FAQs.
How does coaching help?
Ballet class is usually taken in groups, practising a common choreographed class. However, different backgrounds, bodies, minds and motivations means that no two dancers are exactly alike and each requires supplementary training in various areas to achieve & maintain the high standards that are expected of dancers today. Through personalised coaching, dancers can work on all sorts of personal goals such as local, national and international audition preparation, exam preparation, progressing with their technique, toning the physique, gaining flexibility, improving musicality, preparing for pointe-work etc. It also allows for confidential conversations and professional advice around pathway planning, strategy, timelines, important for those looking to pursue a career in the dance industry.
How does it work?
Developing Dancers is a private coaching service designed to compliment a dancer’s core training program. We can also provide standalone training for students unable to attend group classes.
Dancers enrolled at a ballet school should attend their full program, and book lessons with DD outside of these times. Consent from the Director of your regular ballet school should be respectfully sought, if possible.
How often do we meet?
1 x weekly session is perfect to supplement the core curriculum at a quality classical ballet school.
Up to 3 x weekly sessions are best for students not enrolled elsewhere.
Holiday intensives (5-10 daily sessions) allow for rapid improvement in technical understanding and greater gains in muscle strength, offering a valuable opportunity for serious dancers to pull ahead of the crowd, or catch up to their peers. Intensives are also ideal for those who are unable to attend on a weekly basis, for example dancers traveling from regional Victoria or interstate.
During lockdowns we recommended continuing on zoom to maintain progress.
Do you offer intensives?
Yes, we offer intensives during the school holidays or at other mutually convenient times. Reach out to let us know if you would like to to arrange an intensive block and we’ll do our best to schedule it for you.
Can my child learn online?
Yes! Whilst face-to-face tuition is usually preferable, for some students quality online lessons may be the best option. For example:
For those living too far to travel
Limited transport
No access to a quality ballet school locally
Thoughtful online tuition with a caring, experienced professional is almost always more effective than substandard in-person tuition. If the opportunity arises to meet occasionally in person this can enhance the tuition experience by allowing for some hands-on corrections and building rapport, so important between any student and teacher.
Which ages is coaching suitable for?
Kate specialises in teaching ages nine through pre-professional. Occasionally, a younger child may be suitable if they have good concentration and are keen to learn.
Will you allow my child to go en pointe?
An intelligent dancer never rushes her pre-pointe training because she knows that the stronger she is before she goes en pointe, the more likely she will stand out for all the right reasons once she’s up there! Spending the time whilst young to develop correct muscle recruitment, a healthy mindset, humility, determination and perseverance will stand dancers in better stead than rushing en pointe. We have the children’s best interests at heart, therefore we progress dancers who have shown long-term commitment to their ballet training and earned their pointes shoes - by working to gain the necessary strength, flexibility and maturity.
Where is your studio?
Our studio is located in Windsor, Melbourne and is easily accessible with public transport (1min walk to tram, 5min walk from Windsor station). As we operate out of a home-based studio, for security reasons the full address is provided to students after bookings are secured and paid for. We thank you for your understanding.
Why choose us?
Developing Dancers Melbourne is recommended for committed students who are dedicated to developing their classical ballet skills. Kate’s breadth of teaching experience and continued passion for dance comes across to her students, inspiring and motivating them to achieve new heights. Having lived & breathed ballet most of her life, Kate brings a wealth of personal & professional experience to her coaching. Moving from Australia to train under the Russians in Germany at age 16, she soon developed a deep respect and appreciation for world-renowned Vaganova method of ballet teaching and a determination to make this method accessible to her future students. Kate has now trained a great number of students from beginner through pre-professional level, seeing many accepted into professional academies in Australia, Europe, Canada & USA and still mentoring several today. She takes a highly intuitive approach based on over fourteen years of teaching, closely monitoring her students’ progress and adjusting course as necessary. With genuine care, technical expertise and an inspirational manner, Kate has inspired and developed hundreds of students who have gone on to pursue excellence in dance.