Classical Ballet

Advanced, Intermediate, Beginners, Pointe Development, Private Coaching, Personal and High-Performance Training, Solos, and Repertoire.

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.

Classical Ballet

Advanced, Intermediate/ Beginners, Pointe, Private Coaching, Solos, and Repertoire.

Bella began her training in Melbourne with Karen Stephens, after the closure of Ms Stephen’s school she moved to the Jane Moore Academy of Ballet where she studied until age 16. In 2017, she was selected as a candidate for the 45th Prix De Lausanne in Switzerland and during the competition she was offered a place in the Dutch National Ballet Trainee Program. She moved to Amsterdam to study under the direction of Jean-Yves Esquerre with her teacher Christiane Marchant. She received comprehensive training with a particular focus on the study of repertoire from choreographers such as August Bournonville, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Maurice Bejart, Nacho Duato, Jorma Elo, Crystal Pite, David Dawson and William Forsythe.

In 2019 she joined the Bayerisches Junior Ballett in Munich under the direction of Ivan Liska. It was here she was able to foster a love for the creative process working closely with choreographers in a space where collaboration and input from the dancers was encouraged. She gained her first professional stage experience dancing the lead couple in Allegro Brillante by George Balanchine with coaching from the iconic Nanette Glushak. Furthermore, Isabella deepened her knowledge and versatility with prominent pieces by Hans Van Manen and Jirí Kylián and new choreographies by Caroline Finn, Jörg Mannes and Martina La Ragione. During these years she danced with the Corps de Ballet of the Bayerisches Staatsballett in full length productions by John Neumeier and Christopher Wheeldon.

In 2021 she was hired by Igor and Yana Zelensky into the main company of the Bayerisches Staatsballett where she danced in many ballets including Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, La Bayadere, Cinderella, Jewels, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppelia and the world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s Tchaikovsky Overtures.

Isabella is passionate about expression through movement, advocating for self-discovery through ballet and is excited to share her love for dance with the Adult Ballet Centre community.

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.

AICD - Adult Ballet Assessment Program Co-ordinator. Beginners Ballet to Advanced, Pointe, Private Coaching.

Tonia trained as a young dancer at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Melbourne. On graduating, she achieved her Cicchetti Licentiate and studied to become a Primary School Teacher with a particular interest in school theatre and dance productions.

Over the past 15 years, while raising a family, she rekindled her dance journey as an adult and finally returned to the barre!

At this time, Tonia also discovered the figure skating world and began working with state-level figure skaters.

As a Level 0 Artistic Coach, she tailored ballet, flexibility, and strength training to suit an ice skater's needs. She helped improve the sport's artistic elements through her on-ice choreographic work.

Now at the Adult Ballet Centre, Tonia intends to use her diverse dance experience and passion for adult learning to create enjoyable adult classes for adults.

Adult Contemporary Dance

Fast Fusion Hip Hop, Private Coaching, Contemporary Dance Flow, Body Awareness, Dance for Theatre

Jennifer Fleenor is the head of the Contemporary Dance at the Adult Ballet Centre® for Contemporary Dance,  Contemporary Dance workshops, and development of Young Artists programs at the National Theatre Ballet School. See more about Jennifer https://www.jennifer-fleenor.com/

Jennifer has been a dance-theatre artist, teacher, and choreographer for 20 years. 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 over the last 20 years. 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 and ultimately creates a fun and inspiring atmosphere. 

Jen has recently completed her Masters of Dance at VCA Melbourne University and is now the Director of.UNLID.DANCE company,

Introduction to Classical Ballet, Beginner to Advanced, Beginners Pionte, Private Coaching, Repertoire, Solos.

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.

Contemporary Dance Flow and Adult Ballet Beginners to Advanced and Private Coaching

Mia Hayward, a teacher for the Adult Ballet Centre, has achieved her Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance).

She boasts a versatile acumen in dancing, encompassing classical ballet, rhythmic tap, jazz, classical characterisation, neo-contemporary, and theatrical musicality. Mia has extended her artistry in variegated art forms, performing with esteemed organizations like SCIMM. Platform Prodigy Company, Western Ballet Project, Melbourne City Youth Ballet, and Alchemy Dance Company.

Mia is excited to deliver her signature classes and engage with the diverse Adult Ballet Centre family as she shares her affinity for dance and guides students of all ages to meet their objectives.

Ballet Teacher Open Level Technique Class, Pilates, Progressing Ballet Technique. Beginners to Advanced, Body Sculpt Course producer, Private Coaching

Meet Anka Ditmann, a dance virtuoso with a rich and diverse background that spans classical ballet, contemporary dance, and folk dance. Anka is not only a certified Pilates instructor but also a seasoned expert in dance education. Her mastery extends to the Royal Academy (RAD) syllabus and a profound understanding of the Vaganova method. With a deep knowledge of anatomy, human movement, musculature, psychology, and artistic expression, Anka brings a multifaceted approach to her teaching.

Anka's teaching philosophy is grounded in kindness, unwavering firmness, and equitable treatment for all her students. She firmly believes in offering personalized encouragement and constructive feedback to every individual, fostering a positive and inspiring learning environment that nurtures the growth of each aspiring dancer.

Anka is excited to be part of our expert team at the Adult Ballet Centre.

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 Parkdale Primary 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 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

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.

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.