Specialist private ballet coaching.

Welcome.

Specialist classical ballet coaching for dedicated young dancers.

At Developing Dancers Melbourne, we believe every dancer deserves the opportunity to discover and develop their individual potential.

Led by former professional ballet dancer and experienced pedagogue Kate Reilly, our private coaching studio provides personalised, one-to-one classical ballet training, combining the precision of the Vaganova method with a thoughtful, individualised approach to each dancer's development.

From strengthening technical foundations to preparing for pre-professional training pathways, we provide the expert attention, guidance and mentorship needed to help young dancers progress with confidence and purpose.

Training based on the world-renowned Vaganova method.

Why families choose us

Proven student success nationally and internationally
A caring, individualised approach tailored to each dancer
Limited weekly places ensuring high-quality, focused attention
A rare blend of professional ballet expertise + allied-health insight

Get in touch

A young ballet dancer in a tan leotard practicing in a dance studio, balancing on pointe shoes while holding a ballet bar and with a ballet slipper hanging from the bar.

What we offer

Private Ballet Coaching — Vaganova Technique, Pointework, Floor Barre & Body Conditioning
Specialist Coaching for Aspiring Vocational Ballet Students (including VCASS & The Australian Ballet School)
Audition Video Coaching & Filming
1:1 Intensives & Holiday Coaching
Independent Ballet Assessments & Personalised Feedback
Professional Advice & Training Pathway Guidance for Dancers & Families
Learn More →

In their words

“A wonderful teacher who is very experienced in training children of all ages …. My daughter started with Kate at age five and blossomed as a dancer — developing confidence, a strong mindset, technique, artistry and a pure enjoyment of the art form. Over seven years, Kate prepared her and provided many opportunities which led to her acceptance into The Australian Ballet School. During this time, I witnessed Kate’s mentorship and dedication to all her students and their individual dance pathways. I am very grateful for all Kate has done for my daughter, and it is so special that she continues to stay in touch and maintain such a close friendship.”

Angelica, mother of pre-professional student - now graduated from The Australian Ballet School and working with The Australian Ballet’s education program.
“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.
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.

Get In Touch

We offer a limited number of private coaching places each term.

Enquire now for Term 1, 2027

Contact Us

Follow us @developingdancersmelbourne

In Melbourne, the prestige of our most sought-after ballet academies can sometimes obscure the vast landscape of global dance education. But here is the truth: they are not the only gatekeepers to a professional future. Disappointment in local auditi

Dancers’ paths are rarely linear - and are often far richer for it.

From arriving in Australia at 13 speaking no English, launching straight into full-time ballet training, preprofessional studies abroad, ballet teaching, balancing academics,

Morgan’s journey is a beautiful reminder that a dancer’s path rarely unfolds exactly as imagined - and that staying open, resilient and willing to step beyond familiar ground can lead to something even richer.

From training locally in Me

Every year I meet families whose children love ballet and dream of taking it further - but feel unsure about what pathway will suit their young dancer, and the timing of next steps.

A goal without a plan can leave dancers and their families stuck, s

Calista’s journey is a beautiful reminder that artistry is sustained not only through technique, but through a rich inner world - music, curiosity, discipline and courage.

A former student of Kate Reilly preceding her studies at the Australian

Meet the Dancer: Elisha Zion Lee ✨

From classical foundations to the bright lights of musical theatre, Elisha’s journey is a beautiful reminder that every dancer’s path is unique.

Her discipline, artistry and versatility have taken her

Many summer programs offer wonderful energy - but very little opportunity for individual correction.
When children lack personalised feedback, real progress can plateau.

Private coaching provides:
✔ Expert eyes solely on your child
✔ Personalised, t

Student achievements.

Our 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. Now dancing professionally with Czech National Ballet.

Enquire now

Contact

We welcome enquiries and are happy to answer any questions.