WORLD CLASS INSTRUCTORS
All DanceSport Confidence instructors have undergone a rigorous selection process and successfully completed our program-specific training modules. They’re with us because they share in our values and believe in our mission.
Most are world-class dancers; all are world-class instructors.
GORDON GILKES
DanceSport Confidence consistently demonstrates a unique ability to build connections through community, equity and inclusion. Our programs provide opportunities for students, parents, teachers and community members to engage in confidence-building skills which culminate in a joyful celebration of partner dancing. All our programs are equitable and inclusive, promoting respectful relationships between all people regardless of ability, race, gender, religion or socioeconomic status.
We are a wellbeing company.
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.
HELEN RAWLINGS
HELEN RAWLINGS
Originally from the UK, my training started at 3 years old in at my local ballet studio. 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 in London and gained my teaching qualification through ISTD in modern jazz. I graduated and went to work freelance learning from renowned choreographers, continuing to collaborate after moving to Sydney in 2013. 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. 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.
SHERRIE KENT
I have dedicated my whole life to the dance industry and value and cherish the beautiful friendships I have encountered on the way. I love seeing the students succeed in their personal goals. DSC creates amazing opportunities for the students to develop and thrive as an individual and to be the best version of themselves. I look forward to meeting and getting to know the staff and students at your school. I can’t wait to start the transition into confident students through DANCE.
MATTHEW ROOKE
KARLA GERBES
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.
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.
STEPHANIE CAPPAS
I started dancing in year 5 in Zimbabwe – in a school program very much like Dancesport Confidence. I am still dancing and hope to be out there soon again. I love seeing all my students blossom into not only fabulous dancers but seeing them grow in their confidence and self-esteem. 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, I can’t wait!
VALI DAMASKOU
I have represented Australia in various dance festivals around the world, teaching workshops and performing. I also hold Australasian and World Championship titles. I continue to achieve my dreams, working professionally, inspiring others and demonstrating that the sky is the limit and anything is possible if you believe it. I’m looking forward to this journey and sharing with the kids – the beauty of music and dance and all the positive outcomes that come with it. Learning love, respecting and expressing themselves in a warm manner.
SUPPAKORN CHUWONGWUT
I represented Australia in the 2017 British Senior Latin Championship at Blackpool and have always been passionate about DanceSport. I’m an accredited Australian DanceSport Coach and Adjudicator and also work closely with Thailand Dance Sport Association.I am very honoured to be involved with DanceSport Confidence and would love to continue this passion; teaching and sharing my dance skills with the younger generation at various schools. Teaching kids is my passion! To be their first dance teacher and to see the positive results is very rewarding. I’m so honoured to be able to share my passion and skills of this beautiful art form, and dance with the next generation of Australian DanceSport!
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
ALEXANDRE FULBERT
IEVA MILASEVICIUTE
Dance is for all and it gives children a chance, from all walks of life, to learn and love dance. 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.
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.
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.
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