Our Team and Class Descriptions

MISS SHANTELLE

Shantelle is the principal of Shimmy Shakes and has a wealth of experience in both performing and teaching. Shantelle started her dance training at a very young age and trained in various styles of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and lyrical. She achieved fantastic results in all of her dance exams and went on to gain many teaching qualifications. She has also had a long and successful career as a professional dancer, spending many years working both in Australia and overseas in musical theatre, commercial and corporate entertainment. She has performed for many large companies including 5 years for Walt Disney.

Shantelle has always had a passion for dance teaching and passing on her knowledge onto students. She has had over 20 years experience teaching at many studios throughout Sydney. Her passion for teaching young children and children with additional needs was magnified after the birth of her first daughter, Marley, who has a rare genetic condition that classifies her as severely disabled.

In the early years of Marley’s therapy Shantelle noticed how the majority of the therapists used music and song to promote movement and speech. She also noticed how well the majority of children responded to these sessions. From participating in these sessions and learning from her daughters therapists, the idea of Shimmy Shakes was born.

Shantelle has attended several Key Word Signing courses, is a qualified Rhythm Works Instructor, has completed the Performability Inclusive Dance course, has completed First Aid Training, Epi pen training, is trained in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and has a wealth of knowledge with regards to children’s needs and behaviours.

“Every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of dance, music and movement, in a safe and fun environment.”

MISS ARIANNA

Arianna is a qualified dance instructor with extensive dance training. Arianna has been involved in dance since the age of five and danced with various establishments throughout Sydney.

 Her training includes RAD Ballet, Contemporary, FATD Tap, Jazz, Funk, FATD Modern, Spanish Character and Belly Dancing. She has also studied Speech and Drama for seven years with Baracourt Studios, Milperra.  

 Arianna currently holds her Intermediate - Licentiate Level 2 FATD Modern Teachers Certificate and her Elementary - Associate Level 2 FATD Tap Teachers Certificate.  She also completed her RAD Ballet Teachers course in 2009 to become a registered instructor with the Royal Academy of Dance.  

 As principal and proprietor of The Dance Empire (2007 – Current), Arianna aims to help nurture the talents of her students in order to achieve the best possible results. She takes great pride in her work and strives to ensure her students receive the best possible advice and training. This is undoubtedly reflected through the high grades attained by her students in both exams and eisteddfods.

 Arianna has attended the Basic Key Word sign course, is a qualified Rhythm Works Instructor, has completed the Performability Inclusive Dance course, has completed First Aid Training and has many years of experience teaching children.