OUR INSTRUCTORS

KATE BARNES

As an Australian Salsa Champion (2010), Australian Professional Stage Magic Champion (2002) and Australian Open Entertainment Championships Finalist (2002), Kate is known for her bright and vivacious energy on stage, her professionalism and dedication to dance. Kate's most recent award for 'Excellence in choreography' at the 2011 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge shows her committment to passing on her love of dance to all DZP students.

Throughout Kate’s career, she has had the pleasure of being guided and instructed by such genius talents as Paul Green (Dancesport World Champion & Dancing with the Stars Champion), Diego Orengo and Rick Brewster from ‘The Angels’.

Kate's live performance credits include Feature Ballroom Dancer in USA’s ‘Royal Caribbean Cruiseliners International’ production of ‘Ballroom Fever’(2009), Paul Green’s production of ‘Latin Prodigy’ at the‘Western Sydney Industry Awards’ and ‘South Sydney Juniors’ as well as Jason Gilkinson’s opening choreography at the televised ‘2008 Tattersall’s IDSF World Latin Championship’. Further expanding her horizons, Kate choreographed and performed for Iranian singer ‘Faramarz Assef’ and Middle Eastern diva ‘Tanyeli’ at the Middle Eastern Dance Festival (2009). Kate continues to perform regularly with ‘Viva Brasil Dance Productions’ including performances at Sydney's annual 'Latin Fiesta', 2008 production of 'Viva Au Mundo' at the Factory Theatre, Café Carnivale and many weddings, corporate and industry events. On camera, Kate appeared as a dancer in the Bollywood Feature Film 'Heyy Babyy', US Feature Film 'Superman Returns' and ABC's 'Strictly Dancing'. As an actor, Kate has performed in various theatre productions including lead roles in ‘Short & Sweet’, Hellenic Theatre’s ‘Yiros Live’, ‘Theatrefest 2007’, Muse Productions’ ‘Get Ben’ and Out Of The Blue’s production of ‘Rembetika’(Greek Blues). She is trained in the Chubbuck, Meisner and Stanislavsky acting methods as well as voice, acrobatics and improvisation.

Kate has a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) degree, Certificate III in Group Fitness and completed ‘The Power Of Acting’ performance course at The Actors Centre.

TALEA KARAKA

Born in Hamilton, New Zealand and raised in Queensland, Australia, Talea started dancing at the age of 3 in ballet, tap and jazz until she was 10yrs old at Debbie’s Academy in Millmerran. At the age of 13 she started dancing for Dance Nation Xtreme Team in Toowoomba and performed in various shows with them across Queensland whilst also studying the Arts all throughout her High School years. This is where Talea fell in love with Hip Hop and all aspects about the style. She was also highly involved in gymnastics competitively for 7 years and trampoline for 2 years giving her advanced skills, technique and knowledge in acrobatics. Whilst living back in New Zealand she took her passion for Hip Hop further krumping, performing and battling continuously in Hamilton, NZ.

In 2009, Talea completed her Certificate IV in Performing Arts full time at Urban Dance Centre. This opened Talea up to a world of opportunities such as backup dancing for MC Hammer at the Xbox Live Promo 2009, performing in choreographed pieces by American Choreographers Kennis Marquis & Tony Czar, Australian Choreographers such as Rosa Agius, Melanie Hitchcock & Ilona Fabisweski just to name a few, SYTYCD Grand Finale, various TVC’s & performances. Talea is now in her second year of cheerleading for the Wests Tigers NRL Dance Team and performing for Urban Dance Project. She co-founded an all female crew called <>NYX who were the official dance support act for Bone Thugs N Harmony – World’s Enemy Aus Tour 2010, performed in their music video called “The Life” & is currently working for Hip Hop TV with specialization in the Dance scene. She has a unique style that is intriguing and edgy with a knack for acro. 

GABRIELLA SIOKOS

Gabriella has trained in Jazz, R.A.D Ballet, Contemporary, and fusion styles. She specialises in dancing and teaching Hip Hop and Latin, including Brazilian Samba and Salsa. With over 10 years experience working professionally and over 20 years of dance training, Gabriella has taught ages 5 to adult at private dance studios and Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions. She is also a qualified Zumba instructor.

In 2006, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of New South Wales followed by a scholarship at Urban Dance Centre learning from Australia’s leading dance professionals and international choreographers Napoleon D'Umo (American SYTYCD Judge), Teresa Espinoza, Kevin Maher and Patrick Chen. No stranger to film and television, Gabriella appeared as a dancer in Bollywood film Heyy Babyy, U.S feature film Son of The Mask, on The Morning Show (Channel 7), Mornings with Kerry-Anne (Channel 9), Latin Dance Alive (Channel TVS), Guy Sebastian’s music video Out With My Baby, Roxanne Lebrasse’s music clip Sexy Girls Sexy Boys, and in the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Stage credits include performing with UK rapper Dizzee Rascal, US rapper Chingy, bands Simple Plan and Grinspoon at the Australian MTV Video Music Awards, Urban Dance Project at the Urban Music Awards, Rhythm Brazil in the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, Afro Cuban Express at the Adelaide Salsa Festival and suit working with The Entertainment Store as Nutsy the Koala on the Around the World with Blinky Bill NSW Tour. 

Gabriella currently dances for Latin company Rhythm Brazil, with regular performances at Brazilian restaurants Rodizio and Bar Brazilia, corporate functions, special events, weddings and festivals. Her Latin training began at Latin Motion Dance Academy and she has since performed live Salsa, Samba and Afro Contemporary shows with companies Brazilian Fantasy, Viva Brasil, Hotbeat Productions and Afro Cuban Express.

POPPIN' JACK

Poppin’ Jack has been dancing for as long as he can remember and has focused specifically on the style of Popping for eight years. He focuses on learning new styles to advance his knowledge and works hard to keep his dancing true to its origins whilst being as versatile as possible.

Jack has entered a number of dance competitions and performed at various events and functions including the Nickelodean Kids Choice Awards. Poppin’ Jack’s crew Stale Biskitz has been together since 2005 and has travelled interstate for numerous competitions with great results.

In 2009 Poppin' Jack took out first place in the Breakout Funkstyle 1on1 Battle, Looze Control Funkstyle 1on1 Battles, Dancekool Volume 23 1on1 Popping battles, Encryption 1on1 Popping battles and became the Dancekool Vol.24 Style King for the Popping category. He also was honored to be a Popping judge at Freestyle at Fed Square (Melbourne) and two of the D2MG Next Jen Jams. In 2010 Jack made the Top 16 at the R16 competition in Singapore, came 1st at the Australian Dance Festival street style battle 1on1 Popping competition and also won the King of Dancers competition and Mind Control Competition.

DARIA WALCZAK

Raised in Ukraine, Daria’s first passion was rhythmic gymnastics. After moving to Australia in 1999, Daria discovered the world of DanceSport and began her competitive career in the Ballroom and Latin American styles at the age of thirteen.

Daria has achieved many prestigious titles with her dance partners including NSW Open Adult Latin American Finalists, Youth Open 8 Dance NSW Champions, 4th in Australia for Youth Ballroom and was ranked 3rd in Australia for Youth 10 Dance making them next in line to represent Australia at the World Championships.

Dancing with DanceSport World Champion, and Dancing with the Stars personality, Paul Green, Daria has featured in Paul Green’s ‘Latin Prodigy’ appearing at the‘Western Sydney Industry Awards’ and ‘South Sydney Juniors’ Latin shows. She also assisted in the choreography of Dancing With the Stars opening number (2009).

In more recent years, Daria has discovered her love for a variety of dance styles, including but not limited to Hip Hop and Brazilian Samba. As a versatile dancer, Daria has performed with international belly dancing superstar, Tanyeli, on her Australian tour (2009) and regularly performs with ‘Viva Brasil Dance Productions’ at weddings, corporate and industry events in her newfound passion of Brazilian rhythms.

Daria's accomplishments at such a young age are a true credit to her maturity beyond her years, passion and dedication to dance.