Candidates Standing in the
General Category

M: +61 412 333 200 E: leeannebampton@gmail.com
W: sydneyballroom.com.au
A: 102 Booth Street, Annandale, NSW 2038

For the future development of DanceSport my passion has lead me to put my own personal funds on the line to hold an annual prestigious event in Sydney. In our effort to promote and educate people in the beautiful art of DanceSport cross promotion of events and dance studios should be encouraged by all professionals in the industry. We intend to gain more interest in our sport by dealing with political issues, encouraging societies towards working in collaboration and implementing a more transparent judging system.

The above mentioned subjects need to be addressed in order or us to be recognised as a potential Olympic Sport. DanceSport world-wide is a small industry and smaller again in Australia and requires total support, integrity and respect for the constitution from all board members.

I feel Australia is often left behind in our Industry through our inability to move forward together and welcome change as well as maintaining tradition.

Credentials as an Adjudicator and Examiner

Leeanne is an elite coach and currently the highest accredited adjudicator and examiner within the World DanceSport Federation with in the Oceania region.

• World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) Adjudicator (‘A’ & Professional) and Examiner, one of two qualified WDSF Examiner in Australia & Oceania Region

• Member of the WDSF commission for Fairness in Adjudication worldwide

• An international adjudicator for WDSF 2010 to date :

• World Professional Ballroom & Latin; World Grand Slam Wuhan;
• International Open Australian Championships;
• International World Games Association World Games Wroclaw, Poland;
• The Asian Games Ashgabat, Turkmenistan;
• WDSF Asian Pacific DanceSport Championships 2019; WDSF World Open Standard & Latin, Shijiazhuang, China

• Adjudicated both Ballroom and Latin in Australia since 2000

• Director Dancesport Events running The Oceania Dancesport Championships

Experience as a Dancer and a Choreographer

• Dance Experience

• Professional World 10 Dance Finalist
• Top 24 British Open Professional Latin & Ballroom
• 10 times Australian & South Pacific 10 Dance Professional Champion
• Ballroom & Latin Competitor 1988 - 2000 • Elite Coach to > 20 Australian Champions
• Australian Dancing Society NSW Examiner

• Choreography Experience

• DWTS professional dancer season 3 & 4 with Dicko and Toby Allen
• DWTS dancer director and choreographer season 1 to 12
• So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) musical director and choreographer
• Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom head ballroom choreographer
• Willoughby Theatre Company’s head choreographer for Strictly Ballroom in 2017

Re-standing for National Council is one way I feel that I can contribute my knowledge and experience to represent all members of DanceSport Australia and help ensure that this industry grows not only in numbers, but in popularity to the general public.

DanceSport Australia has many challenges to overcome in continuing to move the industry/ sport forward post COVID-19. These include: accreditation, increasing the memebership, marketing, membership retention, and improved and increased communication to all DanceSport Australia members.

I feel these areas will help facilitate improvements and solutions to make for a more effective and efficient DanceSport.

Having worked professionally for several years as part of a multi-brand retail company at both the state and national levels in Australia and for another two years internationally, I have first-hand experience in what it takes to market and sell a product.

My involvement at these various management levels has given me the tools to effectively run, promote and sell the DanceSport product.

Experience:

1. DSA Two years National Council in the competitor category & 8 Years in the general category
2. Thirteen years board member of Dancesport Victoria
3. Seven years as accreditation officer for Dancesport Victoria
4. DSA national commission for accreditation & competition's, Chair of the International Selection Commission & Australian Affairs
5. 14 years Victorian State Branch member of the Australian Dancing Society Lyd., 2 of them as Chairman
6. Managing Director of the Australian Dancing Society for the past 7 years, and a further 6 years as a director
7. Successful coach and competitor both domestic and international
8. Competition organiser of the ADS Southern Cross Championship and the Nova DanceSport Classic. Co-organiser of the ADS Australian DanceSport Championship.

In closing I would like to say that I fully understand what the roles and, more importantly, the responsibilities of being a company Director are.

My pledge is to be an active Director who will fight for an open and transparent industry where everyone has the opportunity to be heard.

With your support, I feel I will be able to add a positive and tangible contribution to the future of DanceSport in Australia and be available to answer and address any concerns or queries a member may have.
 

I am currently a Director of DSA and am Chair of the DSA Academy (including the Accreditation Commission).  As such, I am also the Chair of the Education Committee. I believe that a strong, relevant and practical Accreditation system is necessary to produce competent coaches and adjudicators for the future. The development of relevant learning and training resources accessible by all DSA members is a vital requirement for the future. I am also Chair of the Grants Commission, focused on sourcing Federal funding, which requires us to develop a strong and relevant Strategic Plan for DSA.

I am an active and supportive member of the DSA National Council, having attended and contributed to all Council meetings during my term and actively assisted in major DSA events and workshops.

I was a member of the Board of DanceSport Victoria (DSV) for more than 17 years and was the Chairman of the DSV Board for two terms. Although I am no longer on the DSV Board I am still the DSV Government Liaison Officer, assisting with obtaining substantial State Government funding, and assisting with the development and management of DSV’s strategic plan, critical for obtaining this funding.

I believe that DSA’s major roles involve attracting more participants to DanceSport, improving the competition environment, and bringing the many sections of the DanceSport industry together. All areas of DanceSport need to work together to secure the future of this industry. We must involve competitors, competition promotors, studio owners, coaches and adjudicators in the future development of DanceSport if we are to grow.

I have strongly supported DSA initiatives and believe that our future is based on attracting more new dancers at the base level.  We need to focus on promoting DanceSport to the wider community. I am similarly a strong proponent for Development competitions, which are ideal for attracting new competitors and their family and friends to DanceSport. Without an influx of new blood into the DanceSport industry, eventually to further populate the Recreational and Registered divisions, DanceSport will stagnate! We need to develop real pathways for people to remain in DanceSport and advance through their dancing careers.

If elected I will continue to work towards these goals, using my knowledge of DanceSport and skills gained from many years in the scientific and corporate worlds and as an Athletics Victoria/Australia official, including project management, risk management, problem-solving, and team building and leadership. Note that I have no business interests within the DanceSport industry- I am only interested in seeing the industry flourish!

Please contact me if you wish for more details of my views:
Phone: 0409 028 162
Email: martyn.kibel@gmail.com

Kevin has been an active DanceSport competitor for over 30 years. His dancing career has seen him compete from Juvenile ranks all the way through to the Professional Division. His vast years of experience has given him great insight into the evolving needs of dancers throughout the entire competitive journey. Kevin is currently competing primarily in the Pro/Am division.

Kevin is a co-owner of Just Dance Cairns; he coaches both Recreational and Amateur competitors, many of whom have achieved great success in their age groups at a national level.

Kevin is heavily involved in many DanceSport competitions across the country. As well as being a private event organiser, you might have seen him floorside as an adjudicator, behind the computer scrutineering, compering, playing the music or on the floor competing in the Pro/Am division. 

He has served on the DanceSport Queensland Board for the last several years, both as a Registration Officer and has also assisted in the organisation of multiple Queensland Open DanceSport Championships.

Kevin is incredibly dedicated to DanceSport and is constantly looking for innovative ways to improve the competitive experience for all dancers. Kevin is eager to represent Queensland on the National Council again this term, acting as the collective voice of for dancers across all ages and divisions. His primary goal is to contribute towards the grassroots growth of DanceSport and provide a solid foundation for many years to come.

Having proudly represented Australia in numerous World Amateur and Professional championships, I understand the essence of commitment and representation on the global stage.

Since 2010, my role as the Arthur Murray International Dance Director for Australasia has been a profound privilege. Guiding aspiring dancers towards their goals and witnessing their artistic evolution has been a true honor. Dance isn't just about motion; it's a vessel for discipline, creativity, and fostering connections within a community.

My service as a board member of Arthur Murray International since 2010 has provided me with insights into the strategic facets of dance education globally.Collaborating with fellow board members across the world, I've actively contributedto shaping the future of dance. This role has reinforced my belief in the power of collective effort and shared objectives.

Beyond these responsibilities, my dedication to dance nationally extends to owning multiple studios across New South Wales, since 2009. From the heart of Sydney CBD to the welcoming neighbourhoods of Chatswood in the North Shore, Brookvale on the Northern Beaches, and Parramatta in the Western Suburbs, these studios have evolved into hubs of creativity and camaraderie. They're more than dance venues—they're spaces that encourage personal growth, friendship, and artistic expression. My experience as a board member for dancesport NSW has been a catalyst for change in the pro-am industry. I've played an active role in introducing new dancesport styles—American Smooth and American Rhythm—to multiple events, leading to increased participation and entries in competitions across Australia. Thisendeavor underscores my commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering growth within our community.

My aspiration to serve on the board of Dancesport Australia is driven by the desire to give back to a community that has enriched my life. If given the privilege, I intend to leverage my multifaceted experience to champion values of inclusivity, education, and excellence. Collaboratively, we can further elevate dancesport as an art, a sport, and a unifying cultural force.

As you consider casting your vote, I kindly ask for the opportunity to bring my perspective, dedication, and insights to the board. Let's unite to ensure dancesport flourishes across our nation, enriching lives and cultivating a vibrant network of dancers and enthusiasts.

Thank you for your consideration.

I have had a lengthy career in DanceSport.  Firstly, as a competitor in 1972 through to 2015, then serving in the administration side of the sport.

I have served on National Council and am currently a board member of DanceSport Victoria.

I have seen many trends over the past 50 years which have contributed to the ever increasing professionalism of the sport. From the steps right through to the physical demands of the sport nowadays. 

We have experienced many highs and lows in participation over the years and now more than ever we need to nurture the young participants so that they continue their experience in the future.

I believe we need to analyse thoroughly just why people take up ballroom dancing and use this data to form a plan to attract them to our sport. These days there are so many sports vying for acceptance from the young. 

DSA is to be applauded for introducing Development Competitions which is a step in the right direction.

Currently I run my own company DMP Media which is an advertising,marketing and events company devoted to  growing clients business and achieving their dreams.

I am passionate about this wonderful industry, highly motivated and believe the future is on an upward curve if we are able to develop ideas which can come from any member of DanceSport Australia. We have some very experienced people with excellent skills and it would be in our best interests to bring these all together.    

I am well-connected to current competitors, social dancers, competition organisers, adjudicators, teachers and business owners. This allows me to work with the community on how to best grow the sport and industry.

My extensive board experience coupled with my business skills allow me to play an effective role at both national and state levels.

A lot of really good things are happening in DanceSport. It is important to share these things so we can learn from each other, appreciate the efforts being made, celebrate our achievements and build a stronger, more connected community

I ask for your support.

Kind Regards
Geoff Vine
0408 189 295  -   geoff@dmpmedia.com.au

I have a vast experience in Australian DanceSport having served on DanceSport Victoria, being the organizer of the annual Evolution DanceSport Championship as well as being the principle of a major Victorian Dance Studio. I have a Master’s Degree in Tourism & Hospitality and I hold numerous DanceSport specific technical qualifications both within Australia and Internationally. My dance career has seen me become an Australian Professional Champion as well as winning numerous international titles.

I believe dancers should have the opportunity to dance and compete in a fair and transparent environment. I also believe in leading by example and therefore it is my aim to demonstrate the bright future of DanceSport by proposing pathways and opportunities for Dancers. It is important that dancers at all levels feel confident in their competition system and are rewarded for their participation.

Studios and coaches play a crucial role within DanceSport and I feel it is important that they are well equipped to handle the progress and changes that regularly happen within our evolving sport. I believe that studios, coaches and adjudicators should be offered the opportunity to access pathways to further their professional development should they choose, whether that be technical education or to further their coaching and adjudicating principles.

I encourage members to contact me directly through my socials if you would like to learn more about me, what I stand for or if you have any questions.

Yours Sincerely,
Katusha Volgina

CURRENT POSITION:
National Director DanceSport Australia
National Director Australian Dancing Society
DSA National Championship Adjudicator Latin American, Standard and New Vouge
DSA dual accredited examiner [Fellow]
Chairman ADS Board of examiners WA.
WDSF accredited international adjudicator [AJS - A Grade]
WDC International Adjudicator

HISTORY:
Director First National DanceSport Council Australia
Thirty years’ experience as :
Full time Dance Teacher, Studio Proprietor/Principal, Coach, National and International Adjudicator. Director and Choreographer Musical Theatre.
 

Her studio in Adelaide, South Australia is the biggest competitive studio and renowned for producing champions of all levels and styles. Madeleine has danced her whole life, has won numerous Australian Titles, with one of the biggest achievements being winning the open to the World Jive Title. 

Madeleine has the highest credentials in both teaching and adjudicating in all 3 styles in Australia and also adjudicates not only nationally but internationally, representing Australia at many World Championship and Open to the World events.

Her passion for dance is obvious, her dedication to dance indescribable, her support for all competitions, around the country and world always evident. Her class, poise, and professionalism is one thing the industry can never fault her on and is why she is a perfect role model, leader and guide for the dance industry in Australia. 

0411661068
madeleine@madeleine.com