Our Teachers
“A great teacher knows that in 100 years from now it won’t matter what was in their bank account, what sort of house they lived in, or what sort of car they drove … but the world may be different because they were important in the life of a child.”
János Szabó
PRINCIPAL, Classical ballet, Partnering, Musical Theatre, Performance
RAD, Vaganova
János Szabó was born in Hungary and recently moved to Australia. As a child he was accepted into the Kodayí School for music and vocal training and upon completion at the age of 13, was accepted in the Hungarian National Ballet, Budapest at the Hungarian State Opera. He graduated in 1982 and was immediately engaged in full time companies.
He joined the Hungarian State Ballet in 1983 and remained with the Company, touring the world until 1995 with all the major ballet productions both in the corps de ballet and as a soloist. As a freelance artist János continued to tour throughout the world, including operettas and musicals in his repertoire. In addition to this he worked as a cat walk model for top fashion houses including Pierre Cardin, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior.
Beside his dancing career, János has worked as a singer, choreographer, model, stage designer and teacher in all the major capitals of Europe. Since arriving in Australiahe has performed in Musical theatre with roles such as Fagin in Oliver and the MC in Cabaret and is much sought after as a choreographer. He adjudicated at the 2007 City of Sydney Eisteddfod. He returns regularly to Budapest to teach at the Hungarian Ballet Academy and to give classes to the company at the Hungarian State Opera.
In 2009 János took over the direction of the East Maitland Academy of Dance.
Ester Townsend
Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz
Ester Townsendwas born and raised in Newcastle and attended classes with Tessa Maunder from an early age. After completing her Advanced exam, Ester was accepted into the Graz Opera Ballet Company, Austria.
After a number of years working in classical dance, a change of pace lead to Paris and the Moulin Rouge, before venturing to central Greece and the Megan Aylett Dance Company. From there Miss Ester began to work with Costa Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines around the Caribbean, America and Canada. Finally Miss Ester was established as the principal dancer for Jonn Ardens Jubilee! in Las Vegas.
Ester has completed her Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance in 2009 and is a fully qualified registered teacher with the R.A.D.
Miss Kia
Tap
Having studied under ‘Tap Dogs’ Dean Perry and ‘San Fransiscos’ Melissa Frankman, Miss Kia is now moving on to her 18th year of dance. Born and raised in Newcastle, NSW, Mis Kia began her training at the Australian Dance and Talent Centre before moving on to England Purton Dance Academy where she completed the Les Griffith Tap Exam Syllabus, receiving Honours with Distinction.
She has toured both Australia and New Zealand and in 2006, Pugh made her way over to America, performing in such places as Las Vegas, Seattle, New York and San Francisco. She studied Performance and Audition skills at Anaheim’s ‘Disneyland California’.
Miss Kia has recently completed her Advanced Diploma in Musical Theatre and having attended Hunter School of Performing Arts, it’s obvious that dancing has always been a significant part of her studies.
James Smith
Beginner Tap & Beginner Jazz Classes
James Smith will be teaching the Beginner Tap & Beginner Jazz Classes. James has been dancing for 10 years and is currently studying for his Gold Medal of LGTP tap. He has studied Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Cheer Leading.
Miss Jaki
Hip Hop Dance
Miss Jaki, who gave the demonstration classes in Hip Hop will be coming to give these classes this year. Miss Jaki is a CBTS R.A.D qualified teacher and has been dancing since she was 3 years old.
She teaches classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, music theatre, hip hop and zumba.