MEET THE TEAM

Amy Truong or 'Sang' as we all call her has been dancing for 30 years. Her passion & perseverance for all things dance has been the main drive of her success.  She has been trained in Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, commercial heels, aerial arts and completed her Cert 4 in Performing arts in 2007 at the Sydney Full Time Dance Program at ED5 International.  
Some other experiences are:
-Top 100 Finalist So You Think You Can Dance Aus 

-Finalist Hip Hop Dance Crew representing Australia at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas 2 years running. 

- Choreographer of NSWs events 'DC Dolls'.

- 2nd runner up Vortex Melbourne 17 

- Champion Miss Pole Art Syd 18 

- Champion FloorPlay Syd 18

- ACT champion MPD 18

- 1st Runner up MPD Australia Syd 19

- 2nd Runner up Pole ICON 22

- Dance Icon 23 

- Director and co-founder of MUSE X BRASS

Amber has been dancing from a young age and is the current second-in-charge to Amy at Capital Dance Studios. As studio manager, she leads all things troupe and costumes, while also coordinating the training and development of future and student teachers of CDS. Fiercely committed to her students and deeply dedicated to upholding the culture and values of the studio, Amber is known for her exceptional work ethic, passion for teaching, and unwavering leadership. She holds a Certificate IV in Acro and, alongside her extensive responsibilities at CDS, is currently studying nursing — a true testament to her drive, care, and commitment to others.

Mackenzie Rae began her journey with Capital Dance Studios in 2016 as a student and transitioned into one of our trusted teachers in 2019. Trained in ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, and tap, Mackenzie also holds a Certificate IV in Acro and Lyra. She brings her extensive knowledge and passion for dance (and all things costumes!) to create a safe, engaging, and fun learning environment for her students.

Most recently, Mackenzie has stepped into the role of Soloist Co-ordinator, where she now manages and supports the many families in our thriving competition program.

Meet Sophie Shepherd!
Sophie has been dancing with Capital Dance Studios for over 5 years, training across a range of styles including Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop.

Recently stepping into her new role as Office Manager, Sophie continues to teach her beloved junior classes while now also supporting our dance families behind the scenes.

Her passion for dance is matched by her commitment to helping others, and she’s always ready to assist with any questions or support our community needs.

We're so lucky to have Sophie as part of the CDS team, both on and off the stage!

Our former Co-Director of CDS is back, and we couldn’t be happier! After stepping away in 2021 to pursue her career as an Australian Diplomat, Cleo has returned with a renewed passion for choreography.

With over 30 years of experience sharing her love of dance, Cleo is a true force in the arts. Her award-winning choreography has shone on eisteddfod stages, and her innate ability to connect with dancers of all ages makes her an invaluable mentor. We are beyond excited to have her back, inspiring and shaping the next generation of performers!

Hali from Canberra Australia, has been performing from the age of five, recently due to COVID closures was performing in the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express in Germany. 

Beginning her interest in musical theatre after performing in her first musical “Carousel”. Hali received a scholarship to complete her senior schooling at McDonald Performing Arts College in Sydney, Australia. 

Furthering her dance skills she trained at ED5 International in Sydney under William A Forsythe. To complete her training Hali received a scholarship to attend Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore, completing a BA Honors Degree in Musical Theatre.

Career highlights include: Universal Studios Singapore and Japan, Forbidden Broadway by Free Rain Theatre Company Australia, La Cage Aux Folles and Aladdin by Wild Rice Theatre Singapore, Kismet by The Production Company Australia, Tapworks choreographed by Chris Horsey and Nathan Sheens, the Australian Dance Awards in the company Beats Per Minute and Porsche and Mercedes Car openings as the lead vocalist in China.

Born in Cootamundra NSW, Elijah started dancing at the age of 5. In 2015, he moved to Canberra to join Dance Development Centre's full time program. He studied there for 3 years before being accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance. After spending 3 years in New Zealand, he graduated with a diploma in dance performance. In 2023, he was offered the opportunity to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet for the Hansel and Gretel season. This year he will be studying full time at the University of Canberra to become a Physiotherapist. Elijah is excited to join CDS and share his love for dance with the dancers.

Jade Allen trained in a range of dance styles, including jazz, contemporary and tap with a strong focus in Ballet at Dance Development Centre. From 2015-2019 she trained full-time and graduated with a Certificate IV in dance. During this time, Jade was part of the Australian Ballet School’s Interstate Program and was invited to their final audition week in 2019. In 2021, Jade moved to Perth to train at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), before branching out into academic studies. She is now completing her Bachelor of Criminology at the Australian National University and is excited to continue to express her passion for dance through teaching ballet whilst completing her studies. In the middle of 2019, Jade was invited to partake in the Princess Grace Academy of Dance summer intensive in Monaco. This was an intense week full of classical ballet training with incredible teachers and dancers from around the world. In 2020, she was selected to represent the Bloch brand as a Bloch Young Artist. This involved posting regularly on her Instagram page as an ambassador for Bloch.

Originally from Canberra, Ella has been dancing from a young age and is known for her unforgettable energy and artistry both on and off the stage. With two years of professional training in Sydney, she holds a Certificate IV in Teaching, Management, and Dance, as well as a Diploma in Musical Theatre. Ella blends precision, passion, and world-class performance skills into everything she does. She is also the director and owner of Sage the Agency, where she curates and delivers events and entertainment across Canberra.

After a long absence from teaching and dance, Lauren is finally stepping back into her tap shoes and returning to the studio in a teaching role at CDS. A valued and familiar face within the CDS community, Lauren worked closely with Amy and Cleo in their younger years and brings with her a deep understanding of the studio’s goals, values, and training foundations. Her return marks a special full-circle moment, blending experience, passion, and a renewed love for tap as she inspires the next generation of dancers.