– AABC Masterclass Teacher

A former artist of The Australian Ballet and a leading figure in adult ballet education, Jane Casson brings a rare calibre of expertise, refinement, and inspiration to the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC).

As the founder and Director of City Ballet Centre in North Melbourne, Jane has redefined adult ballet training, creating an environment where technique, artistry, and personal growth are seamlessly woven together. Her approach blends the precision of elite ballet with a deep sensitivity to the adult dancer’s journey, earning her a devoted following and a reputation for excellence.

At AABC, participants will experience Jane’s extraordinary ability to nurture technical mastery and expressive artistry within a supportive, world-class training experience. Her masterclasses promise to elevate every dancer's understanding of their craft, offering rare insight drawn from her distinguished career on Australia’s most prestigious stages.

Through Jane’s guidance, adult dancers are empowered to discover new levels of strength, grace, and artistic freedom.

A highly regarded figure in adult ballet education, Mollie Harrison brings a refined, contemporary approach to classical ballet training at the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC).

As a senior faculty member of the Adult Ballet Centre and the visionary co-creator of Ballet IQ, Mollie is celebrated for her sophisticated teaching style, combining elite classical ballet technique with cutting-edge performance science. Holding qualifications as a High-Performance Sport Scientist, Mollie’s advanced training in biomechanics and physiology uniquely enhances her approach to ballet, offering dancers a level of technical refinement, strength development, and injury prevention unmatched in the adult ballet world.

With a background spanning both performance and coaching, and mentorship under international ballet masters, Mollie has developed an intuitive and intelligent methodology that empowers adult dancers to move with greater efficiency, artistry, and grace. Her programs are internationally recognised for progressing adult dancers at all stages with precision and confidence.

At AABC, participants will experience Mollie’s extraordinary ability to unlock new dimensions of technical mastery, physical strength, and expressive artistry. Her masterclasses are a celebration of passion, excellence, and intelligent training — delivered with warmth, inspiration, and a deep respect for the adult dancer’s journey.

Through Mollie’s expert guidance, every dancer is invited to realise their fullest artistic and physical potential.

Tonia Walker – AABC Masterclass Teacher

With a career spanning performance, coaching, and elite adult ballet training, Tonia Walker brings a profound depth of experience and artistic excellence to the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC).

A distinguished faculty member of the Adult Ballet Centre, Tonia is renowned for her meticulous approach to classical technique, her musicality, and her unwavering commitment to nurturing the adult dancer’s journey. Her extensive professional background, combined with years of dedicated adult ballet education, allows her to bridge the highest standards of classical ballet with a nurturing, insightful teaching style.

Tonia possesses a rare ability to refine and inspire adult ballet beginners through articulate, empowering coaching. Her clear, thoughtful delivery enables dancers to make significant technical and artistic progress, unlocking new levels of ability, confidence, and understanding. Through her masterclasses, participants experience profound improvements not only in their movement quality but also in their personal connection to the art form.

At AABC, participants will have the opportunity to experience Tonia’s masterful coaching, gaining not only technical excellence but a deeper understanding of artistry, expression, and movement mechanics.

Through Tonia’s inspiring mentorship, dancers are guided to new levels of confidence, strength, and authentic artistic presence.

AABC Guest Masterclass and Coach

Internationally acclaimed ballet master, choreographer, and former Principal Artist, Paul Knobloch brings a distinguished level of artistry, technical brilliance, and coaching excellence to the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC).

Having performed globally with The Australian Ballet, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, and as Principal with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Paul’s illustrious career is marked by dynamic versatility, profound artistry, and technical mastery at the highest level. His transition into coaching and choreography has been equally celebrated, with his works commissioned by prestigious ballet companies around the world.

At AABC, participants will have the rare opportunity to experience Paul’s extraordinary coaching, blending precision technique with creative insights and rich artistic storytelling. Through his mentorship, dancers will not only refine their technical foundation but also explore the deeper layers of choreography, artistry, and personal expression. His masterclasses ignite inspiration, empowering dancers to move beyond steps into true performance, capturing emotion, musicality, and meaning.

With a teaching style that is clear, passionate, and transformative, Paul offers every dancer the chance to connect with their highest artistic self — elevating both their technical craft and their creative spirit.

Damian Smith – AABC Guest Coach

An international ballet luminary, Damian Smith brings a profound depth of artistry, experience, and inspiration to the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC).

A celebrated former Principal Artist of San Francisco Ballet, Damian’s career has spanned the world’s most prestigious stages, earning acclaim for his commanding technique, refined artistry, and exceptional musicality. Following his distinguished performing career, Damian has continued to shape the next generation of dancers through his coaching, mentorship, and choreographic leadership, inspiring artists to pursue excellence with authenticity and passion.

At AABC, participants will have the extraordinary opportunity to learn from Damian’s wealth of knowledge and global experience. His coaching approach weaves together technical refinement, sophisticated artistry, and powerful storytelling, offering dancers a rare insight into the art of true stagecraft. Through creative insights, personal anecdotes, and a deep understanding of ballet’s emotional depth, Damian inspires dancers to find both their technical peak and their most authentic artistic voice.

With Damian’s mentorship, dancers are encouraged to move beyond steps and technique — to dance with heart, intelligence, and timeless artistry.