OUR DIRECTOR | TINA SPARKS
Sparks Dance Centre is more than just dance. We are a centre that encourages, mentors & welcomes everyone who loves the performing arts. Whether you love the arts as a hobby or are wanting a professional career in the industry. We are a family that will nurture & support the growth of your passion and help your dreams become a reality. At Sparks DC we believe there isn't anything you can't achieve and we will show support and faith all the way.
Sparks Dance Centre was founded by Tina Sparks. Our motto 'all things are possible' emphasises our determination to bring out the best in you and help you make your dreams become a reality. We aim to nurture and guide young performers in the right direction to achieve their goals and position in the industry. With years of experience we promise to always provide the most outstanding relevant up to date classes in all styles. Here at Sparks DC Your potential is limited by your imagination!
CERTIFIED
BALLET
JAZZ, TAP & CONTEMPORARY
QUALIFICATIONS
AUTHOR
Tina is the resident writer for some of Australia’s well known dance magazines in regards to fitness and make up. She created Australia’s first make up line for dancers called Stand Out Cosmetics On Stage & Off. Tina’s quality cosmetic line is used by world wide suppliers, to TV and Film corporations, professionals and youth ballet programs, make up artists, dance studios and performing arts production companies.
Tina encourages everyone to find their passion in life and enjoys being part of the wonderful world of dance.
MEET OUR AMAZING TEAM
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR & AASCF LEVEL 2 CHEER COACH
BEC ROCHOW
Miss Bec's love for movement began with 14 years as a gymnast in both artistic and rhythmic disciplines. After moving to Queensland in 2004, she met her husband at Hervey Bay High in 2005, and they married in 2019. At home, Miss Bec is a proud dog mom to Fred and Zipper.
Professionally, Miss Bec holds a Certificate IV in Hospitality and is a qualified barista. In 2013, she became a certified massage therapist and now runs a home-based business. An injury led her to discover tennis and Pickleball, where she competes at a high level. Miss Bec also enjoys ballet and tap at Sparks Dance Centre, along with sports like badminton and squash.
At Sparks Dance Centre, Miss Bec is our dedicated manager, handling everything from invoicing and front-of-house duties to answering phones and managing office tasks. She takes costume measurements, attends competitions when possible, and helps organize the student room. Miss Bec also teaches children to care for their environment and possessions.
With her gymnastics background, Miss Bec will be extending her skills in our acro department. She was part of the routine in stunting last year, and we are excited to have her in this new capacity as well.
Miss Bec is committed to a healthy, balanced life, finding joy in staying active and meeting new people.
ADMINISTRATION
HOLLY GOULD
Born and raised in Hervey Bay Holly started dancing at the age of 5. Trained in all styles of dance Holly left the Bay once she finished Yr 12 to further her training in Performing Arts at The Edge Performance Agency in Victoria under the guidance of director Todd Patrick and Teachers Andrew Hallsworth, Tim McDonald, Kim Adams, Phillip Haddad, Adrian Tabourni and Amanda Stone. After completing her Cert 4 in Performing Arts in 2006 she moved on to train fulltime for another year at Patrick Studio’s Australia where she was given the opportunity to perform in a variety of annual Commercial Gigs like “Countdown Spectacular 1&2” at Rod Laver Arena, “KPMG Balls” at Crown Palladium, “Price Waterhouse Coopers Functions” at the Regent Theatre and as an extra in Ricki Lee’s “Cant Touch It” film clip. After having a break from dancing and teaching over the past 4-5 years, concentrating on a few other passion’s of her’s Holly has completed her Diploma in Event and Wedding Planning and becoming a Mum, Holly is excited to be back with the dancing industry and back at our studio in a different role, learning new skills and getting to know all our students and parents at Sparks DC.
TEACHER
CARLA THORNTON
Miss Carla, our head Hip Hop teacher, brings a dynamic blend of experience and creativity to Sparks Dance Centre. With a background in breaking and a unique style that captivates judges at competitions, she has been a vibrant addition to our troupe since relocating to Hervey Bay from Warwick, QLD, in 2017. Her passion for Hip Hop and Breakdancing is evident in every class she leads.
Before joining us, Miss Carla successfully owned and operated her own dance school for eight years, where she taught and choreographed for a diverse range of students. With over 16 years of experience as a qualified Personal Trainer, she is dedicated to helping individuals build confidence through dance, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all. Her expertise extends to working with children and individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the joy of movement.
Beyond her dance career, Miss Carla has competed in bodybuilding and has even made appearances as a character at renowned cosplay events across Australia. Her multifaceted background and enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of Hip Hop make her classes both fun and energetic.
Miss Carla's impressive background and approachable nature make her a relatable and inspiring figure for our students, setting the stage for an exciting and engaging learning experience.
TEACHER
Ashleigh Hawkins
Miss Ashleigh's journey in movement began at the tender age of 3 with gymnastics, a passion she pursued until 15. When her family relocated to a town without gymnastics, she seamlessly transitioned to cheerleading at 16. Her dedication and leadership skills quickly shone through, leading her to help run her grandmother's cheerleading club from the age of 18 to 24. Miss Ashleigh's talent and commitment have taken her to international stages twice as a competitive cheerleader.
Since joining Sparks Dance Centre, Miss Ashleigh has been instrumental in helping our dancers achieve their acro, cheer, and stunting goals. Her ability to encourage and support students through challenges and mental blocks is unmatched. She is a true encourager, deeply caring for each child's growth and well-being. Her creativity was showcased in the outstanding 10-minute routine she crafted for our acro department.
Outside the studio, Miss Ashleigh balances her life as a dedicated midwife a loving mother to her beautiful daughter and wife. Her multifaceted talents and nurturing spirit make her an invaluable asset to our team and a beloved mentor to our students.
TEACHER
Morgan Gruell
Morgan Gruell is a vibrant and dedicated member of our teaching team, bringing a wealth of experience and a joyful approach to dance and fitness. As a 33-year-old mother of three energetic boys, Morgan's fun, caring, and passionate nature shines through in everything she does.
Morgan's illustrious career as a professional dancer took her to the world-famous Moulin Rouge, where she honed her skills and embraced the challenges of living and performing abroad. Upon returning to Australia, she continued to dazzle audiences in various shows, further enriching her dance repertoire.
Transitioning her passion for movement into fitness, Morgan became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She teaches Brazilian samba in Hervey Bay, where she inspires her students to stay active and feel great about themselves. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create Mum Bum, a business offering maternity activewear and lifestyle pieces.
2024 marked Morgan's first year teaching at Sparks Dance Centre, where she inspired and created three dazzling routines for the end-of-year showcase. She also taught the foundations of showgirl work and stage presence, including dramatization, leg lines, and performance. We are thrilled to have her as part of the Sparks team, where her friendly demeanor, excellent people skills, and professional phone manners make her a valuable asset. Morgan thrives both independently and in collaborative environments, and she is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to our community.
TEACHER
CHLOE ERNST
Miss Chloe, a proud Sparks Dance Centre alumni, graduated in 2023 and went on to complete a full year of pre-professional training at Dance Force in Tweed Heads, NSW. Her talent and dedication shone through as she choreographed our 2024 senior lyrical routines, which garnered several prestigious awards.
Aspiring to pursue a career on a cruise ship, Miss Chloe is currently booked for auditions both locally and internationally. During her off time, she will be an integral part of the Sparks teaching faculty, bringing her expertise and creativity back to our community. She is set to choreograph several routines for our competition teams again this year.
We are thrilled to welcome Miss Chloe back, even for a short period, and are confident that her committed and fun teaching style will be a hit with the children. Her presence is sure to inspire and energize our students, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting contributions she will make.
CERT IV STUDENT TEACHER
CIENNA CATHCART
Miss Cienna, currently in Year 11, is a dedicated and accomplished dancer with a strong foundation in classical ballet. She has successfully completed all her major Russian Vaganova ballet exams up to the Senior level and is now pursuing her Excellence. Miss Cienna's commitment to her craft led her to undertake six months of pre-professional training at the prestigious Amanda Bollinger Academy of Dance on the Gold Coast.
Returning to further her studies, Miss Cienna is now focused on classical ballet teacher training with Ballet Conservatoire Australia. Her competitive spirit has seen her participate in numerous elite ballet and contemporary competitions, including repertoire, where she has consistently excelled. Notably, Miss Cienna created our Opal concert routine, showcasing her creativity and expertise.
With extensive stage and performance experience, Miss Cienna is eager to share her knowledge and passion with our students, inspiring the next generation of dancers with her dedication and artistry.
CERT IV STUDENT TEACHER
CHARLOTTE HOBBS
Miss Charlotte, a senior student at Sparks Dance Centre, is completing her Year 12 studies this year. She has successfully completed all major modules of her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and has been instrumental in assisting with foundational work for 2024. Proficient in all dance styles, particularly tap, jazz, and classical ballet, Miss Charlotte has excelled in her major exams as a young dancer.
Her exceptional skills have earned her the highest marks in dance exams, leading her to become a technically trained performer with numerous stage awards and commendations in exam reports. Miss Charlotte will be assisting in exam classes, lessons, and troupe sessions, helping dancers refine their technique.
We are thrilled to have Miss Charlotte involved in the junior troupe lessons, where her expertise will guide students in achieving the desired level of stage presence and technical excellence. Her involvement promises to elevate the learning experience for all our young dancers.
AASCF LEVEL 1 CHEER COACH
AMELIA DAVIS
Miss Amelia brings fresh energy and dedicated expertise to our Sparks Dance family. As a proud Sparks graduate with years of distinguished training in dance and acro, she embodies our studio's values of excellence and passion for dance education.
With specialized knowledge in safe dance practices and a deep understanding of young dancers' physical development, Miss Amelia takes a holistic approach to teaching acro and cheer. Her Level 1 certification in cheer coaching, combined with her ongoing studies in childcare, ensures that our students receive technically sound and age-appropriate instruction.
What truly sets Miss Amelia apart is her commitment to nurturing each student's potential while prioritizing their wellbeing. Her background as a former Sparks student gives her a unique perspective in connecting with our dancers and understanding their journey.
Currently pursuing her childcare qualifications, Miss Amelia brings the perfect blend of technical expertise and nurturing guidance to our studio. Her vibrant energy and dedication to safe dance practices make her an invaluable addition to our teaching team.
We're thrilled to have Miss Amelia inspiring the next generation of dancers at Sparks Dance Centre!
GUEST TEACHER
TEGAN ELLIS
Miss Tegan began dancing at the age of 5 and trained in Classical, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop in Hervey Bay. Since then she has obtained her CSTD full teaching diploma, Zumba Instructor Licence, First Aid Certificates and is currently studying a Bachelor of Education through USQ. In 2007-2009 she was the her owner of a dance studio in Hervey Bay but decided to dedicate more time to her 2 young boys and take on the role of a dance teacher at Sparks Dance Centre. During her 15 year experience as a dance teacher she has successfully trained students for examinations, competitions, solos and has received awards at regional and national level for choreography with her competition teams. In 2014 she was part of the choreography team for the Disney Tour in LA, USA. Many of Miss Tegan’s elite students have continued to study dance in full time dance schools which has further lead them to various careers in the dance industry. She realises that everyone comes to dance classes for different reasons, whether it be to work toward a career in dance or for a hobby, classes are diversified to suit their dance needs. Miss Tegan loves working with the children at Sparks DC and is committed to providing them all with a quality dance education within a nurturing and inspiring environment.
GUEST TEACHER
RACHAEL WILKINSON
Rachael started dancing at the age of 4 in Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz & Lyrical under the guidance of her mother Shellaan Valk. Growing up spending every day in the studio & watching her mother teach it was inevitable that dancing was bound to be part of her life. At age 12 Rachael took on a role as student teacher & by 15 was taking her own classes. It was a true passion to pass on the love that she had for dance that was instilled in her everyday life. When finishing high school she completed a Bachelor of Education at Central Queensland University majoring in human movements as well as studying C.S.T.D teachers certificates. Continuing to update her skill in adding Contemporary & Hip Hop classes to the studio. In 2006 after her mother’s passing she took on the role & become principal of the studio. Teaching all styles & age groups. With her wealth of knowledge training highly successful students in exams, competitions both solo & group work, careers, full time dance courses & teacher training. Rachael is dedicated to providing happy, safe & positive dance environment as well as encouraging students to be the best dancer they can be.
GUEST TEACHER
CARISSA HOWARD
Miss Carissa began dancing at the tender age of three, training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Stretch and Strength, and Acrobatics. Since then she has participated in a number of professional performance opportunities, and deepened her knowledge in dance teaching and choreography. Miss Carissa has also completed her Bachelor of Education (Primary). During her eight years experience as a dance teacher she has successfully trained students of all ages in preparation for competitions, professional performance opportunities and solo choreography. As an experienced educator in both dance and academics, Miss Carissa aims to better her professional practice through participation in workshops, tutorials, information sessions and more, demonstrating a strong will to offer her students relevant, safe techniques in a fun environment. Miss Carissa encourages all of her students to reach for the stars and simply recognise the amazing opportunities that life provides you.
GUEST TEACHER
CAITLIN HUMPHRIES
Miss Caitlin, a talented and dedicated member of the Sparks Dance Centre team, graduated from Year 12 in 2024 and has since completed her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management. Currently pursuing a specialist position in Physiotherapy, Miss Caitlin combines her passion for dance with a keen understanding of movement and health.
During her time at Sparks, Miss Caitlin has played a pivotal role in teaching our competition team and mainstream children. Her exceptional choreography and meticulous attention to detail have earned her numerous awards, not only for our groups but also for seniors and herself, achieving overall dance awards in several competitions.
In 2025, Miss Caitlin will return as a guest choreographer for the troupe team, bringing her innovative ideas and enthusiasm to the forefront. She is excited to collaborate with everyone and continue contributing to the success and creativity of Sparks Dance Centre.
GUEST CHEER | ACRO COACH
FAAN RYAN
Miss Faan was a competitive gymnast for 8 years, making her way up to national competition level and trained/coached by Olympic gymnasts. Upon retiring from her gymnastics career she kept up with her love and interest in human movement and fitness, taking an interest in yoga, rehab/stretching, acro yoga, acrobatics, body sculpting, cheerleading, weight lifting, and of course dance. Miss Faan has Completing her Level 1 dance teaching and therapist training along with Studying a Bachelor of Education. Miss Faan not only loves participating in sporting activities but also loves sharing her knowledge and passion with her students. She intends to inspire students to push their limits and explore all the wonderful things the human body can do whilst having fun and enjoying every second. ``I cannot wait to inspire my students to achieve goals and develop their confidence and skills!``
GUEST TEACHER
JADE BENNETT
Miss Jade started dancing when she was 3 years old. Jade has been a student of Sparks Dance Centre for many years and was accepted into full time training on the Gold Coast with Dynamite Studios Australia. Miss Jade graduated in 2020 after a challenging year of classes mixed with online and in person. Miss Jade is now one of our Part Time Academy teacher for our evening classes and loves working with and inspiring the next generation of dancers. Miss Jade is also in her first year of study for physiotherapy, she is excited to be sharing her knowledge and skills with everyone in dance.
GUEST TEACHER
DANNY HINDMARSH
Danny is a Dancer / Aerialist who grew up in Hervey Bay. His professional credits include Celebrity Cruises, Hong Kong Disneyland, Princess Cruises, Cabaret de Paris, Mystique Magic & Illusion Spectacular, The Ultimate Vegas Show, Channel 9 and soon to be cast on Disney Cruises. Danny is excited to be here at Sparks inspiring our students and passing on his knowledge and expertise within the industry.
GUEST TEACHER
CALEB RYAN
Mr Caleb moved to Hervey Bay 9 years ago to study a diploma of sport and cert 4 in fitness, his love of all things movement and fitness has taken him many places over the years and he loves learning and then teaching these skills. Caleb is a personal trainer and swimming coach, for the last 7 years he has specialised in teaching babies all the way through to adults. Mr Caleb has come to realise his passion is working with children and helping them to develop their potential to their fulllest so they can achieve all they are capable of. 'As a teacher we do so much more than just teach children new skills, we are a part of their development process . We inspire them to do their best, achieve things they never thought possible and to be confident in themselves' . Calebs love for acrobatics came about 6 years ago while watching cirque du soleil and since then he has trained and learnt anything he can involving individual and partner acrobatics. Caleb combines this with his knowledge of his studies in personal training and human development and movement so that he can teach his students safely and correctly in all things. Mr Caleb is excited to be working with your children and teaching them things they have always dreamed of doing.
GUEST TEACHER
MADDY CHALLIES
Miss Maddy has been assisting with classes for the past 4 years with Sparks and is currently studying her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management. Maddy is trained extensively in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary. Miss Maddy has recently completed her level I and II training in Ready Set Dance and will be assisting our Pre School classes as well as assisting with our Hip Hop department and Performance teams. Maddy has a passion for working with children. (Advice from Miss Maddy) Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to embrace your body and how it moves, Everyone is different and everyone moves differently so don’t be scared to just be you. Also to keep trying , learn from any disappointments or setbacks that you may have but keep going. You have to work hard in this industry and continue to learn and improve your skills but always remain true to yourself and treat people how you would like to be treated.
GUEST TEACHER
GRANT MCDOUGALL
Mr Grant began dancing at the age of 5 and has been trained in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap, at the Anne Fraser School of Dance on the Sunshine Coast. Grant has since studied at the New Zealand School of Dance and worked with the English National Ballet and Royal New Zealand Ballets. He has completed his Royal Academy of Dance training to Advanced 2 Level. Grant has also worked in a number of stage productions including ‘A Chorus Line’ and ‘Cats. Grant has completed a Bachelor of Business Graduate Diploma in Teaching and is a qualified Vocational Education and Training teacher (VET), holding a current TAE qualification. Grant injured himself, finishing his professional career, however loves to share his knowledge and contacts to progress other students’ talent and aspirations within the dance field.
GUEST TEACHER
TAHNEE SALATA
Tahnee has always been a performer at heart, and from a very young age completely immersed herself in this seemingly fast paced industry we all know and love.
She first began dancing at the age of 3 in all styles, including Tap and Musical Theatre.
As soon as she finished high school and turned 18 Tahnee relocated to Brisbane where she studied full-time at Conroys Performing Arts College. She continued to train in all areas of dance while also adding private singing tuition, acting and aerial arts.
Her professional performance career started in 2013 with her role as a 'Jungle Girl' with Bindi Irwin at Australia Zoo. Tahnee then continued to work in the industry with performances throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast, America and Dubai. She has most recently completed numerous contracts with Norwegian Cruise lines as a Production Cast Dancer, Dance Captain and Aerial Captain.
Tahnee has also completed her CSTD Full Teachers diploma in Modern Jazz and Theatrical and absolutely loves to teach dance to people of all ages and skill levels. ``Being able to help someone find their connection and passion for the thing I love most is amazing and to simply watch someone ‘get it’ is the feeling I thrive off.``
