OUR TEACHERS
Dance Stars
ANDREW THORMAN (PRINCIPAL)
Ballroom Specialist
After much time spent abroad in Australia and The United Kingdom, training and competing, Andrew represented NZ in 1997 and 1998 ranking 40th in the World and grand finalist in major competitions throughout Australia and Asia.
Andrew returned to his home in Christchurch in 1999 to teach and pass on his knowledge, and to this day continues to study and perfect his craft.
Andrew is a member of the New Zealand Federation of Dance Teachers (NZFDT), and New Zealand Recreational Dance Inc (NZRDI) and is Chairman for NZFDT Canterbury Branch.
SHARAN PHILLIPS (PRINCIPAL)
Latin American Specialist
Sharan’s love of Ballroom and Latin American dance started at the tender age of 4 years old and her competitive career started at 6 years. Since her early days, Sharan’s love of dance only grew and this passion sent her away where she trained and lived in both the UK and Australia. Sharan has represented New Zealand various prestigious overseas competitions including the world famous Blackpool Dance Festival and three World Latin American Championships. Sharan is a former NZ Professional Latin American Champion, a title which was gained with her husband Michael.
Sharan has been a principal dance teacher for 15 years and has been teaching for over 20 years. Sharan is a qualified adjudicator and teacher in both Latin American and New Vogue and is the Christchurch Competition Organiser for NZFDT.
Sharan is a member of the New Zealand Federation of Dance Teachers (NZFDT), New Zealand Dancesport Council and New Zealand Recreational Dance Inc (NZRDI).
Sharan would love to share her love of dance with you and is available to teach all ages and skill levels.
MICHAEL PHILLIPS (PRINCIPAL)
Latin and Ballroom
Michael has over 15 years of experience teaching and coaching Ballroom and Latin American dance. He is a member of the New Zealand Federation of Dance Teachers and is a professionally qualified adjudicator in Ballroom and Latin. Michael is also a member of the Canterbury Scrutineers Association and is a qualified scrutineer under the British Dance Council.
Michael’s dance journey began in Christchurch before going on to live, train and compete in London
and Sydney. He has represented New Zealand at two world championships and is a former New Zealand professional Latin champion.
Michael is available to teach all ages and abilities from beginners through to the serious competitor, and of course those that simply dance for fun, fitness, and the love of dance.
YVETTE PUGH
Latin American, Ballroom and New Vogue
Yvette has been with Ballare Dance Studio for 2 years as a part of the Teaching Team.
Currently specialising in Latin & New Vogue, Yvette has over 15 years experience across all three styles.
Yvette was a high achieving Dancesport Competitor for 12 Years. Winning multiple New Zealand titles in Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue. She has experience competing overseas and holds an Australian title in the Latin American Style.
Yvette is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge and love of dance with her students.
Available to teach a wide range of ages and abilities.
DIANNA HANNE
Ballroom, New Vogue and Modern Sequence
Bio coming soon