Lizzy Ryan RAD CBTS
Principal and Founder of Pretty Little Ballerinas (2013)
Lizzy has trained in classical ballet since the age of 5 and has done various dance styles including contemporary and hip hop. After 14 years of RAD classical ballet training, completing every RAD exam from Grade 1 to Advanced 2 with Distinction, attending full-time ballet at The Conlan College, and performing for the Royal Academy of Dance. Lizzy went on to study the CBTS program at The Royal Academy of Dance (2009). Once qualified she started teaching ballet classes to preschool and primary school aged children and immediately fell in love with the joy that teaching brought to her and the students she taught.
Lizzy’s passion for dance is evident in her student’s exam results – with an averaging result of distinction.
Lizzy’s classes are full of fun and love whilst focusing on technique.
Sarah Robson
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Born in Newcastle, Sarah began her training in classical ballet at the age of 3, adhering to the syllabus of the British Ballet Organisation (BBO). Following the completion of her Jazz, Character and Ballet exams to an Advanced 2 level, Sarah moved to Sydney where she continued to train, teach and perform.
Whilst in Sydney, Sarah attended winter intensive programs, training at both the McDonald College and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). This instruction, paired with regular eisteddfod and professional performances, has shaped Sarah into a teacher who places emphasis on learning, and perfecting, ballet technique at an early age. Despite teaching students of all ages and abilities, Sarah most enjoys introducing tiny ballerinas to the world of dance and preparing them for accomplished and versatile careers.
Alice Weber
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Alice is a dancer, choreographer and academic, with a portfolio that
spans classical ballet to contemporary experimental performance. Her
teaching practice ranges from early years, syllabus (RAD/ATOD/open)
and tertiary-level teaching, alongside working in dance curriculum
development.
Alice started ballet at age 4 and completed all RAD exams to Advanced
II with Distinction. She completed full time classical ballet training
under Vicki Attard at Academy Ballet, before spending six years in the
UK and abroad.
She has performed nationally and internationally, including UK,
Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Italy and Spain. She regularly presents
work in galleries, theatres and festivals.
Alice is a funded PhD candidate at the University of Sydney,
researching ballet through a gender and cultural studies lens. She is
an academic tutor at the Australian College of Physical Education,
teaching on the BA Dance Education and BA Dance Practice degrees.
Alice gained an MFA with Distinction from Laban on scholarship.
Alice teaches ballet with an ethic of care, rigour and
open-mindedness, combining classical technique with feminist values
and age-appropriate developmental principles, to support each dancer’s
individual journey with the classical form.
Phoebe Blundell
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Phoebe grew up in Port Macquarie and studied ballet in both RAD and BBO along with other styles of dance such as jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop and tap.
After graduating school she moved to Sydney to complete a year full-time at Brent Street and obtained her Diploma of Dance (Elite performance) Focusing on Contemporary. After finishing her full-time training in 2020 she is currently studying a Certificate 4 in Dance Teacher management through Ev and Bow.
Phoebe has found a love and passion for teaching and sharing knowledge with students as she enjoys seeing each student improve, build their confidence and have fun whilst doing something they love.
Ella Power
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Ella Power is a Sydney based dance artist. Ella began her dance training when she was 5 years old with Jenny Soulos and went on to Narrabeen Dance Academy to further her training.
Throughout her studies, Ella has trained in many genres of dance including ballet (RAD and Cecchetti), contemporary, jazz, tap and hip hop. Ella focused on her ballet, contemporary and jazz technique during her training at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA). During her studies at AMPA, Ella has worked with leading industry professionals. Ella has completed her Associate Degree of Dance and is now studying to receive her Bachelor of Dance.
Matina McAneney
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Matina McAneney is a Sydney based dance artist who’s both taught and performed across NSW. Matina began her dance journey when she was 5 years old with Dance Zone Productions and cultural dance.
Throughout her studies Matina has trained in various styles of Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop whilst completing her Bachelor of Dance degree with the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA). During her studies at AMPA, Matina majored in Contemporary dance and worked with leading industry professionals also creating her own major work performed at NIDA.
Whilst completing her studies Matina has been a member of Dance Makers Collective’s youth company Future Makers. Within the company she has been able to collaborate with various independent artists from across Australia, performing around NSW. She has also been able to create dance works alongside like minded dance artists which have been showcased in the Sydney Festival, Art Gallery of NSW, BOLD Festival Canberra, Blacktown Arts Centre and The Granville Centre Art Gallery.
Matina has found a love of teaching and sharing her knowledge from toddlers to adults. She has both taught and created a dance work for the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School (APGS) where she was able to collaborate with the students and bring their ideas to the NIDA stage.
Matina loves being a dance teacher as she enjoys the joy and happiness that comes with each class. She is lucky to be a part of the students’ growth of knowledge and love for dance!
Georgia Stig
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Georgia Stig, started dancing when she was 5 years old at a local ballet school in Sydney, NSW. RAD trained by Marie Walton-Mahon and Lucinda Dunn and has completed every RAD exam from primary to Advanced 2 with Distinction. Georgia has trained with The Australian Ballet School in their Interstate training program and was lucky enough to perform with The Wiggles in their Television series “Carnival of the Animals”.
Georgia trained at The Tanya Pearson Academy in their full time classical ballet program for three years before accepting a full time position at The Joffrey Academy Of Dance in Chicago, where she trained for three years in their Conservatory, and Trainee program. Whilst dancing at the Joffrey she was offered a position in their JATTE (Joffrey Academy Trainee Teaching Endorsement) program in which she was able to learn from the faculty at The Joffrey Ballet and assist and teach the younger levels in the school.
After completing her training at The Joffrey, Georgia was offered a position to attend a summer intensive with Ballet Arizona and successfully obtained a position as a Studio Company Member in the Ballet Arizona Company. Georgia has her Certificate III in dance qualification and is currently completing my Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management.
Dance has been a major part of Georgia’s life from such a young age, and has taught her discipline, grace and commitment. Her passion for dance, Classical Ballet especially, and having the opportunity to share her love of dance to the students at Pretty Little Ballerinas really excites her!
Dana Kantor
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Dana has been dancing since age 5, undergoing the RAD program in her home country in Israel up until Advanced 2 level. Over those years, Dana completed the RAD examinations and achieved a Distinction average.
Dana performed across Israel at festivals and in the theatre. In addition to ballet, Dana dances jazz, contemporary, gaga and hip-hop. Outside of teaching hours, Dana practices ballet and contemporary at the Sydney Dance Company. In addition to dance, Dana is a lover of the outdoors, baking and people, and has a down-to-earth and easy-going nature.
Dana has experience with working with children and loves to share her passion for dancing.
Jessica Ciappara
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Jessica Ciappara began dancing when she was 3 years old, initially developing her love for ballet. Continuing to develop this passion, Jess has completed RAD exams from Pre-Primary to Advanced 1 and trained in Advanced 2 at Academy Ballet.
Her passion for dance spans across ballet, jazz, character, lyrical and contemporary. Across her studies she has consistently achieved first place in the academic excellence of Studies of Dance from year 9-12. In completing her HSC Dance studies, Jess was nominated for all performances; major performance, core performance and core composition which has also been selected to perform in the 2024 high achievers CALLBACKS showcase.
Jess aims to utilise her love, passion and knowledge of ballet and movement to create a safe environment to learn and grow with support. She feels grateful to be a part of the beginnings of each individual’s ballet journey, valuing a nurturing environment which allows children to move freely with joy and confidence!
Ines Omodiagbe
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Ines grew up in Sydney, starting dance at the age of four, at her local dance school. She began training in ballet (RAD), contemporary, commercial jazz, and tap, and later adopted the styles of acro, and hip hop. From 2020-2023, Ines danced with CDC Studios and joined their Elite Team for two years. Within those two years, she was fortunate enough to perform at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and travel to the Gold Coast for Showcase Dance National Championships.
Ines transitioned into High School as a dance student at Newtown High of the Performing Arts, and attended from years 7-12. From here, she had the opportunity to be a part of Newtown Dance Showcases, School Spec, In The Spotlight Dance Festival, Lighthouse Dance Festival and more. Following her HSC Dance Studies, Ines received CALLBACK Nominations for all of her Dance HSC works.
After graduating from Newtown High School in 2023, Ines chose to continue her training in the styles of Contemporary and Ballet with Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year, Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). She intends to continue her studies in 2025 to graduate with an Advanced Diploma of Dance.
Ines holds a strong passion for dance, and is keen to share that with others through teaching. She aims to help install a love for movement and creativity in a positive and uplifting environment for children, allowing them to learn, feel safe, and most importantly, have fun.
Rhiannon Thomas
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Rhiannon is a Sydney based dance artist originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Rhiannon grew up training in various styles, while completing the RAD syllabus. She then furthered her dance education at the New Zealand School of Dance, where she studied full-time as a Contemporary major obtaining a diploma in dance.
Upon moving to Sydney in 2023, Rhiannon broadened her skill set training at Ettingshausens Pro, gaining an advanced diploma in dance. Currently, she is a part of the Dance Formation Program, continuing to refine her craft and passion for dance.
Rhiannon has found a passion for sharing her love of dance through teaching. She cherishes the opportunity to inspire creativity and instill a love for dance in each of her students. Rhiannon values a positive, welcoming and fun learning environment.
Sarah Saad
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Sarah Saad is a professional freelance artist based in Sydney. Growing up in Taree and
Port Macquarie, Sarah began her dance training with Andrea Rowsell Academy of
Dance and Port Macquarie Performing Arts. She was in the interstate training program
with the Australian Ballet School for three years and achieved Distinctions in all Royal
Academy of Dance examinations.
At 18, Sarah moved to London to train at the Rambert School of Ballet and
Contemporary Dance, for three years. She graduated in 2021 with a First Class
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree.
Upon graduating, Sarah became a company member with Alexander Whitley Company
(AWDC), in London. She performed with the company in the South by SouthWest
Festival in Austin, T exas and in other collaborative performance experiences including
London Fashion Week 2022. In 2024, Sarah joined Twisted Element Company, based in
Sydney and performed in the company’s sold out performances of ‘Ritual’.
Sarah is excited to continue her teaching journey and share her joy of dance with the
students at Pretty Little Ballerinas.
Jenna Howard
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Jenna began her dance training in Brisbane from the age of 2 and most recently studied up to advanced RAD ballet, completing ATOD advanced jazz with high distinction and ATOD Cert III in Dance teaching and studying a variety of CSTD, Glen Wood and ATOD tap syllabuses. She began teaching at a young age at her home studio and has gone on to teach high level RAD ballet, ATOD/CSTD tap and jazz and Gymnastics Australia levels.
She most recently was apart of Australasian Dance Collective’s youth company, Whilst apart of the program, Jenna was Brisbane State High School’s senior dance troupe captain and choreographer, crafting pieces for >25 dancers to place first at Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge (BPAC) and Beenleigh Eisteddfod.
In her graduating year, Jenna was awarded the BSHS Strom dance excellence and was named the DUX of BSHS curricular dance as well the DUX of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) dance, placing first in her state with 100% throughout all technical and choreographic assessment pieces. Jenna was also awarded academic excellence from QCAA for high performance in senior Physics and Chemistry.
Jenna has a strong love for dance, particularly dance teaching and choreography and continues to choreograph as a BSHS alumni, most recently preparing the 2025 QCAA Internal Assessment 1 for 2025, and continues to teach dance and gymnastics in Sydney, whilst studying a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Astrophysics) as the University of Sydney..
Saskia Jones
Ballet and Jazz Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Saskia has trained in classical ballet since the age of 4, completing her RAD training up to Advanced 2 with the Ballet Class with distinction average. Saskia went on to attend full-time dance training at Ev & Bow Dance Centre completing her Certificate IV in dance.
Saskia trained in a variety of dance styles including; RAD ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop and has performed at corporate shows and events following the completion of her training. Saskia enjoys teaching and nurturing young students in hopes of sharing her passion for dance.
Ballet Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas.
Hannah Brown
Ballet and Jazz Teacher at Pretty Little Ballerinas
Growing up in New Zealand, Hannah is a highly motivated, passionate, and versatile dancer. With a Diploma of Dance from Te Auaha Institute of Creativity and a strong foundation in RAD ballet – having completed exams from Grade 1 to Advanced 2, all with Distinction – she brings both technical expertise and creative flair to her teaching.
Teaching since the age of 13, Hannah has extensive experience guiding dancers of all ages and abilities. In addition to ballet, she is trained in a variety of styles, having completed her NZAMD (New Zealand Association of Modern Dance) exams in jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop, all with Distinction. This diverse background enables her to offer a dynamic and well-rounded approach to dance education.
Hannah’s passion for teaching shines in every class as she strives to inspire confidence, creativity, and a deep love for movement in her students.. Saskia enjoys teaching and nurturing young students in hopes of sharing her passion for dance.