Ali believes everybody on earth can dance whether they’re trained or not. For this reason she supports those who aren’t traditionally considered ‘talented dancers’ by giving them a chance to explore their potential as movers, story tellers, performers, team mates and athletes

Ali takes her skills seriously and is in the process of completing a bachelor of fine arts majoring in both Dance and Education at the Queensland University of Technology. Alongside her studies Ali teaches all around Brisbane including local dance schools, high schools and community centers.

Ali’s most significant contribution to the Brisbane dance community thus far has been the creation of her program “Bust A Move”. Bust A Move is Brisbane’s first inclusive dance program for teens and young adults with disabilities. The once weekly program incorporates hip hop, free style and ballet techniques into a one hour class focused on improving student’s skills in performance and dance co-ordination as well as team work, self efficacy, creativity and social emotional skill building. Ali has led Bust a Move through performances including Special Olympics, community Open Days and charity events. Bust A Moves most significant performance to date has been the MAD DANCE HOUSE Hype night for 2011.

Ali is a very energetic, passionate and fun person! She loves meeting new people,

collaborating and sharing her passion of Dance with the world!

What do you love about teaching?
Teaching feels so natural to me. I never thought id find myself going down this path however now that i have i can’t imagine doing anything else. I think what i love the most about teaching is the satisfaction when a student improves. The counts, the choreography, or the flexibility don’t matter, as long as there’s enthusiasm and commitment my job is easy On top of that i love the leadership i have to exert. Especially owning my own business i love the communication with parents, having the freedom to choreograph and choose music, and building a special relationship with my students.

What can people expect in your class?
Teaching teens and young adults with disabilities is just as new to my clients as it is to me. It was my first teaching opportunity – i was never taught through a textbook as to what i can and can’t say so we learn together through movement. From my classes you can expect a challenge. I don’t dumb things down. I believe everyone is capable of extraordinary things so that’s what i’ll expect. On top of this you’ll come to a classroom with no judgment and lots of passion. You can express yourself however you feel necessary and everyone will except that. Although dance is a social event, my classes are for hard work. You can’t expect results from not putting in an effort. I believe 100% that people with disabilities have the same capabilities as myself so when you come to my classes – expect to be sweating after  

What type of students inspires you?
My students inspire me every day. People with disabilities never take life for granted – they live it to the fullest. They come to class as if it’s their first and give it 100% everytime. On top of that the dancers around me inspire me. I take class every day just to experience new styles so as to inspire my own students. I listen to corrections and take constructive critism. I learn from the peers in my class and use that inspiration to better myself as a dancer. 

What is the best advice you could give to other dancers?
The best advice i could give to other dancers is to commit. The industry is hard. You have to have thick skin. Be persistent, follow your dreams and don’t be a sheep. Don’t sit on your backside and talk about it, get up, take action and make your aspirations happen. 

A classical ballet soloist and contemporary dancer, Richard worked in European Dance Companies over 15 successful years.  After his career as a classical ballet dancer, he became an internationally known company trainer, choreographer and assistant ballet company director.
Richard has worked in Broadway Musical productions in the USA, and in the West End Berlin, as well as working in TV and film productions. Richard has a wide range of professional choreographies to his name and worked as a contemporary dancer for the renowned Jochen Ulrich.
When Richard retired from professional theatre he became a dance professor for various Dance Universities and schools including the State Music & Dance Schools of  Austria and became senior  teacher for the ‘Dance and Young Dancers Project’ for the  Austrian government & Vienna State Opera Ballet school. Since emigrating to Australia in 2006 Richard has worked for many large dance schools in the ACT & NSW and is co-director of The Dance Centre Peregian Springs Pty Ltd.

Mad Dance House is delighted to have Richard at Mad Dance House. Welcome Richard!

In addition to a successful career as a contemporary and commercial dancer in Australia and France Wendy has held the positions of Artistic Associate – Black Grace, Associate Director/ Head of Contemporary Dance – New Zealand School of Dance,
Artistic Director – Dance North and Assistant to the Artistic Director – Australian Dance Theatre (ADT)
Wendy looks forward to meeting as many dancers as possible!
We welcome Wendy to Mad Dance House teaching faculty!

Seraijah’s style is constantly in a state of flux – ever changing and undefined. Influenced by every style of music; charged by the urge to experiment with movement; an agglomeration of street, hip-hop, waacking, Latin, jazz funk, African, lyrical, contemporary and modern. Her passion springs from dance’s lack of limitation. Her dreams involve travelling back overseas along with developing SEEING SOUNDS. SEEING SOUNDS was co-founded by Seraijah and sister, Sheridan, in October 2010 as a means of equipping the Australian dance ‘family’ with support and knowledge that is generally inaccessible. The company brings internationally renowned instructors down under to tour dance studios nation-wide and in effect, helping to nourish, inspire and sustain the community in a way that encourages creativity, individualism and success.

Seraijah began instructing a vast spectrum of students from age 13 (from absolute beginner to advanced, children under 10 to adults, private to budiding professionals to open classes) at various academies. Today Seraijah has a passion for teaching and holds personal interest in the experience of her students. An Idealist; Escapist; Creator; Destroyer; Hallucinogen. Seraijah continues to train, work (perform, choreograph, instruct) and watch others, in hopes of growing in her art; to inspire and be inspired.

Jean Chritz is a well-established performer in many areas of dance. Known for his versatility and adaptability, Jean’s character and charisma, brings flair and personality to his teaching.

Started out as freestyler, with a unique style and creativity Jean’s style fuses old, mid and nu skool styles of hip hop, including an essence of break, popping, locking and house. On numerous occasions Jean has represented in the hip hop scene at Australia’s biggest competitions as well as winning countless street dance competitions throughout Australia.

Jean’s knowledge has been influenced by some of hip hop well known artists, including Shaun Evaristo, Keone Madrid, Mariel Martins, Mr Wiggles and many more… He is also currently a member of Australia’s most well established Hip Hop crew, ZENITH, who have represented Australia internationally in Las Vegas.

Jean Chritz loves to dance, teach and perform. He has true swag that turns heads everywhere he goes! : )

Because of her background in Latin dance, Mandy decided to become a Zumba Instructor to inject a bit of her dance passion & energy into her students as health and fitness are also a big motivation in her life.
What does dance mean to you?
For me dance is totally personal ~ it is my passion because it makes me feel free & full of energy, life and emotion.  It is not to judge or compare… but to be yourself and just let loose, have fun and shine!
What do you love about teaching?
Zumba is very high energy & not too structured or technical – so for Zumba I love to see my students going crazy and having fun, smiling and screaming and wildness!
The music is very motivating too so I try to keep the moves fun & fresh.  Once I see smiling & laughing during my class I feel I have achieved my purpose for that session.
What do you love about MDH?
The “dance culture” I feel when entering the building & see in the students and teachers. Everyone is there for the same thing – to have fun, to move & train & enjoy their passion for dance.  Everyone is super friendly but also in their own “dance world” striving to learn & reach their goals, sharing their love & passion for the same thing & filling the class with good vibes – so it becomes very motivating & addictive!

Brodie is a versatile dancer and performer making countless appearances at Brisbane night clubs, festivals and corporate events as well as televised performances such as TV show ‘Hot Source’, nationally televised Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, and Fox Sports Muay Thai events. She is devoted to creating a fun, relaxed social atmosphere in her classes and her main goal is to promote fitness through hip hop and street dance. Brodie guarantees you will leave her class feeling positive and inspired!

What do you love about teaching at MAD ?
The thing I love about MDH are my students, every week they continue to improve and inspire me and most of all they are alot of fun! Mad Dance House has a relaxed vibe that is hard to find anywhere else, its this vibe that sets the teachers and students here apart and its this vibe that allows us all to feel comfortable and enjoy dance which is what dancing should be about.
What does dance mean to you?
Dance is life, life is dance, its all i have ever known and its my passion, my escape and my own world that i can emerse myself in no matter what else is going on in life. I love it, dancing and performing is hard work but at the end of the day we all do it because its that drive and passion in our lives that makes us happy.

What do you love about teaching?
I love creating a relaxed and social environment for my students, to help them develop and progress but at the same time keep that balance between focus and fun! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing dancers, especially beginners, executing choreography and growing as dancers right before your eyes.