Meet the Team
DIRECTORS
Bruno Ferreira
DIRECTOR
Bruno is a professional choreographer, stage performer and dance instructor, with over 30 years of experience in dance and performing arts.
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and immersed in the colourful, rhythmic culture, Bruno grew up with a keen interest in dance. At the age of 14 he joined Mimulus Dance School. Having a natural talent for dance, Bruno very quickly fell in love with it and knew that he wanted to pursue it professionally.
Mimulus Dance Company is one of the most renowned Latin Dance companies in Brazil. Within, a year of being a student with Mimulus, Bruno was performing in the Mimulus Dance Company amateur group and by the age of 18 was teaching a wide variety of dance styles. A few years later Bruno received his professional registration and began teaching, performing, choreographing, and directing in a professional capacity.
Over the 20 years dancing for Mimulus Dance Company, Bruno acquired distinguished talent in all popular Brazilian and Latin dance styles including: Samba no pe, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, Soltinho, Tango, Cuban Salsa, Forro, Brazilian Zouk, Milonga, Lindy Hop, Waltz, Tango Waltz, Bachata and Merengue. He also had the opportunity to travel the world and perform with the company in numerous theatres, festivals, congresses and workshops across South America, The United States, Canada, and Europe. During this time, Bruno was awarded best male dancer of 2004 and 2010 by SESC-SATED/MG (The Syndicate of Artists and Technicians in Minas Gerais), best male dancer of 2004 by USIMINAS- SINPARC/MG (Syndicate of Producers of Performing Arts in Minas Gerais), and Nominated as one of the ‘Top 3 most influential dancers of the decade’ by SESC-SATED/MG in 2007.
During this time, Bruno also completed a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Masters(POS GRADUATION) in Dance Pedagogy. This enabled him to further develop his knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. This in-depth understanding of how the body works differentiates Bruno from other dance teachers who may have only danced socially but may have little understanding of movement. Rather than just teaching a sequence of moves, it allows Bruno to have a deep understanding of co-ordination, transference of weight, and connection with the floor and your partner- all essential for learning correct technique. Most importantly it helps Bruno to teach in the safest way possible, helping his students look after their body’s individual needs and limitations.
In addition, Bruno has complimented his latin dance training and education with extended his classes in circus skills, acting, acrobats, classical ballet, contemporary dance, contact and improvisation. All of which give him a better understanding of balance, co-ordination, flexibility, strength and connection .This extensive and eclectic mix of studies assisted Bruno in forming his own unique funky style.
Teaching dance is Bruno’s greatest passion because he get to see how it transforms lives. Bruno loves to help individuals grow their confidence, push their comfort zone and explore their creative and artistic passion. Bruno is praised by his students for giving them the nurturing environment to feel safe and supported and be able to thrive. In the classroom he make learning fun and exciting. Bruno will have you laughing and wanting to come back for more.
Sarah Evans
DIRECTOR
Sarah is a professional choreographer, stage performer and dance instructor, with over 25 years of experience in dance and performing arts.
Sarah has lived with dance in her life for the past 25 years. She started with ballet classes when she was just 2 years old at Sayers Dance Centre in Kenmore, Brisbane, studying under the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations program. For 17 years studying and performed ballet, as well as contemporary and Jazz.
For eight years Sarah was an instructor and choreographer for ballet, contemporary, strength & conditioning and jazz at Sayers Dance Centre for students as young as 3 to the senior dancers.
With a strong interest in the academic study of health and movement, Sarah completed her Bachelor of Clinic Exercise Physiology at QUT, becoming an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
During her studies she completed units focusing on areas such as Functional Anatomy, Exercise Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sports Nutrition's, Motor Control, Biomechanics, Resistance Training and Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation. She now runs strength and flexibility classes for ballet dancers.
After 17 years of ballet & Contemporary, Sarah discovered a new love in the world of dance! She was introduced to a starter Latin dance class at Rio Rythmics, in the wonderful West End area of Brisbane. Discovering the range of Latin Dance styles and distinctive music captivated Sarah, who immersed herself in learning a variety of styles including Brazilian Zouk, Salsa, Bachata, Samba de Gafieira, Samba no Pe, Bolero, Tango, Forró and Merengue.
She has completed both her Latin Dance Judges Seminar and Certification with Billy Fajardo in 2018 at the World Salsa Solo & BZDC Judges training in 2020.
In 2017 Sarah & Bruno founded the latin dance school Bossa Latina,in Brisbane & started their dance partnership together.
She has performed and instructed in festivals including the Sydney Latin Dance Festival, Sydney Spring Zouk Festival, Casa do Zouk, the Sunshine Coast Latin Festival, Brisbane Zouk Festival, Brisbane Latin Festival, Brazouky, Australian Dance Cup, Doudoule, New Zealand Salsa Congress and regular local Brisbane functions and events.
Sarah brings her teaching skills to Bossa and, has been enthusing others with the love of Latin Dance.
TEACHERS
CODI
TEACHER - BACHATA
Codi has been dancing for more than 20 years with her focus being on Latin dancing since 2020. Since starting Bachata, Codi has developed a passion for Ladies Styling and performing, as well as learning to lead. She is always striving to improve her technique as a follower and execution as a leader. Codi is thrilled to be teaching Bachata at Bossa and can’t wait to share her knowledge with the students and watch them grow.
FABIAN BRANDON
ASSISTANT TEACHER - BACHATA
Fabian is a dynamic and passionate dance enthusiast with a love for all things musical and dance-related. Growing up in South Africa and New Zealand, his unwavering love for music, particularly in the genres of hip hop, R&B, Afro, and more recently, Latin rhythms, shaped his dance journey.
In 2019, Fabian embarked on a personal dance journey, immersing himself in the enchanting Latin styles of salsa and bachata. However, it was within the heart and soul of bachata where Fabian discovered his true passion.
In the vibrant world of bachata, Fabian cherishes his profound appreciation for musicality, deep connection to tempo, and, above all, the sheer joy of dancing.
RILEY VAN ZEELAND
ASSISTANT TEACHER - SALSA
Riley's interest in salsa was started started in 2017 during a night out in Barcelona. Intrigued by the dance, Riley took the first salsa class a year later in 2018. With no prior experience in dance or music, learning salsa was initially challenging, but the style and music gradually became a deep interest.
Over the past five years, Riley has dedicated significant time to mastering salsa, including a number of trips totalling 18 months of travelling through Europe, Korea, and New York. This period involved learning from some of the top salsa instructors and attending renowned events, significantly enhancing Riley's understanding and skills in salsa.
Now aiming to bring a new perspective to the Brisbane salsa scene, Riley joins the Bossa Latina team. Looking forward to teaching, Riley plans to offer enjoyable and engaging classes that draw on the experiences and knowledge gained over the years. These classes are designed to be accessible and exciting for upcoming salsa students at Bossa Latina.
KELLY LENNON
TEACHER - BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Kelly is a very versatile teacher, teaching and dancing most styles. As an instructor, Kelly is known for her in-depth technical knowledge and dance history. Her classes are always fun, with moves that are practical and social-dance-floor ready.
First starting tango classes at Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy, Kelly expanded into Brazilian Zouk, Salsa, Bachata, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, and Forro. She has performed in numerous choreographies at festivals including Casa Do Zouk, Sunshine Coast Latin Dance Festival, and International Zouk Day.
Always looking to improve, Kelly actively sought Bachata teacher training from Alex Morel and Desiree Godsell, and embedded her zouk technique from an intense training period spent with William Teixeira and Paloma Alves. You’ll often see her stepping into technique classes to improve and maintain her skills.
Prior to her arrival into the world of latin dance, Kelly was a successful ice skater winning 14 state and national titles and representing Australia at multiple world championships. Kelly brings her dedication, discipline, perseverance, and performance skills to her teaching, making her a valuable asset to the Bossa Latina team.
BRAD KILE
TEACHER - BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Ever since my first disco I’ve loved getting up on the dance floor. Although it took me a while to get the courage to stand up and dance, once I started I didn’t stop. About ten years ago tried out Hip Hop dancing and realised I was really bad at it, but I continued at absolute beginner for a couple of years as it was good for fitness. It wasn’t until I tried Latin dance that my passion gained momentum. I was able to pick up the moves better than Hip Hop as there seemed to be a more natural progression that suited me, and I also discovered there was this amazing social dance community. Although it took some time before I was confident enough to get out on the social dance floor, once I did get up and dance more I started supporting beginner classes and enjoying dance festivals. Then I started to do performances and was hooked once again.
I have made many friends over the years in the Latin dance community, and have learned to dance over eight styles, although Zouk is my favourite at the moment.I look forward to meeting you on the dance floor and maybe passing on some of what I’ve learned over the years.Welcome to the Latin dance community!
MADALYN MILAZZO
TEACHER - SALSA
Madalyn has been performing since the age of 6, starting with classical singing, musical theatre and then dance. Trained in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballroom and Latin.
She is a fully qualified Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor, a National Latin Dance Champion, a prominent instructor/artist in the Australian Latin Dance Industry and a respectfully recognised latin artists around the world. She is thrilled to call Bossa Latina her new home.
COURTNEY COWLING
TEACHER - BACHATA
With a passion for connection, Courtney is not confined to a single role on the dance floor, she skillfully leads, follows, and role rotates embracing the full spectrum of partner dancing. This versatility enhances her ability to connect with students, ensuring a well-rounded dance education. Courtney has recently relocated to Brisbane from interstate bringing her local and international teaching experience. Courtney has co-choregraphed and taught interstate dance performances and competed and placed in numerous Jack and Jill and Strictly competitions, both as lead, follower, and in 'switch' competitions. Primarily a bachata dancer, Courtney is also an Intermediate ranked West Coast Swing dancer and is looking to expand her dancing to encompass Zouk and Kizomba as well.
MATT GREVETT
TEACHER - BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Growing up, Matt had a strong love for music, and could always be found listening to music of all varieties. 16 years ago when Matt started university, he discovered his love for dance when he joined a student social dance club, where he was introduced to many styles including Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Zouk, Lindy Hop, Charleston, and more.
After a year and half, Matt found his first true dance love when he discovered West Coast Swing. Through his time in the West Coast Swing scene, he was also able to explore teaching dance on a regular basis and being a dance DJ.
Having achieved his goals of becoming an advanced level West Coast swing dancer, DJing at the biggest dance events in Australia, and travelling overseas for dance, Matt set new sights on Brazilian Zouk.
After dabbling in it over the years, Matt finally dedicated his focus to Brazilian Zouk since 2018 when he joined Bossa Latina as a student. Since then he has now become a regular DJ and MC in the Brisbane Zouk scene and events around Australia. Combining his passion for music, and skills developed throughout the various dance styles Matt has learned, he brings his own unique flair to the dancefloor, and is excited to be a part of the Bossa Latina team to share his love of dance.
LUCY HARLING
TEACHER - BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Dancing has been a part of Lucy’s life ever since she first started dance lessons in. Brisbane’s Western suburbs at age 4. For more than 10 years Lucy primarily learnt. Jazz dancing whilst also enjoying lessons in Contemporary and Hip Hop. During this time, Lucy performed in many eisteddfods and competitions enjoying the energy and passion of performing on stage.
Lucy was first introduced to Latin Dancing in 2019 when she and a close friend enrolled in a Latin Dance Starter course at Rio Rhythmics in Brisbane’s West End. This is where she learnt a variety of styles including Merengue, Forró, Salsa, Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, Samba De Gafieira and Bolero. Lucy quickly became a regular at the studio attending multiple classes a week and could be frequently found on the social dance floor.
Lucy now focuses on Brazilian Zouk after a passion for this style quickly shone through. While she continues to learn styles such as Samba De Gafieira and Bolero, Brazilian Zouk is where her Latin Dance passion lies.
Lucy thoroughly enjoys being part of the Latin Dance community and hopes to give back by offering the same support and encouragement to others that she experienced and continues to receive. Lucy looks forward to meeting you and hopes to share her dance passion with all on and off the dance floor soon.
GRACE KUO-LIN CHU
TEACHER - BRAZILIAN ZOUK /ADMINISTRATION
Grace's passion for music began in childhood under the influence of her father's diverse collection, ranging from classical to rock. After university, she started supporting artists and performances she loved by working as a music event organizer and indie bands manager in Taiwan. Despite a detour into unrelated work in rural Australia, Grace reignited her love for music through salsa dancing at Rio Rhythmic Latin Dance Academy in 2016. Since then, she has excelled in numerous dance styles, including Salsa, Bachata, and Brazilian Zouk, performing at various events and festivals in Brisbane and beyond.
Above her dance skills, Grace is deeply committed to nurturing newcomers in the social dance community, reflecting the support she received early in her own journey. She finds fulfillment in guiding others through their initial steps into the vibrant world of Latin dance.
BOSSA BUNCH
YANG CHEN
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Ever since he could remember, Yang has always been fascinated by the arts; be that painting, music, literature and dance. Having explored the fields of painting, music and literature in high school, dancing would only seem fitting as the next progeession. After years of watching and admiring artists such as Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Lyle Beniga, Hong 10, Keone and Mari he decided to explore different styles of dance such as hip-hop, breakdancing and contemporary for a brief period. Years later after having stopped dancing he accidentally stumbled across a post for trial classes involving Salsa and Zouk and the rest is history. Having danced Zouk since 2016, and the opportunity to attend Zouk Congresses in Australia and abroad, Yang is passionate towards sharing his newfound knowledge with the community.