Miss Sheridan Warner: Principal

Sheridan’s vision for Rhapsody was formulated from identifying what the community had been missing.  Her approach and philosophy for Rhapsody is providing every child with the opportunity to realize their potential and fulfill their personal dreams. Sheridan’s abundance of energy and infectious personality creates a teaching environment not often found.  Her genuine love of children coupled with her talent for instilling passion and drive to those around her have set the foundations for Rhapsody.

Background

Sheridan started developing her talent at age five with Pamela French (Moulin Rouge, Razzle Dazzle) learning Jazz, Tap and (RAD) Ballet.  She then moved on to Sonja Dene School of Dance to complete the rest of her RAD Ballet Syllabus whilst studying Drama and Acting for Television at The Sydney Talent Company. 

After completing her HSC at Northmead High School of Performing Arts and achieving the Principals Award for Excellence in Creative and Performing Arts, Sheridan went on to compete a full time course at BRENT ST STUDIOS where she studied Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Drama, Singing, Acrobatics, Ballroom, Pilates, Yoga, Musical Theatre and Anatomy.  On completion of this course she received a Cert IV in Performing Arts and was one of the few students to be selected to be represented by Detour Management.

Whilst working in the industry, Sheridan went on to complete a Cert IV in Television and Film Production where she studied the use of lighting, sound and camera work, and all methods relating to the production of film and television. 

Sheridan danced  in the Opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics and was a West Tigers and Bulldogs cheerleader . Some of Sheridan’s industry work includes, dancing at the Cancer Council Celebrity Charity Ball, Santa's Kingdom, and live shows with Jason Coleman and David Atkins . She represented Australia in Hong Kong with the Sydney Westsiders Cheer Squad.  Sheridan has worked in the Entertainment Department of Wonderland, performing in various shows and appearing in character costumes such as Fred Flintstone, Scooby Doo, Spot the Dog, Cow and Chicken and a variety of ABC characters.  She has also been a valued employee of Regprom Marketing who employed her to perform  in kids shows such as the Tweenies Live Show,  The Freddo Frog Show, Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men Live show, Madagascar Live Show (singing and dancing) and various other promotional and character suit gigs.

Sheridan also enjoys singing and has studied voice and won the Avemaria4u award for Most Outstanding Singer 2006 .

Rock Eisteddfod

Sheridan's proudest moments of her dance career lie in her work with Rock Eisteddfod.

Sheridan started as a young student performer in Year 7 and by Year 12 was Assistant Director.  By 2003 she was Director and Choreographer and directed for four years placing her school in the top four places every year.  In 2004 and 2005 under her direction ,Northmead High School, won the National Television Award, with Pymble Ladies College in 2008 won the State Premier Division Grand Finals.

Sheridan has also directed two J-rocks (primary school Division) and has received many awards with them including Best Choreography.

Musicals

Sheridan choreographed  her first musical GREASE with Sydney Youth Musical Theatre in 2006 and had so much fun she then went on to choreograph the musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Her talent was well recognized not only on a dancing level but on a production level and in 2007 she was asked to choreograph AND direct the musical FAME. Choreographed  the 2008 production of CHESS which was staged at the Theatre Royal in Sydney

Dance School

Sheridan has taught various dance schools across Sydney before opening her own studio Rhapsody with 30 students in 2008. Under her direction Rhapsody has grown in size and reputation to become a centre for development and excellence in Performing Arts. 

Natalie Leonardi 

Nat started dancing when she was 5 years old. She has been trained in many styles including; jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary and hip hop. She danced with a couple of local dance schools from 1997 to 2007. During years 5 & 6 she represented her school at Ryde Schools Spectacular. Nat has competed in many Eisteddfods around Sydney over the past 12 years; she has awareness of the standards of dance at present. Nat studied Dance as part of her HSC at Marist Sisters College Woolwich where she choreographed and taught the winning team in a Cheerleading competition. Nat started assisting in the happy nappy classes at Rhapsody Studios in 2009. Over the last couple of years, Nat’s teaching hours have grown considerably. She now teaches approximately 25 hours a week at Rhapsody. In 2011, Nat choreographed a Junior Rock Eisteddfod for Brooklyn Public School. She received many awards for the performance, 5 in total, including the coveted “Spirit of J Rock”. In 2012, Nat commenced her degree at ACPE (Australian College of Physical Education) where she is studying a Bachelor of Applied Dance. Nat is enthusiastic about dance, teaching and her students. Her love for her children and her passion for dance, make for a great combination!!

Felicity Edmond RAD RTS 

Felicity has been training since the age of 3 and working in the entertainment industry since the age of 5, appearing in live shows and television commercials both nationally and internationally. She has studied many styles of dance including, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Flaminco, Russian Character, Acrobatics and Musical Theatre. 

Her credits include: Russian Imperial Ballet Company production of ‘Diary of Anne Frank’ at the age of 8. Home and Away, Sony Playstation TVC (USA/ CANADA), film clips for recording artists Kenna and Nazanin, Ashton Family Circus, Tug Boat Tug TVC, OshKosh Kids Fashion Shows, Hallmark Forever Friends Bear appearances, Wahu/Britz and pieces TVC, NRL Grand Final live performance with cast of Footloose, Duty of Care Workplace TVC, Kids in the park live show- Sydney Olympic Park, Little Miss Pin Up fashion show. Assiatant choreographer for the NSW tour of recording artist Nazanin, choreographer for “The Young Offenders? Film clip “?oat my boat.? Movement coach for wahu/britz and pieces TVCs. Felicity has won choreographic awards at ?showcase national dance championships? and has seen many of her students receive places at the ?City of Sydney? solo competitions. 

Felicity attended the Collett Academy of Dance and is a graduate of The Edge Ballet Academy as well as Newtown High School for the Performing Arts. She finished her training with a Diploma in Performing Arts after studying full time at Danceworld Studios 301 in Melbourne under the guidence of Pamela Apostolidis.

Jason is AWESOME!!

Hip hop teacher Jason started dancing in 2006 as a member of the dance crew “AthElites” alongside John and Len Pearce (Justice Crew). Over the years, as part of the crew, Jason was involved in many showcase performances at events such as the Northern Sydney Dance Festival, Ryde Schools Spectacular as well as corporate parties, exhibits and functions. The crew made a name for themselves in the hip hop dance community for their unique style and humour, as well as being all self taught dancers ranging ages 15-17. This earned them 1st place in the opens division at “NSW Groove Hip-Hop Dance Championships 2007".

Having learned a thing or two, Jason is currently a leader at the danced based youth programs "Inspired Avenue" which aims to provide mentoring and dance lessons for youths across Sydney. These programs aim to help children and young adults discover talents through the Arts so they can make positive differences to themselves and the world around them.

Seeking inspiration from life and the people around him, Jason is constantly motivated to improve his skills so that he can be a better teacher for his students so they can become better dancers.

Miss Mia Lofaro

Mia started her dance training at age 3 at her local dance school, Jenny’s Dance Centre. Here, she studied Tap, Jazz and Ballet (BBO) completing her exams to an Advanced 2 level and graduating with honours. During this time, Mia attended numerous national BBO holiday programs where she received awards including Junior Open Tap and Dame Ninette de Valois Scholarships.

Mia continued to develop her passion for dance throughout High School, where she continued to study dance at a HSC level. She was a member of the school Aerobics team, whilst also participating in school musicals and secondary performing arts challenges. Mia was recognised for her efforts and participation in 2006, receiving the “Best and Fairest” award for Dance.

Her passion for teaching however, began in 2004 when she began as an assistant teacher at her own dance school. Since then, she has continued to develop her skills as a teacher and choreographer, teaching at numerous dance schools throughout the north western district. Mia has also worked as a choreographer for Marist Sisters College, Woolwich and The International Grammar School’s Rock Eisteddfod entries, both of which received numerous awards for outstanding choreography.

Mia is currently completing her studies at The University of New South Wales, studying a BA in Dance/Education. She hopes to work as a high school dance and English teacher once she graduates next year, inspiring and motivating young students.