MEET THE SQUAD
AMANDA (GARNER) COSTA - Owner/Senior Instructor
Amanda started dancing at 7 and never looked back. As a multi-time National Amateur Champion and ranked Top 25 in the world, she’s competed at the highest level in Latin and Standard. She won Dancing With The Stars Australia (Season 4) and took 4th in Season 6 — proving she can teach anyone to shine, from elite athletes to complete beginners.
She’s performed globally with Burn The Floor, Royal Caribbean Productions, and worked with top choreographers like Louis Van Amstel. Amanda is trained and certified across:
• International Latin & Standard
• American Rhythm & Smooth
• Nightclub, Country, and Social Dances
• Specialist in Bridal Choreography
With over 20 years of teaching experience across Australia and the U.S., Amanda knows how to get results on and off the competition floor. Whether you want to win titles or just feel confident on the dance floor — she’s the one you want leading your journey.
SEBASTIAN COSTA - Senior Instructor/Owner/Manager
30 years in ballroom. International competitor. Professional performer.
Sebastian has trained, competed, and performed at the highest level — becoming a National and USA Finalist and touring internationally with productions like Burn The Floor, Ballroom Fever, and Invitation To Dance.
He’s not just a dancer. He’s a technician. A motivator. And a leader who’s helped hundreds of students reach their potential — from beginners to rising stars.
Certified and experienced across:
• International Latin & Ballroom
• American Rhythm & Smooth
• Nightclub, Salsa Casino, Country & Social Styles
• Bridal & Performance Coaching
He brings a technical edge, elite-level experience, and real performance expertise to every class. If you want a coach who can break it down, push you forward, and make sure you never hit a plateau — Sebastian’s your guy.
PETER GARNER - Senior Instructor/Founder
Founded the studio in 1999. Built it from the ground up.
Peter started Excell Dance Centre with one goal: build a space where his kids — and hundreds of others — could train, grow, and love dance. Over 20+ years later, he’s created a studio with national-level coaching, world-class instructors, and a legacy of excellence.
He’s a certified DanceSport Australia Adjudicator, Ballroom Coach, and one of the most respected names in Debutante Presentation and New Vogue training in the region.
Peter teaches:
• International Standard & Latin
• New Vogue & Traditional Styles
• Rock’n’Roll, Line Dancing, Bridal Prep
Known for his structure, discipline, and high standards — Peter doesn’t just teach steps. He teaches presence, confidence, and class.
FIONA GARNER - Instructor/Owner
XING XING GARNER - Instructor/Owner
CASSIE BRYANT - Junior Instructor
Passion. Precision. Personality.
Cassie fell in love with dance as a child and has since built a career competing and performing across Ballroom and Latin styles, with a special passion for New Vogue — a uniquely elegant and expressive Australian dance form. Her precision, musicality, and artistry shine through in every performance.
As a dedicated competitive dancer, Cassie has spent years perfecting her craft both individually and with partners. She brings the same discipline, creativity, and commitment to her teaching, helping students of all levels build confidence, technique, and stage presence.
Whether guiding students in refining their skills or inspiring self-expression on the floor, Cassie’s goal is to make every moment in dance meaningful, fun, and empowering. She embodies the grace of Ballroom and the fiery spirit of Latin — proving that dance is not just something she does, it’s who she is.
JACKLYN CROWHURST - Junior Instructor
A lifelong passion. A love for movement. A heart for teaching.
Jacklyn has been dancing for most of her life, with 12 years of ballet training and 6 years of Latin and Ballroom experience. Her strong technical foundation and deep appreciation for diverse dance styles shine through in every class she teaches.
Known for her energetic and caring approach, Jacklyn creates a fun, supportive, and inspiring environment where students of all ages and abilities can grow in confidence, skill, and self-expression. She takes pride in guiding young dancers as they discover their own love for dance and reach their full potential.
Whether focusing on technique, creativity, or simply the joy of movement, Jacklyn’s goal is always the same: to make every student feel celebrated, motivated, and excited to step onto the dance floor.
ABBEY ELLIOT - Instructor
Eight years at Excel Dance Centre. A lifetime of movement and passion.
Abbey has loved reconnecting with dance as an adult, blending her lifelong passion for fitness and movement with playful energy and encouragement. She brings a joyful, inclusive approach to every class, helping students feel confident and connected to their bodies.
In her Latin Fitness classes, expect a great sweat, infectious music, and plenty of support to dance your heart out—your way. Abbey’s mission is simple: make movement fun, freeing, and empowering for everyone.