Teachers
Kristin Smith
Kristin joined the dance world at the age of 12 after participating in gymnastics at the age of 3. Over the years Kristin has embraced, participated in, and studied many genres, including; ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, partnering, hiphop, and African under the direction of many artists in Philadelphia, New York, Florida, England, Australia and Bermuda.
Whilst in Bermuda, Kristin formed her own performance group called 2 Classified which performed locally in Bermuda for over 5yrs. This developed alongside her training with United Dance Productions and In Motion School of Dance. Kristin became a member of the Junior Company at United Dance Productions and than a member of the Senior Company "Concepts in Motion" at In Motion School of Dance. Kristin was offered many scholarships to summer intensive programs such as University of the Arts Summer Intensive and Ballethnic.
Kristin studied Dance and Business studies while attending Middlesex University in London, England. Whilst in London, Kristin performed in various productions, and was given the opportunity to choreograph for a few commercial singers.
Kristin is the Director of Addicted 2 Dance and she continues to evoke her passion for the arts onto her students. Kristin’s students strive for success and this is made evident on their approach to her choreography and the performances and competitions they participate in.
Jess Neill
Jess commenced her training in dance at the age of 7 and it was truly evident that dance was indeed her passion. Jess continued her training through high school where she became more involved in the world of dance.
Jess received numerous opportunities to perform and choreograph in events, such as; competitions, musicals, drama performances and rock eisteddfods. At Palm Beach Currumbin High, Jess was honoured membership to the Dance Excellence class where she was a member for 3 consecutive years.
At the age of 14, Jess began teaching at Addicted 2 Dance alongside her own growth and development in the arts.
Jess continues to inspire the younger dancers with her experience in dance, and her continued dedication and determination to develop as well. The passion is immeasurable and exudes itself whilst teaching. Jess not only instructs her students but mentors them and ensures they are well-rounded individuals. It is an honour having Jess onboard who has been instructing for over the 6yrs and is also a pleasure watching her perform.
Sammy Leonard
Originally from New Zealand, training at the Dunedin School of Ballet and Dance, Sammy moved to Sydney to pursue her dancing career. She studied Fulltime at Brent Street Performing Arts School; She has taken class with some of the worlds most well known dancers and Choreographers in Australia such as Kelley Abbey, Jason Coleman, Marko Panzic, Dianne Rakebrandt,Melanie Hitchcock, Matt Lee, Sarah Boulter and much more.
Sammy has also worked with overseas choreographers and dancers, Christina Aguilera’s dancer Gilbert, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jacksons Dancer Eddie Morales, Nick Bass, Marty Kudelka,Sky Hoffman Patrick Chen and many more.
She danced in a Hiphop crew called Celsius in Sydney battling the stage with other crews at Groove 2008 comps and Battle Grounds 2008. Sammy also has danced for the 2009 Mardi Gras, Refuel Gay night, The Young Divas, Uk’s Freemason’s, Duran Adhar,& Girlband, in film clips and live shows which include an appearance in Home and Away and Cow TV NZ.
Sammy was nominated for over 4 times for Hip hop, contemporary and Jazz scholarships in New Zealand and was ranked 4th in the NZAMD jazz scholarship auditions at the age of 16 by Jason Coleman.
After winning many competitions, awards and trophies we are definitely honoured to have her onboard at Addicted 2 Dance to relay her passion and experience to our young dancers.
Aaron Griffin
Dancing from the age of 6, Aaron has always portrayed the attributes of a budding choreographer!
During his early years, Aaron participated in all facets of dance to ensure he would maintain a versatile dancer.
At the age of 13, Aaron pursued an opportunity to perform with his school hiphop dance crew which placed in the top 3 during competition.
He then welcomed his curiosity in choreography, by composing a piece on Year 12 students, which was awarded 3rd place in competition.
Aaron has had the opportunity to work as a back-up dancer for Storm Kaden’s “Let’s Hear It” music video, as well as the honour to work with world-class dancers such as Jesse and Joel Rassmussen, Ben Veitch and American choreographers, Nick Bass and Devin Jamieson.
Addicted 2 Dance welcomes Aaron as he continues to mesmerize his auditions with his new creative form of hiphop called MVS (music, vision, soul).
