Vanessa Tota

Dance Instructor
Principal & Director

I come from an extensive background of dancing, singing and teaching. At the age of 5, I commenced training in jazz, tap, ballet (RAD) and singing at the Johnny Young Talent School in Richmond. During my childhood and teenage years I performed extensive shows throughout Victoria as a member of the Young Talent Team. Furthermore in 1996, at the age of 16, I was selected to perform several shows at Disneyland, Los Angeles, which was a great honour and one that I am extremely proud to have experienced.

In addition to the mainstream styles of dance, I have also trained in Brazilian and Latin dancing, having been part of shows at the widely renowned Copacabana restaurant. During 1997–2004 I taught various dance styles at the Johnny Young Talent School and Star Train Academy for toddlers through to young adults.

Throughout my 14 years of teaching experience, I have discovered that performing arts is not only about rhythm, but most importantly it is about the mental excitement my students gain when performing and knowing they have independently acquired a unique but recognised skill and attribute. Therefore with my style of instruction, I aim to connect with each student’s mind to help gain maximum benefit in their performance technique, whilst instilling the confidence and passion in them to succeed in all the new challenges that lie ahead in life.

Ashlee Clement

Singing Instructor
B.A (Hons) Musical Theatre & Dip Jazz/Performance

A proud born Novacastrian from Newcastle Australia, Ashlee fell in love with music the second she could hear it. She started singing and piano lessons at the age of 5 and from that moment on, her passion for music blossomed. She is now a very talented and versatile musician having studied Classical singing (Trinity College London) from the age of 11, and achieved top of state in NSW for her Trinity First Concert Certificate in 2004.

She went on to complete a Diploma in Jazz/Performance at Box Hill Tafe in 2005. In 2009 Ashlee returned from Singapore after three years of completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Musical Theatre at Lasalle College of the Arts.

Ashlee has been poached from all over Australia to perform, however one of her most memorable moments was being a feature vocalist for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games pre-concert at Docklands Stadium.

As well as being a technically trained singing teacher and performer, she is also a Piano teacher, which complements her role at Shine very well. Ashlee thrives on the satisfaction gained from teaching students of all ages the absolute joy and love of music. Her personable nature and bubbly attitude makes her a great acquisition for Shine Dance Studio.

Catherine Bergantino

Dance Instructor

Catherine has been dancing all styles since she was very little. After receiving the VCE Academic Award for both Dance and Drama, Catherine decided to complete a Bachelor of Legal Studies as well as undertaking the 2 year dance Diploma at The Edge Performance School and The Space Arts Centre.

Now that Catherine has completed her course under the guidance of Australia’s top choreographers, she is ready to unleash her knowledge to the rest of the world. Catherine has gained experience in teaching children of all ages for the past 4 years at several schools around town, but most importantly, she brings great energy to her teaching and is very committed to bringing her funky style to all at Shine.

Amy Thompson

Dance Instructor

Amy’s passion for dancing kicked off over 20 years ago when she first discovered dance shoes! Her training started in the Gold Coast where she mastered Jazz, Funk and Ballet. Amy was also awarded National Tap Champion for her age group 4 years in a row!! After training for many years and winning multiple scholarships to some very prestigious dance schools in Australia and Los Angeles, Amy went on to complete a Bachelor Degree in Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts.

Amy has performed throughout Australia and has also taken classes in New York and Europe. She understands the steps needed to be a great performer. However, Amy’s true passion is teaching. In completing her Bachelor Degree, Amy has dedicated herself to becoming a full-time Dance Teacher to pass on her extensive knowledge to whoever is willing to learn. It is clear Amy is very passionate about teaching and we could not be more excited to have her at Shine!!