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 an intensive 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 Terms & Conditions, Expectations, Responsibilities, etc - you can view a copy on the CLASSES page of this website.

Check out who is part of the bubbly Backstreet Team below:

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) and has completed her CERT IV in Dance Teaching & Management. 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.

NATALIE GEE (Dance Teacher)

Natalie has been dancing with Deborah for the last decade!!! Natalie is 100% committed to her dancing: She has learnt all styles of dance and performed on stage over 40 times. Therefore Nat has a lot to offer to her students.

Natalie finds teaching very rewarding. She is buzzing each night after leaving the studio, as she said "the positive vibe from Backstreet is infectious". She is grateful that Backstreet offers a very positive environment and is more than happy to be a part of the bubbly team.

Therefore Nat looks forward to coming to the studio each day to share her love of dance and Backstreet. She has a warm heart, a beautiful spirit and loads of positive energy to share.

You'll see Nat assisting and teaching classes of all ages and styles. One talented experienced dancer. Enjoy having Nat in your life!

SASHA WILSON (Dance Teacher)

Sasha started dancing at the age of 7. She has studied various styles including Ballroom, Latin, Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop. She has even competed in ballroom and Latin at a state level.
Sasha was one of Deborah's first dance students back in Moondust days. Therefore trained under Deborah's philosophy - she is perfect to teach at Backstreet. She is positive, vibrant, bubbly, encouraging and fun to be around. A great role model for the students.
Sasha has experience teaching different styles and age levels since the age of 16. She loves dancing because it is great exercise for the body and mind.
Sasha is like a magnet - she develops a great connection with her students. A great gift to have her with us.

AMANDA COOKE (Senior Dance Teacher & Trainer)
From the age of 3 Amanda has LOVED to dance! Amanda has also shared this passion for performance with drama and musical theatre. Amanda has 8 years of Dance Teaching experience in studios (including Moondust) and many primary and high schools in North Queensland & the Northern Territory.
Amanda has also completed her CERT IV in Dance Teaching & Managment (nationally accredited qualification).
Amanda enjoys participating in and has experience teaching various styles of dance including: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Funk , Hip Hop and Break Dancing - from Tots to Adults. Amanda works a day job in social services, but you'll see her around the studio in the evenings and on weekends full of ENERGY and training the Teaching Team at Backstreet!
If you see Amanda around the studio please stop her for a chat - she is energised and INSPIRED by hearing and sharing dancing stories!

BRIONY KADEL (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Bri 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.

Bri 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 Bri to the Backstreet Team!

EMILY McGINTY (Trainee Dance Teacher & Assistant 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.

BRIDGETTE LOWDEN (Trainee Dance Teacher & Assistant Teacher)

Bubbly Bridgette has been dancing with Deborah at Moondust since the first days the dance studio opened. She is now in Grade 12 and has a lot of experience to share with her students.

She is the most positive caring person I know. She is mature, friendly, vigilant and enthusiastic to be a part of the Backstreet Crew.

Bridgette is a fantastic role model especially that she was brought up under Deborah's philosophy - that anyone can dance. She promotes healthy self-esteem, body image and loads of fun.

Bridgette's glowing aura is an asset to anyone that is under her guidance. She is one person you'll always remember - leaving a positive impression wherever she goes.

Enjoy having Bridgette as part our family.

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.

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.

AMAIA MENDIOLEA (Assistant Dance Teacher)

Amaia impresses the Backstreet Crew with her maturity, passion, interesting facial expressions, genuine and honest personality and big heart.

She is able to dance all styles - she can hip hop with attitude, she can jazz with grace, and she can funk with flavour. She is very excited to be a part of our bubbly Backstreet Team.

Amaia has a lot to offer and we are sure that she will leave her mark and make a positive difference!

Cairns Dance Classes - Kids Dance Classes - Adults Dance Classes

STAFF PHOTOS
We like to have FUN!!!!

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