Faculty

Chantelle DeCastro - Director

Chantelle commenced training at ED5 International Junior school under the direction of Elena De Cinque at the age of 4. Whilst in junior school, she studied Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Singing and Drama. Chantelle completed her Jazz, Tap and Ballet exams (ATOD and RAD syllabus) with honors, by the age of 17 - allowing her to commence her teaching career professionally.

Chantelle studied under the direction of William A Forsythe, completing ED5 Fulltime in 2019 with a diploma in Performing Arts.

Chantelles credits include: Auditioning and being selected amongst the final four for the Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony Performance as the "Hero Girl", Performing alongside Deni and Marcia Hines at the Sydney Opera House, a performance on So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Nikki Websters Film Clip - Devilicious, six International Scholarships representing Australia in the I Love Dance Competition placing 2nd all round in 2017, performances in Disneyland Florida and Disneyland California and cheerleading for the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels NRL teams.

Chantelle now focuses on running Putney Dance Co., being a Mum to her two little boys (Cooper and Jaxon) and a wife to Dane. Chantelle is most passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers by nuturing their own individual style and encouraging creativity! Creating an inclusive, welcoming and family friendly space is at the forefront of her mind and helps her drive the Putney Dance Co. brand.

Petre DeCastro - Studio Manager

Petre is a dance mum of 25+ years happily spending her free time taking Chantelle to dance classes, rehearsals, concerts, eisteddfods and in later years accompanying Chantelle around Australia and America for scholarships and International competitions.

Petre enjoyed the camaraderie of travelling with other dance parents, assisting with fund raising and costumes and in particular applying sequins!

Petre has over 25 years experience in Corporate Executive Support and Office Management and is a registered Justice of the Peace.

Maria Lombardo - Acro & Jazz

Maria is a cherished member of staff at Putney Dance Co. A local star, Maria commenced her dance training in 2012 at Rhapsody Studios, Gladesville. Maria has also studied at the Sydney Ballet Conservatory and is currentluy completeing her full time Performing Arts studies at the renowned Sydney Performing Arts Centre, ED5 International under the direction of Elena De Cinque and William A Forythe.

Maria has performed as a lead dancer in both the Wicked Ballet Production (The Sydney Ballet Conservatory) and Sasha Kendalls production of a Chorus Line. Maria has also danced for other well known and respected choreographers such as Loredo Malcolm and Tahlia Heyward-Ferros.

Maria has a strong bond with all of her students and strives to enable each student to build their confidence, technique and performance quality. She is an asset to Putney Dance Co. having many connections with local families and continues to thrive within the studio environment, brining a smile and positivity to each and every lesson she teaches!

Anastasia Sekuloska - Acro & Musical Theatre

Anastasia began her dance training at Dance Factor by Jessica Walker at the age of 10. She has been trained as a Musical Theatre singer and an actress since 17, at Encore Performing Arts Studio, and the Drama Studio at IPAC, respectively. At 18, she commenced her 2 year full-time training at ED5INTERNATIONAL, where she was under the guidance of William A. Forsythe, graduating in 2024.

Anastasia’s dance versatility includes Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Acrobatics, and Tap. She received Honours in HSC Dance at 18, refining her contemporary training and receiving callback nominations for all 3 of her Major/Core pieces.

Anastasia is an emerging all-rounder performer who displays dedication, commitment, and passion to her art.

Hayley Schneider - Acro

Hayley Schneider is an up and coming performer based in Sydney, Australia. She began her dance training at 2Step Dance in Seven Hills before attending full time at Ed5International and graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts in 2022 under the mentorship and guidance of William A. Forsythe.

Hayley has extensive teaching experience across many styles of dance including acrobatics, contortion, jazz, contemporary and ballet.