Amateur Latin American Champions
- National Capital Amateur Latin American Champions
- 2nd Place Australian Dancesport Championships- Latin
- 8th Place UK Rising Star Titles
- NSW Latin American State Champions
- 14th Place Worlds Cup Latin
- Cruise ship “Superstar Europe” engagement
- 3rd Place Tanzturner International – Germany
- 24th Place Worlds Latin Championships – Switzerland
1998
- South Pacific’s Amateur Latin American Champions
- 2nd Place Australian Amateur Latin American Champions
1997
- Irish Dancesport Champions
- NSW Latin American State Champions
- 2nd Place Australian Latin American Championships
- 10th Place All England Latin Championships
- 18th Place British Open Championships
- 8th Place UK Rising Star Latin Championships
1996
- Asian Pacific Champions – Korea
- National Capital Ten Dance & Latin Champions
- Prince Mikasa Cup Champions – Japan
- Singapore International Champions
- 2nd South Pacific Open Amateur Championships
- 5th Place Australian Championships
1992 – 1996 Competed in and won numerous titles in all three Dancesport categories.
Something personal about your journey in life, what do you value the most.
I have always worked and trained very hard with my own dancing and expect all students to give their personal best. In my teaching, I make sure that I make a positive difference to every student.
What you love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence
I am really passionate about teaching and love seeing children of all ages coming together and enjoying dance. It’s really exciting to see the children transform from being nervous or awkward into a confident young dancer/performer.
What you would like to say to your schools you are about to join
I am looking forward to working with the students and guiding them through their dance journey. I expect all students to come to dance class with a positive attitude, and a willingness to have fun whilst putting in the hard work.
TERRI SWENSON
Dance Instructor
My passion since childhood has been Latin and Ballroom dancing. Dancing competitively since 7 I had the privilege of brilliant tuition in both Rockhampton, QLD and, later, Sydney and London.
My dancing career saw me able to travel through the UK and Asia dancing both competitively and as a performance professional, adjudicating and teaching.
I experienced many highs and wins over 25 years but the highlight unequivocally was being selected to represent Australia, with my partner Gordon Gilkes, at the World Professional Dancesport championships in Japan.
During my competitive years I bought and nurtured the North Shore Dance Studio which came to be known as one of the most successful social dance studios in Sydney. Teaching soon became my new passion and continues to this day.
Now bringing the Dancesport Confidence Programme to school children in Queensland I have gained a new insight into the many positive social benefits of Ballroom Dancing. Watching children grow in confidence, responsibility and respect makes my heart sing!
STEPHANIE CAPPAS
Steph’s Dance Bio
I started dancing in year 5 in Zimbabwe – in a school program very much like Dancesport Confidence. My love of dance started there and led to a competitive career for many years – a highlight was competing in Disneyland Paris! I am still dancing and hope to be out there soon again.
Something personal about your journey in life, what do you value the most.
It may come as a surprise to most that I grew up in Zimbabwe. My experiences there and moving to Australia shaped what I value most – the importance of family, having hope and being thankful for the bigs things and for the small things in life.
What you love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence
I love seeing all my students blossom into not only fabulous dancers but seeing them grow in their confidence and self-esteem. I love seeing the comradery and teamwork that develops within the grade.
What you would like to say to your schools you are about to join
I am looking forward to meeting you all and feel very blessed to be sharing this special journey with you all! It’s going to be a great 15 weeks. I can’t wait!
ALEXANDER FULBERT
Dance Instructor
Dancing since the age of 10, Alex began with couple dance styles such as rock n roll boogie wooggie and swing dance! At an early age he was scouted by the French national team and began full time dance training expanding into ballet, jazz, salsa, bachata and Argentine Tango.
He had the priviliedge of travelling the world to represent France and at the age of 18 won the European championship in swing dance. 2 years later became world Champion in swing and mixing blues. Still not satisfied, his focus moved onto salsa and bachata and in 2012 placed 3rd in Bachata and 2nd Latino show in the World Dance Championships.
In 2013 Alex set his sights on Australia. He studied Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and now teaches across NSW to students young and old.
Alex’s love of Dancing and Teaching is evident in his classes. He is grateful everyday to share his passion and can’t imagine a world without Dance.
SUPPAKORN CHUWONGWUT
I represented Australia in the 2017 British Senior Latin Championship at Blackpool. I have always been passionate about DanceSport even before moving to Australia from Thailand more than 10 years now. Currently I am an accredited Australian DanceSport coach and adjudicator and I also work closely with Thailand DanceSport Association.
During my competitive career, I had the privilege to work and train extensively under Michael Mizner (winner of Season 1 and 2 of Dancing with the Stars) and Tony Gauci (highly regarded coach in Australia and Internationally). When I first moved to Australia, and while training as a dance competitor I was also employed at The Promenade Dance Studio, under their proprietor Leanne Bampton (acclaimed “Dancing with the Stars” choreographer). I am very honoured to have also been involved with DanceSport Confidence for the past two years and would love to continue this passion; teaching and sharing my dance skills with the younger generation at various schools.
I consider myself a person of integrity and honesty and believe in fairness, respect and hard work. When I was in high school i remember my school teacher asking me what were the most important things I wanted to learn . Back then, I remember my answer was “ I love dancing so much and i want to be good in English” so she advised me to keep on with these and to do my very best.
I never forget her encouragements and advice; and throughout these years I have worked really hard to pursue my dreams! I’m really proud of how I have grown and developed as a person, and what I have achieved! Right now, I feel that I am living my dreams.. i am truly very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given from this beautiful adopted country.
NATALIA DANILOVA
Natalia’s Dance Bio
Something personal about your journey in life, what do you value the most.
What you love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence
What you would like to say to your schools you are about to join
IEVA MILASEVICIUTE
Ieva’s Dance Bio
14 years of professional Ballroom and Latin dance experience;
2 years experience in Ballet;
3 years experience in contemporary, street dance, other culture and Tradicional Lithuanian dances;
1-year experience of working with Public school children;
1-year experience of working with primary school children;
2 years of experience of working with adults;
(college experience);
Participation in musical projects and concerts as a dancer;
Have experience working in private dance studios and primary schools;
Ability to work with people of all ages.
Something personal about your journey in life, what do you value the most.
I clearly remember my self saying to my mom: ”I just want to wake up with dance and go to sleep with dance”. AND now here you go after 3 years I graduated from my dance academy I am moving forward on the path that I was wishing for. So for me, the dance is all about connection, because I never had younger siblings, brothers or sisters around me, so being able to connect with children and be their friend, teacher and leader are more than I could ever ask!
What you love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence
Dance is for all and it gives children a chance, from all walks of life, to learn and love dance.
What you would like to say to your schools you are about to join
The impact of learning dance for children is enormous. It promotes the importance of teamwork and social inclusion. At the end of the day, we want to grow a creative, brave and self-confident young generation. Therefore, I want to be part of this experience and process.
Jenny Molgado
Jenny’s Dance Bio
Jenny’s passion for Salsa started at a young age through constant exposure to the rich Latin culture throughout Venezuela, her birthplace. As a child, Jenny would participate in all school dance events and discovered that dancing was such an enjoyable and interactive way of playing and learning with friends.
She started formal Latin Rhythms training at the age of 16 whilst attending the Academia Salsa Casino in the heart of Caracas. Through her training she developed a strong passion for Cuban Salsa and progressed to teaching youths and adults the ‘Salsa Casino’ genre of dance at the Academy.
As she developed her passion and career, she also explored other Latin Rhythms including; Mambo style, New York-style and Bachata.
Along with her dance career, Jenny had also studied Psychology in one of the most prestigious Universities in Venezuela (Central University of Venezuela). As a qualified and practising clinical psychologist, she was able to provide deeper insights as a dance instructor and is often considered a mentor to her students back home. Jenny’s professional background in both fields uniquely allows her to connect with her students at a deeper level. Jenny often aims to understand her students’ capabilities and limitations by looking beyond the dance requirement.
“As a teacher and mentor I always like to give more than a dance lesson, I give fun, understanding and a safe space where people can better themselves physically and mentally.”
Since moving to Sydney in 2017, Jenny has focused all her efforts to educate and demonstrate her knowledge of the various Latin Rhythms to all ages in a private and group modality. She has described her classes as educational for her students and herself as people of all different age brackets and cultures can come together and share a joyous and exciting experience through the universal language of dance.
Something personal about your journey in life, what do you value the most.
One of the biggest steps that I did and made me growth enormously was moving countries.
Sydney has been my home for the last 4 years and I have had challenges to overcome. These include adapting to a new culture, sometimes feeling as though I don’t belong. A secure space that has always has been there for me is the dance scene. Dance has been my passion and teaching has been my vocation and both have given me a family and a community in this land far from home. I will always value the integrity that dance has brought to my life.
What you love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence
Teaching the DanceSport Program has made me value greatly the impact that learning dance has on growth, especially in young children. Every hour of the class feels unique. I love to watch kids treating their classmate with respect, growing in confidence, to watch the teachers participating and collaborating. I love how DanceSport Confidence gathers everyone working towards the same goal.
What you would like to say to your schools you are about to join
Dear Principal, Teachers and students. I can’t wait to share my passion, knowledge and love for dancing with you. I am happy and grateful that I have the opportunity to join your sport and dance programs, that you for opening the door of your school to us. We are going to have an amazing time in a free of judgment space. Every school that joins DanceSport Confidence start a journey of growth in different areas of life that involve so much more than dancing.
JOSHUA O’GRADY
Josh’s Dance Bio
Josh started dancing around the age of 5 in jazz classes. From there he ventured into other styles and at age 10 transitioned into the ballroom and Latin world. Josh studied his certificate IV in performing arts at Brent street in 2013.
He then went on to work as a professional dancer. Dancing for Natalie Bassingthwaigthe, Psy and other Australian artist. He also performed in 3 seasons of Locreado Dance company. In 2014 he joined the cast of Baz luhrman’s ‘Strictly Ballroom’ the musical.
Josh has toured with William Hall, and his Legacy show. He now focuses on the Latin style, competing for New Zealand in the WDSF field internationally.
Something personal about your journey in life, what do you value the most.
I value my family and my friendships because they are the people who will always support me!
What you love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence
The pure joy on the children’s faces while they are dancing.
What you would like to say to your schools you are about to join
We can’t wait to have you join the fun family here at DSC
SUE MARTIN
Born into a dancing family, I have been Ballroom Dancing all my life. I have enjoyed a competitive career both in New Zealand and Australia, where I met my dance partner who late became my husband. I continue to teach social dancing and love that you can go from not knowing a step, but in a short time, can have a little dance routine to enjoy together.
Then the journey begins with a nervous year five; reluctant, apprehensive, but in the weeks to follow there emerges confidence, enthusiasm, team spirit and sportsmanship. It’s a great journey for all.
JAMES CARVALHO
I have been dancing since the age of 10 and have competed all over Australia. Over the years I have had the pleasure of dancing in some prestigious competitions around the country as well as many great local competitions as well. In that time I have also committed to the study of dance and have Australian qualifications and currently working on internationally recognised qualifications.
What I love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence is being given the opportunity to pass on not only dance to the kids but to give them life lessons that will stay with them and help them throughout their lives. Watching their confidence soar throughout the program and seeing the difference from the beginning to the end of the program is exceptional and so rewarding.
NICOLA GROGAN
I started dancing at 4 years old and went on to be part of the young stars of tomorrow in London’s west end, dancing in musical theatre productions and Royal Gala shows.
In 1997 I graduated with a musical theatre diploma and moved to Sydney.
1999 I was dance director of Arthur Murray Sydney where my passion for Latin and Ballroom started, I have been teaching it ever since.
In 2016 I won the Australasian smooth championship and in 2018 I won the rights to compete and represent Australasia in Las Vegas in the Arthur Murray All-Stars Tournament.
This will be my second year teaching Dancesport in Schools and I can’t wait to get started.
Becoming a mother.
Teaching Dancesport has been so rewarding, nothing feels better than seeing the children learn and grow over the course, the satisfaction I get from seeing what I love to do transfer into these wonderful young people makes me so happy.
HELEN RAWLINGS
Originally from the UK, my training started at 3 years old in a pink leotard and skirt at my local ballet studio with Linda Butler. By the time I was 12 I was also learning modern/jazz and tap as well as assisting classes for the newer little ones in the same church hall.
At 18 I transitioned to full-time training at Bird College in London covering adding musical theatre and contemporary to the list. Here I also gained my teaching qualification through ISTD in modern jazz.
Taking a love for contemporary I graduated and went to work freelance learning from renowned choreographers, continuing to collaborate after moving to Sydney in 2013.
While performing isn’t currently top of my agenda I have been continuing to teach and train myself through a range of styles keeping my versatility in both dancing, teaching and choreographing.
Teaching has always been a prominent part of my life and I have been fortunate to teach and dance with such diverse groups including young/old, beginners/professionals, intellectual and physical disabilities, recreational dancers, elite competitive dancers, international students of varying cultures.
I have never valued people as much as I do these days. There is always something to learn from the people you mix with and being open to receiving fresh perspectives makes more a much more fulfilling journey.
Although this is my first year teaching with Dancesport Confidence I have been to many of their previous shows and state competitions. Seeing the huge number of children mixing with each other and the skills they gain – besides stepping on the right beat and shaking a hip – they all demonstrate determination, enthusiasm, compassion for each other and of course courage. This has been hugely inspiring, and I am grateful to have a chance to watch and help the students develop their own identity from day 1.
VALI DAMASKOU
Vali is an outstanding dancer with an impressive over 30years of experience in all kind of dance forms from hip hop to Latin Dance.
Her work includes representing Australia in various dance festivals around the world teaching workshops and performing and together with her Australasian titles she also is a World Champion.
Vali continues achieving, expanding her dreams, working professionally, inspiring others and demonstrating that the sky is the limit and anything is possible if you believe it.
Follow my dreams, continue learning and be the best person I can be.
STEPHANIE CASCUN
I have been dancing Ballroom and Latin for the last 10 years, with 2 years of experience in salsa. I have only just started dancing competitively so hope to really get into some competitions in the next couple of years and expand my knowledge of the WDSF technique.
LOUISA VAUPEL
Since I discovered ballroom dance as an adult, it’s become the transformative core (and addictive joy!) of my life.
I am passionate about the fact that dance CAN be learned, it’s not a ‘magic talent’ only some people are born with.
My favourite thing is arriving at the studio, and feeling that mix of excitement and calm, in a space where effort and practice is respected. No one starts out perfect, and no one ever stops making mistakes!
I’ve found ballroom an uplifting and inspiring community, of passionate and genuine people.
I feel so incredibly fortunate to train under professional coaches Tyler Blah, Leeanne Bampton and Talysa Trevallion at Sydney Ballroom, who are as jaw-droppingly talented as they are supportive and generous teachers.
My dance partner and I are currently practising towards ballroom and Latin entries for our upcoming first competition.
Year Five – I’m so honoured and excited to be your teacher as part of the amazing Dancesport Confidence team, as you start out on your own dance journey.
I was born in Bondi and grew up in Australia and Germany, and I’ve lived in many places from France and Québec to a station in the Australian Outback.
I value honesty and the courage to face our challenges and fears – whatever that might be for each of us, and across different cultures.
Last year I was invited to present as a mentor to an International Leadership Academy for Young Women, to teenage girls from 21 countries, and I decided to speak about the transformative power of facing a fear of partner dance:
I believe the self-respect, power and grace to be able to dance confidently in a ballroom partnership is a phenomenal life-lesson for young women.
And for young men equivalent values of respect, self-confidence and emotional empathy.
Starting my own dance journey, I’m indebted to the patience of my first dance teachers at Arthur Murray Sydney and Bondi, for sharing the uninhibited spontaneity of social ballroom, and teaching me, as an independent woman, the confidence in my steps to trust and love the unique ‘leading – following’ dynamic of partner dancing.
I’m especially excited to share ballroom with those students who might be a little intimidated by the idea of partner dancing.
My motto is “to the boundaries – oder darüber hinaus.” I believe it takes first courage to face and accept boundaries before we can grow “beyond” them.
My goal is for every student to feel encouraged. Come with an open mind and a willingness to practice, and I will give everything I can so that dancing chacha, tango or jive will soon become one of your favourite times of the week!
It’s such an honour to teach young people ballroom dance in 2021 as part of the DanceSport Confidence Program – I can’t wait to meet you.
We are all learning together: each time we put on our dancing shoes together to practice and get better.
SEBASTIAN PARISI
My name is Sebastian Parisi, and I grew up loving dance. But I’m disappointed to say that I never pursued it as a young person because I was teased at school for dancing. I did jazz, contemporary and hip hop on and off until I was 18, and even auditioned for the first season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. From there I started trying a variety of styles of dance, including salsa dancing. It was only 3 years ago when my partner and I started dancing Ballroom, and I fell in love with the sport. I have performed in many events, and I am just starting my competitive ballroom journey. It is never too late to start something you love. It is all about dancing to the next step… or taking the first step in achieving your dreams.
I value life and doing the things you love. I have lost a few people to mental health conditions and this has made me value the time we have, and making the most of it. I also value respect and honesty, growth, learning and especially authenticity – being true to yourself.
I hope my life experience and knowledge of dance can bring the young people in my class more confidence, better well-being mentally, physically and socially. By teaching young men and women to respect themselves, they will, in turn, respect their peers, teachers, family and the wider community
What I love about teaching at Dancesport Confidence is being given the opportunity to pass on not only dance to the kids but to give them lessons that will stay with them and help them throughout their lives. I am passionate about teaching young men and women about respect and inclusion through dance. It is more than just dancing, it is about life skills but to music.
Can I ask you what you do when your happy and no ones watching? I am sure you move your body in joy and happiness (that’s dancing!!)
I can’t wait to have a dance with you. I hope not to just teach the students the dances (and be prepared teachers as I am getting you involved too!) I hope to also impart life values, and encourage them to embrace partner dancing and all the other lessons it teaches, like non-verbal and verbal communication skill, teamwork, trust, discipline, responsibility and how to have fun.
Teaching with Dancesport Confidence we will allow us to explore and work on all of those values.
I end my bio with a question for you…..may I please have this dance?
CO NGUYEN
SERAPHINE SMITH
My name is Seraphine Victoria Smith and I am 18 years old.
I have danced many different styles throughout my dance journey including Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz and contemporary. I started ballroom at the age of 9 in a small town called Albury and I fell in love with the style straight away. From then I have been learning and competing in all 3 styles: Modem Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue until 2019 when I moved to Sydney. I am now focused on learning and improving my abilities in Latin and Modern Ballroom.
I have been able to share my love of the sport through floor shows, demonstrations and teaching. Including teaching many high school Debutante balls and a beginner ballroom class where the ages ranged from 6 and under, in this class, the students learnt the fundamentals of Ballroom and experienced the joy dancing can bring.
Throughout my time dancing, I have not only grown a passion for learning and achieving to the best of my abilities but also to be able to share my knowledge with other individuals.
JASON GAUCI
Dance Instructor
Dancing since the age of 11 years old, Jason has won many State and National Championships in all three styles of Dancesport- Latin, Standard and New Vogue.
In 2010, Jason and his partner were the highest ranking in the Australian Professional 10 Dance and represented Australia in the World 10 Dance Championships in Ukraine. Jason is a qualified coach and adjudicator in ballroom dancing.
He also previously represented Australia in Salsa Congresses overseas. Jason loves teaching and sharing his knowledge with students. He enjoys seeing the happiness in his students as they progress in their dancing journey as well as building confidence in their social skills.
PETER CAMPBELL
Dance Instructor
Peter has over 20 years experience of teaching and dancing. Peter runs his own dance studio and experienced in teaching kids adults and special needs.
He is:
* DSA, FATD, ADS, ANDA, ADB, SATD Accredited Coach and Adjudicator
* 2012 QLD Open Dancesport Champion
* Director of the Australian National Dance Association
* Professional Finalist in 2010 Australian Dancesport Championships
* 2014 South Pacific ProAm New Vogue Champion
SAMANTHA BULLEN
Born in London but lived in Australia most of my life, I started dancing when I was two with Highland dancing and then ballet in Gloucester Shire NSW. Since then dancing, in all its forms, has been a very important part of my life for over 46 years. I don’t remember a time I wasn’t dancing. I started Ballroom Dancing around 33 years ago I was very lucky to have the opportunity to start teaching soon after and I have continued to teach dancing for about 31 years.
I have done many other jobs over the years from working with animals in zoo’s through to database management in the Northern Territory with the Dept of Health but teaching dancing is the one that brings me the most fulfilment. I love to see that joy of dancing in other people. It is a mind, body and soul activity and I hold in high regard the same values as the program. Respect, Resilience, Self Belief and Courage.
I also value knowledge and as such have a BSc Majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and I am a qualified Personal Trainer. I am currently studying Counselling.
I have a 5-year-old Daughter (often seen at end of year/term events) and a 24-year-old son that both love to dance.
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