Our Teachers

Madeleine Brown 

Madeleine is the owner and Director of MB Dance Company, operating in the dance, entertainment, and fitness industry. She worked to produce a Cabaret show in the Northern Territory and has extensive experience in organizing, choreographing and managing production. Madeleine holds over 10 years' worth of dance teaching in contemporary jazz, hip hop, Bollywood and commercial. She graduated with a Diploma of Elite Dance where she was offered a Bollywood Dance contract and holds impressive international experience working with other choreographers and directors across various countries. Madeleine has danced and been featured in Bollywood Movies, Company shows, events, Weddings and music videos. She was based in Mumbai and Danced throughout the country and beyond, to places such as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Sri Lanka. 

Anabelle Larosa 

Annabelle has been involved with the performing arts since age 3. Completing Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus up to Level 11 and RAD Intermediate, she has also studied HSC Dance and HSC Music 1. Following graduating High School in 2019 she studied at Dargie Fulltime for 3 years as a vocal major, attaining a Diploma of Dance, Advanced Diploma in Dance, and a Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management. Annabelle has also attained a Cert III in Fitness and is First Aid qualified. Annabelle is passionate about sharing her love of learning and performing with students. 

Eugenia Machado

Eugenia has over 10 years of experience in dance teaching & over 20 years in the dance industry. She has trained in many styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatics & Musical Theatre. In 2017, Eugenia graduated from the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) with her Bachelor of Applied Dance, she then went on to open her own dance studio located in Bossley Park. She has been privileged to be able to perform at many different events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Mardi Gras, local community events & has even performed at the State Theatre in Sydney. She travelled to the USA to perform at Disneyland, California Adventureland & Hollywood Blvd. Eugenia loves to teach dance & pass on her knowledge & passion on to others. Her focus is on technique, accuracy & creativity while creating an enjoyable & fun environment for her dancers. 

Caroline Hopkins 

Caroline has over 20 years of dance experience and specialises in Jazz and Tap. She is focused on providing a fun dance experience whilst learning correct technique, building confidence, improving fitness, encouraging individual expression and enjoying all the world of dance has to offer. Her dance passion has led Caroline to complete her Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing (FATD) dance exams in Jazz, Tap and Ballet. She is excited to share her love and talent of dance with the wider community. 

Antonia Escobar

Antonia has been teaching Afro Uruguayan rhythms for more than 25 years. She has worked in a variety of different dance styles such as belly dance, Bollywood, Samba, Salsa, and Latin rhythms. In 2001 she joined a candombe group called Comparsa Tauguru and later became the main teacher, choreographer and main dancer. Antonia has continously been so supportive of Cancer Council - we are lucky to have her ongoing support.

Cristina Tacuri

Savanna-Rose Deans

Savanna-Rose first started dancing when she was three years old and has re-found her passion for dancing and has been practicing over the last four years. She loves classical dance styles and specializes in ballet and lyrical/contemporary. A proud member of the Liverpool community for 12 years, Savanna-Rose is excited to be part of the Stars of Sydney South-West Charity Gala and contribute to the community. 

Sarah Vella

Sarah has been passionate about dancing since 4 years old and has since been classically trained in RAD Ballet and ADA Jazz and Tap. She has performed internationally at Disney World Hong Kong and Orlando, and Universal Studios Orlando. Sarah has been in many theatre productions including; ensemble cast for “Kirana, the children’s opera” as well as Birdie Productions “FAME The Musical”, in 2017. A featured dancer in the musical “The Little Mermaid”, Glinda in “The Wizard of Oz”, Wendy Darling in “Peter Pan Jnr”, and performed in the Sydney University Musical Theatre Society’s “New Voices”. Sarah has already passionately raised funds for the cancer council and participated in the Stars of Southwest Sydney as a judge in 2023 and as a dancer in 2022, where she and her partner won the judges choice award! Sarah also raised $8700 for the ponytail project, donating 60cm of her hair. This is a cause very close to Sarah’s heart, so she is very excited to be a part of such a worthwhile event again.

Taylor Katavich

Taylor has been dancing since childhood at two and a half years old, she has been trained in multiple styles of dance including jazz, tap, hip hop with her specialty being Latin Jazz. In 2020, she was successful in becoming a Paramatta Cheerleader for the NRL team and is currently teaching dance and finishing her studies of ADA Jazz and Tap Teachers Exams. Taylor has previously performed at the Stars of Sydney South-West Charity Gala where she and her star had an amazing experience and won People’s Choice Award in 2022. She is thrilled to be part of this journey again and to help raise awareness for cancer.  

Nandini Chadrasekaran

Specialising in the Indian-classical dance style of Bharatanatyam and the Indian-classical music style of Carnatic Vocal; Nandini Chandrasekaran is a teacher, performing artist, choreographer, NDIS service provider and Community Worker. She is the Artistic Director and Founder of ‘Natwar School of Arts and Dance’ and offers training in Bharatanatyam, Semiclassical Dance, Carnation Music and even Dancercise. Through her institution, she has been proudly contributing over the last 6 years to the rich cultural heritage of India around Australia. Nandini’s training began with her Ammama – Grandmother, her first Guru at two years old and ever since has been performing on many stages and district competitions. Her love and dedication to teaching and choreographing has brought her to be a recipient of the Women Achiever Award in ‘South Indians in Sydney’s (SIS) Summer Mela 2024 and now, a dance partner at Cancer Council’s Stars of Sydney South-West Charity Gala. 

Holly Bishop

Holly began dancing at seven learning ballet, jazz, tap and Irish dancing. She’s worked for many performers including The Wiggles, Australian singer Jane Scali, and toured across Canada and America with Riverdance for 4 years. She currently owns her own Pilates studio; Power of Pilates and teaches jazz at the Donna Halloran school of dance. Holly has previously participated in the Stars of Sydney South-West Charity Gala where she and her Star won the top dance performance in 2019. 

Minerva Chudnovsky

Minerva was born in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela where she started her professional dance career as a teacher and choreographer. She has travelled around the world showcasing her love for dance through Latin American Folklore, Flamenco, Belly dance, and Cuban Rhythms in various musicals and band shows. Minerva has now grounded herself in Sydney Australia where she teaches Belly dancing and Salsa at Suave Dance Studio. Available to perform for any occasion such as weddings, birthdays, multicultural festivals and organized events, she puts her heart and soul into her dance and spreads excitement to all. Minerva is also a Youth Human Rights Ambassador, consistently finding ways to contribute to the community and is excited to be a part of Stars of Sydney South-West Charity Gala. 

Chyncia Salerno

Chyncia began dancing at the age of two where she was desperate to be in the studio with her older sister. This passion has led to her studies in a variety of dance styles such as Cecchetti ballet, Alianza flamenco, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop. Throughout her training and career, she has undergone many examinations, competitions, and performed on public stages from weddings to stage performances and outdoor exhibitions. In 2023, she became an Associate Diploma teacher for Cecchetti, now sending students for exams. Chyncia is a co-founder of West Dance Co located in St John's park where she teaches ballet and flamenco. 

Jessica Spiteri

Jessica began dancing at the age of two as her parents wanting her to continue the family’s Spanish culture in Australia. She trained in flamenco, ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance for 21 years. From a young age, she discovered her passion for dance and dreamed of one day teaching and owning her own dance school. At the age of 14, Jessica began her teaching career in flamenco and ballet with children. Over time, her teaching expanded to other age groups and found her niche in flamenco. Having been fortunate enough to travel to Spain, she studied flamenco at Amor de Dios in Madrid, which has given her the skills to perform in numerous festivals, weddings and at Casa Asturianas restaurant in Sydney. Jessica is a co-founder of West Dance Co located in St John's park where she teaches flamenco.