SDS TEACHING FACULTY
Shannon Maree Hart
Principal/Owner Operator
SDS Senior Teacher
Shannon began dancing at the age of 7 with Ms Yvonne at Yvonne Macedone Fun School of Dance in Griffith NSW. This is were her love of dance began! Then at the age of 9, after being spotted at a local drama holiday camp being held by a Sydney Group and advised to pursue professional dance training , the weekly trips to Leeton began.
Training under the guidance of Di-Salvatore Dance Academy in Leeton Shannon studied jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, pointe and national character. At the age of 13 she began teaching and quickly found a passion for choreography that later became her career.
In 1994 Shannon moved to Sydney to pursue her love of dance auditioning and attending Brent St School of performing arts full time course.
After completing her course successfully Shannon went on to have a long career teaching, choreographing and performing around Sydney until 2005 when she moved to Kuwait to become the head of dance faculty for the British Academy of International Arts (BAIA). Shannon held this position for 3 years and successfully grew the dance faculty from
30 to 360 students during this time.
In 2010 Shannon moved back to Sydney and after teaching for numerous studios around Sydney she ended up working for Australia's largest dance competition "Showcase", travelling all across Australia and New Zealand finding a
passion for adjudicating.
From June 2012 till July 2013 Shannon went back to study and completed her Certificate 3 in Fitness and Certificate 4 in Personal Training at Randwick Tafe Campus. Shannon used this course to understand anatomy, strength and development better to add to her dance teacher knowledge.
In August of 2013 Shannon decided to take some time off after having her precious daughter Alani and in 2014 was very excited to be starting her own dance studio, SDS Griffith, back in her home town.
Within 4 short years SDS Griffith grew so much that in 2018 Shannon had to relocate from the single room CWA hall to their brand new built studio's at 13 Altin St, Griffith. Following her dreams Shannon designed and developed the two dance studios inside the Indoor Sports Centre with assistance from Peter Piccolo.
As a life long learner with a want to stay on top of dance education in 2019 Shannon completed her Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management to refresh her certification she received at Brent Street School of performing Arts. Shannon feels that as the industry is constantly evolving and as more is known about physiology and anatomy it is the dance teachers duty to stay educated to ensure students receive the benefits of their experience and knowledge.
In 2018 Shannon started focusing on her love of adjudicating. Shannon feels its a honor a privilege to be able to offer guidance to the next generation of dancers. Shannon prides herself on providing full constructive critics to the performers with much care given to the attention to detail. Shannon has adjudicated for EBSDN (regular judge for Jenny Jones), Front and Centre, Royale and KAR.
With 39 years experience in the dance industry as a student, professional dancer, teacher, guest teacher, choreographer, adjudicator and studio owner Shannon is always looking for ways to continue to educate and open doors for the next generation of dancers offering a city studio experience for our regional kids.
Training under the guidance of Di-Salvatore Dance Academy in Leeton Shannon studied jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, pointe and national character. At the age of 13 she began teaching and quickly found a passion for choreography that later became her career.
In 1994 Shannon moved to Sydney to pursue her love of dance auditioning and attending Brent St School of performing arts full time course.
After completing her course successfully Shannon went on to have a long career teaching, choreographing and performing around Sydney until 2005 when she moved to Kuwait to become the head of dance faculty for the British Academy of International Arts (BAIA). Shannon held this position for 3 years and successfully grew the dance faculty from
30 to 360 students during this time.
In 2010 Shannon moved back to Sydney and after teaching for numerous studios around Sydney she ended up working for Australia's largest dance competition "Showcase", travelling all across Australia and New Zealand finding a
passion for adjudicating.
From June 2012 till July 2013 Shannon went back to study and completed her Certificate 3 in Fitness and Certificate 4 in Personal Training at Randwick Tafe Campus. Shannon used this course to understand anatomy, strength and development better to add to her dance teacher knowledge.
In August of 2013 Shannon decided to take some time off after having her precious daughter Alani and in 2014 was very excited to be starting her own dance studio, SDS Griffith, back in her home town.
Within 4 short years SDS Griffith grew so much that in 2018 Shannon had to relocate from the single room CWA hall to their brand new built studio's at 13 Altin St, Griffith. Following her dreams Shannon designed and developed the two dance studios inside the Indoor Sports Centre with assistance from Peter Piccolo.
As a life long learner with a want to stay on top of dance education in 2019 Shannon completed her Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management to refresh her certification she received at Brent Street School of performing Arts. Shannon feels that as the industry is constantly evolving and as more is known about physiology and anatomy it is the dance teachers duty to stay educated to ensure students receive the benefits of their experience and knowledge.
In 2018 Shannon started focusing on her love of adjudicating. Shannon feels its a honor a privilege to be able to offer guidance to the next generation of dancers. Shannon prides herself on providing full constructive critics to the performers with much care given to the attention to detail. Shannon has adjudicated for EBSDN (regular judge for Jenny Jones), Front and Centre, Royale and KAR.
With 39 years experience in the dance industry as a student, professional dancer, teacher, guest teacher, choreographer, adjudicator and studio owner Shannon is always looking for ways to continue to educate and open doors for the next generation of dancers offering a city studio experience for our regional kids.
Cathy Pianca
Head of SDS Ballet Department
Cathy is a qualified Classical Ballet teacher with Australian Dance Vision. She brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to SDS Griffith having danced and performed (ballet, tap, Jazz) from a young age.
Cathy has been trained by some of Australia's Classical Ballet royalty which includes Tanya Pearson, Marilyn Jones, Joan and Monica Halliday, Martin Rubenstein, Peggy Sager, Kathleen Gorman and John Byrne just to name a few. Cathy has also worked with David Atkins and the Macarthur Youth Ballet. She also appeared in a fashion magazine and Dance Australia magazine.
Cathy has prepared students who have been highly successful in exams, eisteddfods, scholarship and audition classes.
Student achievements include - The Australian Ballet School, Melbourne City Youth Ballet performance company, City Ballet Elite artist program, Melbourne City Ballet Junior extension program and Projection Dance Pre-Professional dance program.
Cathy has been trained by some of Australia's Classical Ballet royalty which includes Tanya Pearson, Marilyn Jones, Joan and Monica Halliday, Martin Rubenstein, Peggy Sager, Kathleen Gorman and John Byrne just to name a few. Cathy has also worked with David Atkins and the Macarthur Youth Ballet. She also appeared in a fashion magazine and Dance Australia magazine.
Cathy has prepared students who have been highly successful in exams, eisteddfods, scholarship and audition classes.
Student achievements include - The Australian Ballet School, Melbourne City Youth Ballet performance company, City Ballet Elite artist program, Melbourne City Ballet Junior extension program and Projection Dance Pre-Professional dance program.
Marie Rizzeri
SDS Senior Teacher
Marie’s love for dance began with her training in local dance schools until the age of 18 where she then decided to pursue her passion in further training and studies in Sydney. She completed a cert IV in dance ministry at School of Creative Arts on the northern beaches and then continued on to Wesley Institute in Drummoyne for the next 3 years where she achieved an Advanced Diploma of Dance majoring in Jazz.
She trained under prominent dance figures, recognized globally in the dance world including Ronne Arnold, Patrick Harding-Irmer, Nacho pop & Tiana Canterbury to name a few. She intensely trained full time across many genres including Ballet, Jazz, lyrical, Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro dance, Contemporary (including Martha graham and Horton Technique) & Salsa/Samba. She has also worked professionally with a full time contract at Luna Park Sydney & aboard the Vagabond cruise boats with Latin explosion company as a showgirl performing traditional Brazilian samba dance.
As well as performing she has taught hip hop & Jazz at numerous studios across Sydney with students of all ages as well as dance fitness & Zumba at various gyms. Marie is so excited to once again reignite her love for dance as she aims to bring a fresh and exciting class to sds that includes a fusion of hip hop and jazz styles along with Brazilian style influence.
She trained under prominent dance figures, recognized globally in the dance world including Ronne Arnold, Patrick Harding-Irmer, Nacho pop & Tiana Canterbury to name a few. She intensely trained full time across many genres including Ballet, Jazz, lyrical, Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro dance, Contemporary (including Martha graham and Horton Technique) & Salsa/Samba. She has also worked professionally with a full time contract at Luna Park Sydney & aboard the Vagabond cruise boats with Latin explosion company as a showgirl performing traditional Brazilian samba dance.
As well as performing she has taught hip hop & Jazz at numerous studios across Sydney with students of all ages as well as dance fitness & Zumba at various gyms. Marie is so excited to once again reignite her love for dance as she aims to bring a fresh and exciting class to sds that includes a fusion of hip hop and jazz styles along with Brazilian style influence.
Teagan Cirillo
SDS Senior Teacher
Teagan is a Sydney performer and choreographer who has worked extensively. After finishing high school, Teagan trained at the renowned Brent Street, whereby she completed a Diploma in Dance in both Performing Arts and in Classical Contemporary and graduated as an Honour Roll student in 2020.
Teagan is represented by Focus Talent Management and has been working extensively within the industry over the past few years. She has performed under the guidance of choreographers such as Marko Panzic, Sophie Holloway, Blake John Wood, Todd Williamson, Cameron Mitchell, Mitch Woodcock and Cassie Bartho. Teagan has been featured as an artist on Dancing with the Stars, and Sunrise and has engaged in TV and screen work including Yuma X’s Secret Lover music video, as well as multiple TV commercials and advertisements. Teagan also has worked for renowned corporate companies. Most recently, she was a part of the Dream Dance Company’s Showbusiness 2022 cast, where she was closely mentored by many industry professionals, and now assists Marko and other choreographers at the Dream Creative workshops held every school holidays.
Teagan has worked choreographically from a young age, with her first creative engagement occurring when she worked with local public schools to devise pieces for Kids Rapt on Performance (KROP). Teagan has taught for many years both locally and within Sydney, including teaching pro-amateur classes at Brent Street as well as was selected to perform her own self-devised solo at her Brent Street graduation in 2020. Teagan was selected as creative director and choreographer of her own work for the 2022 Dream Dance Company Showbusiness performance.
Dipping her feet into the musical theatre world, Teagan recently choreographed the 2022 St Mary’s musical, The Greatest Show. Teagan is currently choreographer for Murrumbidgee Regional High School’s 2023 production, Seussical the Musical, as well as will be taking creative reigns as choreographer for Griffith’s 2023 community musical, The Wedding Singer.
Aside from her dance career, Teagan holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and is currently working towards attaining her Bachelor of Exercise Physiology degree.
Teagan is represented by Focus Talent Management and has been working extensively within the industry over the past few years. She has performed under the guidance of choreographers such as Marko Panzic, Sophie Holloway, Blake John Wood, Todd Williamson, Cameron Mitchell, Mitch Woodcock and Cassie Bartho. Teagan has been featured as an artist on Dancing with the Stars, and Sunrise and has engaged in TV and screen work including Yuma X’s Secret Lover music video, as well as multiple TV commercials and advertisements. Teagan also has worked for renowned corporate companies. Most recently, she was a part of the Dream Dance Company’s Showbusiness 2022 cast, where she was closely mentored by many industry professionals, and now assists Marko and other choreographers at the Dream Creative workshops held every school holidays.
Teagan has worked choreographically from a young age, with her first creative engagement occurring when she worked with local public schools to devise pieces for Kids Rapt on Performance (KROP). Teagan has taught for many years both locally and within Sydney, including teaching pro-amateur classes at Brent Street as well as was selected to perform her own self-devised solo at her Brent Street graduation in 2020. Teagan was selected as creative director and choreographer of her own work for the 2022 Dream Dance Company Showbusiness performance.
Dipping her feet into the musical theatre world, Teagan recently choreographed the 2022 St Mary’s musical, The Greatest Show. Teagan is currently choreographer for Murrumbidgee Regional High School’s 2023 production, Seussical the Musical, as well as will be taking creative reigns as choreographer for Griffith’s 2023 community musical, The Wedding Singer.
Aside from her dance career, Teagan holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and is currently working towards attaining her Bachelor of Exercise Physiology degree.
George Vito
Senior Guest Hip Hop Teacher/Choreographer
George’s love for dancing began at the age of 3 and has only gotten stronger since then.
His passion for music and dance was influenced from such a young age by the likes of Ricky martin and Michael Jackson which together sparked his love and fascination for hip hop and contemporary style of dance.
During his teenage years he was a regular performer in his high school musicals at Marian Catholic College including MAKE ME A STAR and held a leading role in the popular stage performance in FAME the musical.
George then furthered his knowledge and skills by studying at University of Melbourne.
On his return to Griffith George started attending classes SDS and expanded his range of skills by taking Jazz and Ballet classes. After several years as an elite dancer at SDS he took on the role as a hip-hop dance teacher in 2019.
His constantly evolving dance style ensures his classes and end of year concert performances are modern, fun and exciting.
George loves the supportive and inclusive environment that SDS provides for all its students and hopes to inspire and encourage a diverse group of students to join the dance family that is SDS.
His passion for music and dance was influenced from such a young age by the likes of Ricky martin and Michael Jackson which together sparked his love and fascination for hip hop and contemporary style of dance.
During his teenage years he was a regular performer in his high school musicals at Marian Catholic College including MAKE ME A STAR and held a leading role in the popular stage performance in FAME the musical.
George then furthered his knowledge and skills by studying at University of Melbourne.
On his return to Griffith George started attending classes SDS and expanded his range of skills by taking Jazz and Ballet classes. After several years as an elite dancer at SDS he took on the role as a hip-hop dance teacher in 2019.
His constantly evolving dance style ensures his classes and end of year concert performances are modern, fun and exciting.
George loves the supportive and inclusive environment that SDS provides for all its students and hopes to inspire and encourage a diverse group of students to join the dance family that is SDS.
David Camm
Entertainment Works
Resident Choreographer & Guest Teacher
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DAVID CAMM
David Camm is an internationally acclaimed choreographer, performer, casting agent and costume designer based in Sydney Australia. As well as working regularly in the performing arts industry, David maintains a strong presence in the performing arts training world, with over ten years teaching and adjudicating, David has coached and mentored many of Australia’s next up and coming creatives and performers.
As a Performer David’s career has taken him across the globe. Credits include The role of Jay in The NZ national tour of ‘SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER’, lead dancer in ‘THE ISLAND OF DR MORON’ Dancer at ‘CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES’ and MSC CRUISE LINES and featured dancer in The Great Gatsby Cabaret in China.
David has enjoyed much success as a performer in Bollywood films, Sydney cabaret shows, theme park productions, music videos and corporate events Australia wide and has performed for international acts including Psy, Scary Spice and Marvin Priest.
Although David has enjoyed his career on the stage, his first love and passion is working as a creative, merging many different talents and elements of his training to produce new and exciting theater.
Creative credits include choreographer on Chanel Tens ‘GOOD NEWS WEEK’, NRL Half time entertainment, high-end entertainment for Sydney’s most extravagant corporate events, Night club and RSL shows all over Sydney and regional Australia, as well as many advertising champagnes, including -Disney, Honda, Nikon, Nokia, Qantas, PlayStation, Mercedes, YouTube Australian Government and many Mardi Gras floats.
David’s work has also been seen abroad many times, producing massive Corporate Gala Entertainment for China’s Largest Hotel Chains. Original productions include - You Bette – The ultimate Bette Midler Tribute Cosmic – A 90’s Show like no other Tinsel Town - Welcome To Hollywood Chambre Rouge - A Night In Paris Miss Grande – The Ariana Grande Experience The Queens Of Sydney – The Dancing Queens Of Sydney All Things Ginger – Red Heads Do It Best.
Check out some of David’s work at Instagram – thedavidcamm www.entertainmentworks.com.au
As a Performer David’s career has taken him across the globe. Credits include The role of Jay in The NZ national tour of ‘SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER’, lead dancer in ‘THE ISLAND OF DR MORON’ Dancer at ‘CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES’ and MSC CRUISE LINES and featured dancer in The Great Gatsby Cabaret in China.
David has enjoyed much success as a performer in Bollywood films, Sydney cabaret shows, theme park productions, music videos and corporate events Australia wide and has performed for international acts including Psy, Scary Spice and Marvin Priest.
Although David has enjoyed his career on the stage, his first love and passion is working as a creative, merging many different talents and elements of his training to produce new and exciting theater.
Creative credits include choreographer on Chanel Tens ‘GOOD NEWS WEEK’, NRL Half time entertainment, high-end entertainment for Sydney’s most extravagant corporate events, Night club and RSL shows all over Sydney and regional Australia, as well as many advertising champagnes, including -Disney, Honda, Nikon, Nokia, Qantas, PlayStation, Mercedes, YouTube Australian Government and many Mardi Gras floats.
David’s work has also been seen abroad many times, producing massive Corporate Gala Entertainment for China’s Largest Hotel Chains. Original productions include - You Bette – The ultimate Bette Midler Tribute Cosmic – A 90’s Show like no other Tinsel Town - Welcome To Hollywood Chambre Rouge - A Night In Paris Miss Grande – The Ariana Grande Experience The Queens Of Sydney – The Dancing Queens Of Sydney All Things Ginger – Red Heads Do It Best.
Check out some of David’s work at Instagram – thedavidcamm www.entertainmentworks.com.au
Matt Benson
Hip Hop Teacher, resident Choreographer & Guest Teacher.
MATT BENSON is definitely one to keep an eye on. Celebrating a decade in the industry of dance he hints that the journey is really just about to begin. Throughout his time as a teacher, Matt has taught, choreographed and assisted with creation for over 50 schools around the Sydney, Newcastle and Illawarra regions, now also including Melbourne.
Outside the studio Matt has played the role of creating and performing for artists from around the globe including UK artist Luciana, American drag star Adore Delano and Australian artists such as AVALONIA and Kid Mac.
Matt has created stages for several nightclubs, entertainment for corporate events and charities, entertained crowds for sporting teams, added to performances of fashion shows but most importantly Matt inspires and encourages creative teens to chase their dreams
Outside the studio Matt has played the role of creating and performing for artists from around the globe including UK artist Luciana, American drag star Adore Delano and Australian artists such as AVALONIA and Kid Mac.
Matt has created stages for several nightclubs, entertainment for corporate events and charities, entertained crowds for sporting teams, added to performances of fashion shows but most importantly Matt inspires and encourages creative teens to chase their dreams
Zac Brazenas
International Guest Teacher
& Resident Choreographer
Born and raised in Australia Zac began dancing at the age of 7. At 15 Zac began his professional career performing on stage and on TV for the next 9 years. He then was offered a scholarship to The Edge in Hollywood USA where he completed the one year program and quickly established himself as one of the
most sort after dancers in town.
He has toured with artists such as JLo, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue and can be seen on shows such as Glee, House and every awards show from the European music awards to Grammys, Oscars,
AMA's just to name a few.
Zac has been the assistant choreographer on Cirque du Soleil's show "Viva Elvis" and Britney Spears "Work Bitch" Video and Britney's Las Vegas residency "Piece of Me".
His work can be seen on the documentaries "Aphrodite" and Celine's "Through the eyes of the World" and most recently Britney Spears "I am Britney Jean" with whom he is currently performing with in the biggest gig in town the Britney Spears "Piece of Me" residency at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Zac has a wealth of knowledge of the industry he has now been working in for over 20 years and looks forward to passing this onto the students he teaches.
most sort after dancers in town.
He has toured with artists such as JLo, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue and can be seen on shows such as Glee, House and every awards show from the European music awards to Grammys, Oscars,
AMA's just to name a few.
Zac has been the assistant choreographer on Cirque du Soleil's show "Viva Elvis" and Britney Spears "Work Bitch" Video and Britney's Las Vegas residency "Piece of Me".
His work can be seen on the documentaries "Aphrodite" and Celine's "Through the eyes of the World" and most recently Britney Spears "I am Britney Jean" with whom he is currently performing with in the biggest gig in town the Britney Spears "Piece of Me" residency at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Zac has a wealth of knowledge of the industry he has now been working in for over 20 years and looks forward to passing this onto the students he teaches.
Willie Gomez
International Guest Teacher
Willie Gomez is one the Worlds most sort after commercial Dancers who is currently performing alongside Britney Spears in Las Vegas "Piece of Me".
Not only has Willie supported some of the world’s greatest artists through the years, proving that he is an insanely talented Dancer, but he is also quickly becoming famous for his many magazine covers as a model!
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the city of Miami, Florida USA – Willie, only at the age of 15, after watching Britney Spears’ music video “I’m a Slave for You” was so inspired he began taking dance classes at ‘MDA Studios’. By the age of 17, he had already appeared with Latin artists such as: ‘Thalia’, ‘Paulina Rubio’, ‘India’, ‘David Bisbal’, and many others. Willie went on to dance on some of the biggest Latin award shows such as: “The Latin Billboards”, “Latin Grammys”, “Premios Juventud” and “Premios Lo Nuestro”. At the age of 22, Willie made the move to Los Angeles with high hopes to someday dance for ‘Britney Spears’ herself. Three weeks later, he booked the “Womanizer” video and several months later he was cast as a
principal dancer on her “Circus World Tour”.
Willie has also toured the world with artists such as Kylie Minogue “Aphrodite Les Folies”, ‘Kesha’ "Warrior", ‘Chayanne’ "Gigantes". He can also be seen in ‘Britney Spears’’ "Womanizer", "If You Seek Amy" and "3" music videos. He has been appearing with artist ‘Erika Jayne’ at performances all over the USA. Other appearances include: ‘Christina Aguilera’ on her “2010 American Idol” performance, ‘Mary J Blige’ on “DWDS 2011”, was a principal dancer on the “XFactor USA season 1” in 2011, Has also shared the stage with ‘Katy Perry’ on her “2011 Grammy Awards” performance and “Billboard Awards” in 2012 & just recently in
Las Vegas 2015. This mega talent with a massive social media pull and fan base,
Willie truly is a colossal role model to Dancers across the Globe.
Not only has Willie supported some of the world’s greatest artists through the years, proving that he is an insanely talented Dancer, but he is also quickly becoming famous for his many magazine covers as a model!
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the city of Miami, Florida USA – Willie, only at the age of 15, after watching Britney Spears’ music video “I’m a Slave for You” was so inspired he began taking dance classes at ‘MDA Studios’. By the age of 17, he had already appeared with Latin artists such as: ‘Thalia’, ‘Paulina Rubio’, ‘India’, ‘David Bisbal’, and many others. Willie went on to dance on some of the biggest Latin award shows such as: “The Latin Billboards”, “Latin Grammys”, “Premios Juventud” and “Premios Lo Nuestro”. At the age of 22, Willie made the move to Los Angeles with high hopes to someday dance for ‘Britney Spears’ herself. Three weeks later, he booked the “Womanizer” video and several months later he was cast as a
principal dancer on her “Circus World Tour”.
Willie has also toured the world with artists such as Kylie Minogue “Aphrodite Les Folies”, ‘Kesha’ "Warrior", ‘Chayanne’ "Gigantes". He can also be seen in ‘Britney Spears’’ "Womanizer", "If You Seek Amy" and "3" music videos. He has been appearing with artist ‘Erika Jayne’ at performances all over the USA. Other appearances include: ‘Christina Aguilera’ on her “2010 American Idol” performance, ‘Mary J Blige’ on “DWDS 2011”, was a principal dancer on the “XFactor USA season 1” in 2011, Has also shared the stage with ‘Katy Perry’ on her “2011 Grammy Awards” performance and “Billboard Awards” in 2012 & just recently in
Las Vegas 2015. This mega talent with a massive social media pull and fan base,
Willie truly is a colossal role model to Dancers across the Globe.