Backstreet Dance Team

Cairns Dance Classes - Kids Dance Classes - Adults Dance Classes

THE TEAM
There is a strict criteria for being a part of the Backstreet Team. All Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Student Teachers and employees have to be positive, committed and most of all passionate about what they do. This ensures everyone has a great time and achieves the desired results.

All Teachers have Blue Cards, are trained in First Aid (regularly) and have suitable experience/qualifications to teach/assist (eg. Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management). We also have a Teacher Training Program for new and current Teachers in our Cairns Dance Classes so that the whole team are in alignment with the philosophy of Backstreet. This is important to the success of everyone involved at Backstreet.

Teachers regularly travel to Sydney and Melbourne (2-3 times per year) to keep up to date with the latest choreography, safe teaching practices and other important news that relates to the Dance Industry.

Most importantly, Backstreet operates in accordance with the Australian Dance Council's Code of Ethics. We also have in place, according to law, a Risk Management Plan to ensure we offer a safe place for students and parents to attend.

If you would like to read our Studio Handbook - outlines the Risk Management Strategy, Teacher's Code of Etics, Safe Dance Practice Policy, Terms & Conditions, Expectations, Responsibilities, etc - please email a request and we will ensure you receive a copy.

Check out who is part of the bubbly Backstreet Team:

DEBORAH STORER (Director & Senior Dance Teacher)

In a nutshell, Deborah is all about PASSION!

She is known for her vibrant energy, love of people, talent for dance & teaching and also her professionalism. Not only that, many have been inspired by her many triumphs of overcoming eating disorders, low self-esteem and family suicide in her teens and young adulthood. It is due to these challenges that Deborah has developed a driving passion to make a difference in people's lives, especially with confidence. This ranges from not only her experience as a successful dance school owner and teacher of 7 years, but also her extensive experience as a motivational speaker, published author of 7 books, Qualified (Nationally Recognised) Life Coach, columnist and artist. Deborah also has received qualifications in the Fitness Industry with Personal Training and Aerobics (including an understanding of body anatomy). She has also received recognition for her success in operating a successful business and making a difference in many lives, including a nomination for the Local Hero Award.

What more can you want in a Director of a Dance School? As Deborah says: "You only get one life - live it daringly and boldly. Most of all, ensure you have loads of fun. Life is not meant to be serious all the time - enjoy yourself!"

You'll see Deborah teaching jazz, funk and hip hop to all ages. Her passion is obvious and the connection with her students is evident. You'll see her choreographing, organizing costumes, taking phone calls, organizing enrolments and ensuring everything is in tip top Backstreet shape. She loves the dance life - all aspects of it! Enjoy the vibe she has created in the dance classes as well as in the Reception area.

JEFFREY STORER (Deb's Hubby, Director & Technician)

Jeff is the backbone of the studio - inventing, fixing, creating, amending and envisioning. If you want someone to thank for the vibrant reception area, he is the man.

He loves to be involved in Backstreet and often plays a part in reception. If you are lucky, he'll make you a coffee while you lap up the vibrant atmosphere. He is a great support to Deborah and you'll agree when you see them together - a strong team dedicated to giving you the best experience.

CHRISTINE WHITE (Deb's Mum, Bookkeeper & Parent Performance Choreographer)

Yes, the whole family is involved here. That's what Backstreet is all about - a family environment. You'll see Christine, or as some call her - MUM, taking care of the accounts in the Backstreet office or liasing with parents and students in reception. She always makes an impression with her vibrant bubbly personality, parent performances she choreographs for each production (the best comedy acts ever) and her endless energy. You'll love her!

REBECCA HOLZHEIMER (Dance Teacher)

Rebecca has gained many years of dance and teaching experience. She finds that teaching dance is rewarding - something she is absolutely passionate about. Her smile and praise for her students lights up the classroom with positive energy. The children love her and I'm sure you will too.

Some of Rebecca's strengths include: Creativity, positive attitude, passion, love of children, dedicated to giving her all, adaptability, courage, loyal, reliable and committed to her students growth 100%.

You'll agree with me when you meet Rebecca that she has a positive vibe about her and that is exactly what Backstreet is all about. You'll see her teaching all ages and styles.

One talented lady on a mission to inspire!

NATASHA ETHERINGTON (Dance Teacher)

Natasha was a student of Deborah's when she was young. Upon realising her passion and talent for dance, she pursued dance further in Melbourne, including attending a full time performing arts course, completing her Cert I & II in Music and Dance.

Natasha is now back at Backstreet sharing her experience, talent, passion and learnings with many students. She has been trained in a a range of styles from Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Funk, Jazz and Hip Hop. Therefore she has a lot to offer to her students.

A confident dancer, a caring Teacher and a fire inside that is inspiring and infectious to be around. Enjoy being inspired by Tash. You'll see her at Backstreet teaching Contemporary to Teens and Adults, Jazz/Funk to 5-7yo and Funking it out with the Preteens with Jazz and Funk.

BRIONY KADEL (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Bree is one confident passionate dancer. She has been dancing most of her life and has always been bubbly, positive and down to earth - a perfect personality when dealing with children.

Bree has a lot to offer Backstreet as she sets a leading example to others that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. She loves snuggly hugs, is dedicated to dance (as she says - it helps you deal with day to day life - a great release!) and she loves children.

Welcome Bree to the Backstreet Team!

EMILY McGINTY (Assistant Dance Teacher)

If you asked me how to describe Emily in one word, I would say POSITIVE. Emily glows with a beautiful smile, a big heart, compassion, warmth and loads of passion and enthusiasm.

She loves to assist - she finds it very rewarding to help another student with their dance ability and self-esteem.

I have witnessed Emily in the last year grow in expression, confidence and mostly, talent. Even though she is competent at Jazz and Funk, her biggest passion is for hip hop - breakdancing is her latest project - wanting to master all the moves. She has currently mastered the Baby Freeze, the moonwalk, the glide, the 6-Step and tornado. Anything is possible when you are in Emily's presence. She is certainly inspiring.

Emily is a great asset to the Backstreet Team and we can see that she will be dancing for a very very long time - it's her life long dream to be a dancer and teacher.

TAYLAH KLEIN (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Taylah is one hungry girl - not for food - for DANCE! She has that sparkle in her eye when it comes to assisting. She loves the Tiny Tots and loves to dance.

Taylah has once said the one thing she values in life is dance. Due to her clear passion, it rubs off on the younger students and the class is buzzing, full of energy and positivity.

If you ever see Taylah dance on stage - she exudes confidence, strength, certainty and enthusiasm. A lead example for younger dance students.

DONNY GANGEMI (Zumba Fitness Instructor)

Donny has been dancing funk and hip hop for 5 years in Ciarns and has been a student with Backstreet Dance for 1.5 years. She has completed her Certificate III - Fitness Instructor Course and has successfully completed her Zumba Basics 1 Workshop.

You may have known her as Dodgy Donny - a regular announcer on the radio here in Cairns? If so, you'll know that Donny has a zest for life and a passion for dance and fitness. She is super excited to bring Zumba fitness to Backstreet Dance and looks forward to inspiring her students to let the latin flavours of Zumba take them where they've never been before! Get fit, lose weight, have fun, meet like minded people and feel good about yourself.

Let's get ready to ZUMBA!!! at Backstreet Dance.

LELANI SPENCER (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Lelani has been dancing since she was 3yo. Now a confident teenager, she is eager to give back to the younger students to realise their passion and achieve their goals.

Lelani's specialty is jazz and funk. She is quite flexible with her high kicks, has a warm heart, is gentle and positive with the students which is why they love her.

Lelani always has so much to offer - using her initiative when it comes to productions helping backstage and assisting in class, to guide students to improve their dance skill and confidence. Students have much to gain from Lelani's presence.

CHELSEA RAMM (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Chelsea has been dancing most of her childhood. She was chosen as an Assistant Teacher due to her maturity, her love for others (she is not one to focus on herself - she focusses on giving her best to those around her) and her love of dance.

What stands out with Chelsea is this:
- She uses her initiative in the class room - contributes her own ideas.
- She is confident on stage with her own dancing.
- She loves children and ensures they are learning in a fun environment.
- She is 100% present when she enters the studio.

Chelsea is a valuable asset to the Backstreet Team. I can see that she will be with us for a very long time. Dance is a part of who she is. I'm sure you will enjoy being in Chelsea's presence.

ALANNA BRENNAN (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Alanna is one responsible, creative, positive, enthusiastic and passionate young lady. She loves to assist the younger students to achieve the splits, learn funky dance moves and build on their confidence.

Alanna has contributed so much already to Backstreet, assisting tiny tots backstage, being Deborah's right hand backstage (which is a huge job!!), performing on stage with the students and praising them throughout their journey of dance.

The students love Alanna as much as Alanna loves to dance. A great addition to the growing Backstreet family.

SHYNADE SMITH (Assistant Teacher)

Shynade has been dancing for most of her childhood. She has a natural flair of dance. She is a confident dancer and a love of children.

Shynade is new to our Team and I'm sure that you will benefit a lot from Shynade's presence. She uses her initiative and gives her whole heart to assisting the children in being the best they can be.

TAYLAH-LEE CAMPBELL (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Taylah-lee is a pocket rocket - full of energy, passion and vibrancy. Her personality will light up the room with sparkles, enthusiasm and glitter. She easily excites the kids and puts 100% into everything she does.

She loves to dance all styles from jazz, funk, hip hop, acrobatics - you name it, she can do it or is willing to give it a try. Very ambitious, uses her initiative, has loads of creative ideas and contributes to the buzzing atmostphere at Backstreet.

Enjoy the energy that Taylah-lee possesses. She'll inspire you!!!

DYLAN WALK (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Dylan has been dancing since he was very young. He has a lot of experience in Hip Hop and is a positive role model for his hip hop students.

He is passionate about sharing his skills with the 4-8yo budding hip hoppers, especially his breakdance skills, including the Baby Freeze, Tornado, 6-Step, Moonwalk and Side Glide.

Dylan has a great connection with his students, a gentle spirit and a huge passion for dance and performing.

Cairns Dance Classes - Kids Dance Classes - Adults Dance Classes

STAFF PHOTOS
We like to have FUN!!!!

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