Team

At the age of 5 I commenced classical ballet (Cecchetti Method) and increased my classes to include jazz and tap at Rosebud Ballet School. In 2000 Miss Sandra Allen encouraged me to assist in teaching, and I found a second passion to teach dance. I completed my Contemporary dance and Fine Arts Degree  at Deakin University and went on to further my chosen career by completing a 2 year, full time  course, graduating with a Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management  from Box Hill TAFE which includes my Certificate 4 in Dance Training and Assessment.

In 2007 I purchased the current school from Miss Anita and decided to introduce the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet. This involved further studies of teaching and I gained my Cecchetti Associate in 2008 as well as Affiliate teacher of ATOD. I have completed all Cecchetti Examinations up to and including Advanced 2 with honours. I have continued my studies attending various workshops and dance forums over the years in all genres.

With over 20 years of teaching experience I still  love to dance and to share my passion and knowledge with students and find that it is their energy ,enthusiasm and talent that keeps me inspired.

Heidi Ratten has been a enthusiastic dancer and performer since the age of 3. having recently completed her Full time Dance and teacher Training at Kelly Ackers Fulltime Dance she has been able to develop skills and master new teaching techniques. Through her training there , she has had many performance opportunities, including: Masters of Choreography ( A Nightmare on Dance Street and signs of the Zodiac), Australian Dance Festival (Sydney), Crown casino ‘Red Ball’ and the 2014 Dancing With the Stars commercial. As a teacher Heidi aims to develop and continuously grow a students love of dance, whilst focusing on correct and safe technique. Heidi is continuing her professional training as she moves into a more teacher based career to ensure she can provide the best classroom and industry experience for students. Her qualifications and experience within both the fitness and dance industries gives her a great understanding of the dancers body and how it must work to see the best possible results and recently gained employment with Kelly Ackers training her Fulltime Students in strength and conditioning. Certificate 3 Group fitness, Certificate 4 Master Personal trainer, Children's Fitness Instructor, Certificate 4 Dance , Certificate 4 Dance Teaching and Management.

 Annette began dancing at age 2 and has never stopped. She has been teaching for 25 years and performed professionally within Australia and Internationally while in her late teens and 20s. She is highly qualified, having trained in personal training, group exercise, specialist children’s exercise, as well as gymnastic coaching, Acrobatic Arts, Circus skills and YPAD Certifications.  She has directed and choreographed many musicals both amateur and professional. Annette is also currently studying a Master of Teaching. She has 2 children; Michael who is also studying a Master of Teaching and Sarahbell who is studying full time musical theatre diploma at Kelly Ayker’s Full Time Dance. When not dancing or studying she loves the beach, travelling, and a good novel.  

Denique began dance training at 3 years old in ballet, jazz and tap at Miss Anita’s Ballet School. When Dwan took over the school in 2007, she increased her styles to include contemporary and was able to start assisting Dwan with some of the younger students where she found her love of teaching. After graduating high school, Denique continued her dance training at Kelly Ayker’s Full Time Dance where she completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre. She has performed in Broadway Academy’s production of “The Sound of Music” as Liesel, Parklife Production’s performances of ‘Chicago’ as Ensemble and Cover for Liz & Mona, and more recently in Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria’s production of ‘Pirate of Penzance’ as Dance Captain and Ensemble. She has also worked as a vocal soloist for multiple cabaret style shows at the Butterfly Club and performed as a Showgirl at Crown Palladium for their Red Ball. Denique had the opportunity to choreograph for her first musical in 2017 where she was assistant choreographer for Padua College’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and this year, she is very excited to be the choreographer for GSOV’s production of ‘Kiss Me Kate’. Denique has a passion for helping students achieve their full potential in dance and finding a way to express their love for performing on and off the stage.