Our Teachers
Anne Reardon
RAD, RTS / ATOD Affiliate Teacher
Principal
Miss Anne started her ballet training in Wagga Wagga and was fortunate enough to have been instructed by Miss Edna Busse (OAM). In 1995, Miss Anne completed her full-time Dance and Performing Arts studies at the Bartuccio Dance and Promotion Centre in Melbourne. Her teaching skills were nurtured at the Fran Day School of Dance, The Rachael Strong Dance Academy and Southern Cross Performing Arts where she prepared students for exams in Ballet, Tap and Jazz through the British Ballet Organisation, Ballet Australasia Limited and the Royal Academy of Dance.
Miss Anne has worked as a Classical Ballet Teacher and Choreographer with amateur musical theatre groups including Canberra Repertory Society, Supa Productions and The Canberra Philharmonic Society. She has also enjoyed other interesting experiences including working as an extra on 'Neighbours' and choreographing for diplomats with the Department of Foreign Affairs!
Miss Anne was fortunate enough to travel to London for her graduation ceremony with the Royal Academy of Dance for her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies. She has now built on this training to create a safe, friendly and nurturing environment at Allegro Ballet School. In 2016, Miss Anne completed the Classical Dance Australia teacher’s course in the Preparatory Syllabus in Classical Ballet for Vocational Students with Mr John Byrne.
Miss Anne is a dedicated teacher who loves to share her passion for classical ballet with each and every student. She believes that the training provided in classical ballet has so many benefits for students including improving self-discipline, self-confidence, physical fitness and reward for hard work, as well as the feeling of absolute joy to dance in this beautiful, graceful, dramatic and exciting artform.
Nadine Milgate PhD
Head of Contemporary Dance Department and Advanced Classical Ballet Teacher
Nadine Milgate PhD - Miss Nadine is the Head of our Contemporary Dance Department as well as teaching Advanced Classical Ballet.
Miss Nadine commenced her dance training at the Parry School of Dance in Port Macquarie. She studied ballet, contemporary, jazz and character and completed the British Ballet Organisation (BBO) examinations consistently receiving Honours. Miss Nadine was invited to audition for The McDonald College performing arts school in Sydney and following her acceptance into the College she moved away from home to board at the school’s boarding facility.
During her time at McDonald College Miss Nadine was taught by many remarkable and talented teachers. Under the careful tuition of these teachers, Miss Nadine completed her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations to an advanced level with Honours. Miss Nadine also studied contemporary dance at McDonald College under the expert teaching of Mr Trevor Green.
Miss Nadine then went on to dance professionally in two dance companies in Newcastle – Dance Nouveau and The Hunter Regional Dance Company (HRDC). Miss Nadine’s discipline and hard work was rewarded when she was awarded soloist roles in original contemporary arrangements. While dancing with the HRDC Miss Nadine commenced her university studies in occupational therapy and started teaching ballet and contemporary classes at a number of dance schools in Newcastle.
Miss Nadine has dance teaching experience spanning 15 years. In addition to teaching in Newcastle, Miss Nadine has taught in Hobart and Wagga Wagga. Miss Nadine has experience teaching classical ballet syllabus and open classes for children and adults; dance conditioning; classical ballet technique; contemporary dance and private lessons. Miss Nadine is also an accomplished choreographer. She has choreographed solo routines for students to perform in eisteddfods and also ballet and contemporary group routines for annual dance concerts. She was the choreographer for the All Abilities Theatre company performance of Peter Pan in 2014. As a qualified occupational therapist Miss Nadine completed her honours degree studying dance therapy.
In 2016, Miss Nadine completed the Classical Dance Australia teacher’s course in the Preparatory Syllabus in Classical Ballet for Vocational Students with Mr John Byrne. Miss Nadine believes that the foundation of all dance begins with a strong classical ballet technique. She is a committed and caring teacher who nurtures all her students to be the very best version of themselves.
Emma Guymer B.Ed (Primary)
Head of Jazz Department
Emma Guymer B.Ed (Primary) - Miss Emma is the head of our Jazz Department.
Emma began dancing as a teenager at Robin Baston’s School of Dance in Barellan and was taught Australasian Dance Association [ADA] syllabus work formally known as Federation of Australian Teachers of Dance [FATD] in both jazz and tap. Emma became passionate about dance and continued dancing from this point onwards. At the age of 18 Emma completed her Pre-Elementary Teaching Certificate in Modern Dance with ADA receiving Honours.
Emma then danced with Canberra Dance Development Centre gaining experience in Jazz and had her first year of learning classical ballet. When she commenced university in Wagga Wagga, she gained experience in a range of dance forms from jazz, tap and ballet, through to hip-hop and cheerleading at Southern Cross Performing Arts Studio and she was also given the opportunity to teach at the studio. Over the past few years, Emma has been a student at Allegro Ballet School studying advanced levels of Royal Academy of Dance [RAD] ballet syllabus.
Throughout 2016, Emma danced at the Central West Performing Arts Studio in Orange and has recently completed two of the Elementary teaching examinations with ADA in Modern Dance achieving Honours with Distinction in both.
Emma is a kind and caring teacher who strives to assist students to reach their full dancing capacity. She enjoys choreographing routines and teaching students the love of dance. Emma has choreographed routines for concerts, school performances and debutant routines in different dance genres.
Emma is passionate about ensuring safe dance practices and aims to create a stimulating, positive, learning environment intended to enhance students’ dance outcomes. Emma is a creative individual, enthusiastic about sharing her love of dance with her students.
Emma graduated from Charles Sturt University at the end of 2016, with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and now teaches full time.
Julie Webber B.Ed.
Classical Ballet Coach
Miss Julie has had a long professional career in education as a teacher, creative arts consultant and school principal. In parallel with this, Miss Julie also tutored the performing arts students at Charles Sturt University in movement, choreographed many musicals for the university and the Riverina Theatre Company, and was principal of a local ballet school.
Miss Julie began her training as a youngster in all styles of dance including classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, Irish and Highland dancing. Initially, she studied the RAD Syllabus in ballet, subsequently changing to the Russian Method of Ballet, after she was fortunate to become a student of the inspirational and talented ballerina and teacher, Miss Edna Busse (OAM). Whilst with Miss Busse, Miss Julie completed all major ballet examinations with Honours, taught classes, and when Miss Busse formed the Inland Ballet Company, Miss Julie danced the leading roles. Upon Miss Busse’s retirement, Miss Julie took over the ballet studio.
Miss Julie is a performing member, assistant director and showmanship leader of Murrumbidgee Magic Chorus (MMC), an acapella singing group. MMC performs locally at many diverse events and each year competes nationally, in various locations around Australia, often returning home with a gold medal.
Miss Julie credits her love of ballet and performing to Miss Busse, who passed on her remarkable knowledge and wisdom and the hope that her students would “dance from the heart”, so that audiences could be transported to the wonderful world of ballet. Miss Julie hopes to continue this legacy. 'My time with Edna was a gift'.
Emma Rush PhD
Classical Ballet Coach
Miss Emma completed her early ballet training (RAD) in Melbourne with Merilyn Byrne and later Karen Stephens, before undertaking a year of professional training in Dance (Performing Arts) at DanceWorld 301, where her main classical teacher was former Australian Ballet dancer Nicole Marshman. She then enjoyed a number of years of professional classical classes under former Australian Ballet dancers Mary Renouf and Adrian Fryer at City Dance Centre.
While classical ballet is Miss Emma’s first and greatest love, she has also studied jazz to an advanced level under a range of teachers at DanceWorld 301 and later at Southern Cross Performing Arts. Over many years, her broader dance experience has included contemporary, character, hip-hop, tap, calisthenics (known in NSW as physical culture or ‘physie’) and Pilates. Miss Emma highly recommends regular Pilates practice for advanced ballet students. She formerly trained, and then worked part-time for several years, as a clinical Pilates Instructor at Dance Medicine Australia in Melbourne under former Australian Ballet dancer turned physiotherapist, Craig Phillips.
Miss Emma has worked as a coaching colleague with Miss Anne since 2015, and loves being part of the Riverina dance community. For Miss Emma, teaching and coaching involves fostering the development of each student’s potential, using the foundations of classical ballet technique to help students to better experience the joy of dance as well as to more deeply appreciate the beauty of classical ballet as an art form.
In her professional life, Miss Emma is a lecturer at Charles Sturt University, teaching and researching in philosophy and ethics.
Our Student/Teachers
Rebecca Rodway
Classical Ballet & Ready Set Dance Classes
Miss Rebecca has been dancing for over 10 years and is trained in ballet and contemporary. She commenced her dance training at Dance Whispers in Coolamon before moving to Allegro Ballet School in 2017. She has trained in multiple ballet syllabi, including Cecchetti, Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She has completed the ADOT Intermediate Ballet exam as well as the RAD Level 3 Repertoire exam, achieving high marks in both.
Miss Rebecca is passionate about her dancing and is thankful for the opportunity to pass on her knowledge to the younger students. She is currently still training in ballet under Miss Anne and Miss Nadine, while completing a Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University.
Jasmin Walker
Classical Ballet & Contemporary Classes
Jasmin discovered her love for dancing at age 6 when she attended her first ballet class. As an eager student with a strong willingness to grow and learn about the different styles of dance, Jasmin eventually added jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre classes into her weekly dance schedule.
Jasmin truly loves performing on stage and has done so many times during the course of her dancing years in eisteddfods and community and school based productions. Jasmin’s love of performing began with her musical theatre debut, the Civic Theatre’s production of Oliver! in 2013. She has also been privileged to dance in Life in the Spotlight (2014), Wicked (2017) and play the lead role of Jane Banks in Bidgee Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins (2015). In 2019, Jasmin was offered the opportunity to mentor the Kildare Catholic College HSC dance class through their final year of dance studies.
Teaching has become one of Jasmin’s passions and she has since decided to undertake a Bachelor of Education (K-12) at Charles Sturt University, with the aspiration of becoming a HSC dance teacher on completion of her degree. Jasmin joined the Allegro family 4 years ago and has enjoyed every moment of being part of such a wonderful dance community. Whilst Jasmin has been involved in each of the end of year concerts, a highlight for Jasmin was dancing the role of Cinderella in the performance of Cinderella in 2017.
Jasmin has been fortunate enough to have such a vast range of teachers who have come from diverse backgrounds, allowing her to learn and develop techniques on a broader spectrum. Each has offered Jasmin knowledge, wisdom and most of all, their support throughout her training. Jasmin wishes to follow in her teachers footsteps in her teaching career.
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Abbey Rumbachs
Ready Set Ballet & Ready Set Dance Classes, Tap, Jazz & Musical Theatre
Abbey begin her dance training at the age of 3 years at Southern Cross Performing Arts, Wagga Wagga, and then dancing at Allegro Ballet School in 2015 in its opening year. She has studied the dance genres of ballet, jazz, tap, cheerleading, hip hop, contemporary and lyrical and is passionate about all styles of dance. Abbey has completed advanced levels of tap exams receiving High Distinctions with the Glenn Wood syllabus as well as completing her Intermediate level of classical ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She has also completed her level 1 DanceStep Student Teacher program (Ballet) in 2018 and has attended the Ready Set Dance syllabus training day in 2020. Abbey has a high interest in drama and musical theatre being cast in multiple theatre productions throughout the community as well as receiving first in her high school HSC drama course. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (K-12) at Charles Sturt University majoring in Drama studies. Abbey has also been trained in Vocal Classical music and competes at the local Wagga Wagga music eisteddfod annually. She loves to use her musicality skills throughout her dance classes to build confidence in children by engaging the students in singing and using their voices.
Miss Abbey is a very caring, kind, and considerate student teacher who is passionate about teaching younger students a love for dance. She is very excited to be teaching the Ready Set Dance/ Ballet classes this year and cannot wait to see each and every student’s individual personality shine.
Macy Milgate
Classical Ballet, Contemporary & Conditioning Classes
Miss Macy has been dancing for 12 years and is trained in Classical Ballet (Borovansky, Australian Teachers of Dance and Royal Academy of Dance), Jazz, Contemporary and Dance Conditioning. Miss Macy has been dancing at Allegro since 2017. Macy has completed ballet exams in Borovansky (Intermediate Level), ATOD (Intermediate Level) and RAD (Discovering Repertoire 3) achieving high marks in all exams.
Miss Macy is very passionate about her dancing and the idea of dance being a safe place to escape. Miss Macy is a supportive, caring and loving person who finds happiness in helping every student. Miss Macy continually strives to better her technique under the guidance of Miss Anne and Miss Nadine. She is excited to share her knowledge about dance and performance with the younger aspiring dancers.
Mary-Kate Ingold
Junior RAD Ballet Classes
Miss Mary-Kate has been dancing for over 10 years and is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Lyrical and Highland. She has completed HSC dance where she developed and improved her skills in areas of performance, composition and appreciation. Mary-Kate has also performed in many eisteddfods in the solo, duet, troupe and school sections as well as participated in numerous highland competitions. She has also been a part of her schools dance ensemble for five years where she’s received the opportunity to perform in Riverina Dance Festival, State Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular.
Hannah Rumbachs
Ready Set Ballet & Ready Set Dance Classes, Tap, Jazz & Musical Theatre
Hannah started dancing at the age of 3yrs at Southern Cross Performing Arts, Wagga Wagga studying all styles of dance genres. She joined Allegro Ballet School in 2015 when it first opened and has enjoyed being a part of a wonderful dance community. Hannah has a love and passion for the world of dance and enjoys performing onstage. She has been competing at Dance and Classical Vocal eisteddfods from the age of 4yrs receiving high marks and placing for all her efforts. She has also had the opportunity to perform at large events such as Wagga Wagga’s Carols by Candlelight and the Sydney Royal Easter show. She loves to share her knowledge of teaching with others and enjoys helping younger students begin their dance careers. Hannah began student teaching for Allegro Ballet School in 2018 as she completed The DanceStep student teacher training program (ballet) as well as attended the Ready Set Dance syllabus training in early 2020. Hannah has acquired many roles in the end of year performances for Allegro Ballet School and has enjoyed developing her characters through dance. In 2015 she was awarded the main role of Clara in The Nutcracker, the Summer Fairy in Cinderella in 2017, The Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty in 2018 and the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland in 2019. In last year's production of The Nutcracker, Miss Hannah danced the role of Arabian (Coffee) Fairy.
After many years of performing, Hannah has gained many attributes and skills that she would love to pass on to younger students. She is passionate and excited to share her knowledge with students and assist them to achieve their goals in the future.
Lucy Elgayar
Classical Ballet Classes
Miss Lucy began dancing at the age of three, with an enthusiasm for classical ballet. She has completed a multitude of ballet exams, with her most recent exam (September 2020) being the RAD Repertoire 3. Miss Lucy has also enjoyed the privileges of performing on stage, with a highlight of performing at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. In her past two years dancing at Allegro Ballet School she was able to dance the role of the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland (2019) and a Snow Maiden in The Nutcracker (2020). In the past six months Lucy was part of the Australian Ballet’s Mentorship Program and the Riverina Dance Academy’s first summer school.
Miss Lucy enjoys dancing and the freedom it gives her, and she looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of ballet with younger students, in a safe and fun environment
Aspenne McMahon
Classical Ballet Classes
Aspenne has been dancing for 10 years, with a focus of studying classical, contemporary and jazz. She started dancing around the age of 3-4, and instantly fell in love with dance. Ever since then Aspenne's passion for dance has grown and it provides her with an environment to grow, learn and extend herself.
Aspenne has completed a number of different exam syllabi through Allegro Ballet School including ATOD and RAD, in her last (September 2019) I attained Honours with Distinction in ATOD Gold Star. This year Aspenne have also attended a number of summer schools including the Australian Ballet School and Tanya Pearson Academy.
During the last two years Aspenne has been given the amazing opportunity of helping teach different dance classes where she has learnt how to communicate the technical aspects of dance, share her passion for dance, communicate with children of all ages and make lasting relationships with those she teaches and dances with. During this time, Aspenne has also been a part of the Australian Ballet Company mentoring program working with professional dancers to extend knowledge of technique and performance.
Dance gives me a sense of freedom and enjoyment. It holds a huge part in my life and I can’t imagine a future without dance in it.
Our Guest Teachers
Rachael Strong (ARAD, RTS)
CBTS Mentor, Royal Academy of Dance
Principal, Rachael Strong Dance Academy (Canberra)
Miss Rachael comes to us from the Rachael Strong Dance Academy in Canberra, ACT.
Miss Rachael trained at the New Zealand School of Dance and graduated in 1994 with her RAD Teaching Diploma. Whilst there she took her Elementary, Intermediate and Associate Character Exams with International Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD).
Miss Rachael immigrated to Australia in July 1995 to teach at the Del Brady School of Dance which she then inherited and, 20 years later, the Rachael Strong Dance Academy is still her absolute passion! She has also been appointed an RAD Mentor for students who are studying their Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS)
Many of Miss Rachael's students have been successful in tertiary training professional careers both in Australia and overseas. Some have even chosen a teaching career themselves. In 2004 Miss Rachael received the prestigeous NZSD “Graduate of the Year” Award.
Miss Rachael acted as Miss Anne's mentor with the Royal Academy of Dance and continues to travel to Wagga at least twice a year to conduct intensive workshops and private private coaching to prepare the Allegro Ballet School students for their classical ballet exams and performances.
Miss Rachael adores teaching and says; 'they say “you never stop learning” so between the students and myself we will continue to flourish!'
Carin Cumberlege MBChB, FRACGP
Classical Ballet
Carin started dancing at the age of four; joining a small ballet studio in South Africa and has been dancing ever since. Carin studied Classical Ballet (South African Teachers of Dance -, Royal Academy of Dance - and Dance Academy of South Africa -Syllabi) completing dance exams up to an advanced level to a high standard of achievement. In 2003 Carin received the ‘Lesta Erasmus shield’- awarded to the student with the highest Elementary level exam results achieved nationally (South Africa). Although Carin has enjoyed exploring other genres of dance including contemporary, tap and jazz, ballet remains her first love. Carin believes that well established, sound classical ballet technique is the foundation of dance and along with being ‘body aware’ it is the best safe guard against injury.
Professionally Carin fulfils the role of Chaplain at the Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre while completing her studies in Theology and practicing medicine part time.
Carin believes that every person is beautifully created with purpose and uniquely gifted to fulfil that purpose. Working with children and young people to help them discover and develop their talents and abilities is a great privilege and source of joy to Carin.
Eden Holmes BA (Musical Theatre
Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Singing, Classical Ballet
Miss Eden is a singer and dancer who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Musical Theatre) from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. University highlights include Cabaret, 42nd Street and Spring Awakening.
Between 2015-2020, Miss Eden sailed around the world working for luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises as Production Cast Singer-Dancer. She has also appeared professionally in a number of Melbourne shows such as Manilla Street Productions' Amazing Grace at the National Theatre, and Melbourne's boutique magic show Impossible Occurrences at the Marriott Hotel.
Miss Eden is excited to be back teaching in her hometown of Wagga where she was featured as Eliza Doolittle in the 2011 Civic Theatre production of My Fair Lady. Wagga is also where she grew up training in many styles of dance at Southern Cross Performing Arts, including ballet under the tuition of Miss Anne.