Nicola Grogan
Classic Dance Northern Beaches
Nicola has been dancing since the age of 3 and joined the young stars of tomorrow in London’s west end at the age of 11 performing in various musicals and royal gala events.
Continuing her passion she completed a Musical Theatre Diploma in the UK before moving to Australia then working as dance director for Arthur Murray in 2000.
In 2016 Nicola won the Australasian smooth dance championship, and in 2018 Won the rights to represent Australasia in Las Vegas as Top Teacher in Arthur Murrays All Stars competition.
Currently teaching Latin and Ballroom dance lessons for adults in Collaroy at Classic Dance.
Also teaching Dancesport Confidence in schools for the last 3 years and one of her schools just won top school at the end of program Gala 2022.
Nicola danced with the highest fundraiser at Stars of the Beaches 2023.
Lea Szpyrka
La Vibe Sunshine
Originally from France, Lea has been dancing, musical theatre and playing music since a very young age.
Arrived in Australia in 2008 and been lucky to teach Dance, Circus and Musical Theatre since then, after some volunteer job around the world decided to qualified as Art and Dance Therapist to use my passion to help and heal others while working with people with cerebral Palsy and Autism, after being a mum I decided to open a Dance and musical recreation for everyone Including kids and young adults with special needs ( opened 2 months ago).
Helping other always been so important to me, cancer is unfortunately the cause of many battles and lost around us and being part of this fundraising makes me happy.
Tamara Harrison
Tempo Red Academy of Performing Arts.
Tamara Harrison started her dance journey at the age of 7, after school she continued her dance studies with a professional year at Brent Street Performing Arts in 2014.
Since graduating Tamara has worked professionally in a wide variety of genres, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip-hop.
One of her highlight’s was a 6 month contract in Mumbai India performing in various Bollywood movies, music video clips, extravagant weddings and various VIP events.
She is now a pilates and barre instructor and has a passion for performance and choreography, which she has utilised to create many routines. Tamara is very excited to be putting her skills back to use this year with Stars of the Beaches 2023.
George Hoad
Tempo Red Academy of Performing Arts.
Felicity Hader
Felicity Hader Dance Studio
Felicity Hader is a former Ballerina with 25 years of International stage experience in leading roles with the worlds' top Ballet Companies, Directors and Choreographers. Felicity is a Choreographer as well as a Royal Academy of Dance qualified Teacher and experienced Adjudicator. She is also a Teaching Member of the Australian Institute of Classical Dance. A highlight of Felicity's career was to be the only dancer chosen by Konsanze Vernon to fly to Stockholm to train with the Cullberg Ballet and be coached by Mats Ek for Giselle. She later went on to dance his version of Carmen and be coached by the famous Ana Laguna – Mats Ek's wife.
Katherine Ward
Dance Arena Academy Of Dance
Katherine Ward BA LCBA-CICB AISTD Teach DIP Royal Academy of Dance
Katherine is honoured to be invited to Choreograph and support the NSW Cancer Council Stars of the Beaches Gala Event
A professional Dancer from age 14, Katherine is a highly respected National Dance Adjudicator and now as Principal of her own dance academy, DANCE ARENA, has encouraged an inclusive and welcoming environment, where the dancer in all of us is celebrated
Katherine's students have been awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at International Dance Competitions, received major dance scholarships and performed professionally with companies including Australian Ballet and Queensland Ballet. Her choreography has been performed by Theatre Companies and at the SOH Drama Theatre and Concert Hall.
Pascale Dernocoure
The Salsa Society
Known for her technical and fun teaching style, Pascale has mentored many students to become dancers. Recognized for her unique flow and style on the dance floor, Pascale is sought out to teach and judge at many events and festivals.
Dee Bee
Zumba with Dee Bee
Dee was born in Brazil and has been living in Australia for over 20 years. She started dancing classical ballet when she was 5 years old and as a teenager was part of the São Paulo Estate Ballet Company (Teatro Municipal) and later on taught classes to little ballerinas aged 3 to 5 y.o. Growing up in Brazil meant she was in touch with Samba, Carnaval and Axé and all the Brazilian rhythms since a very young age.
She’s been teaching Zumba classes since 2012 at different gyms and halls around the Northern Beaches. Her private class at the hall at Manly Village Public School has expanded from 10 to nearly 50 participants in less than 3 months!
She’s passionate about the latin rhythms and percussion, specially Cuban salsa, merengue and old school Samba and discovered in Zumba a way to bring all latin styles together with lots of fun!
Dallas Dee
ShowPony Pole & Burlesque
Dallas Dee is one of Australia’s top showgirls, having taught, danced, judged and competed on stages both nationally and internationally. Dallas is known for putting the SHOW in showgirl – with her routines comprising everything from powerhouse pole combos, live bands, pyrotechnics, backup dancers and monumental glitter drops. Dallas also loves mentoring and teaching the next generation of upcoming ShowPonies at her studio and via workshops and also produces several shows/ showcases each year promoting new performers.
Ophelia
ShowPony Pole & Burlesque
Ophelia loves nothing more than sharing her love of movement and biomechanics to help others achieve their goals.
Ophelia has been teaching dance for 15+ years, in the styles of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, chair, pole dancing and Slings. Ophelia is also a qualified Myotherapist, Remedial massage therapist and Pilates movement teacher (contemporary and classical) who dedicates her practice to educating and coaching Polers, Aerialist and dancers alike. When she's not teaching or treating you'll find her taking fun adventures with her husky, or performing at various dance competitions.
Natalie Neary
Natalie has been dancing and encouraging others to dance from a young age across many genres including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and musical theatre. Last seen in Mamma Mia in 2022 (WTC), Natalie is an experienced performer and choreographer with a career that spans over 100 productions.
Natalie has had the opportunity to be influenced by many Australian musical greats through training with Caroline O’Connor and Nancye Hayes along with many Broadway performers in her travels to New York and through her Young Choreographers course, Musical Theatre Course, RAD TAP course (San Francisco) and Diploma of Musical Theatre.
Natalie’s choreography credits include:- Shrek the Musical, Seussical, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Strictly Ballroom, Honk!, The Little Mermaid, Chitty Bang Bang, Oliver!, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Hot Shoe Shuffle and performances credits include Mamma Mia (WTC), Priscilla(WTC), Chicago (WTC), Legally Blonde (WTC). Sheila - A Chorus Line (WTC), Tapworks - Bring U Up (Australian Dance Festival) and Tapworks – 42nd Street (Hats Off). Natalie currently divides her time between teaching & choroegraphing at Dance North Academy, Stageartz and local schools.
Natalie is excited to be a part of the Stars of the Beaches - Dance for Cancer and that she can give someone else the opportunity to feel the joy of performing and raise a lot of money in the process.
