Staff
Debbie Rae - M.R.A.D.
Owner & Director Debbie Rae Dancers
Debbie realized her dream of owning her own dance studio and helping other aspiring dancers to achieve their own goals when she established the Debbie Rae Dancers with her sister Carla in 1981.
Debbie studied tap, ballet and jazz with the Dianne Talbot School of Dancing in Maitland from the age of 4. She completed her Royal Academy of Dancing Certificate in Elementary which qualified her as a teacher in dance.
At the age of 11, Debbie was the youngest contestant to appear on the National Talent TV Show, Showcase, in which she tapped her way to the finals and won the hearts of viewers’ nationwide.
At the age of 15, she appeared on the local TV talent show on NBN’s Starquest where she was a Grand Finalist winning a trip to Singapore. Debbie was also the first tap dancer to perform at the Sydney Opera House.
At the age of 17, Debbie was awarded a scholarship to further her career and travelled to Europe where she and Carla danced in Greece and Italy touring with dance/theatrical groups for 2 years.
Upon her return she performed with the renowned Janice Breen Dancers at various night clubs in Sydney before returning home, and at the age of 23 she started up her own studio in Maitland. Debbie and Carla taught together for 4 years until Carla moved to the Blue Mountains and started her own studio.
Debbie’s choreography has earned her many awards over the years & she is known in particular for her excellent tapping routines.
Currently Debbie is a Tap Examiner for the Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus, a qualified adjudicator at Sydney Eisteddfods and the Principal/Director of her own studio which is her dream fulfilled.
The passion will never cease…
Carla Morgan - R.A.D R.T.S
Carla is a highly experienced and fully registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance with over 25 years of experience in teaching at all levels.
Carla originally trained in Newcastle/Maitland with Dianne Talbot and Margot Kerr before travelling to Europe with Debbie for more extensive training. She then continued onto London dancing professionally in London’s West End and later in theatres and operetta companies throughout Europe.
On returning home, Carla and Debbie joined forces to establish their own dance studio in Maitland in 1981. They taught jazz, tap and ballet and the studio flourished within a short period of time. After 4 years Carla had to move south due to her husband’s work commitments and settled in the Blue Mountains.
Carla then established, owned and operated her own dance studio in the Blue Mountains for 18 years which is still operating now under a former student of hers.
Carla regularly attends all continuing Professional Development courses that the RAD has to offer and has attended all courses covering the new RAD Syllabus.
Carla is energetic, wonderful with children and passionate about passing on her knowledge to her students which she has gained over the many years she has devoted to dance.
Jennifer Burrows
Jenny commenced dancing at the age of 5 and has extensive training in all facets of dance, including ballet (RAD), tap (Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus), jazz, contemporary and hip hop.
Jenny has been a staple teacher with Debbie for the past 17 years. She is an excellent choreographer in jazz, tap, hip hop, song and dance and also has a very clever flair in the musical comedy field.
Jenny is also the appointed director of the Debbie Rae Dancers at the Medowie Studio. This branch was established in 2006 and to Jenny’s credit the studio has grown and flourished with upcoming talents and stars of the future. The results speak for themselves as Jenny has hired 2 more teachers to cover the work load which is expanding rapidly from year to year! The dedication is obvious from Jenny and her faculty who are obtaining fantastic responses from the students, the parents and everybody who is involved at the studio.
As a young performer, Jenny won numerous awards, championships and scholarships. From the age of 15 she performed as a regular artist dancing, singing and acting in the variety shows for 3 seasons at the Kings Theatre in Newcastle. She also performed in the Cabaret Show called ‘Swing Sensation’. Jenny also performed with the Metropolitan Players in the musicals ’Crazy for you’ and ‘A Chorus Line’ which were held at the Griffith Duncan Theatre in Newcastle.In 2009 & 2010 Jenny, along with some other DRD’s, were very fortunate to be chosen to perform as backup dancers for the Veronica’s shows, firstly ‘Hook me up’ tour then ‘Revenge is Sweeter’ tour which were both held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
Jenny has earned her reputation as brilliant dancer, teacher and choreographer with many award winning routines to her credit. She is fully dedicated to produce the best from every student and challenge them to their fullest capabilities.
Hannah Cambourn
Hannah has trained in many styles of dance such as jazz, ballet (RAD), tap (Glenn Wood Tap), hip hop, contemporary and cheerleading.
In 2006 she completed her Diploma in Children Services at the Advanced Careers College in Newcastle.
Hannah has been teaching with Debbie for the past 11 years and has proven to be an outstanding asset, especially with her competence in cheerleading and her ability to teach the tiny tots, nurturing them year after year. She has also proved to be a very clever choreographer in other styles such as hip hop and contemporary. Hannah teaches with Miss Jenny at the Medowie Studio as well and gives her full dedication to every student involved.
In 2009 Hannah was chosen to perform as a backup dancer for the Veronica’s ‘Hook Me Up’ tour which was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
Hannah has choreographed her upcoming junior students with winning performances for eisteddfods and competitions both locally and around the Newcastle area.
Recently she attended tap and hip hop workshops in Sydney to keep up with the latest styles on the dance scene.
Shortly, Hannah will undergo a cheerleading course in Levels 1 & 2 at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation.
Ellana Kane
Ellana has been learning to dance from Debbie for the past 19 years. She has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Lyrical.
During her competition days she won numerous awards at eisteddfods in Sydney & locally in many styles including musical comedy for which she always excelled in.
Ellana has completed her tap exams up to level 11 with the Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus. Her tapping ability is of a very high standard & to be commended.
In 2009 & 2010 she had the fantastic experience of performing as a backup dancer with the Veronica’s on tour which was held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.Although Ellana is a student/teacher with the DRD’s, she is also a freelance teacher for other studiosin Newcastle & locally, gaining experience & knowledge whilst benefitting from choreographing a diverse genre of styles.
Steve Marsh
Artistic Gymnastic Coach Steve Marsh has a long history in the sport of Gymnastics and Trampolineing. A former National, Gymnast and Trampolineist found himself coaching at the Epping YMCA at the age of 14. At age 17 Steve held the position of Higher levels Head coach Epping YMCA. Being both a Men'sand Women's coach Steve has trained many Gymnastics to achieve representation at a State, National and International levels.
Stephen moved to Newcastle to pursue a Head Coach position and to coordinate the Hunter Regions participation in Regional and State competitions. Stephen is currently coaching the acrobatics for Debbie Rae Dancers.
