TEACHING FACULTY 2010

 

ANITA COUTTS-DELALAND (Artistic Director):

R.A.D. RTS. Adv. dip, BMAAD. Licentiate dip, A.I.C.D, Member CSTD. 

Anita was classically trained by Latvian born ballerina Lija Svalbe in Ballarat, Victoria and continued her training in Melbourne, completing her Advanced Certificate and Teaching Diplomas. Anita  enjoys teaching, adjudication, examining and all aspects of her school.

Her wealth of experience includes classical, jazz, tap, modern/contemporary, musical theatre, drama, anatomy, physiology, character & psychology. Former students of her school have been accepted into the Australian Ballet School, Victorian College of the Arts, National Theatre Ballet School, Queensland Ballet School and are now themselves Directors, Choreographers, Teachers and performing Professionals.

LISA BOLTE (Classical): Lisa was born in Sydney and studied dance at Caprice in Brisbane. In 1985 she graduated from the Australian Ballet School, joining The Australian Ballet Company in 1986. Lisa was promoted to Principal Artist in 1993. In 1998 Lisa was awarded the Mo award for best female dancer after her performances in Romeo and Juliet.

PAUL DEMASSON (Ballet Master): Our students will now have the opportunity to benefit from the wealth of experience of Mr Paul DeMasson, who will be undertaking both the boys classes & many girls Saturday afternoon classes. Paul’s impressive bio includes performing as Principal with The Australian Ballet Company, along with amazing appearances with The West Australian Ballet, the Queensland Ballet, Philippines Ballet Theatre, Singapore Dance Theatre, Hong Kong Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada and The Royal Danish Ballet. He has also choreographed works and taught at many of these companies.  I am very excited to offer this caliber of teacher to students here in Ballarat.

DEANNE JEFFS (Classical): R.A.D.RTS. Ad.Dip.ABS.TC. Deanne was a full time teacher at ACSOD for 8 years and currently freelances in Melbourne and Ballarat. Deanne's experience includes teaching at the Australia Ballet School, Victorian College of the Arts to name a few. Deanne has a caring and unique style of teaching that she brings to her classical and contemporary classes.

BROOKE LOCKETT (Classical): Brooke was born and trained in Ballarat. Brooke is a graduate of the Australian Ballet School and was accepted into the Australian Ballet in 2001. she has toured internationally with the company and her career highlight to date is performing crygnets in Graeme Murphy's Swan Lake in Paris.  

NICOLE JACOBSSON (Contemporary): Former student of ACSOD. Nicole was accepted to Deakin University to study dance and drama. She also studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, Bachelor of Dance course majoring in Contemporary Dance.

BREE ANSWER (Classical/theatrical): Bree is a former student who commenced with Anita when she was just 3 years of age and completing her Advanced certificate in classical ballet. Bree will assist in many of the classes at ACSOD and looks forward to each and every class.

LAUREN YOUNG (Classical): After completing her studies at the Australian Ballet School and Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. She worked professionally in Australia and in various countries around the world and after performing for a number of years and teaching in a number of schools in Melbourne, Lauren decided that she enjoyed passing on her knowledge and experience to others and studied Primary and Secondary education, resulting in her currently being a school teacher in Ballarat. Lauren is now very excited to be given the opportunity to work with the students at the ACSOD!

KATE LEWIS (Classical/theatrical): Kate is a primary school teacher here in Ballarat and was also a student of Miss Anita's. Kate enjoys all aspects of dance and performance. Kate enjoys teaching the juniors in both classical and theatrical styles.

FILIP CANNIZZARO (Vocal): Filip trained in classical & contemporary vocal. He competed in competitions both in Australia & Italy. He has many years experience as a lead vocalist in regional & interstate bands. He enjoys all genres of singing & is passionate about imparting the fundamentals of singing to the next generation and excited about offering vocal coaching this year & complimenting ACSOD’s growing commitment to theatrical performance.

CHEYNE WHICHELLO (Theatrical):  Cheyne is the newest member of ACSOD faculty and will bring his talents to the middle and senior jazz, funk, hip hop, song & dance classes. With many years of theatrical training at Patrick Studios and Isolations, Cheyne is very keen to be teaching  ACSOD students.

ERYN BRIDGES (Theatrical): This very talented lady will continue in her third year with ACSOD in a part time capacity. Eryn will take guest classes throughout 2010.