Backstreet dance, Cairns
Our Groovy Team
THE BUZZING, BUBBLY, BACKSTREET CREW
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 gains confidence.
All Teachers have Blue Cards, are trained in First Aid (regularly) and have suitable experience/qualifications to teach/assist (eg. Cert III in Dance or Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management or equivalent inhouse training).
We also have an intensive Teacher Training Program for new and current Teachers in our Dance Studio 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) and every few years some travel to Los Angeles to attend dance classes.
The Director has visited and will continue to visit places like Boston, Las Vegas and Phoenix for specialised Dance Teacher Conferences or Dance Teacher Retreats to keep up to date with the latest choreography, safe teaching practices, effective teaching strategies 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 Policies, click HERE or our VALUE click HERE our our Health & Safety page HERE
Check out who is part of the bubbly Backstreet Team below:
DEBORAH STORER
(Studio Director, Qualified Dance Teacher and Studio Manager)
Deborah has been teaching dance for 20 years, is a published author of 7 books, is a Life Coach and finds anyway to make a difference.
DEB’S QUALIFICATIONS:
- Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management
- Cert IV in Life Coaching
- Cert III in Fitness & Cert IV in Fitness
- Cert IV in Business & Small Business Management
- Cert IV in Training & Assessment
She has also received a nomination for the Local Hero Award. She has contributed to the community in many ways – which you will see on the corridor of the studio. What more can you want in a Director of a Dance School?
As Deborah says: “You only get one life – live it with passion!!. Most of all, ensure you have loads of fun. Life is not meant to be serious all the time – enjoy yourself!”‘.
DEB TEACHES:
- Dance classes from 3yo to Adults in the styles of jazz, funk and hip hop
- Performance Troupe
- Certificate III in Dance Qualification
- Self-Esteem Workshops
- Team Training and Mentoring
You’ll see her organizing:
- Disney Dance Trips
- Work Experience Programs
- Discos
- Community Performances
- School dance program
- plus heaps more behind the scenes.
Her passion is obvious and the connection with her students is evident. You’ll see her choreographing, organizing costumes, taking phone calls, organizing enrollments and ensuring everything is in tip top Backstreet shape.
If you don’t have the pleasure of having Deborah as your Dance Teacher, you will definitely have the opportunity to soak in the positivity she spreads through the team, on the walls at the studio and through every bit of communication.
DEB’S FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Why try to fit in; when you are born to stand out!”
ONE THING DEB LOVES ABOUT BACKSTREET:
The people – I feed off the people who enter the studio. I love my team, I love my students, I love everyone that walks through our door. People keep me motivated!
ONE THING DEB WANTS HER STUDENTS TO GET OUT OF HER CLASSES:
- Fun
- Energy
- Feel good about yourself
DEB’S TOP 3 ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Overcoming my own self-esteem issues and eating disorders as a young adult. Dance and personal development saved my life!!
- Owning and continually managing a dance studio I’m proud of
- Loving what I do – nothing beats passion!!! MUST do what you love. It’s hard work, sometimes scary, sometimes challenging but IT’S SO WORTH IT!!!
amanda o'donnell
(Qualified Dance Teacher)
DANCE BACKGROUND:
- Danced since 3yo in Gympie, Innisfail, Darwin & Cairns (Eisteddfods & Concerts)
- First taught with Miss Deb 20 years ago at her previous studio “Moondust”
- Has taught dancing in studios, primary schools and high schools in Cairns, Innisfail & Darwin
DANCE STYLES COMPETENT IN:
- Hip Hop
- Contemporary
- Jazz/Funk
- Ballet
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management
- Cert IV in Training and Assessment
- Diploma of Teaching & Learning
- Degree in Social Science
- Qualified Dance Teacher at Backstreet
- First Aid + CPR
- Blue Card
TOP 3 DANCE/DANCE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Loving every moment of being on stage with my team mates at every concert.
- Backstreet USA Disney Trip 2011
- Improving the confidence of students to take the stage!
DANCE PHILOSOPHY/FAVOURITE QUOTE:
‘Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene
1 THING I LOVE ABOUT BACKSTREET:
The family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
1 THING SHE WANTS HER STUDENTS TO GET OUT OF HER CLASSES:
To have fun while challenging themselves to learn something new.
SAMMY TOOMEY
(Qualified Dance Teacher, Qualified Assistant Teacher, and Receptionist)
DANCE BACKGROUND:
- Started dancing with Deb at 4 years old
- Selected for the Disney Dance Trip
- Achieved 3 Performance Troupe Programs
- Danced for 12 years
- Completed dance workshops in New York, Orlando, Brisbane and Cairns
- Danced in the Cairns Festival Parade
- Private lessons in Ballet
- Student Teaching at backstreet since 2019
- Selected for Carols by Candlelight
DANCE STYLES COMPETENT IN:
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Contemporary
- Heels
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management (in progress)
- Certificate III in Business (in progress)
- Certificate III in Fitness (in progress)
- First Aid & CPR
- Blue Card
TOP 3 DANCE/DANCE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Performing in the Disney Parade
- Performing around the community
- Encouraging a new generation of dancers
DANCE PHILOSOPHY/FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.” – Winnie the Pooh: A.A.Milne
1 THING I LOVE ABOUT BACKSTREET:
I love the welcoming and positive atmosphere at Backstreet, where everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated. It’s a place where you can truly be yourself, build confidence, and form beautiful connections with others, all without the fear of judgement. The environment here encourages respect, learning, and embracing one another, it’s a wonderful community to be a part of.
1 THING SHE WANTS HER STUDENTS TO GET OUT OF HER CLASSES:
My vision as a teacher at backstreet dance is to create a safe place for my students to flourish in their dancing and grow as people. Where students are comfortable and confident in themselves enough to support others while having fun learning.
TYRA HOLLIS
Qualified Assistant Teacher, Trainee Receptionist
DANCE BACKGROUND:
- Have been dancing for 5 years, with many more to come!
- Performed at Carols by Candlelight
- Danced in the Cairns Festival Parade
- Have done many different forms of dance; including Level 1-3 gymnastics
- Participated in a Jess Innes Workshop
DANCE STYLES COMPETENT IN:
- Jazz (Funk, Commercial, Broadway)
- HipHop (Commercial)
- Contemporary (Lyrical, Abstract)
TOP 3 DANCE/DANCE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Competed at Cairns Eisteddfod in 2021 and 2022, placing second and receiving a Highly Commended
- Work Experience at Backstreet Dance
- 2024 Disney Dance Trip
QUALIFICATIONS
- Assistant Teacher – in house training
DANCE PHILOSOPHY/FAVOURITE QUOTE:
- “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it”
1 THING I LOVE ABOUT BACKSTREET:
- Backstreet is an accepting, welcoming environment that embraces individuality without the fear of being judged by others. Backstreet is not just a dance studio, it’s family.
LEAH WALKER
Qualified Assistant Teacher, Relief Dance Teacher
Dance Background:
- Started dancing at 5yo
- Selected to perform a duo at Cairns Central (2015)
- Performance Troupe (2016)
- Danced in the Cairns Festival Parade multiple times
Dance styles competent in:
- Jazz
- Contemporary
- Hip-Hop
Top 3 dance achievements:
- Choreographed and performed 2 duos
- Work Experience at Backstreet
- Performing in the community
Qualifications:
- Blue card
- CPR
- First Aid
- Fire training certificate
- Qualified Assistant Teacher
Favourite quote
- Life isn’t how to survive the storm, it’s about how to dance in the rain
1 thing I love about backstreet:
- I love that everyone is welcomed at Backstreet. Everyone can express themselves freely without being judged by others. No one is pressured to be a perfect dancer; mistakes are just part of the fun.
isla brennan
Assistant Teacher (in training)
DANCE BACKGROUND:
- I have been dancing for 3 and a half years, and I love it!
- I used to dance at dance 2xs and did cheerleading tumbling and acrobatics
- I spent many years during primary school doing gymnastics
- I do dance extension at high school (choreographing our own dances)
DANCE STYLES COMPETENT IN:
- Jazz (Funk, Commercial, Broadway)
- HipHop (Commercial and Urban)
TOP 3 DANCE/DANCE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Work Experience at Backstreet Dance
- On stage with backstreet at the Cairns Show
- Being employed at backstreet as an assistant teacher
QUALIFICATIONS
- Assistant Teacher – in training
DANCE PHILOSOPHY/FAVOURITE QUOTE:
- “Anything is possible, if you put your mind to it”
1 THING I LOVE ABOUT BACKSTREET:
- The thing I love about Backstreet the most is that everyone is welcomed and accepted in a non-judgemental environment. It’s a place to express yourself freely, build beautiful connections with others and a place to also build your confidence. It really is a positive studio with an encouraging team of teachers.
Christine Downie
(Bookkeeping)
- Christine is Deb’s mum.
- She is a big fan of Backstreet.
- Christine plays a big part behind the scenes with admin and bookkeeping and also on Reception
- She is a student of Deb’s Adult Jazz/Funk Beg/Int class (an example that you are never too old to dance)
- Christine has been choreographing the Parents Dances forever – since Deb’s first studio, Moondust
- You will always hear laughter in the Parents rehearsals
- She puts on these Parents Dances every 6 months to a year (read the E-Newsletters to keep up to date)
- The Parents dances are free and most suitable for very very very basic beginner level
- If you can’t dance – Christine wants you
- If you are a funny awkward dancer – Christine wants you!!!
JOHN GRANT
John is in charge of security at our Productions.
He ensures people are not filming and taking photographs and he will be checking tickets/wristbands before they enter the venue.
He ensures everyone is safe and having a great time.
You may have seen him on stage in the Parents and Dads dances.
He is a star on the stage.
He is one cool character.
He has been involved with Backstreet for over a decade.
He is a family friend of Jeff and Debs and is a very kind man.
Tracy Gardiner
Front of House Manager at the Productions
- Been part of the Backstreet family for 5 years.
- Dances in Jazz (advance/intermediate) and Heels (beginner) for the last 2 years.
- Loves meeting and greeting families on production day.
- Loves ensuring all dancers and families have a great time on production day.
- Can be a little bit crazy at time, but full of fun, laughs and energy!
maurica morton
Back of House Manager
Maurica has been dancing with us for several years.
We found that every time we had a Production backstage, Maurica couldn’t help but volunteer her time and help the students backstage get ready for their performance – lining up, inspiring them, overcoming nerves, spreading positive energy and getting them ready for a great experience on stage.
Therefore we thought Maurica would be a great fit for our team as a Back of House Manager.
- We look forward to having her share her big warm heart and positive energy with our students backstage on Production Day.
chi chi
- Deb & Jeff’s new family member
- He is a boy and a pure bred chihuhua
- He is now just over 1 year old
- You’ll see him behind Reception – ask for a pat (if Reception not busy)
- Deb & Jeff have had chihuhuas their whole marriage (24 years).
- Chi Chi is super friendly because Deb & Jeff socialise him with people when he was young. So he is use to people.
- He is super playful and super snuggly.
