Our formal ballet classes, based on the Russian (Vaganova) method, provide a progressive learning experience. This method, developed over a century ago by Agrippina Vaganova, continues to evolve, encompassing all aspects a dancer needs. It instils musicality, strength, flexibility, control, stamina, and the entire use of the upper body, enabling dancers to express themselves freely and develop as artists. This is the preferred training method for most professional ballet companies and associated schools worldwide.

Ballet

Classical Ballet

Originally from the NSW North Coast, Olivia began dancing from a young age. She quickly showed promise, winning scholarships and placing at prestigious competitions such as the Sydney Eisteddfod and the Alana Haines Awards. At 10, Olivia joined the Australian Ballet School’s ‘Interstate Training Program’ and commenced full-time training at 14.

Following a career-ending injury, Olivia now channels her passion into teaching, sharing her knowledge and love of ballet with students of all ages.

Director of Melbourne Institute of Dance 

Carolina started dancing from a young age in Brazil. At 15, she took part in the Prix de Lausanne, where she accepted a scholarship to The Australian Ballet School.

In 2013 she performed in The Dancers Company and upon graduation got a contract with São Paulo Dance Company in Brazil. After spending a year in Brazil, Carol moved back to Australia to join the Melbourne City Ballet. In her professional years she got to perform many leading roles such as Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Teresina (Napoli), Kitri (Don Quixote), Carmen (Carmen) and is now currently rehearsing for her debut as Clara/SugarPlum fairy!

Level 6 Contemporary, Ballet	& Pointe

Car Parking

We will nurture your passion for dance - one step at a time!

Located in Melbourne's inner eastern suburbs,
Melbourne Institute of Dance offers
classical ballet and contemporary dance for all ages.

Whether you’re pursuing a career in dance or simply wanting to express yourself through artistic holistic movement - our dedicated team understands what it takes to maximise your potential.

We understand the expectations and demands of classical ballet in the 21st century. We take the best elements from our predecessors, base our training on Russian methodology, and combine this with current industry knowledge to best suit the needs of Australian dancers today.

Reflecting an ever-changing artistic landscape, contemporary dance training is another component of our comprehensive programme.



Contemporary 

Adult Dance

Folk

Other

Natalie is a dance instructor specialising in classical ballet, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the art form and giving back to the dance community.

Lauren Slade was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She received her dance training privately and at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg before joining The State Theatre Ballet in Pretoria in 1996.

After the closure of The State Theatre Ballet, she became a founding member of The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT; later renamed Joburg Ballet) in 2001 with the rank of soloist, performing roles in, among other ballets, The Sleeping Beauty, Papillon, Napoli and Coppélia.

Lauren has a National Certificate in Dance from the Technicon Pretoria and a diploma in Public Relations & Business Communications Damelin, Johannesburg and is a registered Royal Academy Ballet Teacher.

Annaliese danced professionally with The Australian Ballet and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. She trained full-time at The Australian Ballet School and Victorian College of the Arts, graduating with a Graduate Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance).

As a teacher, Annaliese has taught classical ballet, contemporary, and Pilates for a range of ages and levels across Melbourne. She draws from both her classical foundation and her contemporary performance experience to support technical precision, artistic expression, and body awareness in her students.

Annaliese is passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment that nurtures individuality, curiosity, and confidence, helping each student reach their potential both technically and creatively.

Originally from Darkinjung Country, Chimene is a Naarm (Melbourne) based performer, teacher and choreographer. She studied at the New Zealand School of Dance (Diploma of Dance Performance) and at WAAPA as a member of LINK Dance Company (Bachelor of Performing Arts - DANCE). Her movement practice is concerned with the expressivity, nuance and capacity of the human body to hold, endure and transform.

Chimene is a Certified Counter Technique Teacher and is passionate about facilitating dancers’ connection to joy and trust in their own bodies, and creating respectful, inspiring and playful dance environments.

Sharnie began dancing at the age of 6, where she quickly found a love for ballet. Trained primarily in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, she has completed Intermediate Foundation-level exams. She has also successfully competed in numerous competitions, including the Ballet Teacher’s Workshop and Royal South Street.

Sharnie joined MIoD in 2017, gaining significant insight into the Vaganova training system and progressing to her current role, teaching Tiny and Pre-Ballet students from 2021.
​
In addition to teaching dance, she is currently studying a Bachelor of Design at the University of Melbourne.

Sharnie fosters a fun and supportive environment for our young dancers, helping to nurture their creativity and love for dance.

Ashley found her passion for dance and ballet when she started at 4 years old. She has experience with both Vaganova and RAD methods and has completed her Advanced Foundation examination in 2018. Ashley has also successfully competed in numerous competitions, including local eisteddfods, Ballet Teacher’s Workshop, and the Kathleen Gorham Memorial Awards.

Joining MIoD at the end of 2018, Ashley has loved dancing with all dancers big and small. She particularly enjoys teaching Tiny and Pre-Ballet students.

Outside of dance, Ashley is undertaking a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, and is also part of Melbourne University jazz and lyrical teams.

Hiroko began her ballet training at the age of three in Tokyo, Japan.

She was later accepted into the full-time program at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, where she completed both her Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Dance. 

In 2014, Hiroko was accepted into the prestigious Tokyo Komaki Ballet and achieved 3rd place in The ZAMA All Japan Competition.

By 2016, she was dancing professionally with the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, performing in a variety of classical repertoire.

Hiroko is passionate about fostering joy for her students in a positive learning environment helping them develop the skills they need to reach their highest potential.

Audra fell in love with dance at a young age. Having trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Musical Theatre.

She graduated from The McDonald College, Sydney Australia before moving to New York City where she further trained with Akjun Ballet Theatre. From there she performed professionally with Atlantic City Ballet in New Jersey.

Audra has 20+ years of teaching experience; that varies from young students to professionals, expanding down the east coast of Australia and the U.S.A. She is a passionate and versatile teacher sharing her knowledge in a wide range of dance disciplines, acting and production. Audra completed her Pilates Instructor Certification for Matwork and Reformer in 2023.

Elena is originally from Russia where she started to do character dancing and performed with various groups since 1992. In 2006 when she joined folk dancing theater “Lege-Artis” in Moscow and after 5 years of performances with the theater in Russia and Europe she moved to Australia, where she joined various Character dancing and Irish dancing groups. Being in love with character dancing, Elena has been teaching this discipline in Australian Academy of Dance, Independent Dance Studios, Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company, “Morava” Serbian Dance Ensemble etc since 2013.

She received the Victorian Lucie Saronova Excellence Award for Major Advanced 1 Assessment and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts at Monash University.

Elisha’s warm, and nurturing disposition, combined with her knowledge and technical ability, is a perfect fit for our Tiny and Pre-Ballet students, we hope you all enjoy dancing with her.

Linda Sastradipradja is an internationally renowned dance performer, researcher and educator whose work emphasises the centrality of the dancer to dance making, dance teaching and dance performance processes. Her PhD by Creative Practice explored a reappraisal of embodied knowledge; asserting the primacy of the dancer as auteur of her dancing. This particular philosophy informs her dance teaching practice in all of its aspects.

Linda’s particular interest in mentoring young artists through pre-professional to early artist career phases sees her continuing to work in association with some of the foremost Australian and International practicing dance artists, educational institutes and companies.

Level 6 Contemporary, Ballet & Pointe

Level 6 Contemporary, Ballet & Pointe

Class schedule

Teachers

Olivia Paine

Kalman Warhaft

Carolina Pais

About the School

Amenities

Gallery