Highly-Skilled & Competent Dance Instructors in Melbourne

Our Vision

To build self-confidence, unleash artistic expression, and enhance all facets of physical and creative development. Through our dedicated team of skilled instructors, we hope to inspire and nurture a lifelong passion for dance.

Our Goal

To maintain a successful and sustainable community of experienced dancers, well-respected and recognised for their dance excellence, as well as developing the foundation necessary for those who aspire to pursue a career in the performing arts. 

Provide Skills

We provide necessary skillsets for a successful career in the ever-evolving art of ballet and dance. We endeavour to guide and instruct today’s youth, to become successful young adults.

Dance Knowledge

We provide young students with a full spectrum of dance knowledge and technique necessary to attain a professional level. By offering solid methods of technique, students develop a strong foundation in dance while developing self-confidence, discipline and teamwork.

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.

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

Fellow C.B.A-C.I.C.B. (Distinction.) L.C.I.C.B., A.C.I.C.B (Hon), 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 lucky prodigies to have gained all her Examinations with Honours, her Cecchetti Diploma in one sitting with distinction and all her teaching degrees up to Fellowship with Distinction. Ms Eicens won both the Junior and Senior 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, one of the former pupils of Madame Lucie saranova. Ms Eicens is one of the lucky few to have had the honor to gain training from 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 is well known throughout the dance world, her classes are always full of knowledge, a touch of humor and a deep resonating passion for her love of dance. If you have been lucky to have had Ms Eicens as your teacher or mentor, then you know what dance really is about. 

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.

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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.

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.

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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 then later joining RVDA in 1983 where she was trained in all genres offered at the time; ballet, pointe, modern and jazz.



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.

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

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 and is proud for her achievements in dance. She commenced at RVDA in 2008 and has continued her studies in both teaching and performing. She is currently attending a fulltime dance course at Kelly Ackers.

Octavia has a deep passion for encouraging young dancers and making sure they are taught with care and correctly. A well loved and admired dancer, and staff member.

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.

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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.

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 currently studying the Certificate 4 in Dance at Kelly Aykers Fulltime Dance Program.

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.

The Academy is a government recognised training school for teaching degrees. It is with pride that over the 38 years of operation we have trained over 15 Associates in Cecchetti Ballet and modern theatre. Training always starts with senior students helping out in junior classes under the guidance of the class teacher. Being mentored for at least 3 years in a class environment, then progressing to take a small class of there own and relief teaching. Professional development and courses including attending seminars is a vital part to furthering their abilites.

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

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.