Sandra Rasmussen
Director and Owner
With over 30 years experience in the industry Sandra is thrilled to share her expertise with young dancers, to mentor & inspire the next generation of young performers.
She has worked in every major theatre in New Zealand as director, choreographer or actor and has been a passionate teacher of dance owning 2 studios, passing on her love of dance and empowering 100’s of happy young students. Sandra prides herself on developing well rounded, capable and respectful dancers who emerge from their time training with her well equipped to embark on a career in dance or simply be better prepared for any aspect of their lives by developing confidence, work ethic, independence, respect for themselves and others.
Sandra moved to Sydney at the beginning of 2020 from Auckland leaving behind one of New Zealand’s top dance studios where she has been Artistic Director for 7 years.
Sandra’s students and choreography have won top prizes and scholarships at major competitions throughout NZ, Australia and the USA and have been accepted into leading performing arts facilities all over the world.
BRODIE KELLY
Ballet
Miss Brodie Kelly graduated from Full-time Ballet at the Australian International Ballet Academy through The McDonald College before completing her Diploma of Dance in Elite Performance under the guidance of former principal artiste of the Australian Ballet, Vicki Attard.
Brodie has been teaching RAD Ballet for 6 years & is a qualified teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. She has 3 yoga teaching qualifications and is on course to become a Doctor of Chiropractics which gives her an in depth knowledge of anatomy and is passionate about raising smart, well rounded & educated students.
CORRINA BAARS
Ballet
In 2016, Miss Corrina completed her Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies allowing her to obtain RAD registered teaching status. She also completed her Bachelor of Medical Science majoring in Anatomy and Physiology in the same year. She continues her professional development yearly by completing various courses and has also completed all 3 levels of Marie Walton’s ‘Progressing Ballet Technique’.
Over the last 6 years, Miss Corrina has sent hundreds of students for RAD ballet exams from pre-primary through to Advanced 1. She has also had the privilege of choreographing award winning solo and group pieces for state and national competitions.
Miss Corrina prides herself on her extended knowledge of the mechanics of the body and how to achieve the best out of each child by always applying safe dance practise techniques. Miss Corrina is excited to educate and pass on her love of dance to Dance Place students!
SHELYSE WADELY
Jazz, Lyrical, Technique, Acro
Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand Shelyse began dancing at the age of 3 training with Levings School of Dance in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. Shelyse was also an associate at the New Zealand School of Dance as a contemporary major and won Dancer of the Year in 2014 and 2020 at the Australian Dance Championships.
Shelyse was awarded a Diploma of Performing Arts studying with The Next Step Performing Arts and learning from many of the industries best performers and choreographers.
Performing and teaching are two of Shelyse’s main passions and she can’t wait to share her knowledge and training with more students.
BRONTE MAUD
Technique, Acro, Ballet, Jazz
Bronte Maud is studying towards a career in the performance industry. She has trained in ballet, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre and tap. She has gained multiple awards across the globe in competitions such as Showstoppers LA, Showcase Finals Australia, Evolution Finals Australia and numerous competitions around New Zealand.
TVNZ: Jono & Ben, Funny Girls
Acrobatic Arts Registered Assistant Teacher
Bronte loves to inspire younger students and grow their love of dance.
AJ SMITH
HIP HOP
AJ has been trained in all aspects of dance including Ballet Jazz Tap Hip Hop Musical Theatre Acrobatics Hip Hop Lyrical and Contemporary.
National Winner Hip Hop Senior Division Hollywood Bound 2020
3rd Place Overall DOTY Senior Division Nationals Hollywood Bound
Dream Creative Member 2020 2019 2018
Get The Beat Runner Up Senior Division 2020
2019 Battlegrounds Hip Hop Competition Nationals Winner and 3rd Place International Winner
ISABELLE HARUN
Assistant teacher
Issa has been training across all genres since the age of 3.
She is studying currently towards a Certificate 3 in Assistant Dance Teachers (TOC) She is excited to extend her knowledge to be able to further her teaching career and share her passion for dance with her students.