ABOUT VOGUE PERFORMERS

Developing Perth's Finest Performing Artists for over 26 years

The aim of Vogue Entertainment is to create an atmosphere of friendship and learning in a happy environment. To provide classes for children of all ages and levels who wish to participate for a hobby full of fun and fitness, or for those who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Vogue Entertainment is far more than a performing arts school. It is a hub of energy and learning for children and adults who want to be exposed to the real industry. Peer group interaction, physical activity, and self expression are just some of the benefits and outcomes of attending our classes. Our director and staff have a common goal of passing on their knowledge, and are fully qualified with a wealth of hands-on experience in their area of expertise. Classes include: Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Boys only Hip Hop, Classical, Lyrical Jazz, Singing, Musical Theatre, Acrobats and Drama for boys and girls, pre-kindy to Adults, beginners to professional.

Not only does Vogue Entertainment studios open the curtains of opportunity to your child as a hobby but it can also be a link to the final stages of successful entry into dance, classical, singing or musical theatre courses available at West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), which can then lead you to the career of your dreams on the big stage. Many of our students have been successful in being accepted into these coveted courses including: Lucy Durack, Taneel Van Zyl, Allyce Martins, Shane Collard, James Bell, Jamie Ward, Daniella Bernardini, Martine Lewis & Amberly Cull and now accepted in 2012 Deanna Porrovecchio & Miranda Mcpherson.

TEACHING STAFF

Leanna Del Basso

The director of Vogue Entertainment,
Leanna Del Basso is a passionate and outstanding teacher of the highest caliber, who always leads by example. Leanna was first given the gift of dance by her parents at the age of nine and was nurtured by great teachers such as Norma Atkinson, Peta Norton and Shirley Halliday. She was successful in gaining the prestigious award of the Australasian Ballerina Cup, Open solo Ballet Dancer, Jazz and Tap Champion, Dancer of the Ballarat Festival, and for many years won Cabaret Jazz Sections, Tap Championships, Open Ballet scholarships, Demi Characters, National and Neo Classical Awards. To be a leader for so many consecutive years took great passion, dedication and hard work. Leanna gained a C.S.T.D. Diploma in Theatrical Dance, the C.S.T.D. Blue Sash Award, which is the final public exam, and the Royal Academy of Dance Adv.

Leanna Del Basso has been involved in the entertainment industry for many years and has worked with both National and international stars such as Human Nature, Kate Ceberano, Todd McKenney, Nathan Cavalieri, Neil Sedaka, Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John, Daryl Somers, and Marcia Hines. She has produced and choreographed for the Burswood Showroom for international Stars of World Magic, Musicals in Concert with Jill Perryman, Channel 7 Telethon Openings and production items, Rally Australia, Johnny Walker Golf Classics, City Of Perth Turning on the Christmas Lights and The City Of Perth Nativity for 13 years, WA Turf Club Spring Carnivals and Perth Cups, and the bringing home ceremonies of many Olympic Games. Leanna was Dance cheer leader and choreographer of the Western Reds for 3 Consecutive years including the Grand Finals in Brisbane and many other opening and closing events and numerous charity balls and productions. In the Musical theatre side she played Chastity Angel in Anything Goes at His Majesty’s Theatre under direction of John Milson and with her sister Marina has worked as a producer and choreographer of Guys and Dolls, The Pyjama Game and producer of their own musical of Pinocchio for a terrific season at the Regal Theatre. She has been involved with schools as The Performing Arts Producer / Choreographer of performing arts Items for three years in the Catholic Performing Arts Competitions receiving Honours for all three productions.

Leanna has proudly produced many talented stars who have gone on to enjoy wonderful careers in the entertainment industry, including dancers and singers such as Lucy Durack (Wicked, Mama Mia), Allyce Martins (Hi-5, Wicked), Taneel Van Zyl (Wicked, Dr Zhivago), Michael Johns (American Idol), Justin McNamara (Cats Australia and Germany), Rohan Senior (Chicago West End, Sunset Boulevard, Chorusline, Joseph and the Technicolour dream coat), Daniella Bernardini (backing dancer for Prinnie, Jessica Mauboy, Wynter Gordon),Cristina Federici (Kirov ballet Russia), Shane Collard (Moulin Rouge, Top 20 So You Think You Can Dance UK), and other vocal performers who have gone on to produce cd’s, win ARIA awards, and get record deals in the USA.

Leanna has a confidence in the talent of Western Australian performers in the field of entertainment and the performing arts and this is why so many students of Vogue Entertainment have been so successful and have taken their talents and attained positions in academies throughout Australia including: W.A.A.P.A, N.I.D.A, V.C.A. and The Australian Ballet school, or are now terrific teachers themselves sharing the gift of song and dance. This is the reason so many families have joined Vogue Entertainment, the studio with a difference!

Tanya Edwards

Tanya began dancing at the age of 4, and was taught by wonderful teaching greats Norma Atkinson & Peta Norton. At the age of 18 she joined Del Basso Dance Academy, which later became Vogue Entertainment, and in 1994 achieved her C.S.T.D Full Teachers Diploma in Jazz, Tap, and classical Ballet. She teaches various classes at Vogue Entertainment, has an administration role handling accounts, enquiries and emailing newsletters, and is also Production Assistant to Leanna Del Basso. Tanya greatly enjoys teaching dance from tiny tots to teenagers, helping students to build their self-esteem and discover their love of dance.

Christabell Ellis

Christabel has been involved in the entertainment industry in Perth for 29 years. She has performed in a number of shows as both an experienced dancer and singer. She is also a highly regarded choreographer and teacher. Her devotion to the industry over the years has been rewarded with wins in a number of major WA competitions in her youth to now being a highly sought after teacher and choreographer by leading Dance Schools.

Annette Tana

Annette Qualified in CSTD Jazz, Tap & Acro, Primary Teacher for 9yrs and ran MelMaria Dance program for 2 years. Adjudicator for the Creative Dance section of Performing Arts 3 years. Performed in a season of Anything Goes directed by John Milson at His Majesty. Western Red Hot Dancer for 3 years. Wildcats Cheerleader for 4 years including numerous Corporate Shows through Vogue Entertainment Australia.

James Lowson

James has had over 25 years of experience & training in various aspects of dance & performance. From Teacher to Choreographer, Principal Dancer to Model; James has worked with respected entertainers & choreographers such as Tom Jones, Todd McKenny, Jonathon Pendragon, Ruth Osborne & Roger Hannah. He has performed extensively both overseas & in Australia, on stage & television; including international dance shows, TV advertisements, musicals & a wide variety of commercial events. Currently James is a freelance teacher specializing in jazz & acrobatics. Choreographing & teaching at various venues in Perth, including lecturing in Jazz Dance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, James hopes to pass on his vast experience of performing, & his love of dance.

Justin McNamara

Justin has trained in all facets of dance including Classical Ballet R.A.D., I.S.T.D. and C.S.T.D including Demi-Character and National Dance. Theatrical; Tap, Modern/Jazz, Acrobatics, plus Song and Dance at the Tivoli Theatre Sunday Show. Upon graduating from The Australian Ballet School Justin joined the world of Musical Theatre touring with Cats Australia and New Zealand Tour playing five roles. Justin returned home and attained the Theatrical Teaching Diploma before being invited to join the cast of Cats Hamburg Germany which including being selected to play Mr.Mistofolees at the 10-year anniversary performance and was appointed the Assistant Dance Captain. Since returning to Perth, Justin has been performing at a variety of Theatre, Cabaret and Corporate Functions as a featured Singer, Character-Actor, Choreographer and Dancer as well as teaching at many of Perth’s Leading Part time and Full time Performing Arts Facilities, specializing in Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, Tap, Teachers Diplomas and Musical Theatre Singing. Justin is currently a freelance Dance Teacher, Vocal Coach and Adjudicator while pursuing Singing and Comedy work here in Perth.

Chelsea Doring

Chelsea graduated from Brent St in 2009 after completing a Fulltime Performing Arts course. She then signed on with Therese Clifford Management, Joan Gibson and Showtime Attractions giving her the opportunity to work in the industry. She also taught classes at The Jazz Studio, took classes at Sydney Dance Company, Urban Dance Centre, and Brent Street learning from the likes of Matt Lee, Kelly Abbey, Marko Panzic, Jason Winters and many more.

Rhoda Lopez

Rhoda's love of the arts stems from her Filipino background and her upbringing in Zambia. Having trained in Certificate II and a BA in Music Theatre at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Rhoda continues to love all forms of performing arts, from musicals to screen to dance to circus to straight theatre, and anything in between. Stage credits include The African Magician (Barking Gecko Theatre Co), EAT My Monologue (BamBOO), Miss Saigon Australian Tour, Hamlet, The Importance of Being Earnest (both Class Act Theatre Co), and various cabarets including one co-written: Soul Sisters (Downstairs at The Maj). Screen credits include Marx & Venus (SBS), StreetSmartz (Ch.9), and Give Me A Break (Voice Over, ABC). Rhoda has coached Singing, Tap Dance, Movement and Body awareness as an actor, Voice, Basic Jazz Dance and Audition prep at various schools, and has worked in Theatre-in-Education with Constable Care (Puppet shows and plays for Primary schools), Class Act Theatre and Barking Gecko. She is a proud member of Equity, and is always looking for opportunities to learn and refine her craft as a performer.

Carla Civitella

Carla was brought up in a musical family and as a child she travelled with her dad whilst he sang on tour in Asia. In 1994 Carla went to Italy on what was to be a short holiday. Her 6 week holiday led to a 14 year singing career in Europe. She recorded her first original CD and later toured as back-up singer with renowned Italian artists like "Drupi", "Milk and Coffee", and Paolo Achenza. In 1998 she became lead singer of the Jump and Jive Swing Orchestra called "Daddy's Rebels". Carla worked in France, Germany, Switzerland, England, Holland and Belgium performing covers and originals from her album "Daddy's Rebels Jive Party" Volumes 1 and 2. In 2008 Carla made the decision to return home to Australia. She is now based in Perth, and sings in a jazz duo called "Jewels n' Jazz". Her passion is teaching children and singing and she claims that "there is no better way to share my passion and experiences with young performers, than to perform and sing with them".

Nici Ward

Nici has been involved in musical performance and production all her life. With her band and musical project "Nici Blue Eyes" she toured the East Coast extensively and played hi profile shows such as The Big Day Out and Melbourne's International Film Festival and independently released her first EP 'Here She Comes' which was played on high rotation on The Country Music Channel. She has written, performed and collaborated with music heavyweights such as co-writing a track with Nuno Bettencourt (Guitarist for Rihanna/Extreme) on Walt Disney's Film 'Smart People'. In her time in VIC Nici also started up and was Musical Director for the Victorian branch of 'The Variety Youth Choir', an all abilities performance group which was booked to perform shows such as 'The AFL Grand Final Luncheon' at Crown. Moving back to WA after 5 years to start a family Nici is ready to share her knowledge and passion for music and performance with future students through Vogue and is very excited to get started in 2012.

Christine Anastas

Christine learnt to dance from one of the pioneering founders of Dance in WA Shirley Parish, and after completing all major CSTD examinations, Christine was the first state winner in WA to dance in competitions in Melbourne. Christine became a professional dancer with the West Australian Ballet Company and travelled overseas to perform in numerous shows around Asia. After retiring, Christine's dancing career was re-born when her two daughters Elise and Anthea began to dance at Del Basso Academy of Dance. Christine was one of the first senior dancers in the studio (alongside Leanna) and continued to perform well into her 30's! Christine also began teaching and has 25 years experience specialising in Classical Ballet.

Tracy Finnemore

Tracy completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Psychology and Drama. Tracy continued on to bring her two passions together, her love for Performing Arts and desire to help people. She completed a Diploma in Education as she saw how drama had been such a positive influence in her and her peers lives. She has taught for four and a half years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion. By extending our focus toward Drama and Musical Theatre, we aim to broaden the range of performance skills of our students, through this they will be trained to take on roles that have higher demands of a performer. As well as this; drama develops students on a personal level as individual people. We aspire to equip them with enhanced skills and confidence to enter the competitive world of The Performing Arts.

Olivia Ostaszewskyj

Olivia's life revolves around the world of dance & entertainment! With global experience in dance, singing, TV and modeling, to date Olivia has passed on her expertise and has lead and managed the Showboat and Stealth Cast every evening on Sydney Harbour. Olivia has performed with top name performers such as Marcia & Deni Hines, Kate Alexa, on some of our favorite TV dance shows as well as world class DJ's including Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi. Olivia has also strut her stuff on some of the biggest modeling stages for Bonds, Contour Models Hong Kong & Perth and Sydney Fashion Week's. If Olivia's face seems familiar, you may recognise her from some of her TV commercial work for Coca Cola and Virgin Blue. Olivia has been working on the launch of STEALTH Cruises for the past 18 months employing the talents of the Squared Division. Olivia has also worked closely and for the likes of Adam Williams, Marko Panzic, Jeep Management, Amy Delves, Dein Perry, J-Foxx Productions, and Michael Boyd, on all levels of assisting, producing and choreographing. With a marketing background, and a professional career in dance and modeling, Olivia has come back to Perth with all guns blazing, creative cap blaring and an eagerness to create and teach.

Janelle Vaccaro

Janelle Vaccaro has travelled the world as a professional dancer & choreographer. She lived and worked in Hollywood for 3 years and career highlights include music videos, TV, choreography & live shows with: LMFAO, Enrique Iglesias, Leona Lewis, Bettie Page Hollywood, The Daily Buzz Florida, Mac Cosmetics Las Vegas, Ddo Artists Agency Los Angeles, Carnival Choreographer’s Ball Los Angeles, Carnival Cruise Lines Usa, Genting Hotel Malaysia, Michael Schwandt (Chor: Lady Gaga), Rich & Tone (Chor: Madonna), Zach Woodley (Chor: Glee), Jessica Mauboy, Rove and 92.9.

Hope De Vaney

Hope achieved a diploma in musical theatre and commercial dance at Dance World. She also gained a Certificate IV musical theatre and commercial dance. Hope was The Footy Show promotions lead singer for Crown Casino entertainment, and greatly enjoyed performing in Chicago the musical by Gordon Frost productions for 18months. She was also a member of the Kismet Ensemble production company.