SHERENE

Drama and Singing Teacher

Sherene started singing before she could talk! She began singing lessons at the young age of seven and would sing at every opportunity she had. Realising that singing was a great passion of hers, she had private singing lessons from the age of 12 and continued this right through to college.

Sherene has performed as the lead singer in many London and UK shows such as The Lion King, Grease, Glee and Cinderella. She also toured the UK with a theatre company as the lead singer for numerous productions.

Sherene has completed her Level 1 first aid course.

Celia

Singing Teacher

Celia is a Professional Actress, Singer, Dancer, and a recent graduate from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in Christchurch.
Celia was bit by the Musical Theatre bug at the young age of six and has been hooked ever since. Celia started her training at a Musical Theatre children's performing arts programme which enabled her to develop and evolve her creativity and performance technique. Celia has also trained with renowned Singing and Acting coaches, Jane Keller and Miranda Harcourt. Celia has also worked closely with NZ A-listers and Broadway stars such as Andréa Burns, Julia Murney, Joshua Henry, NZ’s Hayden Tee, and Robyn Malcolm. During her time at NASDA, Celia competed in the New Zealand Dance Awards in 2019 and won ‘The Most Likely to have a Professional Career Special Award’. Celia has been involved in musicals such as Evita, Sister Act, 42nd Street, It's Only Life, Urinetown, and Holiday Inn.

Celia is passionate about sharing her knowledge in a safe and welcoming environment, while also advocating and enforcing inclusivity and comradery. She believes that Music skills are undeniably important in developing a child’s mind and form of expression.

GEORGIA

Dance Teacher

Georgia is student in Wellington who has had a lifelong passion for dance. She has completed the RAD Ballet Syllabus to the highest level, passing with a combination of merit and distinction grades. Georgia began dancing at age 4 and competed locally and nationally from ages 8-18 in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary. She has also been trained in Hip-Hop and Musical Theatre.

Georgia has a lot of experience in teaching dance to children. From age 13, Georgia was given her first job as an assistant dance teacher at her studio. Georgia since took on her own dance team of 8-12 year olds and has trained and prepared them to compete at local dance competitions

Georgia is excited to share her passion with the next generation at Spotlight and hopes to provide inspiring and educational classes to the students

JANN

Dance Teacher

I am a driven and enthusiastic Dance teacher with a passion and strong commitment for the Arts. Having started dancing at the age of 5 In South Africa, I went on to dance professionally for ten years both in South Africa and internationally, performing in theatre shows, on cruise ships , music videos and corporate events. I successfully ran a dance school that specialised in Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Ballet and was at the forefront of fast becoming one of the most innovative and competitive dance schools in the country. I am RAD Ballet trained up to my Intermediate exams, and I am AIDT (Internationally recognised) trained in Jazz, Tap, contemporary and Hip Hop. A hands-on approach to the entire creative process means that I have been able to curate with the utmost attention from inception to final delivery. Being highly committed and driven I am very excited to get involved in a company that it as passionate about the stage as I am.

Jessie

Dance Cover Teacher

Jessie Rochford-Barber is an accomplished artist of Ngāi Tahu descent who loves delving into the many sides of performing arts. Jessie fell deeply in love with the art of dance at a very young age. That passion has since led her to an incredible career that has taken her around the world.

After graduating Australia’s prestigious Brent Street Studios with a Certificate IV in Performing Arts and a Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), Jessie made it her goal to dance on as many stages and in as many places as possible.

Since then, Jessie has worked consistently as a performer and dance teacher. Starting off with dance performance contracts at the Crown Paradise resorts in Mexico and then moving on to Viva Wyndham Resort in The Bahamas.

Jessie then relocated back to Sydney where she became a member of contemporary dance company, Bonnie Curtis Projects, performing in many shows including seasons of Triple Punkt, Wonderland and the award-winning show GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS that toured Australia and New Zealand. She also spent a year cheerleading for the NRL Manly Sea Eagles.

Jessie has since finished two epic contracts in India in 2019 and 2022 with Ammarz agency where she danced for brands such as Pepsi, performed at award shows, on  TV shows, at The Road Safety World Cricket Series and has also been a featured dancer in multiple blockbuster Bollywood films that are now streaming on Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime with many more to be released. 

Currently, along with teaching at Spotlight, Jessie is completing her Bachelor of Performing Arts Management at Toi Whakaari; NZ Drama School and performing around Wellington with Society Entertainment at events such as the NBL Wellington Saint’s Basketball games, Wellingtonian of the Year Awards and The Wellington Gold Awards

Along with performing, Jessie has over 15 years dance teaching experience of all age groups and styles at multiple schools across Wellington and Sydney. She is very excited to share her knowledge and passion with the students at Spotlight and can’t wait to see their talents shine!

Ricki-JANE

Dance Teacher

Ricki-Jane is a technical dancer with a focus on theatre jazz, based in Wellington NZ. Ricki-Jane graduated from Whitireia New Zealand with a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts).

Whilst studying she had the opportunity to work with The Royal New Zealand Ballet in Romeo and Juliet and collaborate with leading New Zealand choreographer Malia Johnston in The Art of Colour. Ricki-Jane also showcased her choreography skills in a project for Small Blacks Cereal TV - The Ruggerbees. Ricki-Jane also taught at Spotlight before moving to the UK!

During her time in the UK, she had the opportunity to share her love of dance with primary school students through enrichment programs and taught all styles of dance at Local Dance Centres. Ricki-Jane provides a supportive and encouraging environment for her students to develop fundamental movement skills, rhythm, coordination, and confidence. Ricki-Jane's standout experiences during her time in the UK were performing with the Encore Dance Entertainment Group and, The Muses, in bespoke performances, showcasing her talents as a dancer and performer.

Currently, Ricki-Jane performs for Society Entertainment in events around Wellington including the NBL Wellington Saints Basketball games, The Wellington Gold Awards, Highlight Carnival of Lights and more!

Ricki-Jane loves teaching at Spotlight and is excited to make a positive impact and dance with you all!

ROMINA

Drama Teacher

Romina Meneses is a Chilean-born actor, director, and drama teacher based in Pōneke Wellington. She is passionate about using performing arts as a tool for empowerment, connection, and storytelling. She holds an MFA in Creative Practice from Victoria University of Wellington and has directed various productions.

Her most recent work, We, The Outsiders, a documentary theatre piece has toured both nationally and internationally. The show has been performed in Dunedin, Whangārei, and Auckland, as well as at Melbourne Fringe Festival, receiving recognition for its powerful storytelling and authentic representation of migrant experiences. At Spotlight Performing Arts Wellington, Romina fosters a supportive and creative environment where students can explore their potential, develop confidence, and have fun through performance.