Nicole Smith
Nicole was born to dance – this little lady has rhythm in her bones.
Her first experiences were dressed in a tu-tu and ballet shoes at the age of five followed by bountiful jazz ballet and tap lessons. At 18 years of age, Nicole studied dance full-time at The Dance Factory for a year where she was able to focus on the following aspects of dance and performance: Jazz, tap, ballet, funk, acrobatics, drama and singing. So, as you can see, Nicole has a lot to offer her students...
Some friends of Nicole’s started doing this ‘thing called swing’ and brought her along one night knowing that she’d love it – and love it she did. That was over 2 and a half years ago and Nicole has been impressing the leads and inspiring the ladies of swing with her graceful style and immaculate technique ever since.
Nicole has invested a lot of time in her dancing – zipping all over the world learning from many of the great international teachers and super stars. At Herrang Dance Camp (Sweden) she learnt off Eddie & Eva, Carla Heiney and Kevin St Laurant, Steven Mitchell and Virginie, Rob and Diane Van Haaran, The Minnies Moochers and more... When in Melbourne, Nicole could be seen chasing down Jade Sullivan and Fi Daff’s classes – she loves soaking up the styles of these two ladies.
Performing is a big part of Nicole’s swing life. She started off with Air Patrol, flipping and flying all over the place as a part of Australia’s first aerials troupe. Her most recent achievements have been with the Scat Pack Performance Troupe as well as a number of 20’s Charleston performances – one being for the Prime Minister John Howard.
Her fame reached unparalleled heights with her achievement of being the first winner of The Australian Hellzapoppin Prize. With her partner, and fellow Swing Patrol teacher John Tenaglia, they won flights and accommodation to enable them to compete in the Hellzapoppin Championships in New York City in June 2003. All of Australia was cheering!
When not dancing, Nicole can be seen at one of the following places:
- Chadstone Shopping Centre (she’s addicted to shopping!)
- Dancing in front of the mirror (c’mon, everyone does it!)
- At friends parties impressing them with her Michael Jackson routines – including the Moonwalk (look out for how she combines this step in her Lindy Hop!)
It was so nice to dance again tonight!! Nicole has such a lovely, smooth, elegant style, and I feel very priviledged to have her sharing some of it. I could already feel the difference in my dancing by the end of the night - can't wait to practice and learn more!! :) Kate x
Credits
Winner of The 2002 Australian Hellzapoppin' Prize
