Jemma

When Jemma's mum Sue first took her along to her sister Tara's dance class she had no idea the passion she'd unleash in her – they couldn't keep this tiny dancer off the floor! Her mum promised she'd enrol her when she turned six and from there, Jemma became addicted to what she describes as “the love of her life”.

Born and bred in Perth, Jemma, 20, finished Year 12 in 2005, and went on to complete a Certificate III in Fitness at TAFE. She was planning to start a Health and Physical Education (primary) degree at the University of Notre Dame this year until she landed a position in the Top 20!

She shouldn't be too surprised - after all, this is the girl who won the South Pacific Championships in Sydney in 2002 after only dancing with her partner for a couple of months, coming from the previous National Championships in Canberra where they placed 6th! She currently teaches at a studio called Dance Power. Her personal style references Latin and Ballroom, in which she's formally trained, as well as New Vogue.

Her technique on the floor is honest and natural-looking, and she works hard to portray herself as sensual and elegant. Jemma's not short of experience on the floor – she's danced every year the Australian Dancesport Championship in Melbourne from the ages of eight to 16.

Her best personality trait? Compassion. And her worst? "Wanting to please everyone".

Key quote: "I believe I am the quiet achiever and hopefully will improve and surprise the judges each week".