EXCEL Tutors

EXCEL School of Performing Arts is made up of a talented group of tutors and industry professionals across vocal, instrumental, and dance disciplines. The profiles below highlight our passionate tutors who invest into and train our students each week.

Dance tutor - CHantelle huch

Email: chantelle@excel.ac.nz

Chantelle is a pioneer of dance in Aotearoa and is the director of SAINTZ Dance Academy, who most recently have participated at Danchella in Australia, taking out first place in the megacrew division.

Chantelle is a choreographer, dancer, teacher, educator and incredible performer with many accolades under her belt, with many years partaking and taking many crews to Hip Hop International. Dancing alongside Jam Republic and is part of 3wjplusboy agency, just to name a few.

Dance tutor - CHarlene TEDROW

Email: charlene @excel.ac.nz

Dance tutor - Tai'ulagi P. Hogue

Email: lagi@excel.ac.nz

Tai'ulagi (Lagi) is in her final year for her Bachelors in Performing and Screen Arts, majoring in contemporary dance. She originally has experience from the street dance community, learning from and dancing alongside renowned dancers from our nation. Her love for dance and music has excelled her to pursue a position where she can heighten and inspire the passion the upcoming generation has for the arts!

MUSIC tutor - Thabani gapara

Email: thabani@excel.ac.nz

Thabani is a Saxophonists, composer, arranger whose work in Aotearoa can be heard with legendary artists that include; Katchafire, Troy Kingi, Rob Ruha, Corrella, Fejoint and Stan Wlaker to mention just a few. He has also established his artistry with his original music that celebrates the sounds of African Jazz.

vocal tutor- Gin papali’i curtin

Email: gin@excel.ac.nz

GIN The Artist Is an International Vocalist, Musician, Music Arranger and Artist. She is an International Vocal & Strings Director and Vocal Coach.

She has performed with and / or recorded music for artists such as:
Stan Walker, TEEKS, Sons of Zion, Pieter T, MC Tali, Alternative Symphony (“2Pac VS Biggie”), Corrella, Ricky Paul (Producer), Deceptikonz, Poetik, Nauti, Aro, and Vince Harder, just to name a few. She has a Masters Degree in Music (Performance), and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary).

vocal tutor - irene folau

Email: irene@excel.ac.nz

Irene Folau is a vocal tutor and performing artist who believes every voice tells a story. Blending technique with creativity and confidence, she helps singers unlock their natural sound and express themselves freely in a supportive, inspiring space.

Guitar tutor - SImione petelo

Email: simione@excel.ac .nz

Simi is a session/freelance guitarist who currently plays for The Backline. Simi has played for artists such as Parris Goebel, Sammy Johnson, Fiji, Johnny Suite, Spawnbreezie toured around New Zealand and Australia and also in Dubai.