Teachers
Teacher: Marcus Ashwell
Founder of Dancewell Studios Hamilton, Marcus is a fully qualified principal, who is not only an ex-Australian Dancesport Champion, he currently competes in Professional with Amateur events in New Zealand.
Marcus is a Fellow with the Ballroom Branch and holds two Licentiate Diplomas in, Latin American and New Vogue, and has been involved in dancing for more than 35 years.
Teacher: Dale Boddy
Dale Boddy retired 3 years ago after running a dance studio in Taupō for the past 30 years.
She is a qualified Ballroom and Latin American teacher with NZFDT.
She was also a qualified (Ballet) RAD teacher, a qualified AJDA (Jazz) and a AJDA examiner.
Teacher: Julian Bishop
Julian Bishop started partner dancing at age 11. A few years later he was invited to partner for the upcoming junior champs at Harbour City Rock and Roll Club in Wellington. He is also experienced in Latin and Argentine Tango and Performance. Julian has a passion for teaching others and today, runs classes in Rock and Roll and Basestep Modern Jive. Currently around five public classes per week over three nights between Turangi and Taupō. Additionally, he conducts private classes and coaches performance teams as they prepare for upcoming events. Julian has been assisted by the fantastic Holly Rabone.
Teacher: Holly Rabone
Holly started dancing when she was 5 years old doing jazz, ballet and contemporary. At university she started competing in modern jive competitions around the country. She then moved on to West Coast swing where she has competed in New Zealand and abroad. Holly moved to Taupo 2 years ago after working in Tauranga for a couple of years. She is a companion animal veterinarian with VetPlus. She has really enjoyed learning base step with Julian the past year and has been grateful for the opportunity to choreograph for and teach novice dancers.
Teacher: Stacey "Stussy" Jacobs
Stussy from Misfitz Dance Studio has been teaching dance for over 15 years teaching Hip Hop, Zumba Fitness, Adult, Aqua and Fitness classes to all ages and abilities in New Zealand and Overseas.
Misfitz thrive on giving students the chance to express themselves in a more creative outlet, building confidence and self-esteem, and give the opportunity to build their dance careers in local and national events. Some of which are currently about to head off to L.A in September to perform at Disneyland, on Hollywood BLVD and work with some of the top choreographers in the world.
She is excited and honoured to be a part of Dancing for Life Education in partnership with Penny Homes and is ready to put the dancers through their paces!
Teacher: Teresa McIntosh
Teresa is a modern jive dance teacher who has been teaching predominantly ceroc, ballroom and latin dance for 15-20 years combined. Teresa has competed and placed in numerous NZ competitions and loves teaching others “It’s exciting and fun.”
Teresa is assisted by Corey McIntosh and Norr Tane, both experience competitive dancers who enjoy sharing this passion with those keen to learn.
Teachers: Robin & Faye Morre
Faye and Robin Moore live in Kinloch and moved to the Taupō area four years ago to be closer to family. They teach Rock’n’Roll and have been dancing 50’s/60’s dance for over 30 years.
They didn't start R’n’R dancing until they were in their 40’s when this type of dance was very strong throughout NZ.
They have attended the NZ National Championships held at Labour weekend for the past 30 years as competitive dancers. When held in Christchurch they also organised the event with Robin taking the MC role for a number of events too! They have been dance instructors for much of the time they have been involved.
Faye and Robin say “Both our children were involved with dance when they were young and still dance today, now in their 40’s. Our son runs his own dance studio in Wellington with his dance partner.”
They are both looking forward to Dancing for Life Education in partnership with Penny Homes and are enjoying teaching their two couples - “Lots of laughs and fun already.”
