YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Sheena began her career as a professional dancer at the young age of 11 after gaining a scholarship to train full-time with The Royal Ballet, London. On completion of her training, Sheena worked as a ballerina, performing and choreographing for dance companies such as The English National Ballet, The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, and Netherlands Dance Theatre.
Whilst working as a ballerina, Sheena’s choreographic works were performed at venues such as The Royal Opera House, The National Theatre and The Royal Albert Hall which are all based in London. Audiences included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Monaco. Whilst performing, Sheena developed ‘Dance in Education” programs for under-priviledged schools and youth groups which were delivered by dance companies across Europe.

Following her career as a dancer, Sheena managed a West End theatre. This role saw Sheena overseeing day to day operations whilst working with and managing FOH staff, technical crews, production companies and cast members. It was during this time that Sheena also began to utilise her interest in visual art as she designed sets for live performances whilst maintaining her work as a freelance Choreographer and gaining a BA degree in Journalism and Creative Writing.

 

Following a long period in theatre, Sheena embarked on a career as a Sound Engineer which saw her working with bands and radio stations in the UK and Australia.  Organising and working alongside production companies, Sheena delivered live music based events such as concerts and festivals. Sheena also worked for community radio stations across the UK and Australia to create nationwide advertising campaigns and podcasts.

 

Sheena is currently the Director of Rebel Stepz Arts which is a creative organisation with plenty to offer!  Founding this collective sees Sheena collaborating with creatives to produce & deliver educational arts programs to community organizations such as schools, youth groups and community centers. Sheena develops creative events, performances and workshops for all ages and demographics, making sure the arts are always experienced by as many people as possible and in very innovative ways.
Sheena has grown the business into an international entity and she currently works with companies such as Google, Disney, Dropbox, Canva, and Twitter offering team building experiences and motivational talks to help build staff morale and improve wellbeing.

 

In Conversation: From Ballerina to Business

This event offers students and young people the chance to participate in an intimate and honest workshop with Sheena. The interactive talk provides insights into the arts and candid accounts of the highs and lows of Sheena’s vibrant career inlcuding her journey as a ballerina from a minority background, her evolution within the creative industry—from choreography and sound engineering to directing an arts organization. The presentation has resonated with audiences at high schools and youth centers across Australia, as well as virtual educational groups in the USA and the UK.

The goal is to ignite inspiration in young people who are considering a future in the creative arts or simply looking for motivation. By sharing my experiences with racism and overcoming underprivileged constraints, Sheena encourages students to embrace new experiences and diverse career paths. The talk emphasizes that artistic careers often branch into unexpected directions, and that’s perfectly okay.

The presentation is interactive, incorporating slides, posing questions, and encouraging student participation. This dynamic approach fosters discussion and an exchange of ideas, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Presentation Overview

Life as a Dancer:

• Sheena shares pivotal moments from winning a scholarship to The Royal Ballet School at age 11, to her career as a company member and choreographer.
• Sheena diiscusses the challenges of being a minority in ballet and her experiences with international dance companies  offering insights into the mental stresses of entering the workforce and coping mechanisms for dealing with feelings of inadequacy.

Moving into Media:

• Sheena discusses her decision to pursue a journalism degree and establish herself as a freelance writer and sound engineer.
• Sharing her experiences in the male-dominated music industry and as a novice writer, she opens a dialogue about overcoming similar hurdles.

Founding and Directing a Business:

• Sheena reflects on integrating her diverse arts knowledge to create a path that suits her, leading to the founding of Rebel Stepz Arts.
• Sheena emphasizes the importance of seeking out new experiences and shares her journey of entrepreneurship and the importance of motivation and discipline.

The event is peppered with amusing anecdotes—from dancing for HRH Elizabeth II to performing for the Prince of Monaco, mixing live bands at London’s Astoria Theatre, and orchestrating events for Disney and Google. These stories provide young audiences with a unique opportunity to connect with someone who has led a remarkably colorful life. Sheena offers students the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations, allowing individuals to seek advice or ask questions about any aspect of the talk that resonated with them.

Organisations and schools are welcome to contact Sheena directly about this event.