Cert IV (TAE) · RAD PDGTD · RAD RTS · Rambert Grades · TLB Master Trainer
Mr Rob - Founder & Teacher
Mr. Rob is an Australian-born dancer and educator with over 15 years of international performance experience and more than 7 years teaching ballet, contemporary dance, and movement-based fitness.
His training began under the late Tanya Pearson before he moved to Germany to complete his professional studies at the Heinz-Bosl Stiftung in Munich, where he had the privilege of training under Kirill Melnikov. He went on to perform as a soloist with the Croatian National Ballet in Zagreb, before dancing with the Leipzig Ballet in Germany and later with the West Australian Ballet.
Though Mr. Rob retired from the stage earlier than expected due to health reasons, that shift opened the door to a new and incredibly rewarding chapter — teaching. He holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and the Royal Academy of Dance Professional Dancers' Graduate Teaching Diploma. He is also a certified Rambert Grades teacher and a Master Trainer for the internationally recognised Train Like a Ballerina programme.
His work today is centred around making ballet more accessible and more meaningful — particularly for adult dancers. Ballettique was born from the idea that ballet isn't just a technique, it's a life practice. Mr. Rob aims to remove the weight of perfectionism and instead highlight ballet's true gifts: strength, discipline, alignment, artistry, and presence.
At Ballettique, the belief is that ballet is for every body — no matter your age or experience adult ballet classes are designed to build confidence, strength, and grace in a supportive environment.
Ballet Technique for Life isn't just a tagline — it reflects Mr. Rob's belief that ballet can enhance how we move through the world. Whether you're returning to dance, exploring it for the first time, or simply curious, he aims to create a space where you feel supported, connected, and empowered in your movement journey.
Katherine Ward Teacher
A (Psych) · LCBA-CICB · AISTD·RAD RTS Teaching Diploma
Katherine Ward is a highly qualified and respected Teacher of Dance, holding Registered Teacher Status with Royal Academy of Dance, Licentiate Cecchetti Ballet Australia, and Associate Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (London). Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Katherine has taught NSW Board of Studies Dance in State, Catholic, and Independent schools, and performed professionally in Stage and Television productions. Katherine is an Adjudicator of Dance competitions and scholarships in regional NSW and interstate and has mentored teachers for the Royal Academy of Dance Faculty of Education, Certificate in Ballet Teaching studies, and Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate.
Establishing Dance Arena academy of dance in 1989, students have gained places in selective vocational dance schools and Universities, including The New Zealand School of Dance, Queensland Ballet, The Australian Ballet School, UNSW Dance/Drama degrees, and now perform and teach professionally in Australia and overseas.
Katherine is eternally grateful to her own teachers, in particular professional dancer/choreographers Miss Jan Cheshire and Miss Mary-Ellen Van der Geer for their inspiring and nurturing tuition.
Katherine believes that teaching the joy and beauty of Ballet is her greatest artistic privilege.
BA (Performing Arts, Munich)·RAD PDPTC·RAD RTS·PBT·Cert IV (SBES)
Felicity Hader Teacher
Felicity Hader trained in Sydney under Tanya Pearson OAM, Marilyn Jones OBE, and Amanda Clerke, before accepting a scholarship to the prestigious Munich Ballet Academy under Konstanze Vernon. There she studied with Nora Shelesnova and the legendary Olga Lepeshinskaya of the Bolshoi Ballet, becoming the youngest dancer to graduate and the youngest to secure a full contract with the Bavarian National Ballet.
Over a distinguished international career, Felicity performed principal roles with the Bavarian National Ballet, Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf, and the Pfalztheater, with lead roles created on her by world-renowned choreographers including Mats Ek, Twyla Tharp, Peter Martins, John Neumeier, and Hans van Manen. A career highlight was being personally selected by Konstanze Vernon to train with the Cullberg Ballet in Stockholm, where she was coached by Mats Ek for Giselle. Her classical repertoire spans Swan Lake, Onegin, Don Quixote, Giselle, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, and more.
Felicity has been recognised with numerous awards including Dancer of the Year alongside Stuttgart Ballet principals, the Publikum's Liebling Award, two Best Leading Role Awards from the Ballet Friends at Deutsche Oper am Rhein, and an award from the German Government for her many years of contribution as a dancer and choreographer.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from Munich, the Royal Academy of Dance Professional Dancers' Postgraduate Teaching Certificate, along with RAD Registered Teacher Status, a Certificate in Progressing Ballet Technique, and a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Felicity is now happily settled back in Sydney, where she is enjoying teaching, choreographing, coaching, and adjudicating.
