Angi Passmore – Modern, Tap, Technique, Creative Movement and Stretch Classes

Angi has been passionate about dancing since the age of 6 and knew she wanted to teach children the art and the magic of dancing from a young age. She studied dancing and then opened her studio, Angi’s Academy of Dance, in 1997, and continues to infuse fun, magic and dedication into dance classes to this day. In fact, during Covid-19’s strictest lockdowns, Angi continued to motivate and teach her dancers online. “I believe that children need to move their bodies not only for the physical benefits and for self-expression but also during the pandemic it proved yet again how by continuing to dance and exercise it helped my dance children to manage their mental health, too. All I want is for my kids to come to dance class and feel like they are a part of our big happy dance family.”

“My own gorgeous daughters, Ashleigh and Isabella, chose to travel their dance journey with me which has been a great source of delight and inspiration for me. I hope to continue to provide this kind of inspiration to all the young people who walk through my doors.”

Brandon B-Styles Grobler – Hip-Hop

Brandon was already drawn to how music had the ability to move him and other people at a young age. He was surrounded by the tunes of South African music legends the likes of Boom Shaka, Brenda Fassie, Jozi and Ghetto Ruff, to name some. Then dance became his lifelong passion when he took to the stage in a high school performance. “At that moment I knew I was born to perform.” He researched and learnt the different forms of dance and movement. He also participated in a number of dance workshops and started entering competitions to drive himself to become better. In 2006 he met a group of dancers who had the same desire and passion to be at the top of their game and to create something phenomenal out of their street dance culture of hip-hop. Freeze Frame Dance Crew was born out of their collaboration, and they have since gone on to win awards.

Brandon brings his skills as a champ hip-hop dancer, choreographer, mentor and coach to the AAofD studio with his fast-paced and fun hip-hop classes on Wednesday afternoons. “What I find most rewarding about teaching kids is how much I get to learn about the beauty of being ‘patience in your passion’, and how it teaches me to interpret things in more than one way, thus learning a lot about myself.”

Teacher Miche – Ballet Teacher

Teacher Miche’s career as a dance teacher spans over two-and-a-half decades and she has had the privilege of working with students of all ages and skill levels. She qualified as a dance teacher under Dance Cor and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). While her teaching specialty at our studio is ballet, she has also taught in the genres of modern, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, afro and hip-hop. She has been a teacher at various dance schools, community centres and studios, and has also choreographed numerous performances and productions. As a teacher, she believes in creating a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to explore their creativity, build self-confidence and develop a lifelong love for dance. “I believe that movement has the power to transform lives. It can evoke emotions, challenge physical limitations, and foster a sense of community and connection.”

Her end goal is to inspire her students to find their own unique expression and passion for dance, while also providing them with the technical skills and knowledge to excel in their own chosen style.

Bella Smith – Assistant Dance Teacher

Bella started training as a dancer at the tiny age of 3 and she has been dancing ever since.
She has been trained in ballet, modern and musical theatre, and has participated in many competitions nationally as well as internationally.

She recently graduated from Stageworx School of Performing Arts and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a dance teacher and choreographer. “I love to teach modern and musical theatre. I love to explore all the different worlds of dance and how it evolves each year.”

Bella also works in the performing arts industry and says she just wants to be on stage and show and give her passion to other people who love performing or theatre. “I want to pass this passion on for generations to come and keep the magic of performing alive in all of its aspects and realms.”