Profiles

Mark D. O'Dwyer

Mark O'Dwyer, Director/ Instructor of the Let's Dance Co, had his first dance lesson in early 2005 and within two years owned his dance school, LDC. Mark's initial years of learning dance embraced many styles (Salsa, Zouk Lambada, Bolero, Bossa Nova, Merengue, Rhumba, Cha, Forro & more), complimented then by his countless hours as an Instructor within group classes, LDC's DJ & Dance Parties and Wedding Dance private tuitions.

Off the dance floor, Mark is university degree qualified in Corporate Accounting. As a practicing National Financial Controller, Mark also heads a Finance Department and has a 20yr professional background in large commercial projects, business acquisitions, international business models plus Harvard Six Sigma mathematics. Actively, his past includes years of army reserve, World Cup triathlons, half marathons, gym and Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun Do Kung Fu. From the quill, Mark has written his first novel and is a "speed poet" credited with several poetic manuscripts, on-stage performances and a studio recorded CD.

Why Dance?
"For me it's a wonderful trilogy when the Lead, Follower and music blend as one."

DavidTramacchi

David, LDC's Senior Instructor, began dancing Salsa in the late 1990's. Since then, David's love of dance has grown to encompass both Street Latin and Ballroom Latin styles (his favourites including Salsa, Cha Cha and Rhumba) plus has appeared in various on-stage performances. In addition to his design and development of the LDC website plus promotional material, David is a respected mentor to all LDC Instructors.
Professionally, having completed university studies in a Bachelor of Design Degree and a Diploma of Multimedia, David is a Graphic Designer with a national printing company. He otherwise spends a lot of his spare time creating artwork for the dancing community that has given him so much over the years.

Why dance?
"Dancing develops friendships and respect for everyone around you. It provides me with such a positive outlook, everything just seems to fall into place when you’re a dancer".

Rosalyn "Roz" Aston

It was Roz's fulfilment of a dream to start learning dance and this was realised with her first LDC steps in early 2008. Having spent the majority of her prior life in Zimbabwe working as an IT consultant and on a farming property, the opportunity to dance had been scarce. Despite this, her remarkable gift of dance quickly afforded Rosalyn a deserved role of LDC Student Support, sometime later matriculating into that of a reputable Dance Instructor.
When not dancing, Rosalyn works in an Accounting practice as a Tax Consultant, runs her own private bookkeeping business and is also a part owner in two established restaurants. Otherwise Rosalyn enjoys yoga, pilates and running.

Why Dance?
"When you hear only the music and feel only the guiding hands, you just glide. That’s joyful, that’s dancing!"

Selina Wincott

Selina has been dancing from an early age and for much of the last twenty years has gained extensive experience from beginner through to intermediate and advanced levels across many styles including Latin, Ballroom, Modern and Disco, achieving dance medals in bronze, silver and gold.

In addition to these achievements Selina and has considerable performing experience across the UK as a dancer / back-up singer / actress and has appeared in various on-stage and television shows, most recently as a member of a female cabaret group that also performed abroad. As a qualified fitness instructor Selina also uses her expertise to choreograph and instruct the LDC Zumba & Zumba Gold classes held throughout various gyms.

Having migrated to Australia, Selina spent her last few years in the UK studying Spanish and travelling the world as a flight attendant. Now happy to keep her dancing feet firmly on the ground, Selina is employed as a Legal Secretary in a Brisbane city law firm.

Why Dance?
"When I dance I get this huge buzz from those feel-good vibes that take me away on a beautiful, euphoric journey."

Tina Sullivan

Tina’s television dance background started at an early age, performing for the Sierra Leone Children’s Television Network. As a growing entertainer, in her early teens Tina enjoyed additional years of dance training to regularly appear in many dance events. After moving to Australia, the Latin American styles were then added to Tina’s portfolio. Having completed the Foundation Year (learning eight Latin dance styles) with Rio Rhythmics, Tina’s studies now continue specific to the popular styles of Salsa and Zouk Lambada.

Outside of dance Tina is significantly involved in the business sector, specific to the compilation and marketing of the widely distributed Queensland Business Acumen Magazine.

Why Dance?
"Dancing is a pleasure for me. It’s like translating music into different languages. I think of dancing as a language that other people may understand, or one that only you can understand. I love to help people cast off their fears and inhibitions on the dance floor, because I believe that through patience and persistence everyone can dance."

Cathy De Ramos

Cathy has truly lived a life of dance. Born into a family of dancers, Cathy has been dancing from the age of seven initially learning Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acro. After studio exams, concerts, eistedfords, etc Cathy was regularly starring in television, shopping center and Junior Cabaret performances (singing and dancing). By her mid-teens, Cathy was a professional dancer, shortly thereafter becoming also a dance Instructor.

Cathy then went on to perform with Mo Award winners along Australia’s eastern coast, on the Fairstar Cruise Ship and “Hey Hey” (Ch 9). With an undying enthusiasm to teach, Cathy then again instructed for many years at The Danceworks and the Macgregor State School. From 2004, Cathy’s focus turned towards the Latin genre, quickly achieving advanced levels in many styles (e.g. Zouk Lambada, Salsa, Forro and Bolero). In early 2010, the Let’s Dance Co welcomed Cathy into its team wherein she’s a valued Instructor.

Why Dance?
"That's like asking why breath? I've been dancing my whole life, it's a great part of who I am. It's also about meeting people and watching them discover the joy of dance."

Chris

During eleven years of boxing in the Super Heavyweight division, Chris has represented Australia on four occasions. These events have included tournaments against both New Zealand and Fiji. In the latter, Chris competed against the reigning Fiji Commonwealth Games boxing team with several victories. To date, his numerous boxing titles also include National Golden Gloves Champion.

Otherwise of a daytime, Chris specialises in the rebuilding of motorbike engines including Harley Davidson.

Chris, the recipient of LDC's 2007 "Student of the Year" has since further deepened his dance skills positioning him to assist others as a Student Support.

Why Dance?
"Although successful in the top level of amateur boxing, I still needed to improve my footwork for which I turned to Latin dance. Yet in addition, dancing also brought a fun social outlet plus yet another way to stay in shape."

Ian

Ian’s many years of dance began with the Rock ‘n Roll Jive and Ballroom styles. His expanding dance passion then focused on the Latin American styles of Cha Cha Cha and Salsa. In late 2008, Ian enrolled into LDC and twelve months later was awarded with the esteemed LDC Student of the Year Award (2009). Ian had learned all eight Latin dance styles with exemplary ability and persistence. Now as a Student Support, Ian is well positioned to mentor aspiring LDC students of dance.

Away from the dance floor, qualified with Diploma in Hotel Management, Certificate IV in Business Management and Workplace Training and Assessment, Ian is a Department Manager within Queensland Health.

Why Dance?
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be able match body movements to music and to be lost in a perfect world of your own.”

Kathy Steele

Kathy, an energetic Student Support brings significant dance experience to LDC. In addition to fifteen years of dancing Rock 'n Roll, Kathy's acumen extends to also five years in Le Step and Swing. This solid background (and infectious enthusiasm) perfectly position Kathy to naturally flow into the Latin styles whilst supporting those new to the world of dance.

Away from the studio, Kathy's dance-fitness is enhanced by her ten aerobic classes per week, her role as a hospital-based pathology courier plus volunteer community work.

Why Dance? "Simple … It feels fabulous."

Elene

After a dedicated eighteen months of studying dance through LDC, Elene was invited to the role of Student Support. Her caring manner and strong dance base across the eight LDC styles well places Elene to now assist newcomers to the dance floor whilst furthering her dance experience.

Outside of dance, Elene is an active mother of four, has a Diploma in Ministry, is developing her home-based business and regularly enjoys gym, yoga and Pilates.

Why Dance?
" Getting caught up in the movement and rhythm of a dance, with every issue vanishing, is sheer bliss. Why wouldn’t you?"

Sue

Sue has over a decade of involvement in both Modern Vogue and Old Time dance genres. In addition to this and since early 2006, Sue’s passion of dance has lead her towards Latin American to now also embrace styles like Salsa, Merengue, Zouk Lambada, Rhumba, Cha Cha and more. It is this collective experience that greatly positions Sue as a Student Support of LDC.

Away from the dance floor, Sue has a passion and considerable experience in organic agriculture, a creative flair in bark pictures and a love of travel.

Why Dance?
"From any dance of any kind, the musical rhythm and moves give me an excitement and freedom. Simply, I get lost in the enjoyment of dance."