In 2018, Chantal Fleming came to the attention of the ADF when she announced during the Q&A with Kelley Abbey that she had just started ballet lessons at the age of 46 years.  We LOVED seeing her give 110% at all the workshops, and her courage for getting up and not being afraid to do what she loves! We are so PROUD to have Chantal as an ADF ambassador this year.
 

Here's what Chantal has to say about being an ADF Ambassador:
Holly and I have been to ADF for the last 4 years and it’s often the first thing that goes back into our calendar.  Coming from a rural area, having opportunities to dance with such a diverse range of choreographers is fabulous, not to mention the shows of an evening.  They alone are SOOO worthwhile!    For me personally, sitting and watching each day was both exciting and frustrating, knowing that I just wanted to be there on the dance floor as well but coming up with every excuse as to why I couldn’t - too old, not fit enough, too big, haven’t danced in too long, blah blah blah.  Not anymore.  Dancing at ADF in 2018 was one of the happiest weekends I’ve had in a long time and my face was sore from smiling.  I still smile just thinking about it (go me!).

My goal is to help spread the joy of dance to all ages, socio-economic groups, styles, etc.  Dance shouldn’t and doesn’t have to stop when you become a young adult.  It’s a skill and love for life, so embrace it and continue to celebrate the feeling it gives you.  Dance brings with it many colours that suits many moods.  Everyone needs to think back and smile after an ADF weekend.

Dance is also something that can be done by anyone and everyone regardless of where you live, who you are, where you train or even how good you are.  Not everyone has to grow to be a dance professional but it can bring with it life skills that can be carried through to some many other facets of your life - confidence, poise, coordination, organisation, team work, creativity…. the list is endless.

This is an awesome opportunity and I am humbly grateful to have been offered it.

Artistic Director, Australian Dance Festival
Marko Panzic is truly amazing choreographer whose classes are not to be missed. Marko Panzic is a Creative Director, Choreographer, Producer & Dancer. In 2008 Marko hit our TV screens in the 1st series of “So You Think You Can Dance” where he was a top 20 finalist. Marko returned for the 2nd, 3rd & 4th series as a featured choreographer.

Marko was appointed as artistic director of the Australian Dance Festival in 2012.  He founded The Dream Dance Company in 2015, Australia's first commercial dance company.  He has choreographed for many recording artists, as well as Television programs and International events such as Eurovision.  >>More Info

After a successful international career Sarah has returned to Australia to continue developing her choreography. As a dancer Sarah was often employed due to her choreographic talent and has worked with well-known choreographers and directors in a collaborative manner.  She recently choreographed "Enter the Vortex" for Marko Panzic's The Dream Dance Company.

Other Choreographic credits include the opening ceremony of the 2011 Arab Games (David Atkins Enterprises), Sytycd Uk & Australia season 1, 2 & 3, Dance Academy ABC, Giggle and Hoot ABC 3, Puberty Blues Ten, Mayor International Congress Awards representing Sydney Dance Company & many corporate engagements.

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Sarah spent two years living in Las Vegas, where she had the amazing opportunity of working in the Celine Dion show “A New Day”, working with great names such as Mia Micheal's and Franco Dragone.”

Cat has worked on many Australian TV Series such as X Factor, The Voice, Australia’s Got Talent, Dance Academy and has worked with artists such as Nick Jonas, Ricky Martin, Dannii Minogue, Havana Brown, Red Foo, Flo Rida, Cher Lloyd, Timomatic, Ricki-lee, Delta Goodrem, Conrad Sewell and various others. 
 

In 2012 and later again in 2017, Cat was thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work with Kelley Abbey in Opera Australia’s production of “Carmen” on Sydney Harbour as one of the featured dancers and later was featured in the role of ‘Liza Minelli’ in her Australian Dance Festival piece for Project Dance – a recreation of her choreography “Sure Thing Baby” from the 2006 Arena Production of “The Boy From OZ”. Cat was also a part of “Tannos & Choice” a Contemporary Company created & choreographed by Stephen Tannos & Morgan Choice, directed by Marko Panzic.
 

Cat has been cast in the 3 Seasons of The Dream Dance Company founded and directed by Marko Panzic. “Genesis”, choreographed by Stephen Tannos & Marko Panzic, "The Secret Society" choreographed by Candace Brown and most recently "Enter The Vortex" choreographed by Sarah Boulter.
 

Cat's ultimate goal is to reach out to all young aspiring dancers all over the globe, whether that be through teaching or performing and to motivate them to believe in themselves, how to be their own support system and how to also support the people around them through lessons that not only involve dance, but simply, lessons that are needed in everyday life, through a fun, energetic and inspiring teaching method.