top of page

Patrons: 

 

 

 

Shirley Jones OAM

Former Teacher and Soloist with the National Theatre Movement, Former Director & Principal of the Shirlene School of Classical Ballet Est 1963,  Recipient of Order of Australia Medal 2018 for outstanding service to Ballet

Recipient of the Maestro Enrico Cecchetti Diploma, Appointed ISTD Examiner in 1962,

Fellow & Life Member of the ISTD, Member of Cecchetti Ballet Australia & CICB International.

Anthony Pannell 

L.C.B.A., (C.I.C.B) (Lon); R.A.D. Solo Seal; Sadler Wells Opera Ballet (Lon); Het Ballet Nationale (Netherlands);

The Royal Winnepeg Ballet; West Aust. Ballet; Principal - The Scottish Ballet; London Festival Ballet;

Senior Soloist: The Australian Ballet; Grad. Dip. of Educ. (Visual & Perf. Arts

miss JOnes_edited.jpg
1656326_10151844995827130_1904495061_n_e

Teachers and Guest Teachers 2025

20240706_185834_edited_edited.jpg

Rita Eicens

Director/Principal

Fellow C.B.A-C.I.C.B. (Distinction.) Licenciate Dip.C.I.C.B., Associate Dip.C.I.C.B (Hon), Associate A.I.S.T.D. (M.T.D.B.) (Lon.). Cert.IV (BSZ098) 8 TAA Cert.IV Units. CUA40313 Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management,

Holder of the Maestro Enrico Cecchetti Diploma (M.E.C.D.) with Distinction. Life Member Cecchetti International Classical Ballet.  Member Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing  (Lon) Affilate Member Australian Teachers of Dancing. Australian Ballet School Trained,  Guest Teacher/ Adjudicator

Dance is not just a passion, but a way of life for Ms Eicens. She is one of the early lucky prodigies to have gained all her Cecchetti Examinations with Honours, her Cecchetti Diploma in one sitting awarded by Dame Peggy Van Praagh and Athol Willoughby OAM with high distinction and all her teaching degrees from Associate, Licenciate up to Fellowship with Distinction.  

Ms Eicens won both of the two sections offered at the time, of Junior and Senior Cecchetti Medal tests and the Elementary Scholarship in her younger days of training, She was also awarded the Cecchetti Scholarship at the Australian ballet School. Proudly trained by Shirley Jones OAM, one of the former pupils of Madame Lucie Saranova.  Ms Eicens is one of the lucky few to have had the honor of being trained in her formative years by a descendant of the Cecchetti tree.

"I proudly let people know where my training commenced, treasure and acknowledge with deep gratitude

those years that left an indelible mark on my career"....Ms Eicens

Ms Eicens is well established within the dance industry, her classes are always full of knowledge, a touch of humor, and a deep resonating passion for her love of dance. Her vast knowledge and ongoing studies of Safe Dance Practices have included research in Dance Anatomy and progression of Childhood development. Ms Eicens values that all teachers and dancers must always keep on top of studies. This is a strength of her wisdom to impart knowledge to students. 

If you have been lucky to have had lessons or training with Ms Eicens, as your teacher or mentor, then you will know what dance is really all about. 

20240706_185936_edited.jpg

Deborah Oates 

Assistant Director/Beg School Co-Ordinator
 Associate Diploma C.I.C.B. -C.S.B. , CUA40313 Certificate IV in dance teaching & management, B.Arts (Fine Arts), B.Ed (primary & post primary) Member C.I.C.B, Musical Theatre Director, Choreographer and Artiste

Deborah is a founding member of R.V.D.A. commencing in 1980. With over 25 years of classical ballet training with Rita Eicens,  plus jazz, modern, tap, contemporary, folkloric while at RVDA, she has become one of the longest standing and loved dance teachers of the Academy. Deborah  has been educating children for over twenty years in both the educational sector, dance school and amateur theatre settings. She has a rich background in The Arts beginning dancing at the age of five, being involved at least annually with musical theatre productions since her teens and seizing every opportunity to either perform or support performances artistically.

Her passion for the arts is undeniable and her warmth, genuine concern for her students is evident through their responsiveness and joy shown in her classes. Deborah believes that education is there to enrich and support each individual in achieving their best and should be provided in a secure, nurturing and rigorous learning environment which priorities student wellbeing.

20240706_185810_edited.jpg

Anne Chan

Senior Faculty Member
Associate Diploma C.I.C.B. -C.S.B. ,CUA40313 Certificate IV in dance teaching & management. Attained Adv 2 level C.I.C.B. Member C.I.C.B.

A valued and well respected staff member, Anne’s involvement in dance spans over 35years, commencing her ballet training at the age of 13, firstly with Shirlene School of Classical Ballet for 3 years, then joining RVDA at 16 in 1983 where she was trained in all genres offered at the time; ballet, pointe, modern and jazz. Anne was trained by Ms Eicens in the years that followed her in all her Cecchetti examinations including her Major Dance exams of Intermediate through to Advanced 2, including her Associate Degree and Associate Diploma.

Although a late starter to dance, her love of classical ballet saw her pursue over 20 years of training with RVDA. She was one of the first RVDA student to gain her Cecchetti Advanced 2 certificate (1997) and teaching status; Associate (1992), Associate Diploma (1999).

She has danced in lead roles in “The little Matchgirl” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as many ballet classics such as Prelude from “Les Sylphide”, Peasant Pas de Deux from “Giselle”, Pas de Trois from “Paquita”, Canary Fairy & Silver Fairy from “The Sleeping Beauty”.

A fully registered member of Cecchetti Ballet of Australia, Anne now teaches for many dance schools in Melbourne and has been teaching for over 25 years. She enjoys instilling in her students the purity and elegance of ballet technique, sharing her knowledge, and thrives on her students’ progress and growth through their dancing. Anne loves teaching at RVDA for the individual nurturing care it gives to all its students, within a supportive family friendly atmosphere.

Angela Trimcevski

Angela Petrou

Senior Faculty Member

 Attained Adv 2 Modern Theatre (I.S.T.D.) Member I.S.T.D. (London) VicFit Accredited, TiddlySteps Teacher

Angela is a long standing member of the Academy and is proud for her achievements in dance. Angela is a qualified VicFit instructor and has completed a course in Childrens Creative dance. Angela's skills of working with young children is unchallenged and she instils a strong love and passion for dance in her fledglings. Angela complete all her major exams successfully in Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance. 

Angela has completed her safe dance courses and Angelina Ballerina Workshops. She is a well seasoned teacher that is adored by the young students she instructs. 

Alison Moon-Borton

Alison Moon-Borton

Senior Faculty Member

Attained Adv 2 level C.I.C.B. and Adv 2 Modern Theatre (I.S.T.D.) Member C.I.C.B 

Alison commenced with the Academy in 1992.  She has all through the years been a  loyal and wonderful student and even more so a dedicated and reliable teacher since 2009. Alison is well versed in all genres and excels in Classical Ballet and Contemporary. Her strength lies in her ability to make dance look easy.

Alison is a long standing Mentor for the Cecchetti Summer School held ever year at Melbourne University and is a member of C.I.C.B.

Alison  more recently is completing her Master of Primary Teaching to compliment her dance activites. She is also a STudent Mentor for the Cecchetti Summer School Program. 

Alison is our coordinator for the Cecchetti Choreographics and organiser for special events for students. She is an honors student through all her previous examinations and continues to attend development days to further her abilities and knowledge.

IMG_2009_edited.jpg

Tess Hudson

Dance Teacher, Performer, Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance), Certificate IV Dance Teaching and Management- Cert 1, 2, and 3 of Early Childhood Education and Care

I started training at the age of four at Attitudes Dance Studio. I have trained in many genres of dance including tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop and musical theatre. I have competed in competitions as both a soloist and a troupe member and have performed in many fundraisers, concerts and cabarets. Throughout my training I  completed my RAD Grade 1 to 8 ballet exams. In secondary school, I studied and completed VCE dance and decided to continue my studies and training at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance as a full time student.

At the end of 2020, I received a Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) and Cert 4 in Dance Teaching and Management. Ministry of Dance has given me many opportunities and new experiences such as performing on Australia’s Got Talent 2019 and on the Grand Final Footy Show. I also got to perform at the 2019 Grand Prix and Melbourne’s White Night Event. I have a big passion for teaching children and have had lots of experience teaching at primary schools for work experience and end of year concerts. I have completed my Cert 1, 2, and 3 of Early Childhood Education and Care while studying at school. I have developed many teaching skills through assistant teaching and substitute teaching with other schools. I have had the joy of teaching for about 3 years now and I enjoy seeing the excitement and delight from students and teaching and mentoring them with new and different skills. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the students throughout the rest of the year

IMG_7916_1732238471036_edited.jpg

Georgia Cooney

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science. Attained:  Adv 2 level C.I.C.B. and Intermediate Modern Theatre (I.S.T.D.) 

Georgia commenced her dance training at  Shirlene School of Classical Ballet in 2004, studying with Miss Shirley Jones OAM, up until 2020 and is now excited to bring her dance and teaching skills to RVDA.

Georgia has always had a strong interest in ballet and considers it her favourite style of dance, giving her the technical foundation to apply to all dance styles. She has completed the Cechetti grades up to Advanced 1 level with honours.

Georgia has danced many lead roles in ballets including; Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”, Marie Taglioni and Fanny Cerrito’s solos from “Pas De Quarte”, Blanche from “Pineapple Poll” and the Fairy of Passion from “Sleeping Beauty”.

 Georgia has strong interests in other dance genres including Jazz, Contemporary, I.S.T.D. Modern and Hip Hop. She has competed up to an international level in the United States All Star Federation’s (USASF) Dance Worlds competition in Orlando, Florida.

Georgia has completed VCE dance with high study scores. While being a strong dance technician, Georgia believes in instilling a love and passion for dance in younger students and developing artistry alongside technique.

 Georgia has completed her Bachelors degree in Sport and Exercise Science at La Trobe University and will be completing a Master of Physiotherapy Practice in the coming years. With this study she will be able to add more to her technical understanding of the body, physical and mental development while broadening her knowledge to encourage her students to look after their instrument, build strength and other physical skills alongside their dancing. 

20240706_190054_edited.jpg

Octavia Page

 Certificate II in Dance (Elite Performance),Studying Certificate IV Dance Teaching and Management, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation

​Octavia is a long standing member of the Academy, commencing her dance training at Riga Victoria Dance Academy in 2008. Octavia is  proud of her achievements over the years, having been trained in all genres including: Cecchetti Ballet, Jazz, Hip hop, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Theatre, Tap, Acro and Commercial. Successfully completing Cecchetti examinations from the Junior levels up to Majors.Octavia continues with  her studies in both teaching and performing.

Octavia has completed her Certificate 2 in Dance and Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management. She is currently attending fulltime at Kelly Ackers Full Time Dance Program, for her Dancers Elite Certificate

Octavia has a deep passion for dancing and teaching. Eager to learn more and grow as a person whilst encouraging young dancers, making sure they are taught with care and correctly.

Octavia commented: “I have been given incredible training and opportunities at RVDA,plus the amazing variety of roles to dance in our annual performances. I was also incredibly grateful to be awarded the 2023 scholarship”

PXL_20241127_040512482_edited.jpg

Rhonda McIntyre

Associate Diploma C.I.C.B. -C.S.B. ,Licenciate  C.I.C.B.-C.S.B.,CUA40313 Certificate IV in dance teaching & management. Attained Adv 2 level C.I.C.B. Member C.I.C.B.

Rhonda began her ballet training at a young age at the Shirlene School of Classical Ballet, where she studied under the guidance of Miss Shirley Jones OAM. She continued her studies until 2020, advancing through her Advanced 2, Associate, Associate Diploma, and Licentiate teaching exams. For over 25 years, Rhonda has shared her passion for classical ballet, teaching the Cecchetti method in collaboration with the Shirlene School of Classical Ballet. Throughout her career, she has focused on instilling elegance and strong ballet technique in her students.

Rhonda takes great pride in passing on her love of dance to younger generations, helping them develop not only their skills but also a deep appreciation for the art form.

a636fc44b6502370617271d3088acd02.png

Relieving & Guest Teachers 

image1_edited.jpg

Rhiarn Harrington

Rhiarn began her dance training at Riga Victoria Dance Academy in 2005 and has trained in all genres including:  Cecchetti Ballet, Jazz, I.S.T.D. Modern Theatre, hip hop, contemporary, acro, Tap and commercial. Rhiarn has danced a wide variety of roles in annual performances including a sensational performance as the "Scarecrow" in Journey to Oz. Rhiarn has been described as a talented and dedicated dancer with much to offer in her passion of dance to her students.

Rhiarn has successfully completed Cecchetti and I.S.T.D examinations from Junior levels up to Major. She has also successfullly completed Certificate 2 in dance at Northern college of Arts and Technology,  and  Certificate 4 in Dance.

Rhiarn is a passionate and committed dancer, well liked amongst her fellow dancers and students. Rhiarn is now looking forward to passing on her love of dance to her students. 

Elissa Privitelli

Elissa Privitelli

Elissa has been a member of the Academy for over 20 years, completing the higher levels in Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop. Her training has included many  Hip Hop courses for teachers. Elissa has a strong passion for Hip Hop and Jazz, whilst keeping up her training in Classical Ballet.

Elissa has been a scholarship winner as well as an Honors dancer in Modern Theatre. Elissa is one of our strongest Hip Hop and jazz teachers, who loves to encourage students to do the best they can. She is a popular and well loved staff member with courses under her belt in Hip Hop and Angelina Ballerina. 

a636fc44b6502370617271d3088acd02.png

Senior Level Assisting Students

Students wishing to be more involved to begin learning  the required methods of teaching young dancers may become a  tutored assistant in classes. It is a great way to learn more and increase knowledge by being mentored by the class teacher, whilst in a class environment.

The teachers assistant takes  instruction from the class teacher on how to help students that may need a

little more guidance in their class environment. 

                                     

    Olivia Rocca-Ambruosi                   Jacinta Robinson              Genevieve Spiteri             Nina Trimcevski       

Paquita (d) (1)_edited.jpg
RIGVD_19.11_edited.jpg
imageedit_22_8370377805_edited.jpg
imageedit_17_9986555243_edited.jpg

All content & images on this website are © 2016 by Riga Victoria Dance Academy Australia.  All rights reserved.

© 2023 by Ballet Academy. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page