Elite private ballet coaching.

Welcome.

Developing Dancers Melbourne specialises in high-quality one-on-one coaching for young classical ballet dancers seeking personalised attention, refined technique and thoughtful guidance.

Led by Kate Reilly — former professional dancer & allied-health-informed coach.

Training is grounded in the world-renowned Vaganova method.

Personalised tuition in Elsternwick, Melbourne.

Why families choose us

A rare blend of elite ballet expertise + allied-health insight
A supportive, individualised approach tailored to each dancer
Limited weekly places ensuring high-quality, focused attention
Proven student success at national and international levels

Get in touch

What we offer

Private coaching for:

Pre-professional dancers
Ballet exam candidates
Competition candidates
Ballet academy auditionees
Young dancers needing confidence, refinement or individual support

Learn More →

In their words

“Congratulations on whatever magic you bestow! Thank you for all you do for the talented students that you send on to us at the ABS. It is important to acknowledge their original teacher/s, as without you, these talented young students may never be inspired to train at any level at all. Any success a student may have in his future, is always the product of many influences (teachers) that guide each step along the steep road.”

Leigh Rowles, After School Programme & ITP Director, The Australian Ballet School
“I am so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to train with Miss Kate. She is an outstanding ballet teacher, her dedication and attention to detail is like no other. She enables her students to reach their full potential by providing her technical expertise as well as all the necessary knowledge and skills of the industry. Without her meticulous teaching I would have never been able to achieve what I have so far. After training with Miss Kate for a little over 2 years I have been able to reach one of my biggest dreams and now I am privileged enough to train at the European School of Ballet in Amsterdam. Miss Kate helped improve not only my technique but also the artist qualities to take my dancing to the next level. I am so grateful for Miss Kate’s coaching and could not recommend her more!"

Georgia Allardice, accepted into European School of Ballet. Now with Czech National Ballet.
“I started training under Miss Kate when I was 9 years old. I had barely any ballet training but I was passionate about becoming a professional ballet dancer. Miss Kate pushed me to improve every class and I never expected that I would improve so drastically! Miss Kate is firm yet so supportive both mentally and physically. She made me enjoy the hard work and sweat that it took to get me where I am today. She is a top notch teacher who teaches from her heart. Thank you for everything!"

Bell, accepted École supérieure de ballet du Québec.
“A wonderful teacher who is very experienced in training children of all ages in ballet with a strong foundation in Russian technique, artistry and Russian Character Dance. My daughter started ballet with Kate when she was 5 years old and she blossomed as a dancer with confidence, a strong mind set, technique, artistry and a pure enjoyment of the art form. During the 7 years Kate prepared her and gave her many opportunities which led her to being accepted into the Australian Ballet School. In those years I have seen her mentorship and dedication for all her students in pursuing their dance pathways. I am very grateful for all Kate has done for my daughter and its so lovely how she stays in touch and maintains a close friendship… just so special.”

Angelica, mother of pre-professional student - now graduated from The Australian Ballet School and working with The Australian Ballet’s education program.
“Without a doubt the reason why my daughter is where she is today in her ballet journey. The quality of training and knowledge she received as a young ballet student was outstanding. Kate‘s intuition coupled with an ability to connect with her ballet students was an honour to observe. The ballet intelligence Kate bestowed upon my daughter was and is still evident today, she made her mark on her that is for certain. I am eternally grateful to Kate for guiding my daughter to her future, she should be very proud.”

Kate, mother of Australian Ballet School graduate.
“My daughter has been under Miss Kate’s training for over 6 years. Miss Kate is a highly talented teacher who is passionate and dedicated. I am amazed at how much my daughter has accomplished under her professional Russian Vaganova training. I am filled with gratitude for the love and support that my daughter has received over the years. Thank you Miss Kate.”

Jill, mother of Tyler accepted into International Dance Academy Berlin.
“An amazing ballet teacher…I started dancing with her when I was 13 with no technique whatsoever. She helped me achieve so much and I was even fortunate enough to study in New York and Germany with my ballet. I wouldn’t have got as far as I did without all the lessons and support I got from Kate!.”

Darcie, accepted into Mannheim Academy of Dance, Germany.
“I trained with Kate for several years. Her attention to detail, emphasis on technique, and dedication are second to none. Kate's track record in helping students to achieve amazing results speaks for itself. If you want to learn from the best classical ballet teacher in Melbourne, see Kate.”

Michaela, adult ballet student.

Apply for coaching

We currently offer a small number of private coaching places each term.
Please submit an enquiry form and we will be in touch within 48 hours.

Enquire now

Student achievements.

Kate’s students have been accepted into the following prestigious schools or companies for full-time training, international competitions and finals or summer intensives:

Académie Princesse Grace

Asian Grand Prix

Berlin International Ballet Academy

Berlin State Ballet Academy

Bolshoi Ballet Academy

Dutch National Ballet School

Ecole Superiore de la Danse

European School of Ballet

Mannheim Academy of Dance

Palucca School

Paris Opera Ballet School

Phantom of Opera

Royal Ballet School

Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year

The Australian Ballet School

The Queensland Ballet

Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School

Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts

Youth America Grand Prix

Photo: Georgia Allardice, former full-time student. Now dancing professionally with Czech National Ballet.