Faculty

Simply Ballet exists to educate and inspire students in the art of Classical Ballet.

Helen Cooper - ARAD, RAD RTS, CBTS, Examiner of the RAD

Helen Cooper undertook her classical ballet training in Sydney, before beginning her performance career as a youth artist with Ballet d’Action. A serious injury meant taking a break from dancing for a number of years - but led to her undertaking her teaching certification in Classical Ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance, and becoming an RAD Registered Teacher. In 2007 she returned to dancing and joined Ballet 5:8 in the United States as a Company Artist where she danced Soloist and Principal roles in the company’s original repertoire. In 2011, Helen opened Simply Ballet - a ballet school specifically designed for adults. The school was a success and now incorporates classes for all ages from 3 to 103! In 2015 Helen was privileged to be appointed as an Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance, allowing her to teach and examine around the world.

Amelia Walmsley - BA Contemporary Dance

Dance has been part of Amelia’s life since walking into her first ballet class at age 3. Now, she holds a Bachelor degree in Contemporary Dance and works professionally as both an independent dancer in Adelaide and company dancer in Lewis Major Projects. Amelia unexpectedly discovered a love of not just performing, but teaching dance during her university days, and has since mentored both children and adults in dance through classes, exams and competitions. When not teaching or performing, Amelia can be found painting, or competing in and refereeing fencing tournaments.

Elizabeth Webb

Elizabeth Webb

Elizabeth began her dance training at age 3 in RAD classical ballet, as well as tap, contemporary and jazz - with a particular focus on musical theatre. She began performing at age 11 as a Soloist in the Festival of Music and is currently a regular performer in the local Adelaide musical theatre scene. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys creating costumes, and volunteering as a play therapist at the Women's and Children's Hospital.

Lexie Reynolds Headshot

Lexie Reynolds

Lexie Reynolds has been dancing since she was 3 years old, from then she has completed all her RAD exams including Advanced 2. From a young age Lexie has performed with South Australian Children’s Ballet Company, various shows for the Adelaide Fringe, and other special events. Recently joining the teacher’s community, Lexie is excited to educate and inspire her students. When Lexie isn’t dancing, she is studying to become an interior architect or cuddling up with her Golden Retrievers.

Nicola Rose Bio Photo

Nicola Rose - BA in Dance

A lifelong love for theatre and choreography fuelled Nicola's dance training, begun in rural South Australia, culminating in a BA Dance at Adelaide University and further study at London Contemporary Dance School. Classical Ballet is her first love, and she teaches both children and adults with a keen eye for pure alignment, and passion for performance. She is trained in RAD ballet, Graham and Release technique, and certified to teach LDI Ballet Syllabus, PBT, and preschool dance. Having taught in London, Scotland, Singapore, New Zealand, Sydney, and Adelaide, when she’s not in the studio Nicola enjoys getting into character to attending Medieval Fairs.

Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher

Sarah Barrett - BA in Dance and Performance, ARAD, RAD RTS, CBTS

Sarah completed her formal dance training in Australia, where she gained her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 in Ballet and successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Dance and Performance at Queensland University of Technology. She subsequently completed a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance in London, gaining her Registered Teacher status in 2007. Sarah has taught Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary classes at dance schools in Kent and Oxfordshire, England, for 16 years, as well as at the University of Kent, The King’s School, Canterbury and at St Edwards school in Oxford before returning to Australia in 2022. When she is not teaching you might find Sarah doing a charity Fun Run to support her passion for animals.

Sue Lloyd - ComDance

Sue started dance classes at the age of 5 and completed her dance training with Gwen Mackey in Tap, Jazz and Classical Ballet. Sue undertook her Comdance Teachers Certificate in Tap in 2019 and the Acrobatic Arts Module 1 in 2021. Sue still continues to perform and attend regular classes and workshops . When Sue isn't dancing she works as a Regional Administrator for a global Employment Services Provider.

Taryn Harradine Headshot

Taryn Harradine

Taryn started dancing at age 3 in the form of Calisthenics at Marden Calisthenics College. Her love of calisthenics led her to ballet and it was love at the first Tendu. Taryn loves to see her students grow in confidence and ability. When she is not dancing, you will find Taryn with her head in a math textbook as she completes her honours in statistics.

We specialise in teaching Classical Ballet – with supplementary classes such as body conditioning, Contemporary, and Jazz also on offer.  Our dedicated focus allows us to offer a range of programs appropriate to different age groups including specific Adult Ballet classes and Silver Swans®.

The school offers the opportunity for students to undertake examinations and class awards through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) to help students train in classical ballet technique and feel a sense of achievement.

If you want to learn ballet, you want to learn at Simply Ballet.

To find out more, contact us.

Level 2 Adult Ballet Class students onstage performing

Our Vision

To Educate and Inspire

Our Mission

To provide excellence in training and service to students of all ages with a genuine interest in the study of Classical Ballet

Our values at Simply Ballet

Excellence in Everything

Simply Ballet will provide excellence in training for students, teachers, and staff, in culture and atmosphere, and the client experience.

Celebrate Achievement

Simply Ballet will celebrate that students can achieve their own individual goals.  Achievement will be valued over results and marks, acknowledging the value of the learning process.

Freedom of Choice

Dance training should be at the choice of the student and appropriate to the amount of individual commitment.  Simply Ballet will provide adaptable solutions for clients in response to their goals, and training options may be flexible to suit personal circumstances and preferences.

Love of Ballet

Simply Ballet will encourage a love for the art of classical ballet in all students, staff, teachers, and parents involved in the studio.

What do people say about
Simply Ballet?

Selina

"Definitely would recommend these classes to anyone considering trying ballet".

Yuila

"I enjoyed every single class since I've started."

Melinda

"Excellent, friendly class with focus on technique."