Meet Our New Teachers!

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Physical Culture (commonly known as Physie) in Australia. This uniquely Australian dance sport has made its way to Toowoomba 5 years ago and continues to grow across the Darling Downs Region.

Rachel Sanders, who opened Everton Park Physical Culture and The Granite Belt Physical Culture clubs will be joining the teaching team at Toowoomba Physie in 2017. With over 20 years of teaching experience and success as a national competitor, Rachel will be bringing her passion, knowledge and expertise to our club. Rachel is well respected across our nation within the physie community.

"In my early years of teaching I remember my biggest goal as a teacher was to make sure the girls remembered their work and loved physie as much as I did! As the years went by my goals expanded from teaching zone finalists to teaching national placegetters and even a national champion!"

"I was not always successful as a competitor. But I believe this has helped shape me into the teacher I am now. I started physie as a very uncoordinated 6 year old who had trouble concentrating and standing still. But I loved it from the start! Up until I was 21 I’d never made a zone final and it took me another 11 years to nab a zone place to make Nationals. I have never been so excited to have my number called out! I’ve always been that teacher whose student’s success means so much more to me than my own. That day when I had my number called out I must admit I was over the moon.Three years later I won my zone! A true testament of never give up on your dream."

Rachel is now a mum of three beautiful children- Logan 8, Noah 6 and Lacey 5.

"Our family moved to Toowoomba three years ago for my husband’s work and I was travelling back to the Granite Belt to teach physie each week. At the end of last year I made the heart breaking decision not to continue in 2016. Needless to say I have missed it. When the opportunity came about to teach with Tamara at Toowoomba Physie and Dance I jumped at it. I am so excited to be able to share this wonderful sport with Toowoomba. My goal once again is to have my students love their physie as much as I do!"

As if this wasn't enough, Rachel is joined by Taneil Willing.

Taneil began Physie in Tenterfield, NSW in when she was 8 years old. When her neighbour happened to be the teacher in her local area. That teacher was Rachel Sanders. Taneil has since been a competitor since she was 8 and in 2015 moved into the Open Lady's category, under 33 years age group.

"I have so many amazing memories of my time doing Physie. I love being part of a team and a particular trip to Sydney competing with some of my best friends was a big highlight. We were in the open senior section and ended up with a 3rd place that day.

In terms of results and experiences, being a part of any national final at the Opera House is always amazing. The year I placed 5th in my age group is something I am very proud of, and I will treasure that feeling and memory forever."

Whether she is competing or teaching Taneil is passionate, hard working and always gives 100%.

"I hope that I can pass on these strengths to my fellow Physie friends and students."

"When I'm not doing Physie I enjoy spending my time outdoors with my husband, Mark, our son, Mason and our pet Cavoodle, Locky. I love all sports, and I don't mind a little bit of retail therapy every now and then."

We welcome Rachel and Taneil to Toowoomba Physie and look forward to getting behind these amazing ladies as they teach us this year's syllabus!