Read through the bios of our fantastic team and get to know us here.
GORDON GILKES
SHERRIE MCGRATH
Instructors Director
Sherrie is our principal teacher in Latin and voted Teacher of the Year 2015 and 2016 for her outstanding dedication, she brings a warm and patient understanding to the beginners latin classes.
– Australian Dancesport Professional Latin Champion
– Australian Dancesport Amateur Latin Champion
– Asian Pacific Latin Champion
– Five Times Australian Representative to the World Championships
– Recipient of the Australian Sports Award
– Performed in the world tour of ” Burn the Floor”
STEPHANIE CAPPAS
Dance Instructor
I was born in Zimbabwe and was one of the very lucky few children who had the opportunity to experience a dancesport program. My school was one of the first primary schools in Harare to be introduced to the world of Ballroom dancing. It was a trial program and our school encouraged us and our parents to participate. We were all 11years old and had absolutely no idea what ballroom dancing was about.
For me, and I’m sure many others, it changed my life. This is where my love and passion for dancing began. I left the following year to Australia however in this short time I caught a glimpse of how this program (whether it was its intent or not) affected the children participating. I remember my first class where no one knew what to expect; boys/girls were reluctant to hold hands and there was a very distinct separation between children of different races, cultural backgrounds, and even social status within the school. Looking back I can see very clearly how everyone had grown and matured over the year in a positive way.
Social skills improved – the group of students became closer and saw each other as more of a team; respect grew between each other as well as with the teachers; it subtlety infiltrated to everyday life in the way everyone saw themselves, their peers, adults, and stronger values were formed. Whilst some chose to pursue a rewarding career in Dancesport, many took away with them life long skills and values as well as an experience they will always remember.
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!
JOSHUA O’GRADY
Dance Instructor
I Started dancing around the age of 5 in jazz classes. From there I ventured into other styles and at age 10 transitioned into the ballroom and Latin world. I then studied my certicate IV in performing arts at Brent street in 2013.
I then went on to work as a professional dancer. Dancing for Natalie Bassingthwaigthe, Psy and other Australian artist. I also performed in 3 seasons of Locreado Dance company. In 2014 I Join the cast of Baz luhrman’s ‘Strictly Ballroom’ the musical.
I have toured with William Hall, and his Legacy show. I know focus on my Latin style, competing for Australia in the WDSF field internationally.
SUE MARTIN
Dance Instructor
I have been ballroom dancing all my life. I danced competitively in New Zealand and eventually moved to Australia to further my dancing and met my dance partner who later became my husband. We love the effect that music has on the dancers soul that awakens the creativity.
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
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.
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.
MELINDA HAYES
EMILY THOMAS
I was introduced to dance as a young girl, joining Tap, Jazz & Ballet classes. The music, technical disciplines & performance elements quickly led me to push myself with examinations & eisteddfods. After an interstate move, my mum enrolled me in a Ballroom Dancing class. I quickly fell in love with this new style of dance & within months had signed up for examinations & had a partner. I am now a full time competitive dancer training daily & representing Australia internationally as one of Australia’s top Amateur Standard dancers.
For me, it is so rewarding to be apart of the journey students take while participating in Dancesport Confidence. Students complete the program with newfound confidence, passion, respect & belief in themselves- that’s why I love teaching in this program!
EMMA HICKEY
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 43 years. I don’t remember a time I wasn’t dancing. I started Ballroom Dancing around 30 years ago I was very lucky to have the opportunity to start teaching soon after and I have continued to teach dancing for about 29 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 fulfillment. 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 Fitness Leader. I am currently studying Counselling.
I have a 3-year-old Daughter (often seen at end of year/term events) and a 22-year-old son that both love to 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 Bamptom (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.
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