Our Faculty

Denise da Silva – Artistic Director

Classical Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Hip hop, Acrobatics, Solo Latin, Body Conditioning, Adult Classes and Private Lessons

Denise’s journey in dance began at the Gail Smith School of Dancing (GSSD) at the age of 12, where her passion quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. By 2011, she had already stepped into a leadership role as a student teacher, honing her skills in instruction and choreography. During her tertiary studies in Civil Engineering, she expanded her expertise by teaching Contemporary and Horton Technique strengthening classes, choreographing for numerous productions and competitions, and refining her artistry.

Her dedication to dance education led her to earn a Diploma in Advanced Dance Teaching for Modern and Hip Hop with the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT) in 2017. The following year, she deepened her expertise by completing her Yoga Alliance RYS200 Vinyasa Yoga teaching certification with BeYoga School. Committed to continuous growth, Denise became a registered teacher with the American Academy of Ballet in 2021 and earned her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) that same year.

In 2023, Denise fully took over GSSD, carrying forward its legacy while infusing it with her own innovative and dynamic vision. That same year, she further expanded her credentials by obtaining her Modern Dance Facilitator certification with the AIDT. In 2024, she also became a registered Ballet Mentor with the RAD, allowing her to guide and mentor aspiring dance teachers through their certification journeys.

Fueled by her passion for dance education and mentorship, Denise continues to shape the next generation of dancers and educators. With a wealth of experience, extensive training, and a dynamic teaching philosophy, she brings a well-rounded, inspiring, and forward-thinking approach to every class she leads.

Yolanda Bourman

Hip Hop and Private Lessons

Yolanda’s dance journey began with Dance Direction International, where she honed her craft and quickly made a name for herself in the industry. She has performed in numerous productions, music videos, and high-profile workshops, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, including Anuq Wilson, Cleo Notcutt Williams, Caitlin Grey, Sne Mbatha, and Jason Sisam.

Her versatility and talent have led to collaborations with The Playhouse Dance Company, Dusi Dance Company, and Break Thru Dance Academy, as well as performances at major events such as the AFCON Cup and Nedbank Cup at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. In a career-defining opportunity, Yolanda spent a month in France, working with international artists to create dynamic performances as part of the Vusi Makanya and French Embassy Cultural Exchange Programme.

Beyond performing, Yolanda is a sought-after Hip Hop teacher, sharing her expertise across Durban at various dance schools, including Crawford International La Lucia Pre-Primary. She also serves as the Head Coach for the KZN Dance Schools League, mentoring and developing young dancers in competitive training.

In addition to teaching, Yolanda is a highly respected competition judge, with a certification through Hip Hop International (HHI) South Africa, and is a dynamic MC for various dance competitions, bringing energy and professionalism to every event she hosts.

Now, she is further solidifying her expertise by completing her AIDT Hip Hop Teaching Associate certification, soon qualifying to administer official Hip Hop examinations. With her rich experience, global exposure, and deep passion for the art, Yolanda continues to inspire and elevate the next generation of dancers.

Denise Griffiths

Classical Ballet and Private Lessons

Denise has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of three and is a highly experienced Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) teacher with over 30 years of teaching expertise. For 17 years, she held a prestigious dance teacher position at a private girls’ school in Johannesburg, where she taught Ballet and Movement as part of the daily curriculum for Grade 000, 00, 0, and Grade 1. Her role extended beyond the classroom, as she choreographed dance and movement sequences for school productions, the Grade 7 showcase, and the highly anticipated matric dance opening performance for the Head Girls.

In addition to her school teaching career, Denise successfully ran her own private dance studio, training dancers aged 5 to 17. Under her leadership, her students excelled in RAD examinations, dance festivals, and competitions, earning a reputation for achieving outstanding results.

After relocating to Durban, Denise joined the GSSDANCE team in 2023, where she now brings her wealth of knowledge and passion for Classical Ballet to students at our Umhlanga branch.

With a deep love for Ballet, Denise firmly believes that the discipline, artistry, and dedication instilled through dance empower children far beyond the studio, shaping their confidence, perseverance, and success in all aspects of life.

Shaye Caldicott

Tap Dance, Acrobatics, Adult Ballet, Pre-School Dance Programme and Private Lessons

Shaye is the Head of the Tap Department at GSSDANCE, officially taking on the role in 2024. She teaches Tap, Acrobatics, Ballet, and various other styles while completing her Dance Teaching Certifications in Ballet and Tap with the Theatre Dance Association. And recently completed her certification in Ballet Performance Awards with American Academy of Ballet. A passionate performer, she also dances professionally and leads One Step Productions, a company that specializes in cabaret and supper theatre-style shows across Durban.

Shaye has been dancing since the age of four and is trained in Tap, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Bollywood, and Contemporary. She has been a part of GSSDANCE since 2018 and has competed in numerous shows and local competitions. In 2019, she traveled to New York to attend the American Academy of Ballet Summer School and was awarded the Project Performer 2019 Dancer Award. Alongside her dance career, she is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship at Varsity College.

Beyond the studio and stage, Shaye is deeply committed to making dance accessible to all. In 2023, she launched ‘Dance for a Difference,’ a non-profit program that brings dance education to underprivileged school children in Ballito. With her energetic teaching style and love for dance, she creates a fun, inclusive, and inspiring environment for her students.

Gabriel (Youngstar) Maseme

African Contemporary and Private Lessons

Gabriel is a versatile artist, visionary choreographer, and entrepreneur, whose talents span DJing, music composition and production, dance, teaching, choreography, and TV and radio presenting. With an impressive career in the performing arts, he has gained national and international recognition for his work.

As a dedicated Contemporary and African Contemporary dance teacher, Gabriel is passionate about developing strong, versatile dancers who are prepared to succeed in the professional dance industry. He shares his vast knowledge and deep passion for dance to inspire, motivate, and guide aspiring performers toward fulfilling careers.

In 2013, Gabriel captivated audiences as one of the Top 10 dancers on So You Think You Can Dance South Africa. His choreographic excellence was further recognized in 2018, when he secured 2nd place for Best Solo, Teacher, and Choreographer at the World Lyrical Dance Federation Competition. Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades, including Best Choreographer awards at prestigious dance competitions.

Beyond technical mastery, Gabriel’s artistry is rooted in storytelling through movement. His ability to bring dance to life ensures that every piece he creates is more than just choreography—it’s a powerful narrative that resonates with both dancers and audiences alike.

Janine Phipson

Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Pre-School Dance Programme and Private Lessons

Janine’s journey with GSSDANCE began in 2014, when she moved to Durban and joined as a student, quickly making her mark with her passion and dedication. After years of training and performing, she officially became part of the GSSDANCE teaching team in 2020/21, sharing her love for dance with the next generation.

Trained in Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, and Contemporary dance, Janine has achieved AIDT Advanced Modern and RAD Advanced 1 Ballet certifications. She has performed at major events, including the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, where her group won the Standard Bank Ovation Award in 2015, and was among the talented dancers who traveled with GSSDANCE to New York on the 2017 Dance Tour.

Beyond her dance expertise, Janine holds a Degree in Corporate Communications and a qualification in Event Planning and Management. She plays a key role in GSSDANCE’s Events Department, organizing high-energy dance entertainment for corporate and private events. Committed to both dance education and child development, she is currently completing Level 3 of her AIDT Modern Dance Teaching Diploma while also pursuing a Bachelor of Education at Stadio.

With her diverse expertise, creative energy, and deep passion for nurturing young dancers, Janine continues to inspire and guide the next generation at GSSDANCE.

Rebecca Dally

Modern, Tap, Ballet and Acrobatics

Rebecca has been a part of the GSSDANCE family since the age of four, training extensively in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, African Contemporary, Bollywood, and Acrobatics under our guidance. She has showcased her talent on both local and international stages, including an impressive 3rd place finish at the Dance Star World Dance Masters in 2016! Rebecca is currently travelling the world dancing professionally and living her dream on the Costa Serena cruise ship.

Having successfully completed all her dance examinations to an Advanced-level, Rebecca is now furthering her passion by pursuing an International Diploma in Dance Teaching – having graduated with her AIDT GTC Level 1 in Modern and Tap dance in 2025. With a natural gift for working with young dancers, her kind and patient nature makes her a wonderful addition to our teaching team.

Savannah Prange

Hip Hop and Street Jazz

Savannah has been a part of the GSSDANCE family since the age of three, training in Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary, African Contemporary, and Bollywood. In 2017, she had the incredible opportunity to train at the world-renowned Broadway Dance Center in New York City, where she learned from top choreographers across the globe.

Since 2020, Savannah has been a dedicated teacher at our Glenwood branch, where she brings her vibrant energy and passion to our Open Hip Hop classes. Beyond the studio, she is also the founder of Dream Girl Productions, an events company specializing in LED, Fire, and Dance Entertainment. Currently, she is completing her internship as an Occupational Therapist while continuing to share her love of dance.

Known for her flair for performance, dramatic choreography, and all things glitz and glamour, Savannah infuses her classes with excitement, creativity, and a bold stage presence, inspiring her students to dance with confidence and expression.