Who's teaching what at SBI in 2015?
SBI was founded in 2011 by Claire Pullen and Peter Mere who wanted to provide adults with the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of ballet in a supportive and nurturing environment, regardless of their level of prior dance experience. Since this time, SBI has flourished largely due to the impressive depth of industry knowledge and experience held by our current and past teaching staff. Today, SBI has adult dancers from all over the country attend our very popular weekend and weeklong intensives.
SBI teachers teach all levels during the SBI, so you will likely have two teachers at your level per day, depending on which specialist class you do and whether or not you are enrolled for the full day.
Current Teachers
Lauren Hustler - Director
Lauren started dancing at the age of four at the Robyn Ross School of Ballet learning the Cecchetti method of classical ballet. Lauren then went on to study RAD classical ballet, contemporary and national character at North Shore Dance Academy. During this time, Lauren completed her RAD graded and vocational ballet exams with distinction and honours, respectively.
Lauren won the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod eight times in classical and championship sections and was also a place getter in the Robert and Elizabeth Albert Junior Ballet Scholarship at this eisteddfod. Lauren was an Associate of the Australian Ballet School. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Bachelor of Law with First Class Honours and a Masters of Health Law from the University of Sydney. In 2010, Lauren completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance to attain her Registered Teaching Status and every year sends hundreds of students for their ballet exams all over NSW. Lauren is currently completing her Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management and her Cecchetti Associate Teaching Diploma.
Lauren has been freelancing at many schools in Sydney for the past twelve years with many of her students being accepted into the Interstate Training Program with the Australian Ballet School and placing at Sydney Eisteddfod and the Isobel Anderson awards. Lauren is a qualified and practising lawyer and when she is not in the studio she is running her online ballet boutique with her sister, The Classical Boutique and also working at Australian Dance institute (ADi) assisting with the delivery of vocational education in dance. Lauren's current teaching appointments include teaching ballet to the full-timers at Brent Street Studios, Gosford City School of Dance, The Institute of Dancing Excellence, Evolution Performance Centre, Dynamite Performing Arts and Hills Adult Dance Academy.
Lauren won the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod eight times in classical and championship sections and was also a place getter in the Robert and Elizabeth Albert Junior Ballet Scholarship at this eisteddfod. Lauren was an Associate of the Australian Ballet School. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Bachelor of Law with First Class Honours and a Masters of Health Law from the University of Sydney. In 2010, Lauren completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance to attain her Registered Teaching Status and every year sends hundreds of students for their ballet exams all over NSW. Lauren is currently completing her Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management and her Cecchetti Associate Teaching Diploma.
Lauren has been freelancing at many schools in Sydney for the past twelve years with many of her students being accepted into the Interstate Training Program with the Australian Ballet School and placing at Sydney Eisteddfod and the Isobel Anderson awards. Lauren is a qualified and practising lawyer and when she is not in the studio she is running her online ballet boutique with her sister, The Classical Boutique and also working at Australian Dance institute (ADi) assisting with the delivery of vocational education in dance. Lauren's current teaching appointments include teaching ballet to the full-timers at Brent Street Studios, Gosford City School of Dance, The Institute of Dancing Excellence, Evolution Performance Centre, Dynamite Performing Arts and Hills Adult Dance Academy.
Andrea Briody
Born in Ballarat, Victoria, Andrea Briody commenced her training at the Carole Oliver School of Ballet and later attended The Australian Ballet School during which time she performed with The Dancers Company. Her first professional engagement was with Victoria State Opera and later with Opera Australia. Andrea subsequently spent six years dancing in London and Germany where she worked for three separate dance companies, including the State Theatre of Saarbrücken.
Andrea joined Sydney Dance Company in 2000, performing in Graeme Murphy’s Body of Work, Salome, Air and Other Invisible Forces, Free Radicals, Tivoli, Freefall and Ellipse, Stephen Petronio’s Underland, and in the season of Random Play. Andrea has toured internationally with the Company to Mexico, Germany, Austria and China.
In 2006, Andrea moved overseas to Austria and danced for the State Theatre of Tyrol in Innsbruck under the direction of Birgit Scherzer. Andrea returned home to Australia in 2009 to teach at Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance. Andrea has also completed a diploma of remedial massage.
Andrea joined us for SBI 2011 and continues to teach for SBI.
Andrea joined Sydney Dance Company in 2000, performing in Graeme Murphy’s Body of Work, Salome, Air and Other Invisible Forces, Free Radicals, Tivoli, Freefall and Ellipse, Stephen Petronio’s Underland, and in the season of Random Play. Andrea has toured internationally with the Company to Mexico, Germany, Austria and China.
In 2006, Andrea moved overseas to Austria and danced for the State Theatre of Tyrol in Innsbruck under the direction of Birgit Scherzer. Andrea returned home to Australia in 2009 to teach at Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance. Andrea has also completed a diploma of remedial massage.
Andrea joined us for SBI 2011 and continues to teach for SBI.
Suzi Ryan
Suzi began her early dance training at Carolyn Madden’s School of Dance before receiving a full scholarship to study under the directorship of John Byrne at SCECGS Redlands. During her time at SCECGS Redlands Suzi was awarded the Redlands Medal for Excellence in Classical Ballet and was accepted in to the Interstate Associate program at The Australian Ballet School. In 2000 Suzi was invited to join the Australian Ballet School full time to undergo three years of intensive full time training. During her time at the School Suzi performed in a number of the classics including Aurora’s Wedding, Nutcracker, Florestin Pas De Trois and with The Australian Ballet Dancer’s Company in Swan Lake, Symphony in D and Simone Clifford’s Pointe-Counter-Pointe. Suzi graduated from The Australian Ballet School with an Advanced Diploma of Dance and has worked professionally with leading dance companies both in Australia and the United States. Suzi danced in Opera Australia’s national tour of Aida directed by Graeme Murphy as well as Bruce Beresford’s (Director of Academy award winning film “Driving Miss Daisy”) Die Torte Stadt. Most recently appeared in Opera Australia’s production of Onegin in association with Covent Garden, London. Suzi was featured in the film Mao’s Last Dancer and was the body double in the ABC TV series Dance Academy. Suzi’s modelling creits include; print advertisements for leading brands such as Domayne, Bloch, Crestor, Omega Smeg and Belle Magazine. Her teaching credits include Sydney Dance Company, McDonald College, The Wesley Institute, Ministry of Dance and Brent Street Studios.
Vanessa Sew Hoy
Passionate about enriching the quality of peoples lives, Vanessa is a qualified pilates, yoga and dance teacher. Having won the hearts of many Australians and New Zealanders during her time on the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance, Vanessa was voted one of Australia’s most favourite dancers of 2008. With a passion for dance beginning with classical ballet at the age of 3, Vanessa left home at just 15 after being offered a place at the prestigious Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. With movement being part of her life, Vanessa began studio pilates classes at age 12, to assist her dancing by developing more strength and stability. Genetically pigeon-toed and flat footed, Vanessa was given many exercises to strengthen her feet and correct alignment. After wearing orthotics for many years (even in her ballet shoes), thanks to pilates, Vanessa developed functional flat feet and was able to say goodbye to her orthotics. Browsing the bookshelf, Vanessa came across a yoga book called Light on Yoga by BKS Iyenger and diligently followed the instructions with persistence. From tight hips and very limited rotation and flexibility, Vanessa practised and stretched every day and gradually her hips started to open more and more and after a couple of years she could do the splits and finally lotus pose. Vanessa experienced her first yoga class when she was around 15. She has attended classes in the style of Bikrim, Iyenger, Anusara, Power, Vinyasa and Hatha yoga.
Vanessa has studied at the Queensland University of Technology completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance). She has a Post-Graduate Certificate in the Pilates Method at the University of Technology Sydney, has completed Zumba ZIN teacher training and is a qualified yoga teacher, having completed her yoga training with YogaCoach. Vanessa has been privileged to learn from some of the best teachers and choreographers in a range of dance styles. These include Sarah Boutler (Contemporary), Brian Lucus (Contemporary), Csaba Buday (Contemporary), Maggie Sietsma (Contemporary), Rosetta Cook (Contemporary), Paulina Quinteros (Contemporary), Juliette Verne (Hip Hop and Contemporary), Kelley Abbey (Jazz), Adam Williams (Broadway, jazz and lyrical), Andrew Hollsworthy (Broadway), Susan Wang (Chinese Dancing), Nacho Pop (Hip hop/Popping), Matt Lee (Jazz), Luda and Oliver (Salsa), Jason Gilkinson (ballroom). She has performed in front of millions of viewers and toured around Australian with the Top 10 contestants from So You Think You Can Dance, performing live at Entertainment Centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Cold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Perth. In 2009, Vanessa had the pleasure to be part of the celebrity crew for Vibe Alive, encouraging, supporting and inspiring the children in rural Australia through dance. In 2011, Vanessa was flown to Malaysia to be the special guest performer in the grand finale of Miss Global International Malaysia and also a judge for the talent section of the competition. She has won first prize in the Get Off Your Arts Performing Arts Competition, as well as performed at Australia Zoo, the Maritime Museum, the 2008 World Metropolis Congress, the Australian Dance Festival 2009, 2010, 2011 (teacher, choreographer and performer), and throughout 2011 performed in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
As well as performing, Vanessa loves teaching and contributing positively to people’s lives. Vanessa has had the privilege to teach people from the age of 2 years old to 92 years old. Vanessa currently teaches pilates, yoga and ballet at a variety of venues throughout Sydney.
Vanessa has studied at the Queensland University of Technology completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance). She has a Post-Graduate Certificate in the Pilates Method at the University of Technology Sydney, has completed Zumba ZIN teacher training and is a qualified yoga teacher, having completed her yoga training with YogaCoach. Vanessa has been privileged to learn from some of the best teachers and choreographers in a range of dance styles. These include Sarah Boutler (Contemporary), Brian Lucus (Contemporary), Csaba Buday (Contemporary), Maggie Sietsma (Contemporary), Rosetta Cook (Contemporary), Paulina Quinteros (Contemporary), Juliette Verne (Hip Hop and Contemporary), Kelley Abbey (Jazz), Adam Williams (Broadway, jazz and lyrical), Andrew Hollsworthy (Broadway), Susan Wang (Chinese Dancing), Nacho Pop (Hip hop/Popping), Matt Lee (Jazz), Luda and Oliver (Salsa), Jason Gilkinson (ballroom). She has performed in front of millions of viewers and toured around Australian with the Top 10 contestants from So You Think You Can Dance, performing live at Entertainment Centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Cold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Perth. In 2009, Vanessa had the pleasure to be part of the celebrity crew for Vibe Alive, encouraging, supporting and inspiring the children in rural Australia through dance. In 2011, Vanessa was flown to Malaysia to be the special guest performer in the grand finale of Miss Global International Malaysia and also a judge for the talent section of the competition. She has won first prize in the Get Off Your Arts Performing Arts Competition, as well as performed at Australia Zoo, the Maritime Museum, the 2008 World Metropolis Congress, the Australian Dance Festival 2009, 2010, 2011 (teacher, choreographer and performer), and throughout 2011 performed in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
As well as performing, Vanessa loves teaching and contributing positively to people’s lives. Vanessa has had the privilege to teach people from the age of 2 years old to 92 years old. Vanessa currently teaches pilates, yoga and ballet at a variety of venues throughout Sydney.
Rosie Schwartz
Rosie is an RAD registered ballet teacher and an associate of the Royal Academy of Dance. Rosie sends students for examination bi-annually in graded and vocational examinations and is also currently an RAD mentor. Rosie has completed a Diploma in Athlete Support Services and is a Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach, accredited through the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. Rosie believes passionately that the fitness of a dancer should be as carefully trained as the technical and artistic components, to ensure safety and enhance performance. Rosie works in this capacity, strength and conditioning coaching vocational and professional dancers throughout Sydney. Rosie completed a certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness through TAFE NSW and has worked as a personal trainer for over seven years. Rosie is currently studying a certificate 4 in Pilates.
After many years of free-lance work Rosie registered her strength and Conditioning business under the name Dance Athlete. Dance Athlete provides workshops, dance specific personal training for recreational dancers and Strength and Conditioning coaching for dancers in elite training. Dance Athlete programs are personalised and incorporate the latest techniques in periodization for dance, mobility/flexibility training, motor patterning exercises for dance technique, energy system training to improve anaerobic and aerobic fitness, improving ballet specific strength and flexibility, Pilates and recovery practices. Further Dance Athlete services include Movement Screening to ensure safety when commencing training and Ballet Specific Fitness Testing which allows dancers to test fitness in areas relevant to ballet and compare their results with those obtained by professional dancers.
During her studies Rosie has been mentored by industry leading professionals such as Elizabeth Hewett, Strength and Conditioning Co-ordinator of the Australian Ballet School and Kelly Beahan of NSW Rugby. Rosie attends many dance-health/science courses and workshops and is always seeking to further her knowledge and experience in Strength and Conditioning coaching for dancers. Rosie seeks to share her passion with dancers and help them to dance longer, stronger and more safely.
After many years of free-lance work Rosie registered her strength and Conditioning business under the name Dance Athlete. Dance Athlete provides workshops, dance specific personal training for recreational dancers and Strength and Conditioning coaching for dancers in elite training. Dance Athlete programs are personalised and incorporate the latest techniques in periodization for dance, mobility/flexibility training, motor patterning exercises for dance technique, energy system training to improve anaerobic and aerobic fitness, improving ballet specific strength and flexibility, Pilates and recovery practices. Further Dance Athlete services include Movement Screening to ensure safety when commencing training and Ballet Specific Fitness Testing which allows dancers to test fitness in areas relevant to ballet and compare their results with those obtained by professional dancers.
During her studies Rosie has been mentored by industry leading professionals such as Elizabeth Hewett, Strength and Conditioning Co-ordinator of the Australian Ballet School and Kelly Beahan of NSW Rugby. Rosie attends many dance-health/science courses and workshops and is always seeking to further her knowledge and experience in Strength and Conditioning coaching for dancers. Rosie seeks to share her passion with dancers and help them to dance longer, stronger and more safely.
Mich Mascorella
Michelle Mascorella trained at Classe Dance Academy under Susan Weule, Garth Welch, Prudence Bowen, Kit Lethby and several other industry professionals, completing the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus with high results. Her many achievements include winning the Australian RAD Bursary 1999, being one of 6 finalists in the City of Sydney McDonalds Performing Arts Scholarship 2000 and being a semi-finalist at the prestigious worldwide competition, the Prix de Lausanne, Switzerland 2001. Whilst competing at the Prix de Lausanne she was immediately offered a place at the Heniz Bosl Stiftung in Munich, Germany. She was also accepted into the English National Ballet School, Stuttgart Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School and the Bejart Ballet School. Upon graduation from the Heinz Bosl Stiftung in 2003 she commenced work with Atlantic Southeast Ballet in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Throughout her performing career Michelle enjoyed a diverse repertoire, including Soloist roles in Paquita, Walverwantschaften, Wet Desert, Klass in Konzert and Cinderella to name a few. She has also been fortunate to work with respected choreographers, such as Hans van Manen, Stanton Welch, Robert North and Jiri Kylian.
Michelle returned to Australia in 2004 and has taught at several prominent schools throughout Sydney. Michelle has also completed the Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management through the Australian Dance Institute.
Throughout her performing career Michelle enjoyed a diverse repertoire, including Soloist roles in Paquita, Walverwantschaften, Wet Desert, Klass in Konzert and Cinderella to name a few. She has also been fortunate to work with respected choreographers, such as Hans van Manen, Stanton Welch, Robert North and Jiri Kylian.
Michelle returned to Australia in 2004 and has taught at several prominent schools throughout Sydney. Michelle has also completed the Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management through the Australian Dance Institute.
Fiona Maber
Fiona started Ballet at the age of 4. After studying Contemporary Dance at the Australian College of Physical Education, Fiona moved on to study Classical Ballet full time at Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy which took her dancing to Europe. Fiona has a brilliant record of Straight Honours in Senior Ballet Exams from Ballet Australasia and Cecchetti Ballet in performing and teaching and has extensive experience in performing at corporate events doing shows like the Can Can, Viva Las Vegas Show Girl, Brazilian Carnival Samba and Cheerleading for major sporting teams such as the Sydney Kings and the Parramatta Eels. She is highly experienced having taught ballet already for 15 years and highly qualified in teaching classical ballet (Ballet Australasia and Cecchetti qualified) receiving brilliant exam results in teaching exams and dancing exams. She started her school “Sydney North Dance” four years ago and teaches ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary in a technical style with a fun and encouraging flair.
Perth Ballet Intensive - New in 2015
Jodie Kannar - Director Perth Ballet Intensive
Jodie is a well respected and reputable classical ballet, stretch/limber and jazz teacher. Jodie holds a Diploma is Arts in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance from the Australian Dance Performance Institute where she undertook a year of full time training in all facets of performing arts but with particular focus on classical ballet technique, choreography, safe dance practise and performance. Jodie also holds a Certificate IV in Performing Arts (Dance) from Mango Dance which focused on the more commercial aspect of performing arts. Jodie has been freelancing at several schools in Sydney and on the Central Coast and has a passion for teaching RAD classical ballet, open classical ballet classes, eisteddfod and competition solos and choreography as well as specialised conditioning classes tailored for the classical dancer. Jodie's students achieve impressive RAD examination results as well as always being recognised in eisteddfod competitions with placings and commendations as to her creative choreography. We are so lucky to have Jodie on our Sydney Ballet Intensive faculty and she is a much loved teacher. We are excited to have Jodie as a Director of the new Perth Ballet Intensive which is launching in 2015 as she makes the trip across to the west coast of Australia to set up her new residence in Scarborough with her partner. We wish her all the best and we know that Perth Ballet Intensive is in safe hands with her.