Michelle Bucci was drawn to the stage at an early age and began formal dance training at the age of five. Throughout her teens Michelle continued her dance training attending classes in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. In 2002 Michelle graduated from The Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Dance.

As a dancer Michelle has worked with many internationally renowned choreographers in both the contemporary and commercial dance arenas. In 2001 Michelle had the privilege to workshop with artists from Alegria, Cirque Du Soleil. Her T.V credits include The Footy Show, Postcards, and It’s Melbourne TVC. Michelle has also represented VCA artist booking service 2001 - 2005 in various freelance performances and choreographic projects. In 2002 Michelle was selected to be the featured dancer for dance/fashion apparel brand Body.

In addition to performing Michelle is a respected choreographer within the industry, choreographing for ABC TV show Strictly Dancing, The Australian Design Awards, and many festivals and fashion shows within Australia. Michelle has co-choreographed works with Michael Kopp Twisted Elegance, and Amba McKee Dance Off, which was selected to feature at Morning Melodies Melbourne Concert Hall. In 2005-2006 Michelle was invited as resident teacher representing Melbourne for community artist program in Tasmania, collaborating with singers, actors and comedians from all over Australia.

As the founder of Sala Da Ballo and the Sala Da Ballo Youth Company, Michelle is excited to provide an innovative new space promoting creative freedom for dancers, choreographers and inspired artists.

Preferred Disciplines Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz

Additional Disciplines Ballet, Stretch/Conditioning, Hip Hop

Vanessa discovered a love of dance from the age of 5 when she began her training in Ballet and Jazz. Through exposure to dance competitions and Checcetti ballet examinations, Vanessa decided to pursue a career in the arts. After attaining a Bachelor of Arts (Dance/Drama), Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Performing Arts, Vanessa ventured into the commercial and contemporary dance scene in both Australia and Japan.

Vanessa performed in numerous Melbourne contemporary works; ‘Wrecked’, ‘Lurve’ and ‘Purebluink’ before heading overseas in 2000. She regularly appeared on Japanese television variety shows ‘Smap’ and ‘Matthew’, in addition to parades for Takashimaya and commercial dance work in Tokyo. Vanessa successfully auditioned as the only foreign dancer to perform in the 2002 World Cup in Yokohama and continued to perform with this company, touring Japan for the next 2 years. Vanessa also created an after school dance program for international students in Yokohama. She returned to Australia in 2005 to perform in ‘She lies closer’ at Dance House in Melbourne and has since focused on choreography, VCE dance tuition and has created a dance syllabus for year 7 to 10 secondary school students.

Primary Disciplines Contemporary, Jazz, VCE Dance

Additional Disciplines Lyrical, Stretch/Conditioning

Michael was born in Queensland and started dance at the age of seven. At 15, he started professional studies and training at Queensland Dance School of Excellence. He then went on further to study at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne.

In 2002 Michael graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Dance. As a performer Michael as worked with Kate Denborough, John Utan, Robin Penty, Nanette Hassell, Beth Shelton, Neil Adams, Don Asker, and Jonathon Taylor.

In addition to performing he has co- choreographed with Michelle Bucci, Twisted Elegance and was invited to assist Neil Adams for new work on Tasdance for Ten Days on the Island. During 2001-2005 Michael represented VCA Artist booking service in various freelance dance and choreographic projects.

Michael is currently a dancer for Melbourne contemporary dance company Liquid Skin.

Preferred Disciplines Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical.

Additional Disciplines Jazz, Stretch/Conditioning

Ann started dance lessons at a young age in regional N.S.W. A naturally gifted dancer it was obvious to all those around Ann that she would pursue a career in the dance industry. Moving to Melbourne to peruse her craft, Ann was accepted into full time classical ballet and contemporary dance at the National Theatre Ballet School (1999) and then completing further full time dance training at The Victorian College of the Arts (2000 - 2002). Ann has worked with renowned choreographers and performed in numerous shows within Melbourne and Australia. In 2004 Ann moved to London to continue her training at Pineapple Studios and gain experience as an independent artist working in London.

Due to severe injury Ann was forced to stop dancing and enter into rehabilitation. It was during this time Ann discovered the remarkable benefits of Pilates. With the success of her rehabilitation, Ann was inspired to learn more so she could pass on her knowledge to other dancers.

In 2007 she completed the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA) Pilates Level Two Instructor course and has since completed the Pilates International Certificate IV. Ann has worked for worked Daily Pilates, Human Movement Pilates and Insync Physiotherapy & Pilates.

Ann has found her true passion in teaching Pilates, and is grateful it has allowed her to continue to dance, teach and create!

Primary Disciplines Pilates, Stretch/Conditioning, Ballet

Additional Disciplines Contemporary, Lyrical

Eden began dancing at early age, and fell in love with an Art form that would shape his life. Chasing his dreams, Eden moved to Melbourne to be amongst an artistic community. After studying at Bartuccio’s in 1999, he went on to graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts and has since enjoyed a varied career in the performing arts industry.

As a professional performer, Eden has featured in Musicals including Grease the Arena Spectacular, Hello, Dolly!, Sunset Boulevard, HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance. He toured internationally with Spirit of the Dance, and has appeared on The Footy Show and The AFI Awards. He has also performed for numerous corporate functions, a Brazilian floor show and Bollywood film Salaam Namaste.

Creatively Eden has been engaged by Opera Australia’s Oz Opera as an Assistant Director (Cinderella) and Re-Staging Choreographer (Carmen), and was also Re-Staging Choreographer for Eurobeat – Almost Eurovision. His choreography has been seen on Neighbours, and Eden was Choreographic Assistant on the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony 200

For up and coming artists, Eden is a prime example of what it is to be a hardworking, professional, independent artist with a drive to succeed. Eden’s extensive experience and training demonstrates the need for our junior performers to follow a dream, and believe in where dance can take you.

Primary Disciplines: Tap, Jazz, Broadway, Musical Theatre

Additional Disciplines: Lyrical, Contemporary

Renee’s love of dance started at 3 years old in the kitchen with a pair of jiffies and her Grandma’s applause. It grew into an obsessive passion and she continued to take jazz, tap and ballet classes until she was 15. During this time Renee gained teaching experience as a teacher’s aid and started choreographing at 12.

At 15 Renee saw the Ballroom sensation “Burn the Floor” and left the auditorium with tingles. From that moment on she decided dance was to be her profession – her life!

During Renee’s high school years she created her School’s first ever dance troupe “Blaze” and became the Performing Arts and Special Events Captain. She choreographed numerous performances including the Global Inauguration of the Head of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Renee also choreographed her school’s 1999 and 2001 Rock Eisteddfod performances in which her School placed 5th State wide and were moved into the Premier division.

Renee chose dance as a VCE subject and was flown to Sydney to perform at the VCE of Excellence awards. She was then accepted into Dance World’s full time course and completed her Diploma in 2004. During this time she earned the Distinction Award for highest overall marks.

Renee has been in the professional industry since 2003. Highlights of Renee’s career include Bonds and Jet Star TVC’s, Meatloaf’s “Last World Tour” - Australia, Robert Gallup’s Extreme Magic Tour - China and Plunder the Pyramids – London.

In 2007 Renee based herself in London, training with London’s elite including Paulette Minot, Cisco from Dance 2xS and Australia’s own Ashley Wallen.

Renee is excited to be back in Australia, especially Melbourne to dance, teach and choreograph. She is extremely passionate about teaching and choreographing, putting her heart and soul into sharing all she knows, and is always striving to learn more and experience everything to become the best dancer/teacher she can be!

Primary Disciplines Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap

Additional Disciplines Lyrical, Musical Theatre