Ablaze Dance Academy
Where individual pathways ignite
There is a quiet intensity to the midday at Ablaze Dance Academy. The energy is focused, purposeful and deeply considered as the studio’s boutique full-time dancers move between open ballet class, Royal Academy of Dance syllabus work, private coaching and the meticulous refinement of classical variations. Every correction is examined, every artistic choice explored, every technical detail given the time and attention it deserves.
It was a privilege to spend an afternoon inside the newly refurbished studio, witnessing firsthand the philosophy that Bergen Lavelle has built at Ablaze, one where quality of training is placed above quantity of students. Her full-time program is intentionally capped at just ten dancers per cohort, ensuring every young artist receives a highly personalised training experience designed around their individual aspirations, strengths and next career step.
The morning’s ballet class was led by esteemed tutors Robert Curran and Mitchell Raynor. Curran, a former principal artist with The Australian Ballet who went on to enjoy an international career with leading companies in the United States, brings a wealth of professional experience into the studio. Alongside him is respected teacher and former Australian Ballet artist Mitchell Rayner, whose extensive performance and teaching career provides students with invaluable insight into the demands of the professional world. Together, their expertise creates an exceptional learning environment where dancers are challenged not simply to execute steps, but to understand artistry, discipline and the level of refinement required for a professional career.
What became immediately clear while observing the full-time program was that there is no single pathway. A student preparing for overseas auditions may need to complete their Royal Academy of Dance examinations before departing, while another may need additional time dedicated to variations, conditioning or audition preparation. The structure of the program allows students to move seamlessly between private coaching, syllabus classes and technical development, adapting to the needs of the individual rather than expecting every dancer to fit the same mould.
This individual approach extends beyond training and into the next stage of each dancer’s journey. Bergen understands that a successful pathway is not one-size-fits-all. For some students, a video audition may best showcase their abilities; for others, travelling for a face-to-face audition may provide the strongest opportunity. The approach changes according to the dancer, their age, their readiness and their personal goals.
The impact of this level of attention is visible in the students themselves. One-on-one coaching requires patience and resilience. To repeat a variation multiple times, to receive detailed corrections on the smallest elements of placement, musicality and artistic expression, and to return again with a willingness to improve, develops a maturity that is essential for dancers preparing for the next stage of their careers.
Then, almost as if the studio takes a breath and changes rhythm, the afternoon arrives.
The quiet concentration of the full-time dancers gives way to the joyful excitement of the part-time students. Friends greet each other at the door, dancers gather to prepare for class, and the reception area fills with the conversations of parents and grandparents supporting their young dancers to do what they love. The transition between the two parts of the academy is a beautiful reflection of the dance journey itself, from the wide-eyed excitement of a child’s first ballet class to the focused dedication of a young artist preparing to enter the profession.
Among the afternoon classes was a delightful pre-primary ballet class taught by Ablaze teacher Danica Hugo. Watching her guide the youngest dancers through their exercises was a particularly special moment. dancetrain first featured Danica in our November 2016 issue as a young dancer with dreams of an international career. After performing overseas and returning to Australia while recovering from surgery, she has now stepped into the role of educator, sharing her experience with the next generation. It was a wonderful full-circle moment to witness her nurturing the very same passion that once drove her own journey.
The afternoon also showcased the breadth of training available at Ablaze, including contemporary classes and private coaching that complement the academy’s strong classical foundation. Throughout every age level, from the youngest pre-primary students through to the full-time dancers, one element remained consistent, students were encouraged to speak, to ask questions and to take ownership of their own development.
In an era where young people, and particularly young women, are increasingly encouraged to find confidence in their voices, this was perhaps one of the most refreshing aspects of the Ablaze culture. Technical excellence sits at the heart of the academy, but equally important is the development of thoughtful, articulate and resilient young artists.
As the day came to an end, what remained was not simply the memory of beautiful dancing or impressive technical coaching, but a sense of community. From the tiny dancers taking their first pliés to the aspiring professionals preparing for international opportunities, Ablaze Dance Academy has created a space where every student is seen, every pathway is considered and every spark of potential is given the opportunity to grow.