Alumni

Alexandra Walton

Houston Ballet Academy, Houston Ballet 11, Houston Ballet Company and now the Australian Ballet Company.

I started my ballet journey with TTJBS back in kindergarten with my best friends from school. I looked forward to ballet every week and TTJBS was such a special part of my life from Day 1!
Teresa and the teachers taught me life long skills of resilience, discipline and encouraged my love of dance from the beginning. She nurtured me into the dancer I am today.
Teresa and TTJBS have been and are a constant in my life. The caring and safe community have given me guidance, opportunities and endless support.

During my training at TTJBS I’ve been fortunate enough to compete in eisteddfods, international competitions and received scholarships and auditions leading me to the Houston Ballet Academy.
After performing with the Houston Ballet company I have now returned home to join the Australian Ballet as a Corp de Ballet member. None of this would have been achieved without the guiding hand, knowledge and encouragement of Teresa and TTJBS. I’m so incredibly grateful for everything this school and community have done for me!

Amber Mitchell-Knight

National Theatre ballet School, Queensland Ballet Company

I had the pleasure of training at the Teresa Johnson Ballet School through my final years of completing my RAD vocational examinations where I was fortunate to have achieved a high distinction in all such examinations. Having recently been awarded my RAD Solo Seal whilst training at the National Theatre Ballet School I am grateful for the strong technical foundation in ballet that I achieved during my time at the Teresa Johnson Ballet School.

I grew so much training at this school as a young dancer in a supportive and happy environment. It was at TTJBS where I commenced by transition to pointe as a young dancer who had always dreamed of the day she could dance on her toes. The transition was done in a safe and well managed environment with careful consideration given to individual readiness and preparedness.

My time and experience at TTJBS also helped me with my progression on to full-time training with Gillian Revie at Classical Ballet 121. Following my training there, I moved to The National Theatre Ballet School in Melbourne, where I studied my Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) under the Directorship of Mr Damian Smith. In 2021 I graduated from the NTBS and was fortunate enough to secure my first employment contract with Queensland Ballet as one of their Jette Parker Young Artists commencing in 2022.

The TTJBS created a wonderfully inspiring training ground for me to absorb the experience and knowledge provided by the caring teaching faculty and to grow as a young aspiring dancer into the professional Dancer I had always dreamed of becoming.

Lou Lou Mitsis

Sydney Dance Company PPY, Rambert London

I attended The Teresa Johnson Ballet school from 2011-2018 where I took classes in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance as well as other dance genres during my time there. These formative years really cemented my love of dance under the tuition and inspiration of Teresa Johnson.

I continued my dance training and schooling at a performing arts school, The McDonald College, partaking in the Senior Contemporary Dance stream in its’ first year being offered.

In my last year of school in 2021, I auditioned for Sydney Dance Company’s full time Pre-Professional Year (PPY), which results in a Diploma of Dance and Elite Performance specialising in Contemporary Dance. To be accepted into this course was a huge highlight for me and a validation of all the hard work I have put into dance over my many years of training.

I owe so much of everything I have achieved and learnt in the dance industry, and the life lessons that go with this kind of commitment, to The Teresa Johnson Ballet School.
I feel beyond privileged to have received and experienced such focused one on one care and encouragement – from the amazing environment of invested and nurturing teachers, to the lifelong friendships I have made within the dance school. I look back and cherish every lesson I had with Teresa and all of the other amazing teachers, I truly would not have achieved what I have without the incredible start I had there.

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.”