Teachers

On this page you will find details of Stardust Ballroom’s teachers.
For details of each teacher, please either click on their name or scroll down the page.
To discuss which teacher will be best for you, please call Melina on 07951 742346. Alternatively, you may contact teachers directly using the numbers and email addresses below.

Melina is half Greek, half Brazilian. She grew up in Athens and started dancing when she was 13 years old. She trained in contemporary dance with Fotis Metaxopulos. At age 23, Melina trained to teach Latin and Ballroom (American style) at the Gene Kelly Dance Studio in Athens. She also studied International style with Giuli Muzafiarova at the Protipo Kentro Horou in Athens. Melina also teaches Greek dances (Syrtaki, Hasapiko, Zeimbekiko and Kalamatiano).

Wanting to expand her knowledge in Latin American dancing, Melina moved to London to study at Semley Dance Studio, where she trained with Lydia Ungaretti and British Latin Champion Karen Hardy. Additionally, Melina is certified to teach African dance after a training programme with the Sacoba Theatre Company. In 2005, Melina studied yoga with Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles and became a certified Bikram yoga teacher.
Melina enjoyed teaching at Kensington Dance Studio for eight years before opening Stardust Ballroom in April 2009.

Melina is a member of and certified by the ISTD. She has 15 years experience of teaching ballroom and latin dances.

To book a lesson, please call Melina on 07951 742346. Alternatively, you can email Melina at info@stardustball.co.uk

Scott Cole

Having been undefeated in his native New Zealand, Scott moved to London 10 years ago to further his dancing career. As Scotland's No.1 representative, he competed all over the World and trained under ballroom dancing's most repected and accomplished coaches. He retired from competitions in 2003.

Major achievements:

3x Undefeated New Zealand Champion
2x Undefeated Champion of Scotland
Quarter Finalist in major International Championships

Scott is the brother of Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole.
Scott is available for private lessons in our studio.To book a lesson, please contact Scott directly at scottcole01@yahoo.co.uk or on 07912 362235

Stefano Soldati

Stefano origanally from Rome, has been dancing since he was 11 years old.

Some of the major achievements in his dancing career are:

Amateur semifinalist in blackpool,UK, international championship
Amateur World champion 2005 IDU in Kiev
Professional semifinalist in blackpool 2007
Professional semifinalist in the world championship 2009

Teamed up with his partner Natasha their dancing future is very promising and exciting.

Stefano is available for private lessons at Stardust. You can contact him via email : stefanoenatasha@gmail.com or on 07548575989

Natasha Maderson

Following a successful competitive career, Australian born Natasha is now enjoying a full time career of teaching, lecturing and adjudicating. With years of international travelling, competing, demonstrating, and working with the best coaches in the world, her focus is now on imparting her knowledge to others. Natasha has become recognised as one of England’s top lady professionals, achieving quarter finalist results on several occasions in world ranking competitions. She has also been British Professionall Classic Showdance Champion and 3 times finalist in the Professional Rising Star in Dancesports major competitions. Natasha teaches all levels from absolute beginner, social dancer to competitive dancer, as well as choreographing that special first dance.

To book a lesson with Natasha please contact her at stefanoenatasha@gmail.com or on 07715 560528

Hanna Haarala

Hanna is originally from Finland where she started her dancing career at age of 10. At age of 22 she graduated from Ballroom & Latin Dance College with high marks. Hanna moved to London 2003 to dance with Andrew Cuerden and learn more of Ballroom and Latin dancing. She competed at the highest level for over 20 years from juniors through to the professional ranks representing Finland and England. Hanna has qualifications with IDTA in Licentiate level in Ballroom and Latin.

Now retired from competing, Hanna teaches and dances in exhibitions around the world. In 2005, Hanna partnered Will Thorp in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. To book a lesson, please call Hanna on 07834 361199.

Damiano Soldati

Damiano is from Rome in Italy. He has been dancing since 10 years old. He has been finalist in the Italian Championship in Amateur Ballroom in 2005 and 2006.
Semifinalist at the British National 2010.
Top 48 in the Rising Star at the British Open in Blackpool in 2010 and 2011.
Damiano is still competing and we wish him every succes with his new partner Pauline.