Adult Ballet Centre Team
We thought we would share a little about ourselves with you.
Contemporary Dance, Classical Ballet, Pointe, Private Coaching, Body Conditioning for Dance, Repertoire, and more...
Introducing to you our diverse and passionate team: Mollie Harrison, Amy Lowis, Alex Cramer, Isabella Wagar, Anka Ditmann, Mia Hayward, Tonia Walker, Robyn Begg, Yvette Sauvage, Emma Koppelman, and Jennifer Fleenor.
Director Lee Harrison
Adult Ballet Centre® - Adult Ballet Centre Manager - ABC Faculty Classical Ballet Advanced/Intermediate, Beginners, Pointe Development Program, Private Coaching, Personal and High-Performance Training, Founder of Ballet IQ
Mollie Harrison is the head of program development at the Adult Ballet Centre® for Intermediate Classical Ballet. Advanced Classical Mollie's classes will challenge our members to improve fitness, technique, and artistry. Sharing her knowledge and passion in dance anatomy and physiology.
Mollie's background is varied and well-rounded, with many true artists as her teachers- having studied at The National Theatre Ballet School). VCASS-Kirsty Martin- (The Australian Ballet) Tim Harbour (The Australian Ballet) Tim Storey (WA Ballet). WAPPA Danielle Hunt (The Australian Ballet). Melbourne City Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pappalardo (Queensland Ballet) and many more.
She danced the solo of Raymonda's Dream Scene' and was the overall winner of the Francis Naylor and Maybel Pryde awards of the 2014 Ballet Teachers Workshop.
Mollie performed in Ballets and Contemporary dances created by Tim Habour 'Volente' and the principal role in 'Carmen.' Chunky Move- Adam Wheeler "It Sound Silly." Nils Cristie's ( Royal Swedish Ballet) Australian Premier of "SYNC" in the WAAPA season of 'Verve.' Melbourne City Ballet 2016 Contemporary season.
Mollie is a highly qualified High-Performance Sports Scientist and Master Personal Trainer with prestigious credentials as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance. Mollie's true passion lies in transforming adults through the art of classical ballet and fostering community growth through the arts.
Alex Cramer - Adult Ballet Centre
Adult Ballet Centre® - ABC Faculty Classical Ballet Advanced/Intermediate, Beginners, Pointe Development Program, Private Coaching, Solos, and Repertoire.
In 2016, Alex was auspiciously admitted to The Australian Ballet School under Lisa Pavane's guidance, culminating in her earning her Graduate Diploma in Classical Ballet in 2019. Moreover, she had previously procured both her Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Dance at the institution.
Alex subsequently attested with The Australian Ballet Brisbane and Melbourne productions of Christopher Wheeldon’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and The Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour of Peggy Van Praagh’s “Coppelia.”
Alex has recently complemented her craft overseas with an engagement in Japan and China with Universal Studios, and is now back in Melbourne, blissfully instructing and igniting the Adult Ballet Centre Dancers’ passion, while pursuing her career in singing and song writing.
Alex is available for private coaching in Classical ballet by request.
Amy Lowis - Adult Ballet Centre
Classical Ballet
Progressing Ballet Technique, Introduction to Classical Ballet, Foundation Beginners and Beginners Ballet. Private Coaching.
The Adult Ballet Centers team has welcomed Amy Lowis to their development programs, combining experience and education to provide an outstanding ballet program for adults interested in exploring movement health and well-being.
The Adult Ballet Centre® has developed programs for Introduction to Classical Ballet, Foundation Beginner, and Beginner Ballet levels, which focus on the fundamentals, refined technique, and artistry of Classical Ballet. The classes powerfully convey passion and interest in people.
At the Adult Ballet Centre®, we prioritise creativity in our teaching approach to ensure everyone can learn ballet and enjoy the exhilaration of expressing themselves through dance. Many individuals dream of dancing with passion and grace, experiencing the freedom of movement and artistic expression.
In our Introduction to Classical Ballet and Beginners Classical Ballet classes, every member receives personalized encouragement dedicated to refining their technique and paying close attention to details. Amy is currently studying Sport Science and Nutrition and undertaking her RAD teachers course.
Amy is available for private coaching sessions for those seeking even more personalised guidance.
Adult Ballet Centre® – Co-ordinator, Australian Institute of Classical Ballet (AICD) Adult Ballet Assessment Program
Beginners Ballet to Advanced | Pointe | Private Coaching
Tonia brings a lifetime of experience in classical dance and education to her role at the Adult Ballet Centre. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she holds her Cecchetti Licentiate and trained as a Primary School Teacher, where her love of dance and theatre naturally found its place in the classroom.
After taking time to raise her family, Tonia returned to the studio as an adult and reignited her deep connection to ballet. Her journey back to the barre has given her a unique understanding of the adult ballet experience—something she now shares with warmth and insight in every class she teaches.
In addition to ballet, Tonia has worked as a Level 0 Artistic Coach with state-level figure skaters, specialising in choreographic enhancement, flexibility, and ballet-based strength training. This crossover work has deepened her appreciation for the artistry and athleticism of movement.
At the Adult Ballet Centre®, Tonia is passionate about supporting adult dancers of all backgrounds, from complete beginners to advanced dancers. Her focus is on creating thoughtful, engaging, and empowering classes that honour each dancer’s personal journey.
Now at the Adult Ballet Centre, Tonia intends to use her diverse dance experience and passion for adult learning to create enjoyable and technically progressive classes for adults.
Adult Ballet Centre® Faculty – Contemporary Dance
Jennifer has been a dance-theatre artist, teacher, and choreographer for 20 years and Artistic Director of UNLID.DANCE company. Sharing her knowledge is a great pleasure for Jen, ensuring all adults receive highly technical modern dance guidance, ensuring the use of breath and spine activation and flow in her practice.
She started her career in New York City performing and touring with such artists as Michael Foley, Teri and Oliver Steele, John Evans, among others. In 2001, she moved to Dublin, Ireland, and, while living had in Europe a varied and expansive performance career, working mostly with CoisCeim Dance Theatre (Ireland). Jen has taught contemporary dance, hip-hop fusion, movement for theatre, dance in a community context, and dance in education workshops throughout the US, France, Ireland, and Japan.
Combining ongoing studies in evolving dance techniques, somatics, history, and her professional experience as a dance theatre artist. In addition to contemporary dance practices, Jennifer is inspired by dance in a community context, Simonson Jazz Technique, hip-hop dance and music, African dance, energy sciences, Alexander Technique, and Laban Movement Analysis. The love of dance and finding joy in one's own movement experience and creative process is always at the centre of the class, creating a fun and inspiring atmosphere. There is no floor work in our modern dance classes.
Jen has recently completed her Master’s of Dance at VCA Melbourne University and is now the Director of UNLID.DANCE company,
Adult Ballet Centre Faculty – Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary & Floor Barre and Pilates
Annaliese is a passionate and highly accomplished dance artist and educator, bringing a wealth of professional experience and a deep love for adult ballet to the Adult Ballet Centre faculty.
A graduate of The Australian Ballet School (2018), Annaliese went on to perform with The Australian Ballet and later joined The Royal New Zealand Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member from 2020–2022. Her extensive repertoire includes classical and contemporary works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Ohad Naharin, and William Forsythe.
Annaliese has also made her mark as a choreographer. She was selected to create original works for The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s choreographic seasons in 2020 and 2021, and her work ‘Limerence’ was commissioned into film for the company’s 2022 digital season. Most recently, she was engaged by Artistic Director Ty King-Wall to choreograph for the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Scottish Ballet—an exciting recognition of her creative talent.
In addition to her performance and choreographic career, Annaliese is a passionate and dedicated teacher focusing on adult ballet training. She has also trained with Sydney Dance Company, enriching her contemporary artistry. She holds qualifications in Pilates, which she integrates into her teaching to support safe, functional movement and body awareness.
Annaliese is known for her thoughtful approach to musicality, technique, and creativity. She brings warmth, precision, and deep care to every class, creating a supportive space where adult dancers feel seen, challenged, and inspired. She especially values the commitment and openness of adult learners and is passionate about helping them build confidence, strength, and personal expression through dance.
We are delighted to welcome Annaliese to the ABC faculty, where her experience, artistry, and dedication beautifully align with our mission of empowering adult dancers at every stage of their journey.
Saige - Adult Ballet Centre
Lee Director of Adult Ballet Centre art work ‘Jackie weaver’ by Jaq Grantford
Adult Ballet Centre Director, Arnold Street Studio Manager.
Lee-Anne (Lee) studied fine arts with a focus on sculpture and photography. Then became an award-winning stylist in Kooyong, Camberwell, Brighton, and Elwood, leading educational programs, fashion shoots, and training many apprentices.
Having been the President of School Council for six years, involved in, policy reviews, Rego Emelia education, community events, and leading a six million dollar redevelopment of the school, then went on to be President of the School Council at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) for three years. In governance and policy development for the arts and education, she was overseeing budgets, and future projections and supported the implementation of the select entry of Fine Arts, adding to the Dance and Music special entry departments.
Tour Manager for International Ballet Workshops managing Ballet Guest Artists from the Paris Opera Ballet and The Conservatoire de Lyon, Lee-Anne worked closely with the Guest Artists, students, parents, and host studios to ensure the success of the tours in NZ and Australia.
Taking on the Melbourne City Ballet (MCB) role, Lee-Anne developed the Education/ Elite Ballet training program, MICA, in partnership with Coburg Secondary College. During her time with MCB, Lee-Anne was the event manager for the annual Gala, led the marketing photoshoots, and formed strategic partnerships that supported the vision of Melbourne City Ballet Company.
In 2019 Lee-Anne took on the National Theatre Ballet School role working closely with the Artistic Director as Community Development, Social Media Manager, and Event Manager. Focusing on hero images and messaging, partnerships, and leading the full-time Ballet training school auditions as the Audition Tour Manager. She supported the National Theatre SEO and moved to specialised community events and marketing.
While always thriving on many projects and events, Lee-Anne passion is Adult Ballet Centre implementing a positive, impactful social enterprise that is inclusive, inspiring, and artistic community wrapped up in Ballet and Dance.
Ensuring Ballet and Dance are accessible to all in our community without exclusion or judgment. Our teachers are specialists in their Ballet and Dance fields, having had professional careers, full-time professional training, and achieving distinction in their exam classes in RAD and Cecchetti, Contemporary Dance.
The team is involved in higher education in Sports Science, Elite training, Dietetics, Psychology, Dance, Teaching, Yoga, and much more.
Our diversity is what makes our team inclusive and passionate.
Dance is a beautiful art form for all.
Guest Teachers
Emma Koppelman - Adult Ballet Centre
Classical Ballet Beginners to Advanced, Pointe, Private Coaching, Repertoire and Solos
Emma began her career in Melbourne and graduated from The Australian Ballet School. She promptly became a part of the company and has had several noteworthy moments in her career. Some of her notable achievements include performing both ensemble and soloist roles in productions like "Theme and Variations" directed by Sandy Jennings, William Forsythe's "Artifact Suite," and Christopher Wheeldon's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
In addition to her impressive dance journey, Emma has also achieved Advanced 2 in the RAD technique. She recently joined The English National Ballet Company in London and is back in Melbourne.
Emma is not only a gifted dancer but also a skilled teacher. We are thrilled to have her teach at the Adult Ballet Centre to guide and inspire our dancers.
Yvette Sauvage - Adult Ballet Centre
Guest teacher - Introduction to Classical Ballet, Beginner to Advanced, Pionte, Repertoire, Solos.
Yvette is a Secondary School Teacher and former professional ballet dancer formally with Western Australian Ballet and The Australian Ballet companies. Having spent the last five years with The Australian Ballet company as their Studio teacher and as the Outreach and Education Program Coordinator, Yvette has completed her Master of Teaching Primary Secondary at Deakin, now a full-time teacher at Saint Michael’s in performing arts and physical education. Combining her experience in the ballet world and her study of current teaching methods, Yvette brings a refreshed outlook to the traditional art form of ballet. She loves giving her students the agency to dance and perform in their unique ways and will always bring a sense of humour and warmth to the studio.
Yvette enjoys her time at the Adult Ballet Centre, sharing her diverse teaching experience and passion.
Adutl Ballet Centre dancer