A highly respected Gold Coast dance coach, who has trained some of Australia's most promising young performers, has admitted to supplying a small amount of cocaine to a minor and others.
Court Appearance and Guilty Plea
Sonja Yvonne Middelbosch, 52, appeared in Brisbane's Supreme Court on Wednesday, where she pleaded guilty to five counts of supplying a dangerous drug. Two of those charges specifically involved supplying cocaine to a person under the age of 18. The court heard the offences took place last year inside a bathroom stall at a hotel in Coomera.
Prosecutors described the amount of cocaine offered as "minute." Middelbosch has entered a not guilty plea for one additional, separate charge of supplying a dangerous drug to a minor.
A Prominent Figure in the Dance World
Middelbosch has been a well-known figure in Queensland's dance scene for many years. She lists herself as the owner-operator of the Gold Coast Dance and Development Centre on Facebook, with business records confirming her registration of that name.
Previously, she worked at the LAUNCH Performing Arts Centre, where archived material described her as "highly regarded in the Australian dance industry as the ultimate strength and conditioning technician." The profile noted she coached dancers who progressed to work with prestigious national and international companies.
Community Shock and Legal Outcome
The case has sent shockwaves through the close-knit dance community, given Middelbosch's extensive professional work with young, aspiring performers. Her role placed her in a position of significant trust and influence.
The court handed Middelbosch a six-month suspended sentence. She remains on bail and is required to return to court on May 15 for further proceedings related to her case.
