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Guest Teacher Directory

Guest Teachers of City Adult Ballet

Meet the talented and diverse guest teachers we have the honour of working with at City Adult Ballet!

Headshot of guest ballet teacher Amanda McGuigan, a talented instructor at City Adult Ballet, showcasing elegance and professionalism.

Amanda McGuigan

Sydney born, London trained – Classical Ballet Teacher

Amanda McGuigan, born and raised in Sydney, began her ballet training at the age of 11 at The McDonald College. She later moved to London to study at The Royal Ballet Upper School, launching a successful 20-year career as a professional ballet dancer.

Amanda has performed with prestigious companies like American Ballet Theatre, Dutch National Ballet, and The Australian Ballet, gracing famous stages worldwide and collaborating with renowned choreographers.

With a strong interest in the mental and emotional aspects of dance, she became a certified counselor. Currently, as a rehabilitation coach at The Australian Ballet, Amanda helps dancers recover from injuries and return to the stage stronger, both physically and mentally. She is dedicated to empowering dancers to reach their artistic and personal potential by fostering a deep connection with their bodies and creativity.

A portrait of Amber Scott, a ballet dancer and guest teacher at City Adult Ballet. The portrait is set against a dark background, contrasting Amber's pale skintone

Amber Scott

Australian classical ballet teacher and former Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet

Amber Scott graduated from the Australian Ballet School as dux and joined The Australian Ballet in 2001. She learned the Bournonville technique while on a dancer exchange at the Royal Danish Ballet in 2003

She was awarded the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award and Telstra People’s Choice Award in 2004. In 2011, she was promoted to the highest rank of Principal Artist of The Australian BalletIn 2013, Amber was nominated for a Helpmann Award for her role as Odette in Stephen BaynesSwan Lake.

Amber is renowned for her beautiful classical technique and charming artistry on stage. She is incredibly passionate about sharing her love of ballet with dancers and has attained her Graduate Diploma of Elite Dance Instruction from The Australian Ballet School.

We are delighted to welcome Amber to City Adult Ballet and thank her for her wonderful insights.

Amy Harris City Adult Ballet

Amy Harris

Australian ballet teacher, former Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet.

Amy joined The Australian Ballet in 2002 following her graduation from The Australian Ballet School. She was promoted to Coryphée in 2007, Soloist in 2011, and Senior Artist in 2012. In 2018, she was promoted to the rank of Principal Artist on stage after the world premiere of Lucas Jervies‘ Spartacus.

Amy won the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award 2012 and was awarded the People’s Choice Award in both 2010 and 2008.

She has guested with the Dancers Company in Paquita and as Odile in Swan Lake.

Amy is married to fellow dancer Jarryd Madden, and they have two beautiful children together, Willow and Phoenix.

Amy is known in the dance world for her breathtaking performances and her versatility as an artist. She shows genuine compassion towards others through her nurturing personality.

We are delighted to have Amy sharing her passion, experience and love of dance with our adult dancers!

Andrew Wright

Andrew Wright

Melbourne ballet teacher, former Soloist with The Australian Ballet

Melbourne-born Andrew Wright began his dance journey at Christine Waters School of Dance in 1990. His passion and talent led him to the Victorian College of the Arts to complete his secondary education and dance training.

In 2001, Andrew earned a coveted spot at the Australian Ballet School. He broadened his expertise through exchange programs with Canada’s National Ballet School and the School of American Ballet. Andrew graduated as Dux of his class.

Andrew’s professional career commenced in 2004 when he joined The Australian Ballet. In 2007, he was awarded a scholarship which enabled him to further his studies in Europe. He rose within The Australian Ballet swiftly, with promotions to Coryphée in 2008 and Soloist in 2012. Andrew’s talent shone internationally when he guested at the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s gala in 2010.

Following a distinguished career, Andrew retired from The Australian Ballet in 2018. He went on to attain a Vocational Graduate Diploma of Elite Dance Instruction from the Australian Ballet School.

Andrew brings a wealth of experience, passion, and deep understanding of ballet to City Adult Ballet. His journey from a student to a Soloist with The Australian Ballet with international exposure makes him an invaluable asset.

Andrew’s classes promise to enrich your ballet experience with his expertise, humour and dedication to the art form.

Arianna Marchiori Guest Ballet teacher at City Adult Ballet in Melbourne

Arianna Marchiori

Melbourne-based ballet teacher from Italy, with a diverse education and professional career

Born in Padua, Italy, Arianna Marchiori began her ballet training at Il Balletto di Castelfranco Veneto before continuing her studies in the United States at Boston Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School.

Her professional career began with Dortmund Ballet, before dancing with English National Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Ireland.

Arianna has also performed as a soloist with Teater Vanemuine in Estonia and the National Ballet of Ostrava. She captivated audiences in works by choreographers including Wang Yuan Yuan, Petr Zuska, Krzysztof Pastor, Mauro Bigonzetti, and Ohad Naharin.

Her Soloist repertoire includes roles in Don QuixoteCoppéliaCorsaireThe NutcrackerDangerous Liaisons and Rossini Cards.

Now based in Melbourne, Arianna is immersed in the local creative scene, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as a guest teacher at City Adult Ballet.

Her international experience and passion for performance make her an inspiring presence in our studio. She encourages dancers of all backgrounds to connect with ballet in meaningful and expressive ways.

Portait of Arna Elmes against a pale, cream coloured background

Arna Elmes

Australian ballet teacher certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and Pilates Instruction

Arna Thompson, from Brisbane, began her dance journey at a young age, immersing herself in ballet, tap, character, and contemporary dance. Her early passion blossomed into a lifelong dedication, leading her to full-time studies at Queensland University of Technology. There, she expanded her repertoire to include jazz, musical theatre, folk dancing, and choreography, showcasing her versatility.

Arna has extensive experience working with professional contemporary companies, which has helped her hone her skills and artistic expression. Her choreography talent has been recognised in various professional theatre and musical theatre productions, establishing her as a creative choreographer. 

As a certified instructor of the Progressing Ballet Technique method, Arna is committed to developing her students’ ballet skills. She also holds a Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction, allowing her to provide a holistic approach to training that emphasises strength and flexibility. 

Alongside teaching and choreography, Arna is a proud mother. Her son, Adam, is a dancer with the Australian Ballet, creating a personal connection to her professional journey. 

With a rich background in dance, extensive experience, and a dedication to teaching, Arna offers a blend of expertise, creativity, and warmth to her classes. She is passionate about inspiring adult ballet students to reach their potential in dance.

City Adult Ballet Guest Teacher Ben Davis

Ben Davis

Australian ballet teacher, trained under Leanne Rutherford at Ballet Theare Australia

As a former Soloist with The Australian Ballet, Ben Davis brings professional experience and passion for dance to City Adult Ballet.

His journey into the world of ballet began at a young age when he would mimic the routines in his sister’s jazz and ballet classes at the back of the studio. With obvious talent and enthusiasm, Ben started formal ballet training at the age of 7.

Under Leanne Rutherford at Ballet Theatre Australia, Ben honed his skills. In 2005, he joined the Australian Ballet and excelled in remarkable performances.

He danced in many featured roles, including Jiří Kylián’s Sechs Tänze and Petite Mort, The Professor in Alexei Ratmansky’s Scuola di Ballo, and Wayne McGregor’s Dyad 1929. His versatility and technical skill made him a standout in the ballet community.

In 2020, Ben became Artistic Director at Ballet Theatre of Australia, a prestigious pre-professional ballet school in Melbourne. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the next generation of professional ballet dancers.

At City Adult Ballet, Ben’s keen eye for detail and quick-witted humour enhance every class. He inspires adult dancers to reach their potential with his expertise and enthusiasm for ballet.

Chimene Steele-Prior

Chimene Steele-Prior

Performer, Choreographer, and Dance Teacher based in Melbourne

Chimene Steele-Prior is a talented performer, choreographer, and dance teacher based in Naarm/Melbourne. She has made significant contributions to the world of dance.

Chimene began her formal training at the New Zealand School of Dance. There, she earned her Diploma of Dance Performance. Afterwards, she further developed her skills at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Performing Arts and joined the LINK Dance Company.

In 2014, Chimene received the Ian Potter Cultural Trust Grant. This opportunity allowed her to join the ATLAS program for young choreographers at Impuls Tanz in Vienna. This experience greatly influenced her choreographic style and expanded her artistic vision. 

She showcased her innovative work, In Formation IIat the Melbourne Fringe Festival Hub in 2015. This performance earned her a nomination for a Green Room Award for Concept and Realisation. Audiences and critics alike praised her captivating solo performance, highlighting her unique creativity. 

Chimene has collaborated with Opera Australia on many acclaimed productions. Some of these include Turandot, The Ring CycleLa Boheme, and Madame Butterfly. Her contributions have been essential to these stunning performances, showcasing her versatility in dance and choreography.

Additionally, Chimene is a certified Counter Technique Teacher and a STOTT Matwork Pilates Instructor. She also teaches Barre at KX Barre and Pilates. Her diverse training helps her offer top-notch instruction in various dance and fitness disciplines. She focuses on developing her students’ technical skills and artistic expression. 

Finally, Chimene is dedicated to teaching adult ballet students. She guides them through their dance journeys, providing inspiration every step of the way. Her extensive background and commitment to excellence make her a vital asset to City Adult Ballet

Daniel Gaudiello City Adult Ballet Guest teacher

Daniel Gaudiello

Diverse and highly awarded former dancer, now devoted to teaching, acting, and his family

Daniel, born in Brisbane, started dancing at age 6. After 15 years of training, he achieved his dream of becoming a professional dancer with The Australian Ballet. He graduated from The Australian Ballet School in 2008. Notably, he earned both an Advanced Diploma in Dance and an Advanced Diploma in Choreography, marking a first for the school.

After graduation, he joined Singapore Dance Theatre for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Next, he contracted with the West Australian Ballet, where he danced Principal roles and became a Soloist in 2014.

In January 2015, Daniel joined the Sydney Dance Company under Rafael Bonachela. He performed across Australia and toured internationally to Europe, Asia, South America, and North America.

Daniel achieved the title of Principal Artist in 2010, alongside his wife, Lana Jones, a former ballerina and guest teacher at City Adult Ballet.

In 2008, he received the Telstra Ballet Dancer of the Year Award, Australia’s most prestigious dance award. In 2011, he won an Australian Dance Award for ‘Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer‘, and in 2014, a Greenroom Award for ‘Best Male Dancer.’ He also received two nominations for a Helpmann Award for his outstanding performances.

As a guest artist, Daniel collaborated with esteemed companies including Houston Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, Queensland Ballet, and English National Ballet. He left The Australian Ballet in 2016 to explore new opportunities, including acting and teaching dance, while also preparing for the arrival of his son.

Daniel is passionate about sharing his love of dance, especially with adult dancers. Therefore, City Adult Ballet is fortunate to have him as a guest teacher!

Dante Zanini-Sassani

Dante Zanini-Sassani

Dancer and choreographer at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, ballet teacher

Dante began his dance journey at age 7. He honed his skills in various dance styles, highlighting his unwavering commitment to ballet. He trained in the Cecchetti syllabus at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. His dedication led him to the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, where he excelled in external Cecchetti classes. He achieved an impressive 96.5% on his Advanced 1 exam, showcasing his technical proficiency.

Beyond ballet, Dante pursued other disciplines, including singing and acting. This variety enhanced his versatility as a performer. In 2018, he joined Melbourne City Ballet‘s part-time classical training program. During this time, Dante refined his technique through rigorous ballet and contemporary training. He also explored self-devised choreography, solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded dancer.

Afterwards, Dante returned to Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. He received a scholarship for the Full-Time Course, confirming his exceptional talent. During this period, he participated in numerous high-profile gigs and productions. His credits include the Futuration Cabaret and various professional-level theatre and dance productions. He also performed at the Victorian Training Awards opening ceremony.

Most recently, Dante showcased his choreographic skills in an amateur dance film. This project highlighted his creative vision and innovative approach to dance.

Ezlimar Dortolina

Former Soloist and Principal Ballerina, Guest Artist, and highly qualified teacher

Born and trained in Caracas, Venezuela, Ezlimar began her ballet studies with Nina Novak.

Ezlimar has danced as a soloist and principal ballerina with renowned companies across the U.S. and Latin America, including Ballet Teresa Carreño, Tulsa Ballet, and the Oklahoma City Ballet.

Her repertoire includes leading roles in beloved productions such as Don Quixote, Black Swan, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.

In addition to performing, Ezlimar has made an impact as a guest artist and teacher at various academies and festivals.

Since relocating to Australia, she has taught at multiple dance schools and as a supporting teacher for the 2021 International Ballet Workshops. Currently, she works with both Full Time and Part Time Programs at the National Ballet School.

An ABT Certified Teacher, Ezlimar has completed training in the ABT National Curriculum and is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and the International Character Dance Syllabus.

She is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers through her teaching. We are delighted to have her share her insights with our adult ballet dancers at City Adult Ballet.

Female dancer standing on pointe on one leg looking at the camera

Jill Ogai

Bondi-born Australian ballet teacher and award winning former Principal Artist

Raised on the iconic Bondi Beach, Jill Ogai’s journey into ballet began at an early age. Inspired by a video of Swan Lake, 4-year-old Jill and her twin brother surprised their parents with a request to start ballet classes.

At 14, Jill moved to Melbourne to pursue her passion for ballet at the Australian Ballet School. Her dedication and talent quickly became evident, and she toured with the Dancers Company in 2010 and 2011.

In 2012, Jill received a contract to join The Australian Ballet, marking the beginning of a stellar career. Jill’s skill and artistry were recognised when she was promoted to soloist in 2018. In 2019, she was honoured with the Telstra Dancer of the Year Award, solidifying her reputation as a leading dancer in the Australian ballet scene. In December 2023, Jill reached the pinnacle of her career with a promotion to Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet. Known for her strength and versatility, she has captivated audiences with her performances in both classical and contemporary works.

We are thrilled to welcome Jill Ogai as a guest teacher at City Adult Ballet. Her wealth of experience and passion for dance will undoubtedly inspire and elevate our students. Join us for an unforgettable experience with one of Australia’s most distinguished ballet artists.

Kalman Warhaft

Kalman Warhaft

Former Dancer at the Sydney Dance Company, Director of Melbourne Institute of Dance

Following his graduation from The Australian Ballet School, Kalman joined the Sydney Dance Company, under the directorship of Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon.

In his time with the company, Kalman performed a great number of featured roles in the company’s repertoire including: Murphy’s ‘Short Stories’, ‘Berlin’, ‘The Director’s Cut’ and ‘Grand’, Stephen Petronio’s ‘Underland’, Meryl Tankard’s ‘INUK2’ and Rafael Bonachela’s ‘360 ̊ ’, and ‘We Unfold’.

Kalman has completed a Graduate Diploma in Elite Dance Instruction at The Australian Ballet School and is now Director of Melbourne Institute of Dance.

Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson

Former professional dancer with a diverse and exciting career history

Jessica Thompson isn’t just a ballet teacher; she’s a living testament to the transformative power of dance. With a journey that spans continents and stages, Jessica’s passion for ballet has taken her from the hallowed halls of The Australian Ballet School to the world-renowned Sydney Dance Company

Jessica’s career began at the prestigious Australian Ballet School. Her talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of The Australian Ballet and in 2004, she became a cherished member of the company. From there, Jessica embarked on a whirlwind tour, gracing stages across Australia and around the globe, including London, Shanghai, Cardiff, and Tokyo. 

In 2009, Jessica joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. During her time with the company, she mesmerised audiences with her grace and artistry.

Jessica’s heart always remained close to home, and upon her return to Melbourne, she became a vital part of the Melbourne Ballet Company. Her performances were hailed for their elegance and emotion, showcasing her versatility as a dancer and her deep connection to her craft.

In 2012, Jessica’s career reached new heights when she joined the illustrious Sydney Dance Company. As a featured dancer in many of the company’s acclaimed productions, Jessica captivated audiences with her breathtaking performances and her ability to bring stories to life through movement. She took part in the company’s groundbreaking “2 One Another” international tour, which took her to North America, South America, and Russia.

Justine Miles Guest Teacher at City Adult Ballet

Justine Miles

Passionate ballet teacher and for Principal and Soloist with the Australian Ballet

At 15 years of age, Justine was accepted into The Australian Ballet School and was selected to join The Australian Ballet under the directorship of Maina Gielgud. She quickly achieved the rank of Leading Soloist, working and learning alongside great artists such as Sir Robert Helpmann, Rudolf Nureyev, Galina Ulanova, Anne Woolliams, Yiri Kylian and many others.

Justine has danced a number of Principal and Soloist roles as a dancer with The Australian Ballet. These include Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Merry Widow and La Sylphide. Justine was also a Guest Principal Artist for the National Ballet of Canada and the Dancers Company.

Justine has a great passion for teaching our adult dancers at City Adult Ballet, and we are so grateful to have her share her expertise in the studio.

City Adult Ballet Guest Teacher The Australian Ballet's Ballerina Lana Jones

Lana Jones

Highly awarded former Principal Artist at the Australian Ballet

Lana was only 3 years old when she knew she wanted to be a dancer. Boundless and full of energy, it was the disciplined art form of ballet that was the one thing that gave her focus and a sense of determination to succeed.

In 2002, Lana joined The Australian Ballet, and in 2005 she was promoted to Coryphée. In the same year, she won the prestigious Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, the highest accolade of its kind for Australian ballet dancers.

Lana’s career has seen her perform an extensive range of roles from Kitri in Don Quixote, Giselle, Odette, and Baroness von Rothbart in Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake, Firebird, Manon, and as Aurora in David McAllister‘s world premiere of Sleeping Beauty

Lana has received 2 Helpmann Awards for Best Female Dancer for her roles in Firebird and Forgotten Land. She was awarded a Green Room Award for Best Female Dancer, and an Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer in Firebird 2009. In 2010, Lana was promoted to principal artist alongside her husband and dancer, Daniel Gaudiello, who is also a guest teacher at City Adult Ballet.

Laura Tong

Laura Tong

New Zealand-born, starting her impressive career at the English National Ballet in London

Born in New Zealand, Laura’s journey in the world of ballet began with a leap of passion that led her to grace the stages of prestigious ballet companies across the globe.

In the year 2000, Laura embarked on her professional ballet career, joining the English National Ballet in London as a Corps de Ballet member. Her dedication and talent quickly propelled her through the ranks, setting the stage for a remarkable trajectory in the world of dance.

In 2004, Laura found her artistic home with The Australian Ballet, where she flourished as a dancer. Over the years, her artistry and commitment garnered recognition, culminating in her elevation to the esteemed position of Soloist in 2009. That same year, Laura earned a nomination for the prestigious Telstra Ballet Dancer of the Year Award.

Throughout her illustrious career, Laura’s versatility was on show as she embraced a diverse classical and contemporary repertoire. She captivated audiences with her portrayal of the Baroness in Graeme Murphy‘s Swan Lake, and embodied the fiery spirit of the Street Dancer in Rudolf Nureyev‘s Don Quixote. Laura’s performances exude elegance, strength, and artistry.

In 2016, following the joyous arrival of her second child, Laura gracefully transitioned from the stage to the studio, embarking on a new chapter as a ballet instructor. Laura’s Bachelor’s in Business Studies from Monash University and Diploma in Benesh Movement Notation, the universal language for writing dance, allowe her to bring a unique blend of artistic insight and academic rigour to the studio.

Lisa Bolte

Highly experienced dancer, mother, coach, and ballet teacher

Lisa Bolte studied at The Australian Ballet School, graduating in 1985. She was then selected to join The Australian Ballet’s Corps de Ballet in 1986. Lisa was promoted rapidly through the company’s ranks to Principal Artist in 1993.

In 1998, Lisa was awarded the Mo Award for Best Female Dancer after her performances as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, partnered by Steven Heathcote. As a Guest Artist, Lisa performed in Nureyev’s final tour of Sydney, Australia (1991); the National Ballet of Canada’s Swan Lake and The Merry Widow (1994); the Mariinsky Ballet as Giselle, and as Kitri in Don Quixote (1997). Notably, she appeared for the Royal Danish Ballet as Odette/Odile in Peter Martin’s world premiere season of Swan Lake (1998).

In 2002, Lisa left The Australian Ballet to become a mother, returning as Resident Principal Guest Artist in 2005. On her return to the company, Lisa enjoyed three wonderful years recapturing many beautiful classical roles. Highlights included performing the Sylph in La Sylphide, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and the girl in La Spectre de la Rose. She also performed as Raymonda in the world premiere season of Raymonda, choreographed by Stephen Baynes.

In 2007, after final performances as the Sugarplum Fairy in Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker, Lisa retired as a Dancer with The Australian Ballet. Embracing arts administration, Lisa worked as Patron Manager (TAS/VIC) for The Australian Ballet from 2011 to 2016. 

Always keen to share her experience in dance, Lisa continues to enjoy coaching and teaching, as well as performing as a guest with the Australian Ballet in theatrical roles, including Swan Lake, Giselle and in David McAllister’s production of The Sleeping Beauty.

Madeleine Eastoe Guest Teacher City Adult Ballet

Madeleine Eastoe

A natural storyteller on stage and regular guest teacher at City Adult Ballet

Madeleine began dancing at the age of 6 in Perth, Western Australia. She moved to Melbourne to join The Australian Ballet School, graduating in 1996. Madeleine accepted her first professional contract at The Australian Ballet Company in 1997.

Madeleine has a natural flair for storytelling on stage and clean, precise technique. This helped her rise through the ranks quickly, and she was promoted to Principal Artist in 2004, after performing the principal role in Maina Gielgud’s production of Giselle.

Madeleine is particularly fond of her roles in Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake, Sir Peter Wright’s Nutcracker,  and Alexi Ratmansky’s Cinderella. She also shines in the collection of works by Australian choreographer Steven Baynes, many of which were created on her.

Madeleine retired from The Australian Ballet after performing another of her favourite roles, Giselle, in 2015.

As a guest teacher at City Adult Ballet, Madeleine shares her quick wit and love of dance with our adult dancers.

Marc Cassidy City Adult Ballet Guest teacher

Marc Cassidy

Classical ballet teacher, Pilates instructor, and strength and conditioning coach

New Zealand-born Marc is a classically trained ballet dancer and performer with over 16 years of professional experience, having performed with The Australian Ballet Company

During his career as a senior artist, he performed many principal roles and was awarded a Green Room Award for Best Male Dancer in 2008.

Following his retirement from dance in 2009, Marc worked as a Pilates instructor in his own business as well as a strength and conditioning coach at The Australian Ballet School.

He is currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Elite Dance Instruction through The Australian Ballet School.

Masha Peker Guest Ballet teacher at City Adult Ballet

Masha Peker

Ukraine-born former professional dancer, Pilates instructor, and supportive ballet teacher

Masha Peker is an accomplished ballet teacher and a former professional dancer with the Melbourne Ballet Company.

Originally from Ukraine, Masha began her dance journey at a young age and has dedicated her life to the art of ballet. With over 14 years of professional experience, she has performed across Australia, bringing her passion for dance to audiences nationwide.

Masha’s teaching philosophy emphasises the importance of a strong foundation in classical technique, combined with the nurturing of each student’s creativity. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where adult learners can explore their love for ballet from any starting point.

Her classes focus on building strength, flexibility, and confidence, encouraging students to connect with their bodies and express themselves through movement. In addition to her ballet teaching, Masha is a certified Pilates instructor, which she incorporates into her ballet training. She believes that Pilates enhances overall performance and injury prevention, offering her students a holistic approach to dance.

Masha has trained athletes, including past and future Commonwealth Games gymnasts, helping them develop the physical resilience needed for high-level performance.

The Australian Ballet and Award winning dancer Nathan Brook looking at the camera

Nathan Brook

Senior Artist at the Australian Ballet, classical ballet teacher in Melbourne

Nathan, born in Avalon Beach, New South Wales, discovered his passion for dance at the age of 7. His parents noticed his innate ability to dance to any music, prompting them to enroll him in dance classes.

Nathan initially trained at Lamont Dance School in Avalon Beach under the guidance of Aryana Lamont. At the age of 14, Nathan’s journey led him to Melbourne, where he joined the Australian Ballet School.

Following his graduation, he became part of the Queensland Ballet’s Young Artist Program. During this time, he had the privilege of performing in iconic works such as George Balanchine’s Serenade and Sir Kenneth McMillan’s Romeo and Juliet. Nathan officially joined Queensland Ballet in 2015, participating in company tours to Lausanne, London, and Shanghai.

In 2016, he joined the corps de ballet of The Australian Ballet, marking the beginning of an impressive career trajectory. His dedication and talent earned him promotions, becoming a Coryphée in 2018, a Soloist in 2019, and reaching the rank of Senior Artist in 2022.

Nathan’s most recent notable role was portraying Romeo in John Cranko‘s rendition of Romeo and Juliet.

Femal dancer in leotard and short white repertoire skirt pointing foot standing in front of ballet barre

Natasha Kusen

Sydney-born, Prix de Lausanne scholarship recipient, mother, and ballet teacher

Born in Sydney, Natasha began dancing at the age of 4. In 2001, Natasha won a scholarship at the Prix de Lausanne to study at the Royal Ballet School in London. While she was still a student, Natasha toured with the Royal Ballet to Australia in 2002 and Russia in 2003. Upon graduation in 2003, Natasha returned home to Australia to join The Australian Ballet.

In 2006, she was the recipient of the George Garratt Scholarship, which enabled her to gain valuable experience visiting European ballet companies. Natasha received two nominations for the Telstra Dancer of the Year Award in both 2010 and 2013. She was promoted to the rank of Soloist Dancer of The Australian Ballet in 2013.

Natasha retired from The Australian Ballet in December 2019 and welcomed her first child to the world in 2020.

Paul Knobloch Guest Teacher at City Adult Ballet

Paul Knobloch

Dancer, mentor, teacher, and choreographer, and Ballet Master for the Australian Ballet

Paul was born in Canberra, ACT, and is a highly regarded dancer, mentor, teacher, and choreographer. Paul has performed all over the world with companies including Sydney Dance Company, West Australian Ballet, the English National Ballet in the UK, Alonzo King LINES Ballet in San Francisco, the successful children’s group The Wiggles, and The Australian Ballet.

Paul’s is currently teaching as Ballet Master for The Australian Ballet. He has taught for Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Hong Kong Ballet, National Ballet of China, Les Ballet de Monte Carlo, and the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre.

Paul has choreographed beautiful works for companies in Australia, including The Australian Ballet, and around the world.

We are delighted to have Paul share his wealth of knowledge, great sense of humour, passion, and experience with our adult dancers.

Rachel Rawlins

Former Principal Artist and current resident guest teacher at the Australian Ballet

Canberra born Rachel, traveled to London to join the Royal Ballet as First Soloist, later returning home to dance with The Australian Ballet. In 2004, Rachel was promoted to Principal Artist and danced all the major Principal roles in The Australian Ballet’s repertoire, and featured in many of the contemporary works.

Rachel was nominated for the Telstra Dancer of Year Award, a Green Room Award nomination for her performance in Jiri Kyllian’s, Forgotten Land, and Ausdance Award nominations for her portrayal of Odette in Steven Baynes’, Swan Lake, Cio-Cio-San in Madame Butterfly and Aurora in Stanton Welch’s The Sleeping Beauty.

Rachel received her Graduate Diploma of Elite Dance Instruction from The Australian Ballet School and is also a resident guest teacher for the school.

We are so fortunate to have had Rachel impart her experiences and insights as a professional dancer to our adult dancers in the studio.

Richard House

Richard House

Diversely trained dancer with experience dancing for companies around the world

Richard was born in Sunbury, Victoria. He began his ballet training at the Classique School of Dance, in Sunbury. He initially took up ballet to help with his posture and placement in other dance styles.

At the age of 12, Richard was accepted to train at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, studying ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, and contemporary. In 2006, he was awarded a Victorian College of the Arts scholarship to train at the Scottish School of Dance in Glasgow.

He was accepted into The Australian Ballet School in 2008. While there he discovered a passion for choreography and was awarded the Graeme Murphy Award for Excellence in Contemporary Dance. He toured with the Dancers Company in 2010, and received a contract to join The Australian Ballet the following year. Here, he danced many Soloist roles, and choreographed four different works for The Australian BalletIn 2018 he joined the Sarasota Ballet in Florida, USA, as a Soloist ballet dancer. 

We are very lucky to have Richard as our guest teacher whenever he visits Australia.

Robert Mills

Distinguished graduate of New Zealand School of Dance, Vaganova-trained ballet teacher

Robert studied classical ballet from a young age at the McDonald College in Sydney and later at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington.

During his career, he danced with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, and the West Australian Ballet. Robert has performed principal roles including the Nutcracker Prince, the Lead Dancer in The Rite of Spring, and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.

Career highlights include dancing in works by inspiring choreographers, Jiří Kylián, George Balanchine, Glen Tetley, and John Cranko. In 2013 Robert performed for then Prime Minister Julia Gillard during her visit to the West Australian Ballet Centre, and in the same year, was recognised as a Distinguished Graduate by the New Zealand School of Dance.

He successfully completed the Vaganova Teacher Training course at The Australian Ballet School, and we are very lucky to have Robert sharing his love, expertise in dance, and his calm nature with our dancers at City Adult Ballet.

Teagan Lowe Guest Adult Ballet Teacher City Adult Ballet

Teagan Lowe

Highly experienced dance performer, director, guest teacher, examiner, and adjudicator

Teagan trained at The Australian Ballet School, graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Dance. In 2005, Teagan was invited to join the Sydney Dance Company under the artistic direction of Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon.

Throughout Teagan’s career with Sydney Dance Company, she performed much of Graeme Murphy’s repertoire (both nationally and internationally) as both an Ensemble member and Principal Artist. Teagan’s position as a Principal Artist with Sydney Dance Company opened up opportunities for her to perform at international galas and festivals. She has also performed in a television series, blockbuster movies, and the Australian Dance and Helpmann awards.

In 2010, Teagan was appointed Associate Artistic Director of a newly formed company – Mod Dance Company. This role enabled her to delve into more areas of theatre, including management and staging. This allowed Teagan to advance her knowledge in all areas of arts management.

In addition to her performance and directorial career, Teagan has been a guest teacher, examiner and adjudicator throughout America and Australia. Teagan has performed as a guest Principal Artist for the Tasmanian Classical Ballet Company, Liquid Skin and Vertical Shadows. From 2011 to 2013, she was an artist with The Australian Ballet Company.

Teagan is currently an Artist with Opera Australia, where she holds the position of Dance Captain, in conjunction with studying a Bachelor’s of Sports Psychology.

Yuiko Matsukawa City Adult Ballet Guest teacher

Yuiko Masukawa

Esteemed Japanese classical/contemporary fusion choreographer and educator

Yuiko Masukawa is an esteemed Japanese choreographer and educator based in Naarm/Melbourne. She is known for her innovative fusion of contemporary performance and classical ballet.

With a dedication to creating inclusive and groundbreaking dance, Yuiko’s work resonates with both traditional and modern audiences. Yuiko is the current recipient of the prestigious Telstra Emerging Choreographer’s Award from the Australian Ballet, highlighting her significant contributions to the dance community with her acclaimed work, 3

She is committed to fostering independent and inclusive dance in Australia through her multifaceted approach to art creation. She teaches and participates in both local and international residencies and platforms.

Yuiko’s works have been showcased widely, including at Arts House for Bleed Festival, The Australian Ballet for Frame Festival, the Bowery Theatre, Dancehouse, Lucy Guerin Inc, and BalletLab’s Out of Bounds program.

In 2020, Yuiko further honed her choreographic skills through secondments with the New York City Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet, supported by the Ian Potter Cultural Trust. She has earned nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Dance at the 2018 Australian Dance Awards as Director of Melbourne City Youth Ballet, and for Design/Technical Achievement at the 2023 Green Room Awards for Running Machine.

Yuiko’s teaching philosophy blends her deep expertise in ballet with a passion for creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Her classes are a testament to her innovative spirit and commitment to excellence in dance education.

Studio Location

Ministry of Dance

Level 1, 64 Sutton Street
North Melbourne ​

Our Schedule

Mondays:

Intermediate &
Advanced Ballet 
7:00pm – 8:15pm


Tuesdays:

Beginner Open Ballet
10:00am – 11:30am
*Beginners Dancers have the option to watch Advanced class for 15 minutes
11:30am – 11:45am

Intermediate & Advanced Ballet
10:00am – 11:30am

Our Schedule

Wednesdays:

Beginner Ballet

7:00pm – 8:15pm


Thursdays:

Beginner Open Ballet
10:30am – 11:45am
*Beginners Dancers have the option to watch Advanced class for 15 minutes
11:45am – 12:00pm

Intermediate & Advanced Ballet
10:30am – 12:00pm

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Email Us:
info@cityadultballet.com

Call us: 0432 252 278