Ruth Grulke

Teacher / Culcairn & Albury

I began dancing in England at 3yrs old and competed in various competitions and completed exams in tap, acro and jazz.

After arriving in Australia I continued my dancing with Patti Bawden, who was the choreographer for channel 7. I was lucky enough to be in her junior group that performed on live TV kids show once a week. The highlights being chosen to perform in 2 stage productions with some of the top stars of the day. Unfortunately I had to leave Patti Bawden and I joined Calisthenics with my sisters.

At 14 yrs I was selected to represent SA in the national comp in Ballarat where our team won the aggregate in the novice section.

Dance has been a big part of my life, except for my army years and having kids. For a while I did Line Dancing and even taught a beginners class. I have taken Adult Jazz and tap classes whilst watching Bec grow as a beautiful dancer.

Alyssa Kupa

Teacher / Albury

I started dancing when I was 5 years old but later took a break to play sports. I started getting back into dance in 2014 when I started cheerleading at HDS, I then began competing as part of the troupes not long after.

I have completed my VCE and have my Certificate II & III in dance. In 2017 I was a finalist for the Red Carpet Youth Awards in the Performing Arts and Youth Ambassador sections for my dance teaching work.

This year I am studying to complete my Certificate III in sport and recreation.

I work extremely well with kids and have been teaching a range of styles over the last 5 years and I am looking forward to what 2022 will bring.

Caitlin Jonker

Teacher / Albury

I started ballet at age 6, training full time in Albury/Wodonga from 2010 until 2013, then moved to Melbourne and trained at the Ballet Theatre Australia from 2014 to mid 2015.

Afterwards moved to train with the Jane Moore Academy of Ballet until 2016, before moving to the Queensland Ballet Senior Program in 2017 and 2018, and progressing to Pre-Professional in 2019.

I have performed exerts from Ben Stevenson’s Nutcracker, as well as working with the Royal Ballet choreographer Liam Scarlett.

I have obtained Certificates I,II, III, IV, and Diploma in Dance Education (Elite Performance), and I plan to complete my Diploma in Dance Teaching within the next few years.

Bronwyn Robertson

Ballroom Principal / Albury

I started ballet at the age of 4 and had always danced. Throughout my childhood and teenage years I have also learnt jazz, tap and many other theatrical styles.

I started ballroom at the age of 11 and have danced competitively at a national level. Living in Albury meant I would travel to Melbourne for lessons and also to compete all over Australia.

I was the youngest contestant to dance on the ABC series 'That's Dancin' with her brother. I was 13 at the time.

I have a passion for working with children and also enjoys the adult social classes where we are not so restricted to syllabus.

I have worked hard to achieve my Accredited Dance Sport Competition Latin Adjudicators Certificate, and continue to study New Vogue and started to bring knowledge to all my students.

Ciara Brown

Teacher / Albury

I joined the HDS Family in 2018, where my love and passion for dance began.

I am currently in year 12 at James Fallon High School and want to pursue dance or dance teaching in my future.

I initially enrolled because I had an obsession with a show called 'The Next Step', little did I know I would be where I am today, teaching and competing.

HDS has brought me many friendships and taught me some very valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

My favourite dance would have to be my very first hip hop solo. 

I hope I can share my passion of dance with my students and in the end they will love it as much as I do.

Georgia Robertson

Teacher / Albury

I joined HDS in 2019 and have loved every moment of my dance journey.

One of my favourite dances was my very first solo, which was inspired by the Bondi lifeguards, as becoming a lifeguard was something I dreamed of pursuing after school.

I am currently in year 9 at Trinity Anglican College and I am excited to now be a part of HDS as a student teacher and to share my passion for dance with others.

Violet Smuts

Albury

I started dancing at HDS in 2016, and that's where my love for dance truly began - and I've never looked back. 

I still remember the excitement of getting my very first troupe audition letter. It's a moment I'll never forget and one of my favourite dance memories.

Over the years at HDS, I've had the chance to perform so many dances, but my top three would have to be 'Iris' from Diamonds Troupe 2024, my High School Musical solo and 'If Only' from Sapphires 2022.

After so many years of dancing with HDS, it's been so special to step in to a teaching role and share my passion with the younger generation. Watching them grow and fall in love with dance the way I did has been such an amazing experience, and something I'll always be grateful for.

Tayah Merlin

Culcairn

I joined HDS in 2020 and instantly fell in love with dance again.

My favourite dance while I have been at HDS would be my Harry Potter themed Hip Hop Solo, because of my love for Harry Potter.

I am in year 11 at Albury High School and beyond grateful to be able to share my love of dance with the younger students of HDS.

Elyse Brndusic

Albury

I joined HDS in 2024 and I have never felt more at home.

My favourite dance I have done is the Diamond Troupe 2025 broadway 'SIX' because it's so fun and we got to play a character at the same time.

I am currently in year 11 at Trinity Anglican College and I am the most grateful for being given the opportunity to student teach at HDS.