Reviews

‘The joy I experience each time I attend a City Adult Ballet Class is matched only by the enthusiasm of the teachers who are delighted to share their love of ballet with their students. The quality of the guest teachers (mainly ex-Australian Ballet dancers) is exceptional and even I can see how much I've improved from week to week under their expert guidance. Thank you, Jane Casson, for creating a safe, loving, and fun environment for adult ballet dancers!’

‘The teachers and students at City Adult Ballet are not only inspiring, talented, and friendly but they have also given me back my love and passion for ballet. As a returning student of ballet after 30 plus years, I was nervous about my entry-level of dance but from the first class, I was made to feel welcomed and included. The encouragement and teaching abilities of the teachers have made classes fun and rewarding.
Give it a go, it is a great workout and you will be amazed at how quickly your inner ballerina will shine.’

‘City Adult Ballet not only rekindled my love of ballet but also gave me confidence, a great challenge, and enjoyment. Jane's love of teaching and genuine care for her students really shines through. A really positive and supportive environment, great for all levels, particularly those who are coming back after (many years) break or those who want to try something new.’

‘The divine music and choreography have given happy new challenges and a spring in my step!’

‘If you want to find joy in ballet as an adult, these are the classes to attend! Jane Casson & her guest teachers have created a wonderful community. All classes are friendly, welcoming & inclusive whether you are beginning your dance journey, returning to classes or intermediate/advanced. The experienced teachers (ex or current professional dancers) share their specialised knowledge in technique, musicality & artistry in a generous nurturing manner. Barre work & adagio is always focused & explained in terms of how your body should be placed & feeling through the movements. Center work is always inspiring, fun & encouraging us to achieve our best. These are the classes you can immerse yourself in the beauty & the technical aspects of ballet, regardless of age!’

‘Jane's classes have taken my love of ballet to a whole new level. She knows how to give fun exercises that are challenging but still within your reach, and gives corrections in a warm, encouraging way. She's got plenty of performance experience under her belt, having previously danced with The Australian Ballet, so you can learn so much about performing and artistry from her generous tips. I've also done a couple of classes with the guest teachers and they were amazing as well. Highly recommended!’

‘My technical abilities to coordinate the flow of movements with my musicality and finding balance have all grown exponentially. I've never been more passionate about dance and I am really excited to see how far I can stretch my mind and body through dance.’

‘It is a joy to attend classes at City Adult Ballet each week. Jane is a gifted, kind, and inspiring teacher. She warmly welcomes dancers of all levels to her classes and patiently guides you to develop your technique and artistry through her expert teaching and friendly approach. The opportunity to learn from wonderful guest teachers in addition to Jane’s incredible classes is another bonus of coming to CAB. The teachers balance fun and discipline while skillfully catering to a variety of levels of experience. Each class is challenging, fun, joyful, and inclusive. It is so motivating and confidence-building to see the improvement in your dancing over time. I can’t recommend CAB classes highly enough!’

‘Attending class with Jane and the guest teachers at City Adult Ballet is an absolute delight! Jane is an amazing teacher and motivator and I always leave class feeling so positive. It's a really friendly environment. I would 100% recommend this studio to any adult looking to continue (or start) their ballet journey!’

‘I can see and feel myself improving each week and love that everyone in the class is able to work at their own level of ability. Anyone who is looking for a fun and nurturing class should definitely give City Adult Ballet classes a try! I look forward to it all week!’

‘I've been taking classes at City Adult Ballet for around two years and I highly recommend them. Classes are continuing online via zoom and it's working really well. Jane (Casson, who runs the school) is particularly good at choreographing for small places.

Jane is one of the most giving people I've ever met. Her warmth and genuine interest in people have created a very warm community filled with love of dance and music.

Make no mistake - she's strict in the best possible way (so you know your technique is in good hands), but she's also very funny and has insights into performing from her own experience that can transform your dancing.

My favourite thing about her classes and the guest teachers she carefully chooses, is the nurturing environment - having my teachers believe in me in a genuine way, especially as an adult, has given me the courage to push myself further. I also love learning choreographed variations with a real focus on performance quality.

If you've been thinking about starting or returning to ballet, I highly recommend these classes - and zoom is a good way to start.’

‘Jane is an absolute treasure of a teacher; her classes at City Adult Ballet are a true hidden gem of Melbourne. I'm a professionally trained ballet dancer and found it very daunting going back to class after having a few years away from ballet. Jane's beautifully vibrant personality, coupled with her technical teaching style, challenged me and made me feel like I was home again. In 2020 ballet class went from the studio to at home in our lounge rooms via Zoom. Jane's online zoom classes are some of the best I have ever done. I was back week after week and loved every moment of it. So much so, it motivated me to get back into weekly studio classes. Which I am loving! If you want to experience the magic of ballet whilst learning how to become the most technically proficient dancer you can be. A City Adult Ballet class is where you need to be.’

'Jane’s ballet classes are an absolute delight. They are truly a highlight of each week, a space in which we are not just taught, but challenged and nurtured. Jane is extremely supportive and warm, at the same time as teaching to an excellent standard. I’m particularly impressed at the way she can teach a group of both beginner dancers and advanced together. It benefits us as more novice dancers to have the model of the experienced dancers in the shared part of the class, and then we also get the pleasure of watching them rehearse their repertoire at the end! Jane has created a wonderful atmosphere of supportive and welcoming community, where genuine warmth and mutual respect are as intrinsic to the class experience as the classwork. She communicates through how she treats us that she believes in us as dancers, which then draws from us a higher level of technique and musicality.

‘With a lot of time off from dancing, this was a fantastic class that enabled me to pick up dance right where I left off. I know from previous experience how hard it can be to find a teacher who genuinely cares for your personal development and Jane does exactly that. She would be a fantastic fit for anyone who has, or hasn't danced before. Although the classes are for a variety of levels she definitely offers modifications for those who need things simplified or complicated, so don't be daunted if you're new to ballet. Everyone in the class is there for their own reasons and understand that there is a variation in skill level, so with that in mind everyone gets to challenge themselves.’

‘During Jane's classes as a beginner dancer, I've learned not only new ballet steps but how to feel the music and the meaning of the ballet movements. Her passion of ballet is so infectious it inspired me to give more of myself in each and every class. I was amazed at how far I came in just one term being a beginner dancer. 

These classes are a fantastic workout and great fun. They also proved to be a great benefit for my overall well-being. I found myself immersed in ballet and would highly recommend City Ballet classes.’

‘I have been taking ballet classes for more than ten years and City Adult Ballet has been the most inclusive, welcoming & inspiring environment to dance in! Jane is fantastic at accommodating for beginners & advanced alike, and is wonderful at teaching all elements of dance - not just technical but also artistry and performance skills. Bonus is her selection of funky tunes, which if you are lucky might include piano renditions of 70s and pop hits! It is always a joy to go to class, whether it's online or in person. I can't recommend it enough!’

‘City Adult Ballet renewed my love for dance! During lock-down I was searching for online dance classes when I came across this studio. I had no idea how a ballet class could be run online but was immediately blown away by the professionalism and set up provided. The online classes are structured in a way that still provides detailed teaching and correction no matter if you have a tiny apartment or massive studio to practice in. Along with weekly lessons, the studio also invites guest teachers ranging from Australian Ballet Soloists to Ballet Masters which gives beginners an incredible opportunity and insight to learn from. Opportunities that usually would only be available to company/pro dancers. I have to mention Principal Jane in my review. Her style of teaching just brings joy. The combination of her humor with her amazing skill and eye for detail makes you want to come back to class every week. Jane is accommodating to everyone no matter the skill level while still teaching a professional class. I highly recommend City Adult Ballet to anyone who wants to start learning or wants to renew their passion for dance. This is the place to be!’

‘Genuinely enjoyable ballet classes! The first class is to try remember the dance moves but this gets better after. I love the friendly environment and a great teacher, Jane Casson.’

'Dancing as an adult with Jane Casson is a truly valuable experience. Ballet has always been a part of my life, but it can be daunting starting it again as an adult. Jane encourages you to dance to your true ability, in your unique body. She will push you and make you believe you can improve, with only love and true caring support. Jane has the extensive professional experience which is so special, while still having a distinctive ability to connect with her dancers and lead a fun, sweaty, enriching class. Jane Casson is a true star as a teacher and she makes you believe you are a star too. I could not recommend her classes highly enough!'

“I came to city adult ballet a year ago and it has become the most treasured part of my week. Jane has created an inclusive, engaging and warm environment for all levels. Professional studio, diverse music in great location. Jane is an exceptional teacher who encourages, extends and challenges us all in a supportive manner and she treats her students with respect and injects humour into the class. Would encourage anyone to come and join us.”

“Coming from years of ballet and tertiary level dance training, it has been wonderful to find classes that have a balance of being serious/challenging and relaxing/fun. Jane has an understanding of each dancers goals and will be there to support and push you to achieve them. Even achieving things you didn’t think you could! It amazes me every week how Jane is able to create an environment for dancers who are either in the peak of their dance career, auditioning, finding dance as a hobby or returning after many years. The open intermediate class is suitable for all intermediate level dancers no matter what your purpose for attending class is because the one thing we all have in common is a love for dance.”