Sunshine Dance Centre
About Us
Our Principal
Mrs Carman McAuliffe
Carman trained at Conroy Dance Centre for 16 years. Carman began her teaching career at Conroy’s , where she obtained her Teachers Certificate in Comdance theatrical, classical and tapping as well as adding Comdance modern jazz award (with Honours) to her achievements.
She continued in her teaching studies adding the R.A.D teaching certificate after moving to the Sunshine Coast and teaching at the Maria Shanks Dance Centre. In 1995 Carman opened Sunshine Dance Centre in Nambour to provide quality tuition to the area. What began as a few evening classes eventually grew to the wonderful studio it is now.
Carman is extremely dedicated in her teaching and delights in giving the joy of dance to her students. Carman’s teaching skills remain current and she continually attends dance related teaching courses.
In 2017, Carman became a full examiner for Comdance. She now examines students throughout Australia and overseas in classical ballet, modern jazz, tap, theatrical performing arts, contemporary and acrobatics.
Carman has now obtained her certification from the Qld Ballet for the Petit Pointers program for 2-5yrs as well as her Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) certificate from current courses. Adding Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Module 2 training in 2021. She believes you can never stop learning in the dance world!
Our Teachers
Salley-Anne Russell
Read More
Sally-Anne was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast and started dancing at the Sunshine Dance Centre at the age of 3. Following high school, she went on to train full time at the Conroy Performing Arts College.
In 2015 she received her first contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in the broadway musical “Mamma Mia!”. Since then, she has continued working professionally as a dancer and aerialist with Royal Caribbean giving her the opportunity to perform whilst travelling the world.
Her qualifications include Comdance Theatrical Teaching Cert, Certificate 3 in Dance and Certificate 3 in Group Fitness.
Amy Ferrier
Read More
Amy began her dance training at the age of 3 with Lovett’s Dance and Talent Academy on the NSW Central Coast. After moving to the Sunshine Coast in December 2001, she continued her dance training with Centre of Dance.
Amy began dancing at the Sunshine Dance Centre in 2007 after Carman purchased Centre of Dance. She has comprehensive dance training in jazz, tap and classical styles while regularly participating in dance competitions.
Amy competed at numerous regional, state and national championships in cheerleading and sport aerobics, representing Sunshine Coast Grammar School from 2004-2012. She began student teaching at Sunshine Dance Centre under Carman’s guidance in 2010.
Amy began teaching in 2013 after graduating school and obtained her Comdance Theatrical Teaching Certificate the same year. She currently holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management.
Lisa Ferrier
Read More
Lisa is a guest teacher at SDC and has been part of the SDC family for more than 10 years.
Lisa began her training at the age of 3 on the NSW central coast at the Lovett’s Dance and Talent Academy where she studied from 1998-2001. After moving to Sunshine Coast at the end of 2001, Lisa continued her dance study at Centre of Dance in Caloundra where she was also teaching. Lisa started working with Sunshine Dance Centre when Carman purchased Centre of Dance in 2008.
In the same year Lisa obtained her CSTD Tapping Teaching Certificate whilst with Sunshine Dance Centre. She has extensive training in performance across classical, jazz and tap styles Lisa went to National titles through Dance and Sports Aerobics with Sunshine Coast Grammar School as well as participating in Cheerleading.
Lisa has a great rapport with students and is a well respected Tap Teacher.
Pheobe
Read More
Phoebe started dancing at Sunshine Dance Centre at the age of 5. Through Sunshine Dance Centre she completed many Comdance and RAD examinations, including her Modern Jazz Teacher’s Certificate. Through her last two years of high school, she completed her Cert III in dance and performed in Creative Generations – State Schools Onstage.
Following high school, she went on to full-time dance training at Conroy Performing Arts College where she completed her Comdance Tap Teacher’s Certificate and is currently completing her Diploma in Dance and Comdance Tap Teacher’s Diploma.