2025 TEACHING FACULTY

Hai Nguyen

Director, Teacher

Qualifications: BA Dance, Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary Year 7-12) Dance & Visual Arts (Deakin University)

Director, Teacher Hai Nguyen professionally trained at Broadway Dance Center and other original, prestigious dance centres in New York City. All of his teachers are America’s most respected dance educators, pioneers and choreographers in the dance industry, Hai was the founder of DAAM dance company (Dance And Arts Movements) before founding DAAM School of dance in 2011.

Hai is recommended by Emmy Award Winner Jason Sumuals Smith for Hai’s skills, knowledge, passion and teaching practice of Tap dance, a famous dance art form that was born in America in the 1800. Hai has also been annually booked by many primary and secondary schools, highly recommended by many year level coordinators, teachers for his energy, passion, inclusive and successful teaching skills, ability to treach and inspire hundreds of students from different levels and backgrounds in each visit,! READ HERE!

Education and Training: Broadway Dance Center & Steps on Broadway- New York City, Swingtap- Paris,

France Percussions Studio, Paris -Drumming

Registration: Working With Children Check

Area of study: Dance: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hiphop, Contemporary, Stretch and Strengthening. Visual Arts: Arts and Studio Arts: Year 7-12 VCE Drums

Credits:

2013- ‘T.A.P’ (Tap dance And Poetry)-Producer, Director, Choreographer, Dancer

2010- ‘Long Walk’ (Contemporary dance)-Producer, Director, Choreographer, Dancer

2008- ‘Words Of Feet 2’ (Tap dance)-Producer, Director, Choreographer, Dancer

2007- ‘TWO’ (Tap dance and Contemporary dance)-Producer, Director, Choreographer, Dancer

2005- ‘Words Of Feet 1’ (Tap dance)-Producer, Director, Choreographer, Dancer

“The children enjoyed the sessions as they were fun, active and Hai was always enthusiastic and positive. The children loved him. Given this success, Hai was employed to work with the Grade 6 children preparing a dance for graduation. He has also given dance sessions with the Grade 3 and 4 students, as well as danced at our school festival. We appreciate all his hard work.” -Mrs. Amanda Delahenty, 2013 Year 5/6 coordinator, teacher at Orchard Grove Primary School.
“The students had a great time during our hip hop dance incursion on our holiday program. Even students who were not as keen as others about dancing got involved and really enjoyed their time in the lesson. Hai was a fantastic instructor! He created a routine that was perfect for students of all ability levels and was kind and encouraging to the children” ~Ms. Sian Gilhome, Outside School Hours Care educator , Melbourne Grammar School
‘Hai came to our school holiday program Easter 2016. We had children aged between 5-13 which can be tricky to accommodate for all of their varying skill level and attention span. But Hai was so wonderful and engaging. The children couldn’t take their eyes off of him the entire time and he made everything about dancing fun. From stretches to performing the short choreographed dance the children were having so much fun! You can clearly see how passionate about dancing Hai is and could not recommend him highly enough. To anyone thinking of going to his dance school or having … Continued
‘Hai visited Auburn High during Arts & Technology week and ran a Year 7 Hip Hop Dancing workshop. With nearly one-hundred students participating it was a massive dance class. Hai was able to get all of them, even the shy and self-conscious, dancing. They learnt a little routine, smiling and laughing as they busted out their moves. A super-fun incursion where all the kids participated!’ ~Ms. Rachel Bowen, 2015-16 Arts & Technology Learning Leader, Auburn High School
‘Our students loved the time they spent in Performing Arts with Hai. Hai from DAAM dance is an absolute professional and engages every single student in the art of dance. The children loved learning the new dance each week and were excited to take part in the lesson. The way the Hai engages and inspires the students in dance is to be commended. We now have every child excited about dance and performing arts. Thank you Hai and DAAM dance!’ ~Ms. Jessica Quinn, 2014 Performing Arts teacher) at St Damian’s Primary school, Bundoora.
“Thank you Hai for a fantastic Hip Hop workshop during our Arts Week. Our students loved every moment of it and the girls told me they were dancing in their bedrooms that night. You have really inspired the girls with a highly stimulating dance routine which you taught in a really fun way. Thank you so much. We would love to have you back as soon as possible.” ~Marisa Rowlands Head of Drama, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar.
“As part of our dance unit for our Performing Arts program, Hai came in and ran a fantastic four week program for all the students Prep – Year 6 across the school. The different sessions were targeted to the different year levels and catered for all different abilities. Hai’s positive attitude and great sense of humour had all the students engaged and dancing. Hai’s teaching background was obvious in the way he managed the big groups of children so effectively and smoothly. The different groups presentation to each other at the end was a highlight for both the students and … Continued
“The kids absolutely LOVED Hai and had the best time on the incursion. The dance moves were within current trends and the kids were incredibly happy and engaged. Hai was an excellent teacher with lots of positive energy. The students remembered the dance the following day and were eager to practice!” Miss Lindsay Morton, classroom teacher, Ardeer Primary school
“Hai was an amazing instructor! The students had the best time and were so engaged. They continued to practice the dance for days to come. We would have DAAM back any chance we can!” Miss Lindsay Morton, Ardeer Primary School
“Our Middle School students participated in a Hip Hop workshop from Hai. The kids (and staff!) had a wonderful time learning new moves and putting them together in a choreography. Hai was a great teacher and had even the most nervous students excited to be there. Thank you Hai and the DAAM School of Dance … we can’t wait to have you back again!” Natalie Wheaton Performing Arts Teacher Heany Park Primary School

Gaye’s journey in ballet commenced at the age of 8 at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet. Her talent quickly became evident, leading to admission to the Ankara Conservatory, where she completed her 4-year curriculum in just 3 years, earning top honors in her class.

At 17, Gaye began her professional career as a dancer at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet, performing in many classic productions such as Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. Alongside her performing career, Gaye ventured into teaching, imparting her knowledge at the Arzu Dirin Ballet Academy and conducting contemporary classes while choreographing at the Yakin Theater.

In 2022, Gaye embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Australia. Eager to continue her dance journey, she enrolled in classes at the Sydney Dance Company. In 2023, she joined the Melbourne Studio of Ballet as a teacher and also taught at the MYBC Summer School. Additionally, she became a dancer with Dancebourne in 2023, performing in their productions.

Currently based in Melbourne, Gaye is actively teaching ballet, creating contemporary choreographies, and performing with Dancebourne. She is passionate about sharing her expertise and nurturing her students’ love for dance.