With over 30 years of dance experience Melanie holds her Advance Diploma of Dance, Certificate 3 & 4 in fitness and is a qualified teacher, trainer and assessor.
Born on the Central Coast Melanie has studied Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern Dance, Tap and Musical Theatre before moving to Sydney at the age of 20 to dance full time.
In her early 20s Melanie toured with Laycock Dance Theatre and Central performance project (Contemporary/Ballet companies) as well as performed weekly in and around sydney as a corporate and commercial dancer.
Melanie developed a love for Hip Hop and street dance in the early 90s and developed her skills here in Australia as well as in New York, Los Angeles and Japan over the past 25 years. She began practicing Hip Hop in 1996, Breaking in 2002, Popping and Locking in 2004, Krump in 2005, House dance in 2006, Stepping in 2009 and Chicago footwork in 2015.
Over the past 25 years she has founded, choreographed and danced with crews such as Caramell, Found8ion, Rhapsody & Sweet Elite (Australia’s first B-girl crew). She has competed Nationally and Internationally with Crews and as a solo freestyle dancer.
Melanie is a Judge of one of the biggest Hip Hop competitions in the world 'Hip Hop International" and has judged many street dance competitions including Freestyle session, Battlegrounds, Crown & Numerous local battles as well as adjudicated at many eisteddfods.
Melanie’s choreography credits include: Sony Artist Johnny Ruffo, Danielle DeLaite, Senani, Amanda Perez, Israel, Random, Selwyn, Lordz of the Fly, Maya Jupiter, Foreign Heights, Sneeky Sound System and Joseph Gatehau of Australian Idol.
Other Choreographic achievements include: The Opening of the Urban Music Awards 2006/2007, Big Day Out, Sweatfest / Ministry of sound, Battle of the Year, Sleazeball, Johnny Ruffo Australia & Macau tour, Corporate entertainment for Hewlard Packard, Apple Ipod, Telstra & Adidas, Iggy Azalea Bonds Campaign.
Pre covid Melanie Battled in Amsterdam at 'Summer dance forever' and won the Real Estate House Battle in Brisbane.
Melanie has been a teacher at Sydney Dance Company studios for over 10 years and operated one of sydney's leading Hip Hop studios 'Caramell Dance Studio' in Camperdown from 2007-2012 mentoring the next generation of hiphop and street dance teachers in sydney.
Melanie is the Director of Brookvale Dance Centre as well as Street Dance Australia. She has been judging, teaching and running workshops/events for well over 20 years and is currently in high demand as one of Sydney’s Leading and most experienced dancers, teachers and choreographers.
Leanne has had a passion and love for dance since a young age, in 2004 she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Creative Arts majoring in Dance.
In 2005 Leanne began teaching in a local dance school in Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop to Children aged between 2 and 8 years. In 2007 Leanne pursued Early Childhood Education where she incorporated her love of dance into the daily program as well as hiring a local hall to continue teaching classes after school.
Leanne went on to gain a Diploma in Children’s Services and then went on to become a Director in a local Childcare centre where she lead the team to achieve an Exceeding rated Centre.
Leanne then became the Mother of two young daughters and has been working at Brookvale dance centre as our Student success manager and head of Adventure since 2020!
Lia graduated from Brookvale Dance Centre in 2020. She continued on to complete her Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Dance at Dargie Fulltime. Lia loves Theatre Jazz and commercial dance styles but also have a passion for lyrical and contemporary. Being a former student of BDC she has grown up with the studio as her happy place and second home and now as a teacher wishes to nurture and develop our future students' love for Dance!
Born in Italy, (Sicily) Ginevra studied classical ballet and contemporary dance with Megakles Ballet, Compagnia Petranura Danza. In 2008 Ginevra studied Greek Drama and Modern Theatre. Throughout her career Ginevra performed in some iconic locations including the Greek Roman Theatre in Catania, Greek Theatre In Syracuse, Scenario Pubblico , Festival d’ Avignon in France, the RomaEuropa festival, Palazzolo Acreide Greeck Theatre. In 2014 Ginevra established herself in Australia where she worked as a freelance dancer, model and teacher specialising in Progressive Ballet Technique & Progressive Contemporary technique. In 2022 Gineva was selected for Modem Pro with Compagnia Zappala’ Danza. Currently undertaking a Postgraduate Degree with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Born in Brazil, Giselle Tütükin completed her training at the Bolshoi Theatre School in Joinville, becoming specialised in classical ballet and contemporary dance. During her study years, she has also learned subjects such as character dance, popular Brazilian dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, acting, piano, music theory, singing, and fine arts.During her training, she took part as a dancer on national tours and in her graduation year, she was given the opportunity to take on teaching classes as an assistant to her lecturer.
After completing her studies, she received a contract as a dancer with the company "Balé da Cidade" in Brazil. Parallel to her commitment as a dancer, however, she continued to work as a lecturer and choreographer for a ballet school.
In 2013 she accepted an invitation to work as a ballet teacher and development manager in Jakarta/Indonesia. In addition to regular teaching activities, her duties included training teachers, creating lesson plans and timetables, and organising rehearsals and performances. During her stay in Indonesia, she continued her education through numerous workshops, gaining insight into the curriculum work of RAD®️, CSTD, ATOD and PPBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) and becoming certified in Pilates-BodyBalance Mat 1 and 2.
Over the last five years, Giselle has worked in France and Germany, continuing her career as a ballet and contemporary dance teacher. Now, Giselle is living in Sydney, where she continues her career as a teacher at Brookvale Dance Centre.
Sammy has been breaking for over 20 years and is well-known for his creative style and original moves. Sammy has earned a range of local and national titles and honours for his dancing, both individually and with his crew 143 Liverpool Street Familia. He has a swag of singles, doubles, and crew competition titles including being a 3-time Sydney Bboy League Champion. Sammy has extensive judging experience across breaking and all-style competitions and has judged multiple Destructive Steps Breaking World Finals.
Sammy loves sharing his passion for breaking with students of all experience levels. With over 10 years teaching experience, Sammy has taught at some of Sydney’s premier hip-hop studios including Crossover Dance Studios, Dancekool, and Urban Dance Centre. He is also a NSW state coach for the Australian Breaking Association’s Olympic development squad and was the Australian team coach for the 2021 World Breaking Championships in Paris.
Darrio “Manifest” Phillips is a pioneer and OG of The Sydney Australian Street Dance and Krump Movement.
He started his career in Australia in performing Locking , Popping and Hiphop/Street Dance in 1982 with The Double Ds dance team traveling around around Australia and overseas starting in 1982
Originally from the US and living in Australia. His intention was to spread Street Dance culture throughout Sydney, Australia and the world. In 2003 he was the founder of the first Krump family ‘Eminent Family’. After practicing, developing the foundation and our understanding of Krump, The Eminent family spread it through a series of performances and street sessions, tv appearances, and travelling.
“After a few years into the culture I created the name MANIFEST for spiritual reasons and how I deal with circumstances in and out of dance. My message is about pursuing the philosophical approach to dance and my life.
My goals are to spread the love for Krump culture everywhere and to encourage and perhaps motivate others to take part and enjoy Krump culture, particularly Youth communities, Before and after school programs, Youth prisons, Dance and performance studios. As the Founder of LABBRATZ, A concept based off the importance of “practicing” I’m also looking forward to travelling to connect with other Street Dancers and Krumpers out of Sydney and other parts of the world.”
Darrio stays teaches his ‘Life Skills Thru Dance Programs’ enabling students to figure out who they are, develop strength of character and confidence while they grow through dance.
Kris began his journey with dance at the age of 17, learning to break and pop at community training sessions. When he realised it was his passion he dived in and began training over 20 hours per week in Hip Hop and urban style classes. learning quick and and developing his skills and personal style.
In 2018 and 2019 Kris competed in Hip Hop International (HHI) with Kookies n Kream coming 3rd in Australia in 2018 and 2nd in 2019. He has also had the opportunity to perform for Sydney Kings NBL and NRL West Tigers, and on stage with choreographers such as Nicole Kirkland, Jane Chynoweth, and Zac Milne. As Kris continues his journey with dance he is super excited to have the opportunity to share his craft, his passion and his experience as a dancer to his students.
Born in the heart of Malabon Rizal, raised in the crazy hustle of Sydney & further refined his artistry in the creative city of Melbourne - Billie Jean is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with.
An established Artist, Performer, Songwriter, Music Producer & Designer - with a seasoned approach & diverse musical skill-sets ranging from lyrics and beat production, knuckling all the way down to delivery & live performance - his unique position in this ever-changing music industry is definitely something to keep an ear out for.
Coming from a childhood love for colour & imagination, Billie also thrives within the avant-garde fashion & arts world. Billie’s hands on passion for creating customised one-off clothing pieces, statement artwork & bold wall murals have earned him the well-deserved attention of many A-list celebrities such as Slick Rick (NYC), MC REN (NWA) & the affection of the J-DILLA family just to name a few.
Recently signing a record deal with Star Music Group - his biggest credits include The Voice 2020 Top 100 & Sing China 2021.
Billie also boasts an extensive list of dance styles he has learnt & taught since 2001. He majors mostly in LA style, lyrical urban, hip hop, popping & freestyle elements - learning from the best in Australia & providing movement direction for some big names like Vogue Australia x Melbourne fashion week - He offers only the highest quality movement & professionalism.
Billie trained and represented with Melanies crews “Caramell/Foundation” from 2009-2012 and will forever be a member of the Family, we are super excited to bring him on board Team BDC in 2023!
Residing in the Western suburbs of Sydney he is regarded as one of the leaders in the current Australian popping scene. His genuine love and open-mindedness towards the dance make him an asset to the whole dance community.
Part of the Hybrid Formz crew (Bankstown), he has performed in numerous events such as the Sydney Festival (2009 & 2013), Platform 2 (2009), World Youth Day Sydney (2008) and the PCYC Gala Dinner (2006). He has also appeared in the music video titled "Some More" by Tegan Rogers feat Audius, Australia's Got Talent Semifinals for the Other Superman (2013) and Australia's Guinness world record for the fastest moonwalk (2010).
Dennis has entered many battles and competitions throughout his dancing career. One of his proudest moments was winning his first battle competition in 2004 (Dancekool Vol.10) and taking 1st place in the 2008 Looze Control Championships with a Wizard of Oz Adaptation choreography.
In 2013 he was elected to be the UTS Hip Hop Society 2014 president, with his leadership and vision he led the society to win Club of the Year for 2014.
As the years progressed, Dennis transitioned into an organiser & management role for the community. He organises major and minor dance events (eg PCYC Super Round Box II & III, Platform 5, the Popping & Hip Hop Nation Dance leagues), and has also judged many dance battles/contests. In addition, Dennis runs a regular podcast show (OPS PN Popcast) to help document the popping scene in Australia. He still regularly competes & attends events as a gesture of support.
Ebony has been dancing for 16 years now and has been performing in dance competitions since the age of 7. Over the last few years she has completed her Certificate III and IV in dance at Lee academy full time. She grew up in Newcastle and studied RAD ballet having passed all ballet exams receiving all distinctions and merits up to intermediate and grade 7 ballet. She is also an experienced tap dancer having passed all tap exams receiving distinctions for all exams. She recently performed and choreographed in Ray Ramon's music video and also performs regularly as Barbie for EmBellishment parties & events. Ebony had the privilege to audition and make it into the NXTGEN program in 2019. Ebony trained hip hop, house and breaking with Melanie for 6years and and competed with her hip hop solo in 2016, she's also had the pleasure of working with industry great Mr Keith Hawley for 2 years.
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