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I have been a dancer from the age of three years old when I began my ballet lessons at
school. My early years of dancing were magical, and created an everlasting love and
passion for the art of ballet. I love every lesson and never willingly missed one. My
mother owned and ran a playgroup for toddlers, and I would spend all of my time
looking after the younger children whenever I could. This is where I first noticed my
love, patience and kindness towards children. When I was older and started thinking
about what I wanted to be when I grew up, the two things that brought me the most
happiness were ballet and engaging with children. This connection meant that my
dream job was to teach ballet to children of all ages. I love every minute of my teaching.
Every year I participated in the Royal Academy of Dance examinations knowing that
once I passed my ‘Intermediate’ exam I would be able to apply for the teacher’s
certificate. After finishing Matric at Michael Mount Waldorf School, I was accepted to
study a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance in
London.
Once the training began, I also started shadowing and teaching ballet lessons for
Lucinda Robertson at Kyalami, Beaulieu Preparatory Schools and the Curro School in
Midrand. These included both nursery and preparatory schools. Whilst in my first year of
studies I completed a teacher’s course with Rene Callis at Open Window. This was an
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invaluable experience which taught me many ballet teaching skills. In this intensive
course, I learnt about preparing students for their examinations, the teaching syllabus,
musical theory, body conditioning, Benesh language (the language in which ballet
dances are notated) and more about engaging with children properly.
After two years of studying, I officially qualified as a ballet teacher and was employed to
teach for Lucinda Robertson. In planning for my future, I realized I would love the
opportunity to run my own ballet school, and so I registered for a Higher Certificate in
Business Management with Regent Business School.
When, in 2019, Lucinda Robertson left the country, her ballet school was facilitated by
Sarah Jane and Megan Wille. During the almost three years that I facilitated the running
of the school for Lucinda, I learnt all I needed to know about running a ballet school and
business.
In April 2021 I began my own ballet business and started teaching ballet lessons in
Kyalami Estates Clubhouse. Students have been attending regularly and enjoying the
ballet lessons immensely. This is only the beginning for my ballet school. I loved the
time I spent teaching at Kyalami Ridge between 2017 and 2021 and am hoping to
secure the position of extra mural Ballet Teacher at Kyalami Ridge in 2022. I am fully
qualified to teach pre-primary, primary and high school students.
Cell: 076 812 5353
Email: Sarah Jane Donnachie <sarahjanedonnachie@gmail.com>