We pride ourselves on quality training. Our teachers and mentors have worked professionally in the business and have had long running careers in the performing arts.
Along with our training, we specialise in choreography for corporate events, wedding choreography, production shows and also have our own talent agency.
Experience in the craft cannot be taught if you haven’t actually lived it right?
We teach the whole craft of performance including theatre etiquette. We stay current with the latest styles and techniques and are forever evolving.
We have a friendly office staff, always available for any questions and concerns about your dance training.
The teachers and mentors at SS1 are highly skilled in their field. Our RAD classical ballet teachers hold high qualifications and our jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theatre and hip hop teachers are all industry professionals.
We stay current with the latest styles and techniques and are forever evolving.
Sheridan Vollenweider – Artistic Director
Performance Coach / Jazz / Tap / Musical Theatre / Lyrical / Classical Ballet (RAD RTS) / Adagio / Private Coach
Sheridan is a highly motivated, dedicated and passionate choreographer and dance educator, with over 38 years experience in the industry. Former world class professional dancer, she has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the performing arts. She is a committed dance teacher and choreographer and specialises in teaching RAD Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Adagio, Musical Theatre and Performance.
In 2019, Sheridan travelled to Marseille in France to direct and choreograph a show for International production company “Bor Productions” on board the MSC Musica.
Growing up, Sheridan was an all round dancer and trained in every style. She prides her studio on giving every dancer the opportunity to be a triple threat therefore having the skill to be all round dancers when they finish their training at SS1. Sheridan’s long running career has taken her to perform both in Australia and around the globe.
Credits Include – Leading roles in many production shows.
Diamond Beach Casino / Wrest Point Casino / Launceston Casino / Star Casino GC
Regmat Productions / Delicado Productions / Aramanis Productions / Gordon Frost Organisation
12 month Tour South Korea
Jean Ann Ryan Productions Dancer – Sagafjord / Vistafjord / QE11
Two Ronnies in Australia / Midday Show Dancer / Hey Hey It’s Saturday
Dance Captain / Company Manager / Choreographer
Many Corporate Events
Gailene Colson-Howe (RAD RTS)
RAD Classical Ballet / Jazz / Tap
Gailene Colson-Howe has been a teacher at Sheridan’s Studio 1 since 2001.
Formerly, she was the owner and director of one of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs largest and most successful dance schools for 17 years.
Before opening her own studio in 1985 Gailene danced professionally in many shows, corporate events and fashion shows and backed singers of the 80’s such as Jackie Love, Danny La Rue and Simon Gallaher.
She also performed in many corporate events for the Swanettes and Rockettes and was contracted as a ‘dance model’ for Westfield and Myer.
Gailene is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in all genres of performing arts including classical ballet (fully registered RAD teacher for 30 years) and has mentored numerous students on the RAD teaching certificate program and Certificate IV in dance teaching and management. She has achieved tremendous results in coaching and choreographing both individuals and groups in all genres for competitions both on stage and TV. Having adjudicated dance eisteddfods and competitions,
Gailene is passionate about her career in dance and is extremely proud of all the students she has taught who are now working in ballet companies, feature films, cruise ships, musicals, overseas contracts and running their own dance schools.
Chase Vollenweider
Commercial Dance / Performance Choreographer
Chase has spent the last 22 years training in the performing arts and continues to expand on his craft even now. Chase did his training here at SS1 and most recently danced on the Baz Luhrmann feature film ELVIS (2022). Chase’s versatile dancing ability has led him to TV shows such as Dancing With The Stars (2023), Aria Awards (2023), The Voice (2022) and The Masked Singer (2020). Other dancing credits include Sam Smith (2020), Rita Ora (2021), Jessica Mauboy (2022), Guy Sebastian (2015), Tones And I (2023) and more.
Previously, Chase spent three years travelling the globe dancing onboard the luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises. Having signed with Clear Talent Group in Los Angeles, Chase has trained with some of LA’s best and has a world of knowledge to offer.
Arna Dess (ARAD RTS)
RAD Classical Ballet
Arna is a highly experienced professional RAD teacher (ARAD RTS) with 20 years’ experience at several Gold Coast dance studios. Drawing from her professional ballet career in Europe, she is very passionate about training students in the correct classical ballet technique.
Arna studied at Ecole Classique in Sydney under the guidance of Prudence Bowen from the age of 16. She competed in the RAD Adeline Geneé awards in London before procuring a place with the Vienna Opera Ballet School and later received a contract with the Österreiches Ballet Theatre in Vienna. Arna has performed Sleeping Beauty, Die Puppenfie, Raymonda, La Sylphide, Giselle and various contemporary works and a number of performances with the Opera. She also danced in the 1996 film, La Prima Musica, filmed in Vienna. Other European training includes Kommishe Opera in Berlin, Princess Grace Academy in Monte Carlo and the Palucca School in Dresden.
Arna began her teaching career on the Gold Coast in 1999 and established her own ballet school in Burleigh Heads in 2002. The school offered fulltime tuition for students seeking placement at prestigious international ballet schools. Many of her students were successful and went on to professional careers in Europe, the UK and the USA, as well as at the Australia Ballet School.
Over the last 9 years Arna has been a freelance teacher at many major Gold Coast dance studios teaching many styles of dance and striving to deliver a high level of tuition and guidance to the students. She also is qualified as a Level 1 Yoga teacher.
Sophie Scott
Singing Coach
Sophie has been a part of Sheridan’s team for over 9 years and has always had a strong passion for the singing/ musical theatre side to the entertainment industry. Having trained in all styles of dance and musical theatre at SS1, Sophie then went on to complete a full time course in Musical Theatre with Brent Street in Sydney.
A working professional, performing on a day to day basis here on the Gold Coast, Sophie strives to help younger generations develop new skills and a love for singing. Sophie brings a fun, positive and energetic perspective to both young and mature singers and encourages everyone to convey their own individuality to the performance side of singing.
Brooke Schembri
Jazz / Hip Hop / Tap
Brooke completed her dance training under the direction of Sheridan right here at SS1. In 2017, she moved to Sydney to join Village Nation’s Performing Arts full time course. Throughout the years, Brooke has performed at many Corporate and stage events.
Most recently, Brooke can be seen as a featured dancer in the new ‘Dora The Explorer’ film working with American choreographer Michael Rooney and Kate Wormald. Brooke brings a positive, fun vibe to our SS1 family. She is passionate about teaching and encouraging students of all ages. Brooke is also a part of our admin team, and can be seen working at the front desk.
Heidi Jennings
Contemporary
Heidi was born in Leeton, NSW and has been dancing since the age of 3, studying in all genres of dance. At the age of sixteen, she moved to Melbourne to attend Danceworld 301’s full time course to study ballet.
Heidi had the opportunity to tour Germany and Austria with the Elite Danceworld Ballet Group.
Heidi danced around the globe as a professional dancer performing Casino style shows in such places as; Thailand (Andamon Club), Malaysia (Genting Highlands), Cairns (The Velvet Rope Room), Gold Coast (Jupiters Hotel & Casino – Rhythm of the Night). Also working on Cruise ships: Costa Cruise Lines (the Romantica) & working on 5 different Royal Caribbean Cruises (Monarch, Enchantment, Adventure, Mariner & Freedom of the Seas). Also performing in countless smaller gigs both here in Australia and Internationally.
For the past 12 years Heidi shares her knowledge teaching Classical Ballet (RAD), Contemporary, Lyrical, Broadway, Jazz Technique & Tap. She strives to inspire students and teach them all she has learnt and seen whilst travelling and dancing around the world.
TK Patara
Hip Hop
Tk is our funky and fresh Hip Hop teacher who is currently a member of Australia’s number 1 adult Hip Hop crew – after coming 1st at HHI 2016!
TK started his career in 2010 for MC’d “Bring It On” which is where he developed a love and passion for Hip-Hop dance.
In 2011, with no formal training, TK helped form Academy Of Brothers crew. 2012, TK got the opportunity to compete at the Hip Hop International Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of Team Australia. In 2013 TK was finalist on “Australia’s Got Talent” – Season Seven with Academy Of Brothers (placed 3rd) and in 2014 was a part of the “City Of Dance” – G20 Summit. In August of 2016, TK was given another opportunity to compete at the Hip Hop International Championships which were held in San Diego, again with Team Australia with his current Adult Crew “The D” who placed 13th in the World and recently competed in Brisbane at the Battleground qualifiers coming first place with “The D (2015)”.
Mitchell McCrone
Acrobatics Coach
Mitchell is a motivated acrobatics coach and is currently studying a bachelor of exercise science at Griffith University; he is highly passionate about helping creative athletes learn about acrobatics and dance with the best information and science available.
Mitchell has been working professionally for the past 15 years with credits including Raw Metal, Tokyo Disney and Princess Cruises. Some of his most memorable experiences include performing on Japanese tv with J pop groups such as Perfume and AKB48 or working with world-class choreographers such as Al Blackstone and Karen Bruce. With 15 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Mitchell is ready to help the next generation explore a life full of dance and joy.
Tiarne Howe
Jazz / Tap – Certificate IV in Dance teaching and Management
Tiarne started training at the age of 2 and has been apart of the Sheridans Studio 1 family since. Having studied in all genres of dance, Tiarne has gone on to successfully complete a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management alongside a Bachelor of Business. Tiarne has been involved in various corporate events and performances, modelling and has recently been a featured extra in Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS movie working with Baz and choreographer Kate Wormald. Tiarne’s friendly, caring and professional personality is a valuable asset to SS1’s teaching faculty and administration.
Jayda Colson
Professional Dancer Currently working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Productions (Certificate III in Dance / RAD Advanced 1)
Jayda started her dance training with SS1 at the age of 3, training in all genres of dance. She has spent the past 4 years working as a professional dancer and can currently be seen on board Royal Caribbean’s ‘Serenade of the Seas’.
Other performance credits include the Lord Mayors Christmas Carols under the direction of Kate Wormald, the NRL opening with Guy Sebastian, Commonwealth Games in 2018, the Ronald McDonald Charity Gala and Warner Brothers Movie World.
In 2019 she completed her Certificate III in dance and joined the team in sharing her knowledge to our students. Jayda is a favourite with our intro to dance class and also our junior performance team.
Keeley Banks
Jazz / Contemporary / Hip Hop / Tap / Musical Theatre (Certificate III in Dance)
Keeley has been teaching at SS1 for the past 4 years and has an impressive flare for choreography. Having started her dance training with us at the age of 4, Keeley is a great all round dancer and performer. She completed her Certificate III in dance in 2019 and can be seen as a featured dancer for Warner Brother’s Movie World as a seasonal performer. She is passionate about dance and a great energy to have in our team.