Teachers: Julian & Connie
Teacher - Connie Takarangi
Connie has always had dance in her DNA, from a young age starting with Ballet, then as an adult she found a love for Ballroom & Latin dance and competitions. Also having a host of skills in Belly dancing, Rock n Roll, stage work, choreography and being a Creative Textile artist, Connie partners Julian Bishop in Basestep classes/private lessons, show dance and Wedding Dance Taupo.
Connie is passionate about sharing the joy of dance, the experience of Mind, Body, Soul, and is super excited to work with Julian and their DFL dance couple to make dancing magic for Dancing For Life Education.
Teacher - Julian Bishop
For his third season with DFL Ed., Julian and his partner Connie will coach a couple in a beautiful Wedding Dance performance. Julian brings over 20 years of championship-level dancing experience as a certified instructor, choreographer, and coach for wedding dances and competitive partnerships. He offers demonstrations, team-building activities, and corporate event entertainment.
Julian started partner dancing at age 11 at the Margaret O’Connor Studio in Wellington, NZ. Inspired by his teachers, he joined the Harbour City Rock and Roll Club, where he excelled and discovered his passion for teaching. After moving to Palmerston North and then Auckland in 1989, he ran community education classes, performed at public events, and served as President of the Zephyrs RnR Club.
Julian co-hosted the inaugural Salsa Lambada dine and dance cruise in 1992 and judged and performed at the 10th annual Salsa Latin championships in 1998. He taught at Ceroc NZ, partnered for Argentine Tango classes, and led choreography for Hoyts Movies. Now, Julian offers private classes and performance coaching, crediting Graciela Heredia, Angelique Meyer, and Michelle Stoupe as influential partners in his career.
