Gold Coast Bulletin’s Top 50 dancers Part I: Performers from Dance Nation, NAPA, Dynamite Studios, Swing On In and Ikin Dance feature
From stints on television all the way to Broadway, these talented dancers are lighting up stages all over the world. Meet Part I of our top 50 dancers.
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They are the quick-steppers of the Gold Coast, the real movers and shakers.
National champions, mentors and tomorrow’s Broadway and big-screen stars bringing energy and smiles to the faces of anyone they meet.
In Part 1 of the Bulletin’s top dancers in the region, here are 25 performers – ranging in age from five to 66 – turning heads.
MEET OUR FIRST 25
National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA)
Dakota Janssen, age 9
Where: National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA)
Specialty: Lyrical/acrobatics/musical theatre
NAPA company director Kim Reynolds says at nine years old Dakota made a name for herself as a triple threat performer.
“She is a multi award-winning dancer who excels in lyrical, contemporary, jazz and acrobatics, as well as being an accomplished singer and actor,” Ms Reynolds said.
“She has performed in several musicals with NAPA and her school, her favourite role being Young Nala in Lion King.
“She has appeared in several TV commercials and worked on local film productions, where she found a love for film and TV.”
PART 1: 100-76 TOP SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITIES ON THE COAST
Arya Denzongpa-Bathols, 12
Where: NAPA
Specialty: Musical theatre
Kim Reynolds says Arya is a true triple threat and excels in all forms of performing arts.
“She has played several lead roles in NAPA musicals, including Moana in Moana and Nala in Lion King,” she says.
“She trains in all styles of dance, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary and ballet, and is a featured soloist in the NAPA Performance Team.
“Arya is also an up-and-coming singer/songwriter and is dedicated to forging a career in the industry.”
Alex Andrews, 5
Where: NAPA
Specialty: Hip hop/acrobatics
Alex has an impressive resume with numerous awards and titles to her name.
“She is an elite acrobat,” NAPA boss Kim Reynolds says.
Alex particularly enjoys hip hop and tap.
“She also loves musical theatre, and hopes to one day perform on Broadway. She is excited to perform in her first NAPA musical this year.”
Izellah Connelly, 15
Where: NAPA
Specialty: Musical theatre/acrobatics
Izellah is an accomplished musical theatre performer and performed in several professional musicals, including Matilda in the Australian tour of Matilda the Musical.
“She is training full-time at NAPA College in all styles of dance, elite acrobatics, acting and musical theatre where she will graduate with a certificate IV,” NAPA’s Kim Reynolds says.
“Izellah is also an accomplished singer/songwriter.”
PART II: TOP 75-51 SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITIES REVEALED
Lalita Zielinski, 14
Where: NAPA
Specialty: Lyrical/contemporary
Lalita has been dancing much of her life and has a passion for lyrical and contemporary dance.
“In 2020 Lalita was the highest-scoring acrobat in Australia, having received a diamond score through her Acrolink exam,” NAPA company director Kim Reynolds says.
“She trains in all forms of dance, acrobatics and musical theatre at NAPA and is studying part-time to receive her Certificate III in dance.
“Lalita has a great love for musical theatre and has performed in several musicals at NAPA including 13 – the Musical, The Addams Family and Tarzan with pre-pro company NAPA Ensemble.”
DYNAMITE STUDIOS
Lydia Ragonesi, 17
Where: Dynamite Studios
Specialty: All genres
Dynamite Studios marketing manager Ethan Outram says Lydia juggles her high-school studies while training more than 50 hours a week.
“Lydia shines on stage with her high-energy performances and is an emerging choreographer with a bright future,” he says.
“Lydia has been featured in advertisements for Village Roadshow studios and modelled for some of the world’s leading dance wear brands, including Claudia Dean Collections and Sylvia P.”
Hunter Leitch, 16
Where: Dynamite Studios
Specialty: Hip hop, acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary
“Hunter has been in the spotlight since a young age as one of the original cast members of the Kids Crew on Nick Jr preschool dance TV program Ready Set Dance,” he says.
“He is a host of Channel 10 Shake’s Shake Takes and has been working on other major TV projects.
“Hunter has also worked as a host and performer in Drax 4 Kids at Dracula’s Gold Coast.”
Bobbi Shultz, 13
Where: Dynamite Studios
Specialty: All genres
Bobbi honed her technical abilities in training to make herself an elite dancer.
“Bobbi attends the Dynamite Studios Performing Arts School where she combines her educational studies with her elite dance and acrobatics training daily,” Dynamite Studios marketing manager Ethan Outram says.
Bobbi was the featured female dancer in Ziggy Alberts’ music video for his song Heart Beat and on preschool dance TV program Ready Set Dance.
Alicia Kiriona, 12
Where: Dynamite Studios
Specialty: All genres
Alicia is an up-and-coming talent at Dynamite Studios.
“Alicia has taken the competition scene by storm taking out countless overall champion and first places with her solo routines,” marketing manager Ethan Outram says.
“She is a firecracker on stage with her high energy and performance quality.”
Alicia has also been in advertisements for Village Roadshow studios and modelled for Claudia Dean Collections and Sylvia P.
“Alicia studies at the Dynamite Studios Performing Arts School where she combines her schooling with her dance training during the day and then continues her training in the afternoons with both recreational classes and our performance teams,” Mr Outram says.
Erianthe Akaata, 10
Where: Dynamite Studios
Specialising styles: Jazz, hip hop, acrobatics/contortion, lyrical and contemporary
Erianthe, also known as Eri, is in Grade 5 at the Dynamite Studios Performing Arts School.
“Eri’s gymnastics background has led to her incredible ability in our acrobatic classes and routines – performing stunts that are fit for a Las Vegas stage,” Dynamite Studios’ Ethan Outram says.
Erianthe was the lead female dancer in Example’s recent music video Every Single Time and also has hosted segments on Network Ten’s Shake Takes.
“Erianthe also has recently worked on major TV projects such as her speaking role on Young Rock.”
IKIN DANCE
Violet Beveridge, 11
Where: Ikin Dance
Specialty: Elite all-rounder
Ikin Dance chief inspiration officer Sid Mathur says Violet is a part of the studio’s elite squad, which is also recognised as the “face of Ikin Dance”.
“They represent the studio at events, media appearances and experience world-class performance opportunities.”
Violet is pictured here on a media appearance with Australian Olympic gold medallist Alicia Quirk.
Zara Webeck, 9
Where: Ikin Dance
Specialty: Sports aerobics
Zara is considered a pocket rocket of Ikin Dance’s sports aerobics program.
“For those that don’t know, sports aerobics is dynamic, athletic and insanely fun,” chief inspiration officer Sid Mathur says.
“This high-intensity program is perfect for active people with energy to burn.
“Aerobics comes together with gymnastic elements for this action-packed visual delight.”
Tilly Bellgrove, 5
Where: Ikin Dance
Specialty: Ballet
Tilly was “quiet and shy” when she first arrived at Ikin Dance.
Today, chief inspiration officer Sid Mathur says her “smile lights up our drama, ballet and hip-hop classes”.
She is in the studio’s recreational program.
PART III: 50-26 TOP SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITIES ON THE COAST
Jennifer Finn, 60
Specialty: Tap
Ikin Dance chief inspiration officer Sid Mathur says Jennifer Finn is one of the backbones of the adult tap program.
“She has been tapping at the studio since well before it became Ikin Dance and was one of the committed few who adapted to all our online classes and kept grooving through our lockdowns,” he says.
Maria Serpa, 66
Where: Ikin Dance
Specialty: Hip hop
Maria Serpa is one groovy grandma.
“She’s a regular in our adult beginner hip-hop class,” Ikin Dance chief inspiration officer Sid Mathur says.
DANCE NATION
Billie Lawrence, 19
Where: Dance Nation
Speciality: All genres
Billie began dancing at Dance Nation in 2006 in the tiny tots program.
A Dance Nation spokesperson says Billie is a strong role model to the younger students.
In 2020, she was awarded a part scholarship to The Next Step Performing Arts Pro Course (TNSPAPro) in Sydney as well as a $20,000 Bursary for QUT.
Billie opted to study her Bachelor of Dance at QUT while continuing her dance training at Dance Nation.
“Billie is also a Dance Nation Faculty Member, fostering the development and passion in young dancers wanting to pursue their own dance dreams,” the spokesperson says.
Kyla Lambert, 17
Where: Dance Nation
Specialty: All genres
Kyla began her dance journey at Dance Nation in 2009.
A Dance Nation spokesperson says she recently attended the 2022 Australian Dance Festival where she was selected to perform a solo.
“Kyla’s versatility and passion shines bright in class and on stage, always leaving her audience captivated,” the spokesperson says.
“For many years, Kyla has also been a company performer and soloist in the televised production Creative Generation, State Schools Onstage.”
Hannah McIntyre, 16
Where: Dance Nation
Specialty: All genres
Hannah began dancing at Dance Nation in 2015.
A Dance Nation spokesperson said her driven mindset and commitment was clear in her achievements.
Hannah was recently hand-picked from thousands of dancers and awarded a $10,000 scholarship to LAUNCH Performing Arts Full Time Course 2023.
“Hannah continues to work hard and keeps busy attending workshops and competitions at a regional and national level,” the spokesperson says.
Oliver McAuliffe, 12
Where: Dance Nation
Specialty: Ballet
Oliver began dancing at Dance Nation in 2016.
A Dance Nation spokesperson says Oliver’s passion and drive was evident from the beginning. “He works hard each lesson, and continues to smash the goals that he sets for himself.
“Oliver is a role model to younger students, always supporting them to achieve their own goals and aspirations.”
Chloe Matthews, 10
Where: Dance Nation
Specialty: Lyrical
Chloe began dancing at Dance Nation only last year, but, boy, she is on the move.
“With her natural talent, and the guidance and training she has been provided at Dance Nation, her growth over the last 18 months has been astounding,” a spokesperson says.
“Chloe has smashed many of her own goals and always works hard to leave everything on the stage when she performs.”
Chloe was named Grand Champion 8-9 Years at Evolution Dance Competition National Finals and awarded an all expenses paid trip to the Victorian Dance Festival where she was able to learn from leading choreographers and mentors.
SWING ON IN
Charlotte Barfoot, 30
Where: Swing On In
Specialty: Swing
Swing On In owner Chrissy Keepence says Charlotte stood out immediately after relocating from Ireland.
“Charlotte met and fell in love with another swing dancer who ended up being her happily ever after husband (Brett),” Ms Keepence says.
“They dance, play and exhibit joy all day long.
“In fact, it was a move Charlotte created Called Joy that we still teach in class.”
Brett Barfoot, 32
Where: Swing On In
Specialty: Swing
Swing On In owner Chrissy Keepence says Brett loves all things swing, “including swinging his golf clubs or swinging his wife around the dance floor”.
Sinomi Hood, 27
Where: Swing On In
Specialty: Swing
Sinomi is a pocket rocket from Byron.
“She stuns us all the time with her ability to learn, leap and be thrown around the dance floor with such ease,” Swing On In’s Chrissy Keepence says.
James Crowe, 30
Where: Swing On In
Specialty: Swing
James is renowned for always being “up for a dance anywhere”.
“He is one of our leading troupe kids and works hard on being the best and most exciting bloke he can be in dance and in life,” Chrissy Keepence says.
“James is an adventurer, a nature lover and a dapper-dressed dude on the dance floor.”
David McBride, 26
Where: Swing On In
Specialty: Swing
David is also known as RSO (Reverse Swing Out) because he loves to challenge people on the dance floor.
“Our effortlessly lovely redhead lead that loves electro swing, dancing and helping people,” Swing On In owner Chrissy Keepence says.
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