Carina Cullen

Carina Cullen has many years of dancing experience and is especially known for her focus on technique regarding both the American Smooth and International Standard styles. Her passion for dancing and theater is clearly visible through the remarkable achievements of her students at competitions as well as their performances on numerous television shows, adverts and renowned stage productions.

Carina is the founder of Phoenix Dance Company in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a Dance Instructor, Performer, Adjudicator and Choreographer. ( She is affiliated with the International Dance Teachers' Association, SADF and the SADTA.)

Qualifications

International Dance Teachers' Association Qualified: Distinction

BDram Degree (Stellenbosch University)
– Subjects:Theatre studies,Theatre skills, Theatre practice, Theatre arts, Cabaret (specialist lecturer: Martinus Basson), Media (specialist lecturers: Elsabe Daneel & Susan Beyers), Acting (specialist lecturer: Antionette Kellermann), English, French.

Music Certificate Diploma (Stellenbosch University)
– Piano, (Pierre-Hendrie Wicomb), Classical Singing (Coba Wicomb), Music Theory, Business Ethics.

Some Television series Carina performed on

The Apprentice (BBC)
         "The contributors loved it...The crew were thoroughly impressed by you both and I spoke with Naomi (the Producer Director on location) who said you were a delight to have there." - Camilla Findlay | Producer

UK's Love Island (iTV2)
         "Your experience and expertise looks second to none"  - Sunny Bradbury | Challenge Producer | Love Island Series

6Hectic Nine 9 (SABC 2)
DeafTV (SABC 3)
Vreemde Vriende (DSTV)

“I judge myself only on the success of my students” ~ Carina Cullen

Reggie Alexander Lawrence

During his 17 years of experience as a Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor, Adjudicator and Performer, Reggie has taken hundreds of students under his wing and transformed them into beautiful dancers. He has choreographed a countless number of exhibitions, formations and performances for a wide range of functions, corporate events, television shows and films. He is known for his high standards in dancing and will always nurture his students to dance to the best of their ability.

“Dancing is an art, not a science. You are the brush and the floor is your canvas”
~Reggie Alexander Lawrence

Dance Experience

Ballroom & Latin American Dance Instructor at:
Fred Astaire Bredasdorp & Hermanus: August 2006 to April 2010
Fred Astaire Tygervalley: May 2010 to April 2012
Phoenix Dance Company Panorama, Brackenfell & Bellville: 2013 to date

Ballroom and Latin American Dance Adjudicator: 2011 to date.

Reggie has excelled in Pro-Am; Professional & Open Sections, guiding the majority of his students to secure first positions in:
SADF Regional & National Competitions (Annually since 2012)
Fred Astaire Regional & National Championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
Fred Astaire Match Dances (2006 - 2010)
Phoenix Dance Company Match Dances (2012 to date)
SADTA Provincials & Nationals 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024
Humira Dance For Life Competition (2010)

Professional Performances at:
Fred Astaire Regional & National Championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
Corporate events (2006 to date)
The Western Cape Youth Dance Challenge Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, Finals & Ultimate Finals (2011)
Cape Town International Convention Center (2010)
Artscape (2010)
Grand West Casino (2011)
Ratanga Junction (2012)
SADF Regional & National Championships (Annually since 2011)
SADTA Provincials and Nationals 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024

Choreographed

Artscape School Arts festival (2011)
Bouquet Of Songs stage production (2011)
Numerous dance exhibitions for Television, Film, Celebrity Weddings, Corporate Events,
Shows & National Competitions (2006 to date)
Humira Dance For Life Competition (2010)

TV Appearances Include

The Apprentice (BBC)
UK's Love Island (iTV2)
Hectic Nine 9 (SABC 2)
DeafTV Miss SA (SABC 3)
Vreemde Vriende (DSTV)

London Louw

London needs no introduction, boasting a remarkable expertise in Ballroom, Latin, freestyle, and Viennese Waltz, he holds a quadruple Fellowship in International Dance Teachers Association. Furthermore, he has gained recognition as a distinguished judge and holds the esteemed qualification of being a scrutineer certified by the British Dance Council - two highly regarded credentials.

London's dance journey started in 2002 at Mmabana arts council after school program in The North-West province under the guidance of top ranking professional Latin American couple Thapelo Ramathlape and Nombulelo Thlati (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) as well as Puseletso Kgobokwe (cousin to Tebogo Kgobokwe, the Strictly Come Dancing judge). From 2002 to 2008 London studied and competed in various forms of dance which include Latin American, Ballroom standard, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and African modern dance, placing all podium positions during this time. These competitions include the SADF championships, the June 16 Memorial competitions, the Leopard Challenges as well as the international IDSF sanctioned Rumba in the Jungle competition where he received training from the world’s number one couple at the time, Brian and Carmen.

In 2009, after moving to Cape Town, London shifted his focus to the 10-dance ballroom curriculum where he competed under the Fedansa board and USSA inter-university competitions. During this time he trained under Chervonne van Der Ross and Tracy Howard. After graduating in 2011, London competed in the SADC and DWC boards. Under the guidance of Peter Van Der Heuwel and Meagan Lottering, he achieved podium positions in local, national and provincial competition for both Adult rising star Latin American as well as Adult Open Championship Latin American. He remained undefeated for three consecutive years in the Adult Pre-Championship category.

In 2013 London became a top 20 finalist for So You Think You Can Dance South Africa (season 3) and in 2014 became a top 4 finalist on Idols South Africa (season 10) launching his music career which he still continues to this day.

ZOEY SWANEPOEL

Zoey started dancing at the age of 3, where she was classically trained in modern and contemporary dancing as well as acrobatics. She’s earned SA and WP colours three times.

She started Ballroom & Latin dancing at the age of 7 and has 13 years of classical training in all ten dances. She’s a five-time Western Cape Champion, four-time National Champion and even ranked top 30 in the world at Blackpool!

Zoey is also an exceptional Bachata teacher and two-time Sokkie National Champion.

Not only does her amazing dancing ability and knowledge shine through in her teaching, but her vibrant and bubbly personality is contagious. We simply can’t get enough of her!