Principal of The Studio International
Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management
Miss Zara has over 20 years of dance experience, with 14 years spent as a director. She is qualified through the prestigious Bolshoi International program in the Vaganova method and has completed her Vaganova teacher training from Pre-Ballet to Level 6. Her dedication to excellence in teaching is further reflected in her travels to Russia, where she had the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most renowned ballet educators. Zara’s passion for teaching students correctly from the beginning of their journey is rooted in her belief that a solid foundation is key to nurturing a lasting love for dance. Through her teachings, she strives to cultivate both technical proficiency and a deep appreciation for the history and stories behind the art form. Originally trained in New South Wales, Zara studied extensively in the RAD, Laurel Martyn OAM’s syllabus, Cecchetti, and Christine Walsh’s Australian Conservatoire of Ballet syllabus (based on the Vaganova method). She has had the privilege of learning from distinguished mentors such as Jacqui Hoole, Suzanne Duffy, Dianne Parrington, Janet Karin OAM, and Christine Walsh AM, whose guidance continues to inspire her today.
In 2010, Zara took on the Directorship of National Capital Ballet School in Canberra, where she has served as owner, director, and teacher for over a decade. Under her leadership, the school has celebrated numerous successes, including local, national, and international ballet competition victories, as well as students gaining entry into some of the most prestigious ballet schools in Australia and abroad. A passionate balletomane, Zara continues to inspire and be inspired. She is committed to providing her students with enriching experiences, bringing world-class guest artists from Cuba, the US, and Russia to perform alongside her students, including the extraordinary Joy Womack in the school’s 2017 production of The Nutcracker. Zara’s focus is on helping each dancer realize their full potential, regardless of their level. She is dedicated to nurturing both their technical skills and their passion for the art of dance, ensuring they are prepared for whatever their dance journey holds. This revision includes the added information about your Vaganova teacher training and your time spent learning in Russia. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to adjust!
The Studio International Senior Ballet, Lyrical and Contemporary coach
Diploma in Dance
Tereza’s dance journey began at the age of six with TSI (formerly the National Capital Ballet School), where she trained under the esteemed guidance of Zara and Daniel Convery. During her time there, Tereza performed prominent soloist roles in acclaimed productions such as Coppélia, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker. Pursuing her passion further, Tereza joined the prestigious Tanya Pearson Academy and performed with the Sydney City Ballet, appearing in notable works such as the 2019 production of Together Live in the piece Powerhouse, choreographed by Lucas Jervies. In 2019, Tereza relocated to Munich to study at the renowned Iwanson International Contemporary Dance School. There, she had the privilege of working with an array of celebrated international choreographers and teachers, including Minka Marie Heiß, Johannes Härtl, and Bojana Nenadovic. Among her career highlights is her collaborative work with Tamara Gvodenovic, Katja Wachter, and Alessandro Sousa Pereira during the creation process of her graduation performance in June 2022.
As a passionate and dedicated artist, Tereza takes great pride in sharing her extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers. Her choreography for lyrical and contemporary dance has received widespread acclaim, with her pieces earning recognition at both local and interstate competitions. Tereza’s creative artistry, combined with her ability to inspire and nurture young talent, makes her an invaluable member of the dance community.
Junior-Senior Ballet, Lyrical and Pointe Coach
Professional dancer throughout Europe
Alicia Townsend has dedicated her life to the art of dance. She began her training at the Annette Roselli Dance Academy under the guidance of her mother, before furthering her education with the Queensland Ballet Academy & Pre-Professional Program. During this time, Alicia had the opportunity to perform and tour with the Queensland Ballet Company. Driven by a passion for dance, Alicia expanded her horizons internationally, performing with the National Moravian–Silesian Theatre in the Czech Republic, the National Ballet of Ireland, English National Ballet (London), Greek National Opera Ballet, and at prestigious events like the Ballet International Gala. Over the course of her career, she has danced a wide range of classical repertoire, including the principal role of ‘Kitri’ in Don Quixote, as well as notable roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella. Alicia also performed an extensive variety of contemporary works, and toured internationally to destinations such as Cyprus, Italy, Egypt, the Greek Islands, and throughout Australia and New Zealand.
After a successful nine-year career and seven years of dancing in Europe, Alicia made the decision to retire at 27 to return to Australia and begin a new chapter in Canberra with her partner. In 2025, she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Midwifery, while continuing to share her love for dance through teaching. Alicia has always had a passion for teaching and has gained valuable experience at the Annette Roselli Dance Academy, where she has also choreographed award-winning solos and group pieces. Additionally, she enjoyed teaching baby ballet classes at various studios across London. Alicia is dedicated to nurturing her students’ technical development, while also fostering their joy for dance and boosting their self-esteem. She is passionate about challenging her students to reach their fullest potential and inspiring the younger generation to chase their goals and dreams.
Joy Womack - US/Russia/South Korea
Bolshoi Ballet, Kremlin Ballet, Universal Ballet Korea, Boston Ballet, Astrakhan State Theatre of Opera & Ballet.
Finalist Moscow International Ballet competition.
Silver at Varna International Ballet competition, Bulgaria.
Gold medalist at Asian Grand Prix & Korean International Ballet Competition.
Guo Chengwu - China/Australia
Australian Ballet (Principal), SYTYCD China (Winner)
Ako Kondo – Japan/Australia
Australian Ballet (Principal)
Ryo Kato – Japan/US
Hong Kong Ballet, Houston Ballet US. Finalist at Prix de Lausanne
Joseph Gatti – US
Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet
Director of United Ballet Theatre, US
World Ballet Competition US & YAGP (Winner)
Joseph Phillips – US/Russia/Philippines
American Ballet Theatre, Mariinsky Theatre Russia, Ballet Manila
Word Ballet Competition US (Winner)
Adiarys Almeida – Cuba/US
National Ballet of Cuba, Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet
Taras Domitro – Cuba/US
National Ballet of Cuba, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet
Sergey Kheylik – Russia/US
Bolshoi Ballet, Russian Imperial, Ballet Teacher at ALDC (Dance Moms)
Avery Gay – US
Prodigious young dancer and winner of many US and international dancecompetitions
World of Dance US, SYTYCD US, YAGP, Little Big Shots US
Shale Wagman – Canada/UK/Russia/Germany
English National Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, and Bayerisches
Staatsballett München
Winner of Canada’s Got Talent, Prix de Lausanne, and Emerging
Dancer Award in his first year at English National Ballet
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde – Philippines
Director of Ballet Manila
Simon Hoy – Australia
Former Director of Melbourne Ballet Company
Michael Braun – Australia
Royal New Zealand Ballet, Queensland Ballet
Vicki Attard – Australia
Australian Ballet (Former Principal)
Tanya Hearne-Keenan – Australia
Former Director of Dance Unlimited.
Academy, Director of Progressing Ballet Technique
Marie Walton-Mahon – Australia
Former Director of National College of Dance, Tanya Pearson
Ella Havelka – Australia
Bangara Dance Theatre, Australian Ballet
Alexa Heckmann – Australia
Sydney Dance Company
Hiroko Ito – Japan/Russia/Australia
Bolshoi Ballet Academy graduate, Tanya Pearson Academy
Nicole Aspinall– Australia
Performer and choreographer
The Studio International is a premium, full-scope dance, fitness and movement school, offering multi-genre classes for all individuals of any skill level. Not ready to commit yet? We also offer casual classes.
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