Faculty

Teresa Johnson

ARAD, Solo Seal, RAD RTS, Diploma in Ballet UCT, ATOD Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management

Founder, Director and Vocational Ballet Teacher

Teresa commenced her dance training in South Africa at the age of 5. After attending the Johannesburg Art Ballet and Music High School, Teresa completed the 3 year Diploma in Ballet at the University of Cape Town. Upon graduation Teresa was fortunate to be offered a contract with the CAPAB Ballet Company, where she danced many roles in the ballets Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Raymonda, Orpheus in the Underworld, Romeo and Juliet and Sherezade with her favourite role being that of Clara in The Nutcracker.

The Teresa Johnson Ballet school was established when Teresa and her family emigrated to Sydney in 2000. Besides her husband and two daughters, Teresa’s most precious family members are her two Yorkshire Terriers – Frankie and Alfie – who love ballet almost as much as she does!!

Katie Schless

BBO Teaching Associate in Ballet and Tap, BBO Diploma in Dance teaching, Certificate 3 in Dance teaching AU, Early childhood education Cert 3

Assistant to the director, Head of Junior Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Adult dance classes.

Katie began her training at the Wallasey School of Ballet in the UK. After attaining her BBO teaching qualifications, Katie danced professionally in Europe and the UK. Katie’s passion for dance has taken her travelling worldwide teaching and performing. Her career highlights include performing for an international Cruise Company as Production Manager/Dance Captain and Assistant to the Choreographer.

Whilst living in Australia Katie has examined for BBO Dance, attained her certificate in Early childhood education and has adjudicated for many eisteddfods and competitions in Sydney. Katie has guest taught at various dance schools in NSW and for the AICD annual scholarships in Sydney. Katie enjoys teaching all age groups and is extremely honoured to be teaching for The Teresa Johnson Ballet School.

Antonia Johnson

ARAD, Solo Seal, RAD RTS

Senior Ballet Teacher, Head of Strength & Conditioning and Marketing Manager.

Antonia commenced her ballet studies at the age of three with The Teresa Johnson Ballet School in Paddington, Sydney. As a student at TTJBS she passed all the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet exams from Primary to Advanced Two with a High Distinction. In 2013 Antonia started studying full time under the tutelage of Gillian Revie at Classical Ballet 121. Antonia was awarded the Runner Up and Third Place at the AICD Houston Ballet Scholarship held in Sydney in 2014 and 2015 and was a Scholarship recipient and semi-finalist at the Alana Haines Australasia 2015 Awards.

Antonia has also been fortunate enough to be selected to attend The Royal Ballet School Summer School at both White Lodge (2012) and Covent Garden (2014, 2015). In 2015 Antonia was offered a place at Elmhurst school for Dance, in association with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. While studying at Elmhurst, Antonia was awarded 1st place for the annual solo’s competition as well as receiving her Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal Award.

Antonia had many performance opportunities whilst in the UK which included, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘An Evening of Dance and Music’ at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, as well as performing in the Selfridges ‘Shakespeare Refashioned’ event. Antonia is a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, has completed her Certificate of Ballet Teachers Studies and sits on the Royal Academy of Dance’s Advisory Panel.

Antonia works closely alongside our physiotherapist Nicole to provide strength and conditioning programs (including injury rehabilitaion) as well as assisting the students with pre-pointe preparation. Antonia is currently undertaking her ASCA strength and conditioning qualifications.

“As a past student, and now a faculty member, I feel very fortunate to be part of the Teresa Johnson Ballet School Community. Teresa instils not only impeccable classical ballet training but also important life skills (such as dedication, resilience and tenacity). I feel so privileged to be part of a school that fosters a positive environment as well as a dedication to the training and encouragement of all dancers.”

Jasmin Durham

ARAD, RAD RTS

Jasmin Durham started learning ballet at the age of three at the Lisa Clark Dance Centre in Canberra, later studying jazz, tap and contemporary dance. In 2009 she moved to Melbourne to study at The Australian Ballet School and performed on The Dancers Company tour in 2010 and 2011. Jasmin joined The Australian Ballet in 2012, where she was given the opportunity to perform in Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, China and all around Australia. Jasmin has performed works by Jiří Kylián, Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine and Justin Peck and has been created on by many choreographers including Tim Harbour, Alexei Ratmansky, Graeme Murphy and Stephen Baynes. Jasmin was an ensemble member of the musical ‘An American in Paris’ by Christopher Wheeldon, performing over 150 shows around Australia in 2022. Jasmin was nominated for the Telstra Ballet Dancer of the Year Award in 2015 and 2020 and has obtained a ‘Professional Dancers Postgraduate Teaching Certificate’ from the Royal Academy of Dance.

Jasmin has been a guest teacher for us since 2020 and we are very excited to have her join our team permanently from 2024.

Gabby Stockwell

ARAD, RAD CBTS Student, Diploma of Screen & Media

RAD CBTS Student Teacher, Assistant teacher, Silver Swans Teacher

Gabby Grew up in the Blue Mountains, where her love of ballet began at aged 4 with Susan Weule of Classe Dance Academy in Leura.

Gabby trained at several ballet schools in the Blue Mountains, Sydney and Brisbane. Under the guidance of many inspiring teachers she studied comprehensive Ballet Technique, Repertoire, National Character, Jazz and Contemporary Dance. Stand out tutors include Garth Welsh AM, Li Cunxin AO, Mary Li, Hillary Kaplan and Lucinda Dunn OAM.

Gabby accomplished all the Graded RAD examinations with distinction and a remarkable 100% result for her Grade 8 exam. She continued on to her vocational levels of training as a part time ballet student, while attaining her Advanced 1 during her HSC year. Whilst broadening her full time studies, Gabby obtained a diploma of screen and media, at the same time of completing her RAD advanced 2.

Gabby is also a Professional Makeup Artist working with private clients, bridal parties, film sets, advertising and television.

Gabby had a great love of dance, music and creativity. She is passionate about the arts and how they harmoniously merge and compliment one another.

Gabby is presently studying the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and is thoroughly enjoying her teacher training at the Teresa Johnson Ballet School.

Alex Frost

Contemporary and Jazz Teacher

Alex commenced her dance training at the age of three. She has trained in a variety of dance styles including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical theatre. She achieved up to Advanced 1 Level from the Royal Academy of Dance while training with the Teresa Johnson Ballet School in Sydney. Alex has completed a Diploma of Elite Performing Arts at Brent Street Performing Arts and is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Dance Practice at the Australian College of Physical Education.

Alex has a strong passion for choreography and dance production, appreciating the strength of performing arts in both the dance and commercial world. Her teaching focuses on raising the dance skills and capabilities of each student whilst also helping them to build their uniqueness in the world of dance.

Nicole Baer

APA, IADMS
Consultant Physiotherapist and Pre-Pointe assessor

Nicole has over twenty years of clinical experience working in sports physiotherapy private practice. During that time, she developed passion and skills for the management of sporting injuries, particularly lower limb, lumbar spine and pelvis. She completed her Masters Degree in Health Science (Sports Physiotherapy) at La Trobe University in 2009 and gained her APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist title in 2010.

Since 2014, Nicole has worked with The Australian Ballet during their Sydney seasons as well as Bangarra Dance Company, several international touring dance companies and internationally renown touring ballet dancers. This experience, together with continuous further study, has enabled Nicole to hone her already considerable sports physiotherapy skills, and placed her in an excellent position for those looking for a specialist Physiotherapist to work with pre-professional and professional dancers. Nicole brings her extensive knowledge and experience of injury management of high performance dance to all levels and styles of dance and for all ages.

Guest Teachers

Dame Darcey Bussell CBE

Guest Coach

Dame Darcey Bussell CBE, former Principal Ballerina with The Royal Ballet, is a very good friend of our small ballet school, who along with the great Dame Margot Foneteyn, will be remembered as one of the greatest ballerinas Britain has ever produced.

As a guest artist, Darcey danced with the Paris Opera, Le Scala Milan, The Marinsky Theatre, to name a few, as well as performing on many stages with The Royal Ballet worldwide. Darcey is one of the greatest ballerinas of our time and we are so lucky to have her come in to inspire our students when she is back in Sydney!

Gillian Revie

Guest Teacher and former faculty member

Gilly trained at The Royal Ballet School in London and joined The Royal Ballet Company in 1987. In 1989 Gillian was chosen by Sir Kenneth MacMillan to dance the role of Mary Vetsera in his ballet Mayerling. Gillian remained with The Royal Ballet for over 20 years and danced many principal roles including Sugar Plum Fairy, Anastasia and Manon. She also had the privilege of being partnered by some of the world’s greatest male ballet stars including Irek Mukhamedov, Carlos Acosta, Jonathan Cope, Johan Kobborg and Edward Watson. In 2007 Gillian completed The Royal Ballet School Teacher Training Course for Professional Dancers with Distinction and in 2008 joined the staff of the English National Ballet School. Gilly has been teaching at The Teresa Johnson Ballet School since 2011 and is currently the head of the Dance and Ballet Academy at Redlands.

Poppy Lynch

Guest Yoga Teacher

Poppy is a qualified Yoga teacher who teaches for multiple organisations as a corporate and private Yoga Instructor. She loves combining meditation, breath and movement in the practices she teaches. Businesses she works with include – Giants Netball, UTS Sparks Netball, Curtis Brown Publishing, Nash Management, BAIN and Partners and Daybreak Fitness.

She is an ex-student of the Teresa Johnson Ballet School and an Actor graduate of WAAPA. She utilizes these performance skills, and an understanding of the requirements of a dancer, to run fun and energizing sessions that focus on developing movement awareness, mental stabilization and balance.

Alistair Stewart

Guest Pilates Instructor

Alistair was born in Sydney and trained at English National Ballet School in London. Upon graduation Alistair joined the Czech National Ballet and later the Slovakian National Ballet where he discovered a love for Jiri Kylian’s works.

Having recovered from two major injuries, Alistair has firsthand experience of the power of Pilates. It was Pilates which facilitated his return to the stage and inspired him to attain his Advanced Pilates Certification and which now allows him to help aspiring young dancers achieve their classical ballet goals.

Alistair has taught for CB121 with Gillian Revie, The McDonald College of Performing Arts, Leeon Studio Pilates and enjoys guest teaching for The Teresa Johnson Ballet School where he has admired the dedication and artistry that Teresa brings out of all her students.

Alistair has also had the privilege of working with Antonia Johnson not only as professional ballerina but alongside as she has developed into an exceptional teacher, mentor and coach.

Testimonials

Great Service!

“Wonderful dance school operated by professionals who teach a number of styles of dance with passion and attention to detail but also warmth and enthusiasm. My daughter loved her many years learning ballet and contemporary here and I love my adult ballet classes too. Highly recommended.”

“Very fortunate to have landed at TJ Ballet. Surrounded by a beautiful group of students and forever grateful for the opportunities afforded. Teresa & Antonia have shown support and care for the girls in a nurturing & safe environment. Always helping my daughter to extend herself yet not setting unrealistic goals.”

“A very professional and caring dance school who support their dancers from mum and me classes through to Eisteddfods and beyond. My daughter loves learning ballet and contemporary here and has developed a real passion for dance. Highly recommended”

“The teachers at the Teresa Johnson Ballet School are not only very talented but incredibly caring and nurturing. Over the last 10 years our three girls (one teen, and two tweens) have and continue to love their many hours of ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap”

“A great decision TTJBS made in opening an Adult Ballet class in Paddington .The professional tutelage of our Miss Katie is exemplary, creating an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment not to mention the health benefits ballet gives us seniors . We have greater flexibility , balance , co-ordination and a good feeling of wellbeing. Add to this their Adult Tap classes ( which I've now joined) will see me dancing miraculously into my 70's with vigour in 2023 with no aching knees or ankles and an excuse to get out of bed to live another joyful healthy day . Congratulations TTJBS and thank you”

“Our daughter had been dancing for 8 years when she started with Teresa at the age of 10. Since joining the school she, and we have never been happier, both with the standard of tuition, the friendly and inclusive atmosphere and the deep friendships she has made with the girls in her classes. Teresa has managed to harness the valuable inclusions of local and international artists and teachers, who, together with her own international experience in performing and teaching, has provided her students with a broad and extensive dance program of the highest calibre. We commend Teresa Johnson to anyone who is seeking a ballet school offering the high quality tuition in a boutique environment.”

“Teresa Johnson is a dedicated teacher who has the rare ability to get the best out of her students both in class and in her superb end-of-year concerts. Teresa’s attention to detail, her rigorous approach to technique and her encouragement, make this a very special ballet school. The proper preparation for pointe work also makes me feel confident that my daughter’s health and safety is in knowledgeable and responsible hands. I would not consider any other ballet school for my daughter.”

“My daughter has been at the Teresa Johnson Ballet School for about 5 years now and to see her grow and improve each year is incredibly rewarding not only for me but especially for my daughter. For children to be a part of a dance school that enables them to understand the discipline and commitment required to be a dancer at any level and at the same time to be nurtured and encouraged to be the best they can be, I believe is a very tricky balance. The Teresa Johnson Ballet School not only offers a very high level of professionalism, but also masters this balance so that the students attain an appreciation, respect and passion for dance, no matter what their age. I feel as though my daughter is in very safe hands and that no matter how serious she is about dance, she may as well be with the best.”

“My daughter and I highly recommend The Teresa Johnson Ballet School. The teachers for the varied dance styles offered are talented, dedicated and enthusiastic which has enhanced my daughter's ballet journey.”

“Highly recommend the Teresa Johnson Ballet School. Our daughter has been dancing with the school since she was 5, it's been seven years and we are still going strong. We love all the teachers on the faculty who go above and beyond for their students. The teachers are professional, nurturing and dedicated in bringing the best out of each student.”

“TTJBS is a wonderful place to introduce children to the magic of dance. Katie Schless is an excellent teacher who is able to bring out the best in each individual dancer through her passion, energy and dedication. My daughter is developing her musicality, strength and love of movement through her weekly classes and I am so pleased she is part of this inspiring school.”

“We feel so very fortunate to be a part of The Teresa Johnson Ballet School. Our daughter started at the school when she was 2 ½ years old in the “mum and me” class and now years on she enjoys Ballet, Tap and Jazz classes surrounded by the most talented teachers and lovely group of students. All the teachers are passionate, professional and extremely caring and they bring out the very best in each student, and the friendships made within the classes are true and lasting friendships. My daughter and I highly recommend this beautiful school.”

“Three years ago I joined the adult ballet class. I cannot tell you the joy it has brought me pointing my toe. The class which I attend twice a week offers me excellent instruction and a local social group. I would highly recommend it.”

“The Teresa Johnson Ballet school is such a wonderful Ballet School. Not only are the teachers exceptionally talented but they are kind, patient and caring and they really go above and beyond to help the students achieve the best results possible. I feel very lucky that my daughter has had the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic dance school for so many years. TJBS offers a wonderful range of different dance styles.”