DEBBY SMITS

(Director/Lead Instructor) 

Debby has been on the Latin Dance scene for more than 10 years.
She established the Latin Beat Dance Company in 1998, later changing its name in 2004 to ‘Latin Energy Productions’. She frequently travels both nationally and internationally as a much sought-after performer, instructor and choreographer.

Debby has a master certificate in teaching Salsa which she obtained in the USA. Her fun, vibrant way of conducting classes and her attention to technique, musicality and styling has helped her to achieve her reputation as a respected professional instructor, and has led many of her students to become big names in the Latin dance scene.

Always the innovator, Debby introduced the Brisbane Salsa scene to Rueda, L.A Salsa, Bachata, Ladies styling, and Salsa On2.

Debby is also known as DJ Debelicious, one of the very few female DJs in the Australian Salsa Scene. She became a DJ by accident but has grown to love her new role! Known for her smooth style and for playing music specifically for dancers, Debby is building herself a reputation as not only a highly sought-after instructor, but now as a sassy DJ! She has been invited to DJ at numerous national Latin festivals and events, as well as the Malaysian World Latin Congress.

MISHEL JEMMA FINLAYSON

(Zouk/Samba Instructor/Choreographer)

Mishel undertook the majority of her dance training in Rio de Janeiro, studying extensively under the guidance of Brazilian dance masters such as Jimmy de Oliveira, Renata Pecanha, Carlinhos de Jesus and Jaime Aroxa at their respective dance academies.

Since returning to Australia, Mishel has been a guest Latin instructor and performer at the Sydney Salsa Congress, Melbourne Latin Festival, Adelaide Salsa Festival and Brisbane October Salsa Fest. Her samba group, Sambaliscious, has performed with renowned Brazilian drumming band OLODUM (as seen in Michael Jackon’s video clip ‘They don’t care about us’), Latin singer Adam Lopez, Brazilian band “The View from Madeleine’s Couch”, Afro-Cuban band “Chukale”, “Hugo Salcedo and his TNT Band” and Gold Coast- based Brazilian band “Samba 4U”.

Mishel hosted and taught with Mafie Zouker on his inaugural Australian NeoZouk tour and has recently returned from teaching the very first Zouk and Samba classes in Malaysia at the World Salsa Congress.

A university qualified teacher, Mishel is known for her structured and vibrant classes, and her love of Brazilian dance and culture.