Irene Toro

Bailemos Dance Classes

Irene has been in the Sydney Salsa scene for well over 20yrs and was the owner of Bailemos Dance Classes, one of the first Salsa schools in Western Sydney. Irene has trained with the finest dancers from Australia and around the world. She was fortunate to be a part of Sydney Salsa Congress (now known as Sydney Latin Festival) since its inception in 2003 where she worked with volunteers and instructors, taught workshops, and performed on the main stage. In 2009 she was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition for her contribution to the Australian Latin Dance community. Irene is trained in many forms of dance ranging from Belly dance to Ballroom and has significant experience in stage performance through her involvement in the Latin scene and musical theatre. Irene’s passion for music comes across in her teaching, and she loves watching people learn and use their personalities in their dancing.

Stephanie McElroy

Creative Dance Academy

Steph has lived in Penrith her whole life and have been dancing at creative dance academy since the age of 2. During her 20 years of dancing experience she have Been able to perform competitively, overseas, on a cruise, at the Sydney Royal Easter show, theme parks and many school / charity events. Steph have completed all tap exams and is a fully qualified tap teacher, have obtained a qualification in acrobatic teaching, she  have completed all my RAD ballet exams up to Advanced Foundation with Distinctions in all exams and Is training to be a ballet teacher through the RAD Certificate in dance teaching (ballet) course. 

Tamara Flynn

Penrith Gaels Maher Lenihan School of Irish Dance

Tamara has  lived in Penrith her whole life, attending local primary and high schools in the area and went to the Western Sydney University Kingswood campus. Tamara has been Irish dancing for 25 years. She began dancing at the age of 3 and now teach with Penrith Gaels Maher Lenihan. In her dancing career, I have competed in state, national and world championships, completed the Riverdance Summer School program and performed all over Sydney on St Patricks day over the years. Tamara was the NSW state champion and top five in the nation for majority of my competitive career. A few highlights of her dancing career include; Performing for Sunrise, the Kerry-Anne Kennerly show, Dancing on Playschool, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games

"I feel so excited to be a part of this experience, especially as the cause is close to my heart, having had family members with their own Caner Stories."

Shelley Ebeyer

Expression Dance School

Shelley Ebeyer is the Director of Expression Dance School. She trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School (Canada), Elmhurst Ballet School (England) and at The McDonald College (Australia). There she was trained in Classical Ballet (R.A.D, Cecchetti and I.S.T.D), Modern, Jazz (I.S.T.D), Hip-Hop, Tap and Contemporary.

Shelley’s performance credits include ‘The Nutcracker’ with the Alberta Ballet Company, she has danced with one of Australia’s leading dance-in-education companies Darc Swan Dance Company where it saw her touring nationally performing onstage and at school’s Contemporary pieces by Director/ Choreographer Chris Jannides. Shelley has also performed in the pantomime ‘The Dancing Princesses’ in London, she was a dancer at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in the Tom Jones Concert, performed with Australian Idol Paulini Curuenavuli and has performed in numerous corporate and concert shows around Sydney.

Shelley has her A.R.A.D, R.A.D Teachers Certificate and is a Mentor for the Royal Academy of Dance.

Therese Walz

Penrith Ballroom Dance 

Therese has lived in Penrith and surrounding region for 26 years. She started Ballroom dance at age 16, then started taking medals in 3 styles - Modern, Latin American and New Vogue, through the ANDA (Australian National Dance Association) and entered her first competition at age 22 and was, with partner, awarded 3rd place in the Jive. In 1986 she danced at the annual Australian Dance Championships in Melbourne. When Therese didn't have a competitive partner, she resumed taking her Medals and achieved the level of 2nd National in all 3 styles. Therese has now been dancing for 49 years and teaching for 33 years, 13 years with Penrith Dance Studio and 20 years in her own business. After a 25 year break from the competition floor, she returned to the floor as a professional and, along with her partner, was awarded 1st place in her first Pro/Am event.

Penrith Ballroom Dance caters for all, with group classes for children, adults and seniors. Private lessons are avallable to anyone, whether they are seeking to take their Medals, hit the competition floor or dance socially.

Their private lessons are also very popular with couples preparing for their Bridal Dance. Their Children's classes take Medal Tests twice a year. Over the years, Penrith Ballroom Dance has entertained at many Nursing Homes, the Relay for Life, Birthday Parties, Open Days and various other fund raising events.

"My first love is Ballroom Dance and I thoroughly enjoy helping others master and enjoy their dancing. Having fun is a prerequisite, learning is a bonus!*

Brock Rankmore

Vivid Performing Arts 

Brock Rankmore is a performer, choreographer and teacher that started dancing at the age of 11 in Sydney. He has a Certificate III in Dance Teaching and an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts from ED5 International. Brock has appeared in Dance Academy: The Movie as one of Christian’s dancers. He has also appeared on Channel 7 as a featured dancer in Schools Spectacular for Musical Theatre, Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical as well as a Soloist for Indigenous Dancing & most recently in Carols in the Domain 2023. He has performed at the Government House Dinner, Australia Day Concert at the Opera House and Australia Day Opening Ceremony on NITV as part of the NSW Aboriginal Dance Company partnered with Bangarra. Brock has trained and performed under Loredo Malcolm as both a Dance Captain and Assistant for LOcREaDO Dance Company. His Theatre Credits include Footloose: The Musical and as Nick Piazza in Fame: The Musical. Brock loves teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers in Penrith and can’t wait to raise money for the Cancer Council with Stars of Penrith.

Emily Smith 

Vivid Performing Arts 

Emily began dancing at the age of 3 and in this time has become competent in the genres of hip hop, jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theatre, lyrical and ballet. Emily has been trained in RAD
ballet, Glenwood Tap and Tap Beats by Nathan Sheens.Emily recently graduated from Brent Street in 2022 where she attained her Diploma of Dance (elite performance).mIn 2022-2023, Emily performed with Tones and I as well as been involved in numerous corporate theatre events, Christmas show parades, Charity shows and Professional productions for various companies. In 2024, Emily made her television debut in the documentary series "Dance Life" on Amazon Prime, where we follow her journey as a full-time Dance student, performer and teacher through the challenges and rewards of making it into the dance industry. Emily can’t wait to be involved with Stars of Penrith and Cancer Council to raise money for an amazing cause!