Mark D. O'Dwyer

Mark O'Dwyer, Director 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 portable dance parties and 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."

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 Latin Fit 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."

Alana Sprott

Alana’s love of dance started with Ballet from the age of four. Over the coming years, Alana achieved Honours and performed with the Queensland Youth Ballet, to “retire” at eleven due to injury. As a teenager, Alana’s passion for dance then turned to competitive Ballroom where she achieved her silver medals. As an adult Alana’s dance acumen expanded further into the styles of Modern Jive, Salsa and Belly Dance, plus teaching both Cha Cha and Waltz!

Off the dance floor Alana works in finance administration - supported by studies in the same, enjoys various fitness pursuits and her many projects in creative sewing.

Why Dance
"Dancing invigorates my soul. When on the dance floor, I’m the authentic me - no agenda, no facade, just me!"

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."

Melissa Dorrington

Mel has been dancing ever since she could walk. Starting in Ballet and Jazz, Mel found her passion for Ballroom Dancing when she was just eight years old. Since then this aspiring dancer has been competing in Ballroom and has won many State Championships. Her achievements have spanned the Juvenile, Junior, Youth and Adult categories plus she has many medals in Street Latin (i.e. Merengue, Salsa, Argentine Tango and Mambo).

Mel now competes across many styles in Modern, New Vouge and Latin and is aiming for the prestigious Level 5 in Dancesport. When she is off the dance floor, Mel is completing her Degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education (Drama) plus is an avid performer in many plays and musicals.

Why Dance?
" For me dancing is an escape. When I’m dancing, nothing can harm me, nothing can worry me. The feeling of gliding across the floor, the music, the coordinated steps, the whole experience … is priceless!"

Ze’ev Hamilton

Ze’ev began dancing in late 2006 with his subsequent years focusing across the Latin American styles, complimented with Ballroom and Rock ‘n Roll. Across this diverse range, Ze’ev’s favourite styles are Cha Cha, Salsa, Jive and Samba in which he also has some teaching experience.

Away from the dance floor, Ze’ev’s professional role is that of Business Development Manager for a Cash Logistics firm specialising in large events. Ze’ev is also a Magistrate Court appointed Deputy Bailiff and athletically, holds several State championship titles in his chosen sport.

Why Dance?
For me, when I dance nothing else matters in the world except that moment, and at that moment everything is perfect!

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.

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?"

Amelia

Amelia’s passions of music and dance span many years. Musically, Amelia since childhood has been involved with various styles including classical, Irish, jazz and rock. From this, Amelia’s dancing easily unfolded and in 2008 she joined LDC. Her experience of Latin/Cuban music through dance has become an excitement she is passionate to share as an LDC Student Support. To-date, Amelia is conversant with many Latin dance styles including Salsa, Zouk, Cha, Bolero, Rhumba and more!

Amelia is otherwise currently completing studies towards her University Degree - Bachelor of Information Technology, in addition to her Diploma in Violin (teaching/performance). Amelia also has numerous years of experience working the business sector.

Why Dance?
“Moving to the music and feeling it flow through me brings pure happiness. To be able to share that with others is wonderful.”

Fia Goodfellow

Fia was raised in a culture abundant with music and dance, with her favourite genres being Latin American and African. Complimenting this, Fia has exacted her broad dance skills with now many years of formal studio lessons. Her dance studies have embraced many styles, particularly the Latin Salsa and Zouk Lambada.
Fia’s dance acumen has also been furthered by her travels across both South America and Africa. It is in this broader context, Fia sees dance as a universal language that crosses social, economic plus cultural barriers – a passionate regard that today greatly enriches her support of LDC students. Outside of dance, Fia is a property consultant who enjoys yoga and the beach.

Why dance? “Simple. Dancing is joyous and fun.”

Paul Hodgkinson

Since 2008, Paul’s passion for dance has manifested twofold. Whilst continuing as an avid LDC student (three classes per week), Paul also provides technical / logistical support behind the scenes.

Paul’s support can be quietly found in the areas of LDC sound equipment, promotional material, expos, etc whilst otherwise encouraging other students in their pursuit of Latin dance.

Paul’s professional background is in the art of producing Architectural Models. He is a Director of Model Consultants and heads a team of over twenty staff, commercially producing display models for tourist, office and residential developments.

Why Dance?
“Dancing is both physical and emotional. With LDC it is more than just learning the steps. The more we get to know each other as a social dance group, the more we enjoy dancing together.”

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."

Alison Mitchell

Alison began dance lessons at an early age but, after a solid break, started Latin dancing in early 2006. Despite the break, learning Latin dance was relatively easy. Alison went on to complete the comprehensive Foundation Year at Rio Rhythmics covering eight Latin dance styles, enjoyed countless dance parties and has further developed her real passion for dancing. Joining LDC as a Student Support, Alison is heartfelt about helping others also develop this passion.

Away from the dance floor, Alison is a receptionist in a city-based dental practice and enjoys weekly pilates classes, her love of photography and work as a Girl Guide Leader.

Why Dance? "Three words ........ Because it's FUN"!