OUR TEAM
Who are we?
We are a group of Professional and highly qualified Dance instructors with many years of experience in both the technical and performance aspects of Dance. As a company, our focus is motivating and encouraging people of all backgrounds to embrace a love of life and of themselves through movement and expression.
Meet our Team
SONIA LEE NAZZER
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY OF DANCE
At 16 Miss Sonia was winning national dance and acting awards and gaining recognition as a young talent in the performing arts industry. As the drama cup recipient for her high school, Sonia went on to pursue further performing arts training through Excel School of Performing Arts in New Zealand. Prior to this Sonia had training in BBO Tap, BBO Ballet, NZAMD Jazz to Solo Seal level, And gained distinctions in her Trinity College of London Speech and Drama examinations up to grade 8 and Performance certificate.
Many years later, Sonia is most proud of her achievement of creating a successful dance studio, in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong. Enjoying the many faces of the job of Director, Sonia thrives in a diverse and open environment where her talents can be put to use. From costume design, script writing, teaching, mentoring, and developing curriculum Sonia enjoys most seeing the kids shine and overcome to become the best they can be.
CATHERINE MCKAY (BA)
Senior Dance Teacher – Jazz, Hip Hop Contemporary
Cat arrived in Hong Kong from New Zealand in 2018 to work for Academy of Dance, bringing her own unique and winning style. Cat is a highly accomplished competitive dancer and international choreographer. She has a strong technical focus in Hip Hop, Contemporary and Jazz and is the lead teacher at Academy of Dance for our competitive dance teams. Under the guidance of Cat our teams have had Gold Medal success at both local and international competitions in Asia and Europe!
Cat teaches our junior, senior and teen classes and works incredibly hard to bring a cutting edge style to all of her classes.She is particularly focused on ensuring every child maximises their abilities and achieves their goals in dance. Cat makes sure that every student feels welcomed into class and creates fun and inviting environments for her students to flourish.
RHIAN WIDDOWSON (BAhon)
Studio Manager, Jazz, Contemporary and Baby Dance Teacher
Rhian will make sure that from your very first trial class to your 1000th class everything is running smoothly! Originally from England, Rhian has been dancing from the age of 5. She began teaching at the school she was trained from the age of 12 along with entering various competitions and completing IDTA examinations in multiple styles. Rhian gained a first in BA (hons) in Dance, majoring in contemporary dance from The University of Chester. During her time at University she began working with children and young adults with disabilities and co-created 2 collaborative dance companies. Rhian choreographed for these companies and performed in various locations in the UK, including for the Olympic Torch. Rhian made the move to Hong Kong in 2016 and hasn’t looked back!
Phyllis
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Tempany Paola
BALLET, HIP HOP, ACRO, JAZZ DANCE TEACHER
Tempany has been sharing her knowledge and expertise as a dance instructor at MasterClass Dance Studios in New Zealand before her move to Hong Kong in 2023 to join Academy of Dance Hong Kong. Her teaching repertoire includes RAD Ballet, NZAMD Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, Acro, Stretch, and Strengthen. Additionally, she has excelled in coaching students for competition solos.
Tempany Paola’s dedication to dance, combined with her ability to work collaboratively and independently, makes her a valuable addition to any dance studio. Her passion for continuous learning and desire to help others shines through in her teaching and performances, creating a positive and inspiring atmosphere for all.