OUR TEAM

CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR PRINCIPLE OF RAD BALLET PROGRAM

If at first you do not succeed, pick yourself up and try again …

Ruby-Claire has lived by this quote throughout the entirety of her dance training and believes in providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for every student that walks into her classroom. Ruby believes in guiding and educating the next generation of dancers with a holistic approach not only providing enriching technical training, but also fostering the growth and development of the students as individuals before dancers.

Ruby began her training at 8 years old in all styles of dance with focus on RAD classical ballet. Ruby completed all of her RAD ballet exams up to Intermediate, and is currently working towards her Advanced Foundation exam. Over the past 14 years she has also trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. Ruby Participated in the Ballet Teachers Workshop for many years as well as received recognition in the Audrey Nicholls Ballet Awards.

Ruby grew up in the competition world where she fell in love with the stage and performing. Throughout her 14 years of training, Ruby has performed in many shows, and in some of these she performed lead roles that shaped and challenged her as a performer. Not too far into her dancing journey Ruby discovered her love for teaching. In 2014 Ruby began assistant teaching which then led to teaching RAD ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary. Over the past 10 years Ruby has taken pride in choreographing and preparing students not only for performances, but guiding students through their ballet exams also.

In 2018 Ruby completed her certificate 2 in dance, and certificate 3 the following year. After graduating high school, Ruby embarked on her studies with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance, where she went on to complete her certificate in ballet teaching studies in 2020. In 2021 Ruby graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance with her teaching qualification and registration status. Following her graduation Ruby has prepared students for RAD ballet exams from pre-primary through to intermediate.

Ruby has always had a love for teaching and children. So, in addition to dance teaching she is also undertaking her Bachelor of Education, specialising in early education and primary school teaching. Ruby hopes to join both her passion for education and dance to reach many students around Melbourne in different settings.

CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

With a heart pulsating to the rhythm of dance, Vanessa brings a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and infectious energy to the world of dance education.

Vanessa has danced since 7 years of age and strongly believes in the life changing expression of dance. With over 20 years of experience in various dance styles and teaching hip hop, Vanessa honed her craft through rigorous training and performance experiences including tribute shows, cabaret, corporate shows and international events.

In 2009, Vanessa widened her teaching experience by becoming a registered primary school teacher, always bringing the love of performing arts to her students. In recent years Vanessa has worked exclusively in the performing arts sector of schools providing numerous opportunities for student growth in both the arts as well as personal social capacities. A firm believer in the transformative power of dance, Vanessa approaches teaching with a commitment to fostering not only technical proficiency but also a deep appreciation for self-expression. She creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to unleash their creativity, build confidence through movement and embrace the richness of diverse dance forms.

Beyond the dance studio, Vanessa is dedicated to guiding aspiring dancers on their journey. Her mentorship extends beyond dance steps, nurturing a holistic approach to personal growth and artistic development.

To dance is to live…to live is to dance.

With one goal and dream in mind, Vanessa and Ruby-Claire created Encore School of Performing Arts. A dream that became a reality, Vanessa and Ruby created a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe to express their passion and grow as an artist. With both having a background in education as well as dance, Vanessa and Ruby dreamed of creating a school that fostered students growth and allowed them to grasp every opportunity to develop into the performer they longed to be.