FAQs.

Ballet classes are usually taught in groups, following a choreographed sequence designed for the collective. But no two dancers share the same background, body, learning style, strengths or goals. Private coaching provides the individual attention needed to refine technique, overcome personal challenges, and accelerate progress.

Through personalised coaching, dancers can work towards:

• audition preparation (local, national and international)

• exam readiness

• technical refinement

• increased artistry and musicality

• flexibility and strength development

• pointe readiness

• pathway planning and long-term goal setting

Private sessions also allow space for confidential conversations and professional guidance around opportunities, timelines and strategy - especially important for dancers considering elite pathways or a future career in the industry.

Developing Dancers Melbourne provides private coaching designed to complement a dancer’s core training program. For dancers without access to a suitable group environment, we also offer standalone training pathways.

Students enrolled at a ballet school should continue attending their full program, and book coaching sessions around those commitments. Where possible, we encourage families to seek the support of their ballet school director for supplementary private coaching.

Kate specialises in teaching dancers aged nine through pre-professional.
Younger students may be accepted if they show good concentration, motivation and readiness for one-on-one coaching.

Most students attend one private session per week, which provides the ideal pattern for consistent, sustainable progress.

Weekly coaching supports:

• regular reinforcement of technical, musical and artistic corrections

• safe and steady strength and flexibility development

• clear, structured practice between lessons

• early identification of areas needing extra attention

• ongoing communication with families

• steady growth in confidence and self-belief

Holiday intensives

Optional holiday intensives (3–5 consecutive sessions) offer accelerated progress and are ideal for:

• dancers preparing for major goals (exams, auditions, competitions)

• those needing to catch up to age-level expectations

• regional or interstate dancers who cannot attend weekly

Please come dressed neatly in your usual ballet uniform (tights, leotard, ballet flats) with hair in a bun.

Also bring:

• Pointe shoes (only if the student is already en pointe).

• Notebook and pen (for corrections)

• Water bottle

Pointe readiness is approached thoughtfully and never rushed. A strong pre-pointe foundation - covering muscle recruitment, alignment, strength, flexibility and mindset - is essential for safe long-term progression.

Dancers are recommended for pointe only when they have demonstrated long-term consistency, maturity, safe technique and readiness. Each student progresses at their own pace, and this is always done with their wellbeing and future training in mind.

Yes. We offer tailored intensives during school holidays or at other mutually convenient times. If you’re interested, please reach out and we’ll arrange a block that suits your dancer’s goals.

Yes. While face-to-face lessons are preferable, high-quality online coaching can be an excellent option for dancers who:

• live regionally or interstate

• lack transport access

• do not have a suitable local ballet school

Online tuition with an experienced professional is almost always more effective than inconsistent or low-quality in-person training. If occasional in-person sessions are possible, they can further strengthen technique, rapport and confidence.

Yes. Many dancers learn best with individualised guidance. I welcome students with different learning styles and needs and adapt communication to support each dancer’s confidence and understanding.

Yes, we highly recommend an initial trial (casual) session to meet and check the fit from both sides before progressing to a regular weekly timeslot. This can be arranged throughout the school term or during holidays, subject to availability. Please contact us to discuss.

Developing Dancers Melbourne is now operating out of:

Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre
378 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick VIC 3185

This location is safe, central and easily accessible for families across Melbourne’s south-east.

Parking

• Free on-site parking is available directly outside the centre.

• Additional free parking can be found along St Kilda Street and surrounding side streets.

• Please allow a few extra minutes during peak tennis times, as the carpark may be busier.

Public Transport

The studio is conveniently located near several transport options:

• Tram 67 stops directly outside the venue (Stop 54 – Elsternwick Park).

• Elsternwick Station (Sandringham Line) is approximately a 10–12 minute walk.

• Bus routes along Glen Huntly Road also provide easy access.

Finding the Studio Inside the Centre

Once you arrive at Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre, please enter via the main reception on St Kilda St and wait in the foyer, where Kate will meet you.

To maintain consistent progress and protect each dancer’s reserved time, all scheduled lessons for the term are payable in advance, regardless of attendance. This ensures your weekly position is held for you throughout the term.

If a dancer becomes unwell and cannot attend, we will do our best to arrange one make-up lesson per term, subject to availability. Please note that a studio hire fee ($30/hr) may apply for rescheduled sessions.

For all other absences - planned or unplanned - lessons are not refundable or transferable. This allows us to keep session times stable, fair and predictable for all families.

All private coaching is scheduled directly with Kate to ensure the best fit for your dancer’s goals and training load. Places are limited and tend to fill quickly, so we encourage families to book ahead or join the waitlist for the next available time.

Developing Dancers Melbourne is ideal for committed dancers who respond best to individualised attention, thoughtful progression and premium-quality classical training.

Kate brings a rare blend of:

• elite international ballet training and stage experience

• advanced pedagogical study

• 14+ years of teaching across all levels

• allied-health-informed lens

• genuine care and mentorship

Under Kate’s guidance, numerous students have been accepted into elite academies across Australia, Europe, the USA and Canada, with many continuing to receive her mentorship as they move into professional careers.

Her teaching method is intuitive, Vaganova-based, and tailored to the individual—ensuring each dancer is supported, seen and continually progressing.