Ebony Austin – The Project by Ebony Austin
Ebony is a professional choreographer and dancer, having trained for 25 years under the guidance of Diane Blaas. She is the studio principal of The Project in Woonona and the director of The Project Network Agency, winning awards such as Wollongong's Young Citizen of the Year 2018. She has also been a finalist for Best BusinessPerson, Outstanding Dance Studio, and Specialized Business and Golden Globe Best Actress. Ebony is currently a Dance and Drama teacher at Amity College Shellharbour and proudly worked as a Hip Hop tutor at Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts. With extensive experience in the industry, she has performed and choreographed multiple works for Film, TV and Theater, including projects for Crayola, General Pants, Honey Birdette, Jessica Mauboy, Samantha Jade, Commonwealth Games, Oliver (RTC), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (RTC), The Boy From Oz (RTC) and We Will Rock You (RTC). She is currently choreographing American Psycho for Rising Arts Productions held at the iPac. Since 2018, Ebony has been a production choreographer and performer for Illawarra's prestigious Drag Queen, Roxee Horror. Additionally, being no stranger to the stage and camera, she has also performed as a backing vocalist and choreographer for the glam rock band Crosson, and has appeared on multiple TV shows and commercials, including Luxe Listing, Heartbreak High, Target, Married at First Sight, Paper Dolls, and many more. This is Ebony's third year with Stars of Nowra, and she has previously taught at Stars of Wollongong last year and again in 2024. She is honoured to be a part of the team and dances in memory of her Grandma, Ma, and Aunty Jay.
Akanksha Mudgal – Nachle Dance School Illawarra
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember; it’s more than a hobby; it’s who I am. I am professionally trained in Kathak (an Indian classical dance form), having spent six years learning under the guidance of my Guru and successfully completing three formal examinations in the art form. My journey in classical dance has shaped not only my technique but also my discipline, expression, and deep appreciation for storytelling through movement.
For the past year, I’ve also been teaching at Nachle Dance School - Illawarra, where I feel truly at home. Being part of such a creative and supportive team allows me to continue growing as both a dancer and a mentor, while sharing my passion with the next generation of performers.
Angela French – Dance Works South Coast
Angela French is a teacher, dance artist and emerging choreographer whose practice investigates expanded movement languages and performance-making methodologies. She completed a Bachelor of Dance Education at The Australian College of Physical Education (2010) and was a founding member of YouMove Company (2009–2011). Her choreographic works, including 3rd Time Over, At What Price?, Go for Gold – the unadorned and the adorned body, and T.E.Q, have been presented nationally and internationally. French has collaborated with practitioners such as Linda Luke and Tess De Quincey and performed in major contemporary performance contexts, informing a critical inquiry into embodiment and environment. 
Morgan Holt – Dance Works South Coast
Morgan started training in dance at the age of four, following in her sister’s footsteps.
From a young age Morgan focused on ballet, which led her to winning numerous championships Australia wide, high placings in the RAD scholarships, exceptional marks in her RAD exams and being accepted into the Australian Ballet Interstate Program.
As Morgan’s love of dance grew, she moved into learning different styles which gained her a place at Urban Dance Centre to study full-time. Whilst studying, Morgan found work teaching, working for Ubisoft and games such as Just Dance & Abba, photoshoots for BLOCH, Mercedes Benz & Dancetrain Magazine. From here Morgan gained a place as a Principal dancer in the contemporary company LOcREaDO, assistant to Jason Winters, choreographed for numerous events (Mercedes Benz & Fashion Palette), performed on TV shows Everybody Dance Now & the movie Dance Academy, finalist in Australian Dance Festivals “Dance around the world”, then appeared in various music videos for Australian Artists as well as being signed to Grayboy the agency.
Morgan, age 19 then received her first contract overseas for Princess Cruise Lines. Touring the world for several years, Morgan was then offered a land based contract in Dubai as a Dance Captain/Aerialist in the Pacha Dinner Show. Her most recent contract was a 15 month stint at Tokyo Disney in the show ‘One Man’s Dream II’.
Morgan has now permanently moved back to Australia and is excited and focused on training new and upcoming talent.
Tenielle Hore – Legacy Allstars
I am so excited to be part of this year’s Stars of Nowra and cannot wait to meet my star and begin rehearsing and fundraising. This is my 10th year of dance and cheer and I have been coaching for 6 years. I am proud to be a coach and athlete at Legacy Allstars. I have competed at a national level in Melbourne and the Gold Coast as well as internationally in New Zealand and Florida USA for both cheer and dance. Supporting this organisation has had a positive impact on my life and my family’s. We have had loved ones including my grandfather great uncle and my brother face cancer. Fortunately my brother was able to fight cancer at the age of 16 and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to help raise money for such an important cause.
Jessica Trost – Dance Works South Coast
This is my first year taking part in Stars of Nowra and I am so excited to jump in head first and contribute to such an amazing cause.
I have been dancing my whole life and that passion turned into teaching when I was 16 years old. Teaching at the studio I grew up in has been a privilege and it is how I found my love for teaching movement. Now I am in my final year of study for a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education and I have started casual teaching in our local secondary schools.
Coming onboard for Stars of Nowra this year is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to share my love of dance with the community.
Lucy Armstrong – Dance Works South Coast
Dance teacher by heart and Student Learning Support Officer by day, I’m passionate about helping young people grow in confidence through movement, creativity, and positive support. I have experience working with students across a range of learning needs and love creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone feels safe to try, learn, and express themselves. Whether I’m in the classroom or the dance studio, my focus is always on building strong connections, encouraging self-belief, and celebrating progress—big or small. I believe learning and creativity should be fun, supportive, and empowering for everyone.
Britt Hedrick - Dance Works South Coast
Britt has been dancing through life for as long as she can remember! Falling in love with the stage from a young age she developed her skills in performance as a lead dance ensemble member in musicals across the Hunter Region from 2007-2014. She first moved to the South Coast back in 2015, joining AMTC to perform in 'Grease' and was choreographer for their 2016 production of Legally Blonde. Britt then spent the following 8 years living in the remote town of Katherine in the Northern Territory utilising her energetic and engaging passion to create “Dance with Miss Britt” spreading her love of dance instruction and joy of performing across the Top End schools, sporting organisations, and community events. After moving back to the Shoalhaven last year, Britt was thrilled to be a part of the 2024 'Stars of Nowra' thanks to Dance Works South Coast where she loves teaching (and learning!) all styles of dance!
Abbie Haughton – Dance Works South Coast
Abbie grew up in the Shoalhaven and has been a dancer for 18 years. A member of DanceWorks South Coast since its beginning, Abbie spent 5 years as a competitive dancer and also successfully completed all of her ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary examinations. Abbie began assistant teaching at the age of 16, by 18 she had developed a passion for sharing her love of dance and continues to teach at DWSC. Abbie has been a part of regional dance festivals, Southern Stars and various productions. She has completed an Archaeology and Ancient History degree and in 2025 is commencing a Masters of Secondary Teaching. As a Stars of Nowra audience member for several years, Abbie is thrilled to be able to contribute her passion to this event.
Melinda Bolton
Melinda has a wealth of experience in teaching dance. She has taught in private studios as well as with the Department of Education. Her favourite styles are Tap, Jazz and Lyrical but she’s keen to do any style that gets the audience involved. Melinda loves the freedom dance gives your mind and body, to her nothing beats being lost in the music and performing. She was involved in Stars of Nowra for the last 4 years and loved seeing the enjoyment it brought and supporting a worthy cause. Melinda is looking forward to working with her partner to create a performance they’re proud of, so they can achieve something special and benefit those in need.
Alicia Morris – Be You Ballroom
Alicia discovered her passion for DanceSport (Ballroom Dancing) at a young age and is excited to share her love for dance through teaching at Be YOU Ballroom. Having completed all her exams in both Ballroom and Latin dance styles, Alicia now partners students, guiding and supporting them as they complete their own.
Alicia has competed in numerous events and is a regular performer in studio showcases, both through her own performances and partnering others. Her greatest joy comes from seeing her students grow and achieve their goals, while collaborating with the Be YOU Ballroom team to create opportunities for both children and adults to explore and develop their passion for DanceSport—a beautiful and creative art form.
Alicia also loves teaching wedding couples their first dance, an experience she cherishes as she helps them express their joy through connection, movement, and fun.
A lifelong resident of Nowra, Alicia has deep roots in the community and is excited to join the Stars team to raise awareness for this worthy cause.
Brock Jays - JHQ Collective
Brock Jays is a creative director, singer, and choreographer working across dance, voice, and songwriting, with credits including mainstream radio, Channel 7, The X Factor, and musical theatre roles in The Wizard of Oz and Oliver! (Melbourne and Singapore). Living with ADHD and navigating personal challenges shaped his journey toward authenticity and purpose. In his early thirties, Brock recognised his calling to use movement and creative expression to uplift others. Through JHQ Collective, he supports NDIS participants, youth, and the wider community, offering mentorship, healing-focused creative programs, and inclusive spaces where people build confidence, connection, and belonging.
Viji
With more than 15 years experience in Wollongong, and over 15 years experience offshore, Viji brings a vision to combine the art and dance form of Bollywood. At the age of 10, inspired by her mother's classical Dancing, Viji started learning the classical dance from her mother. Viji later started to learn and perform various folk style and Bollywood dances.
She aims to bring passionate dancers together to create the best dance forms. When she is not dancing, Viji is busy with her full-time work and family. She respects a perfect work life balance and strives to do her best. She believes in providing opportunities to young talents with passionate mind.
After many years of performing and teaching, Viji has been doing creative productions for the past 3 years. Her recent interests and passion is in the creative production and display of dance forms.
Scarlett Tebbutt
Scarlett has been dancing since she was two and a half years old and started cheering at the age of 8 and has not stopped since. She is currently a level 4 athlete at Airborn Cheerleading in Woonona and is in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Wollongong. Scarlett has trained in all genres and competed at State and National levels in Cheer, Pom, Physie, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Jazz. She has also taken a Cheer Team to compete internationally in Hawaii at the Global Games in 2024. This year she has decided to challenge herself by beginning a new role as a Dance Teacher at Your Talent Team, where she previously spent some of the most amazing years of her dance career. Scarlett is passionate in developing and assisting children to discover confidence, community & wellbeing through cheer and dance, and was also a 2025 Young Woman Entrant at the Nowra Show.
Her biggest motivation to join stars this year is due to the experience of seeing one of her best friends lose her mum way too early. Watching a previous dance partner through her battle and the fact that it goes back into our local community drives her to once again support such an amazing, essential cause for local families at such a difficult time. As a young woman born and raised in Nowra, Scarlett would love to give back to the community that helped raise her. If she can help through the sport she loves, it is an absolute privilege and honour to do so alongside other talented dance teachers. 
