About Us

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At Academy of Dance Excellence, we pride ourselves on providing a world-class classical ballet education grounded in the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet (ACB) syllabus, based on the renowned Vaganova method of ballet training.

Our lead teachers, Layla Burgess and Giselle Poncet, are both fully qualified teachers of the ACB syllabus, ensuring expert instruction rooted in this respected training tradition. Additionally, Koa Bertossa has completed all grades of the ACB syllabus, bringing in-depth knowledge and experience of the syllabus progression to her teaching.

The ACB syllabus combines the time-honored Russian Vaganova technique with a comprehensive, structured curriculum designed to develop dancers’ strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry. This method emphasizes precision, fluidity, and expressive movement, nurturing dancers who are technically proficient and artistically inspired.

Our teachers follow a progressive syllabus that carefully builds foundational skills in early years and advances toward complex, performance-ready repertoire in higher levels. This ensures students develop strong classical technique, proper alignment, and healthy training habits from the start.

The Vaganova method’s focus on the harmonious coordination of arms, legs, and torso promotes balance and graceful movement, preparing dancers not only for classical ballet performances but also for success across a variety of dance styles.

Choosing ADE means your child will train with a syllabus trusted by professional ballet schools and companies worldwide—a pathway that fosters both technical excellence and a lifelong love of dance.

At ADE we allow dancers to explore a variety of genres whilst developing a strong classical foundation. This methodology is designed to create strong, diverse dancers.

We support our dancers through their crucial years of development, and place an emphasis on empowering their self esteem and passion. By doing this we encourage dancers to explore their passions without the pressure of choosing to make dance a career at a young age.