DEANNA MERRIMAN
Deanna is the proud owner and director of 5,6,7,8 Dance Co and brings over 25 years of teaching experience to the studio.
With a deep passion for Acrobatic Arts and a lifelong love of hip hop, Deanna thrives on helping dancers build strength, confidence, and individuality.
As well as being a mother of 3, one of her greatest joys comes from watching her students grow — not just as dancers, but as confident performers who believe in themselves.
No stranger to the stage, Deanna has performed in local musical theatre productions and has choreographed for a range of community events, bringing creativity and storytelling to every performance she is part of.
While 5,6,7,8 Dance Co has proudly been involved with Stars of the Border for the past two years, this year marks an exciting first for Deanna as she steps onto the stage herself. Known for her energy, dedication, and genuine love of dance, Deanna continues to inspire her dancers every day, and hopes to inspire her newest student, Rebecca.
MEGAN REID
Meet Megan, a seasoned ballroom dancer with 18 years of experience, also doubling as a local Employment Consultant by day.
YVETTE ENNIS
Meet Yvette, a bubbly 18-year old who has had a huge love of dance her entire life.
Yvette has been dancing and competing for over 11 years and has been teaching students of the border for her fifth year this year. With a vast range of training in the styles of jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, theatrical, ballet and pointe she has a special love for jazz and hip hop and enjoys choreographing and performing these styles the most.
Yvette teaches at 5,6,7,8 Dance Co and loves that she is able to share her love for dance with so many students. She hopes to inspire her students to love dance as much as she does.
Recently Yvette achieved the big milestone of graduating high school and this year is studying biomedical science locally with the goal of becoming a doctor. Through this love of both dance and healthcare Yvette always aims to dedicate her passions to helping others and her community.
Having recently lost a family member to cancer this event holds a very special place in her heart and she hopes to help spread awareness and raise as much money as possible!
This is Yvettes first year as a teacher on Stars of the Border and she can’t wait to share her love of dance whilst supporting such an impactful cause.
TAYLOR FALKNER
Born in Albury, NSW, Taylor started her dance training at the young age of 3 years old. Taylor was very immersed in the dance culture throughout her schooling years, competing locally at competitions, performing in Disney land in 2009, And being a part of the Riverina Dance Ensemble performing at State Dance Festival and The School Specular for many years.
At the age of 14 she took training to a higher level and completed 3 years of fulltime dance training whilst obtaining her Victorian Certificate of Education in 2013. During this time, she received an Internship to Unitec BA Screen Arts in Auckland, New Zealand where she was able to experience an Incredible mix of Contemporary dance styles.
In 2015 Taylor toured works ‘Bitter Sweet’ and ‘Flux’ to Australia, Johannesburg South Africa and Amsterdam.
Taylor now, at 29 years old co founded MT Dance Creative alongside her bestfriend Meegan Strauss which is heading into its 7th year of business.
Despite having a classically and contemporary trained background, Taylor feels most inspired when creating in the more commercial styles, like jazz and hip-hop. Taylor is so excited to be apart of the 2026 Stars on the Border crew!!
KASSIA BERTRAND
Kassia grew up in Leeton, surrounded by community spirit, a loving family, and the world of dance. With her mum owning a dance school-now celebrating an incredible 45 years-dance and teaching have been part of Kassia’s life from the very beginning.
She began dancing at age eight, started teaching by thirteen, and two years ago proudly opened her own dance school. Kassia teaches a wide range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre, though Lyrical is her personal favourite.
For Kassia, teaching is about connection. She loves getting to know each student and becoming part of their lives, sharing in their milestones, and watching them grow both in and beyond the studio.
Family is everything to her. She now has her own little family with her husband Gabe and their daughters, Harper, and Hallie, while her mum, stepdad, and the memory of her Nonna and Nonno remain deeply influential.
Kassia spent seven years living at sea while working on cruise ships, an experience that broadened her worldview and deepened her appreciation for home.
She joins Stars of the Border 2026 in honour of loved ones affected by cancer-especially her grandfather-and to support a cause that touches every family.
EZRA JORY
Ezra is a dance teacher and choreographer based in the Albury–Wodonga region. He began dancing at three years old, falling in love with ballet, and later expanded into jazz, hip hop, and contemporary, eventually finding his creative home in commercial dance.
During high school, Ezra completed Certificate I and II in Dance, as well as a Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching, and began teaching at studios across the border region from the age of 17. He later moved to Melbourne to study full-time at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, where, alongside learning from some of the country’s leading creatives, being part of a diverse and inclusive dance community helped him find himself as a queer person and artist. This experience shaped his passion for building and nurturing, affirming, open dance spaces back home.
Back in the region, Ezra founded Commercial Dance with Ezra, an adult-focused dance space centred on inclusivity, self-expression, and creative freedom. Alongside his own open classes, he teaches hip hop at Kiewa Valley Dance and dance fitness at Genesis Wodonga.
Ezra has volunteered with the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company for several years and will be choreographing &Juliet this year alongside Susan Vaccaro. He has also choreographed and performed in the music video for local artist Mieke Louise’s “Won’t Call,” created through Midsumma’s Regional Activation Program supporting LGBTQIA+ creatives in regional communities.
Ezra is thrilled to be part of Stars of the Border for the first time, combining his passion for dance and community with fundraising for Cancer Council. He is all about pushing boundaries, refusing to be boxed in, and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
JEN JOHNSTON
Jen is the founder and studio director of Kiewa Valley Dance.
A Victorian-based dancer and teacher with over 20 years of experience, Jen has trained across all major dance genres and educated students of all ages. She completed the majority of her training in Canberra under Jackie Hallahan at the Canberra Dance Development Centre and Michelle Chapman at Dance Co. Canberra, before graduating with a Diploma of Dance Performance from Dance World Studios in Melbourne in 2005.
Jen spent 15 years teaching at a variety of dance schools across Melbourne and Canberra, taking on leadership roles and further developing her passion for guiding students. Outside of the studio, Jen is a proud wife and mother of two beautiful children who share her love of dance.
In 2020, Jen and her family moved to the Border region, where she fulfilled a long-held dream of opening Kiewa Valley Dance. The studio is built on community and a commitment to quality dance education, and Jen is incredibly proud of its growth.
Jen is thrilled to be part of Stars of The Border for the first time this year and honoured to be working alongside Tam in her debut season.
CAZZ KARDOL
Meet Cazz, an individual whose life has been significantly impacted by dance for an impressive 40 years, spanning various styles including Modern Jazz, Theatrical, Tap, Ballroom, and Latin.
At the age of 20, Cazz assumed the role of Principal at Alpine Dance Studio, marking the beginning of a leadership journey in the dance community. In 2019, Cazz transitioned to become the choreographer with Revolution Theatre Productions, expanding her contribution to the performing arts.
2026 will mark Cazz's 10th year of being involved in Stars of the Border, an event she has watched flourish with pride and honor. Witnessing the consistent generosity and support from the people of Albury-Wodonga for this meaningful cause has been a source of inspiration.
Aside from her dance commitments, Cazz works in the NDIS sector during the day, reflecting a commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Cazz's greatest loves are her two adult sons, and she loves to travel, with a long-term goal of living near the beach.
With a passion for dance, a heart for community service, and a commitment to family, Cazz continues to be a shining star in both the dance world and the community at large.
We asked Cazz to describe her dance style in three words so we can give a hint of what we are in for this year; Theatrical!
CHELSEA BOYER
Meet Chelsea Boyer, a 25 year old with a Heart of Gold!
Chelsea has 22 years of dance experience and seven years of teaching under her belt. A true country girl who grew up in Corowa, Chelsea’s journey has taken her from dancing before she could walk to representing Australia on the international stage in Europe in 2018.
Chelsea credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents; her ultimate role models. And her partner for loving and supporting her every move! Chelsea grew up dancing at Judy O’Malley School of Dance and now teaches Le Beat Dance Academy. Her favorite style is commercial dance, and she loves helping dancers discover their style and inspiring them to create their own journey.
As a recent Physiotherapy graduate, Chelsea brings a caring, healthcare-focused perspective to this year’s event. While she does not have a personal story about cancer, her clinical background has fueled a deep passion for research and education.
She joined Stars of the Border 2026 to share the art of dance while advocating for a cause that saves lives.
Chelsea invites the community to support her journey as she helps her Star become stage-ready to raise vital funds for Cancer Council NSW.
MADDY KARAS
Meet Maddy, a dancing queen born and raised in Albury, who has been passionately involved in the world of dance for an impressive 17 years and counting.
Maddy's dance journey has been marked by passion, dedication, and a competitive spirit. Having performed and competed in a diverse range of styles, she has become a standout presence in the dance community.
Her talent has been showcased in prestigious events, including multiple years of the NSW State Dance Festivals, the NSW Schools Spectacular, and local theatre productions.
Currently, Maddy has taken on the role of a dance teacher at LeBeat Dance Academy, sharing her expertise and love for dance with aspiring students.
This marks Maddy's fourth year participating as a teacher in Stars of the Border, as she is eager to showcase her passion and put on a spectacular show, Maddy is thrilled to return to Stars of the Border, contributing her talent and energy to this exciting fundraising dance event.
LAUREN OCONNOR
Introducing Lauren, a proud mom to two incredible boys, Mack and Judd, who will be 6 and 2 by the end of March. Lauren's daytime role as a childcare coordinator showcases her dedication to nurturing and supporting not only her own family but also the broader community.
Although currently on hiatus from teaching, Lauren has an extensive background in tap dancing, having taught at Alpine Dance Studio alongside Cazz for several years. Her passion for dance is deeply rooted, and she last graced the Stars of the Border stage in 2018 before taking a break to focus on raising her boys.
Lauren's dance journey began at the age of 7, leading to many enjoyable years of participating in local competitions. After nearly two decades of dancing, Lauren took a well-deserved "retirement" from the dance floor.
Stars of the Border is set to witness Lauren's passion for dance and her commitment to community.
We asked Lauren to describe her dance style in three words so we can give a hint of what we are in for this year; Fun and Creative!
CARLY CAMPBELL
Meet Carly, a vibrant individual who, along with her fiancée Leigh, owns Beatz Dance Studio. Their connection is etched in the Stars of the Border history as Leigh proposed at the event in 2022. Together, they are parents to two beautiful daughters, 12-year-old Bella and 8-year-old Calli.
Thrilled to return to the dance floor, Carly is celebrating her 6th year as part of this incredible event. By day, she takes on the role of a daycare educator, showcasing her dedication to nurturing and educating young minds.
In her spare time, Carly immerses herself in the local musical production's scene, adding a creative dimension to her life. She finds joy in spending time with her village, whether it's enjoying local parks or driving out to the weir, relishing moments on the water with her family.
Carly extends her congratulations to all the incredible dance teachers and Stars involved, expressing pride and honour in sharing the floor with them. As the night unfolds, she eagerly anticipates seeing the total tally for the year, marking another memorable chapter in the Stars of the Border journey. Enjoy the night, and here's to the wonderful community of dancers and supporters!
We asked Carly to describe her dance style in three words so we can give a hint of what we are in for this year; Fun, Unique, Sassy!
GLEN STRAUSS
Meet Glen, a familiar face born and raised in Albury, known for his dancing presence on the border. As the youngest of 10, Glen's connection to the community runs deep, and he has become a hometown hero in more ways than one.
Glen's dance journey commenced at the age of 13 when he embraced ballroom dancing, finding inspiration that boosted his coordination and self-confidence. Recognizing his passion early on, Glen expressed to his parents, "I want to dance professionally and own my own studio one day," setting the stage for his future aspirations.
Despite facing moderate-severe deafness in both ears at a young age, Glen's determination prevails. Hearing challenges may arise when he feels the rhythm, but they don't hinder his love for dance.
At 15, Glen faced a significant loss with the sudden passing of his father, his number one fan. His father's encouraging shoutouts from the sidelines influenced Glen's confidence and energy at dance competitions. Today, Glen still hears those cheers echoing over the dance floor.
Many years of experience and knowledge have become a powerful teaching tool for Glen, who now enjoys showing his students how to improve their ballroom techniques. In 2010, Glen and his wife Niki took over Albury-Wodonga Dance Centre, coinciding with the arrival of their first child. Under their leadership, the studio's activities expanded from 2 to 6 days a week. Glen runs 8-10 classes over 3 nights, and balances bridal lessons and Debutante trainings over the rest of the week. Over the span of 15 years (2010-2025), they have orchestrated an impressive 134 deb balls.
Glen's commitment extends beyond the studio, as he actively participates in the Cancer Council's 'Stars of the Border' since its inception. The camaraderie among the dancers and stars, coupled with the shared goal of building a stronger community and raising funds for the Cancer Council, has kept Glen coming back year after year. He wishes the new stars all the best in their adventure this year, emphasizing the spirit of support and community that defines the 'Stars of the Border' experience.
Happy dancing!!
