Sandra Betrus was born and raised in Australia and from a very early age has embraced a passion for performing on stage. Involved in countless play productions her abilities in acting and stage performance were continuously commended and recognized, finishing first place in her high school years for Drama.



Sandra went on and successfully completed a diploma in acting at ‘AADA’ (Australian Academy of Dramatic Arts) for 2 years and took several workshops at ‘NIDA’ (National Institute of Dramatic Arts), ‘ATYP’ (Australian Theatre for Young People) and ‘The Actors Centre’ where she also auditioned in her early teens and was offered a scholarship to study acting fulltime.
Moreover, Sandra has also completed a Television presenting workshop and has appeared in a few television commercials.

Since then, Sandra has worked in both Travel and Advertising and was given the opportunity to travel both in and around Australia and to the USA .

Her love for performing has also encompassed an ardent love for dance. Although with no formal dance training, but a long interest in Latin dancing, Sandra’s twin sister convinced her to take up lessons with LDA. Within four months she performed in the invitation only Salsa Advanced choreography for the LDA Ball and was awarded ‘Best New Talent’ and also awarded ‘Best Samba Axe’.

Sandra joined the LDA professional team in March 2004.
She lights up the stage with her infectious smile and captivating performances. With a passion for dance and an impressive array of skills she loves to PERFORM and TEACH classes in Salsa, Lambada/Zouk, Samba and Batchata and Merengue and also taking time out to enjoy classes in Hip- Hop, Brazilian fitness and pole dancing.

Achievements in the LDA Balls

Sydney Salsa Congress 2005,
Sandra has also had the opportunity to perform in the first annual Sydney Salsa Congress.
- Performed in the ‘LDA Pro-team' performance.
- Performed in the ‘SWAT' choreography of Cops and Robbers.

New Zealand Salsa Slam, October 2005
- Performed shows in Salsa and Lambada.
-Taught workshops in Samba, Lambada and Salsa.

 

Sydney Salsa Congress 2006
- Performed in the ‘LDA Pro-team’ performance.

West Coast Salsa Congress, Los Angeles, May 2006
Sandra has made her first international debut in Los Angeles performing at the biggest Salsa Congress with the LDA Pro-Team.

Brazilian Carnival, The Metro, Sydney, February 2007
Performed Samba at the Brazilian Carnival party at ‘The Metro’ over 2 big, fantastic nights with the amazing guest band from Perth ‘Sambalicious’.

The Whitsundays, LINDEMAN ISLAND
Club Med- Latin Festival ‘Brazilian Theme’ 10-17th March 07
-Taught workshops in Body Movement and Latin fitness.
-Taught classes in Salsa, Lambada, Samba, Batchata, Merengue, Cha,cha etc.
-Performed full show for the ‘Brazilian Carnival’ theme night.
-Performed ‘Axe’ show on the last evening of the Latin Festival.

PERTH, April 5-9th 2007 and October 16th-18th 2007
Performed Samba shows for the ‘Sambalicious’ Brazilian Group/Band representing Latin Dance Australia and taught a Samba workshop.

CHOREOGRAPHY
Choreographed the Samba Professional Pro-team performance for the LDA Ball 2007.

Sydney Salsa Congress 2007 and 2008
Performed Samba in the ‘LDA Pro-team’ performance.

TV APPEARANCES


- SBS: Fox studios ‘LDA fundraiser’ aired on SBS (2006 dance special)

-CHANNEL 9: A Current Affair (2004 Dance special)

-FOXTEL: 2005 Samba Dance show broadcasted.

- NERDS FC (SBS): Episode 3 Soccer documentary series.
Taught ‘Soccer Boys’ how to dance the Brazilian Samba.