dance trainers
Our vibrant dance community, where the art of movement comes to life under the guidance of our dedicated dance trainers. Passionate and highly qualified, our teachers are committed to nurturing the dance goals of every student, from those taking their first steps in the world of dance to seasoned performers seeking to refine their craft.
At our studio, dance is more than just a series of steps; it is a journey of self-discovery and expression. With personalised attention, a commitment to individual goals, and a contagious enthusiasm for the art form, our dance teachers inspire and empower each student to reach new heights. Join us on the dance floor, where creativity meets expertise, and let our instructors lead you on a transformative dance experience.
Blair Willson
Studio Head
Modern Dance and Free-style. Kids Dance Classes
BioBlair Willson
Studio HeadModern Dance and Free-style. Kids Dance ClassesBlair Willson is our studio head, teacher, coordinator of all our events, and the backbone of Ministry of Dance!
Blair teaches Modern Dance and Free-style. She also focuses on our little dancers – Kids Dance Classes aged 4-7 years
Blair is an associate qualified teacher with SADTA (South African Dance Teacher’s Association) and SABOD (South African Body of Dance) as well as a qualified jazz teacher with Dance-Ed. She has been teaching since 2006.
Blair Willson, owner of Ministry Of Dance, has made dancing her life’s passion. She started dancing at the age of 5 years old and has been involved in the Performing Arts and Dance ever since.
Not only is Blair a South African Championship Dancer, but she also holds the 2007 World Championships Trio’s title.
Blair also studied at AFDA – The South African School of Motion Picture and Live Performance, where she completed her Bachelor Of Arts Degree in Production.
Adriana de Oliveira
Choreographer and Private Lessons
Hip-Hop
BioAdriana de Oliveira
Choreographer and Private Lessons Hip-HopAdriana de Oliveira, is one of our very talented Hip Hop trainers at Ministry of Dance. Adriana is a dedicated dancer since the age of 4, has over two decades of experience in the industry. As a competitive dancer, she proudly represented South Africa at the IDO World Championships and earned Gauteng Colours as both a dancer and coach, as well as Protea Colours as a coach.
Adriana has trained dancers to compete on international stages, including the IDO and UDO World Championships. As head coach, she led a studio to become Club Champions at the DSCL 2023. Her passion and expertise continue to inspire and shape the next generation of dancers.
Kyra Mirtle
Ballet Trainer
Cecchetti Ballet
BioKyra Mirtle
Ballet TrainerCecchetti BalletIntroducing our dynamic Ballet Teacher, Kyra Mirtle
Kyra is 25 years old and has been dancing for as long as she can remember, starting with ballroom dancing at the age of 5. Her passion for ballet blossomed at the age of seven, when she convinced her mother to let her begin lessons. Kyra trained in the Cecchetti method throughout her ballet journey, progressing from Grade 1 exams to Advanced 1.
Performing has always been a highlight in her life, and she was fortunate to participate in annual productions at her studio, which she absolutely loved. Known for her perfectionist tendencies, Kyra consistently strives for technical accuracy in her dancing. Earlier this year, she moved to Johannesburg with the specific goal of completing her Associate Exam, a ballet teachers’ exam.
In addition to her love for ballet, Kyra is also a qualified instructor for BalletRIP, a ballet-inspired fitness class, which she thoroughly enjoys teaching.
Ballet has always been her passion, and Kyra is incredibly excited to share this love with young students, hoping they will grow to appreciate it as much as she does.
Caitlyn Scholtz
Freestyle Trainer
Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Freestyle, Acro, and Jazz (Sub Trainer)
BioCaitlyn Scholtz
Freestyle TrainerBallet, Contemporary, Modern, Freestyle, Acro, and Jazz (Sub Trainer)Meet Caitlyn – A Versatile Assistant Dance Trainer at Ministry of Dance
With extensive training and qualifications in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Freestyle, Acro, and Jazz. Caitlyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Ministry of Dance. Growing up as a dedicated member of the Jozi Youth Dance Company for eight years, Caitlyn honed their craft through numerous competitions, earning South African colours and making a mark on the dance scene.
Caitlyn’s passion for dance has opened doors to incredible opportunities, including international travels to places like Venice, Croatia, Japan, Singapore, and China for competitions, and working aboard an international cruise liner. Her talents have also shone on stage at major events, such as dancing at the Krone Festival at Loftus in front of 35,000 people and being part of dance crews for various commercial projects and product launches.
For Caitlyn, teaching is a true joy. Reflecting on her own journey from a shy child to a confident performer, Caitlyn values the impact that supportive teachers can have. Her goal is to ensure every student walks out of class feeling accomplished, energised, and inspired, having worked their bodies in a creative and fun way.
Tanika Swart
Hip Hop Trainer
Hip Hop
BioTanika Swart
Hip Hop TrainerHip HopMeet Tanika – Hip Hop Assistant Coach at Ministry of Dance
Tanika has been a vibrant member of the Ministry of Dance family since 2014 and has been dancing her heart out since 2009. In 2019, she began sharing her passion and skills by stepping into a teaching role, quickly becoming a valued Hip Hop assistant coach.
Tanika holds her Pre-Associates Hip Hop certification with the South African Body of Dance (SABOD) and brings a wealth of experience from various dance competitions. Her dedication and talent have earned her provincial colors, a testament to her commitment and skill in the world of dance.
At Ministry of Dance, Tanika continues to inspire and guide our dancers with her dynamic energy and deep-rooted love for Hip Hop.
Luke Strachan
Luke Strachan
Hip Hop, Popping and Contemporary
BioLuke Strachan
Luke StrachanHip Hop, Popping and ContemporaryMeet Luke Strachan – Choreographic Innovator at Ministry of Dance
Luke brings a burst of energy and humour to every class at Ministry of Dance, making each session not just a learning experience but a fun-filled adventure. Known for his jovial personality, Luke connects with students in a way that makes them feel at ease and excited to learn.
Beyond his engaging presence on the dance floor, Luke is a choreographic innovator. He thrives on creating original routines that express his artistic side, adding fresh and dynamic elements to the curriculum. His inventive approach not only keeps classes lively but also inspires students to explore their own creativity and push their boundaries.
With Luke, dance is more than movement—it’s a journey of expression, imagination, and joy.
Luke assists with Hip Hop, Popping, Contemporary dance.
Ashleigh Botes
Junior Dance Instructor
Choreographer and Private Lessons Specialist
BioAshleigh Botes
Junior Dance InstructorChoreographer and Private Lessons SpecialistAshleigh Botes has always loved how dancing allows her to be creative and express herself. She began her dance journey at the tender age of four and has since participated in numerous competitions, shows, and dance exams.
Ashleigh studied with the International Society of the Teachers of Dance (ISTD), where she became a certified dance instructor. She specialises in a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Tap Dance, and Modern Dance. Her passion for dance shines through in her teaching, and she aims to in-still that same passion in all her students.
At the Ministry of Dance Studio, Ashleigh teaches our junior dancers, aged 4 to 9 years old. She also assists with choreography and offers private lessons for our competitive dancers. With Ashleigh’s guidance, young dancers develop their skills, creativity, and love for dance.
Michaela Lopes
Head of Hip Hop
Hip-Hop and Popping
BioMichaela Lopes
Head of Hip HopHip-Hop and PoppingMichaela Lopes is our amazing Hip Hop Teacher, she has been with Ministry of Dance for 7 years.
Michaela is a qualified Hip Hop teacher and has had some great achievements as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher.
Assistant Choreography for The Voice Nigeria Season 1, The Voice SA Season 2, FNB Innovative Awards 2018. Danced alongside many South African artists for the Africa Music Awards in 2017 (Artists include Kwesta, Ricky Rick, Patoranking, Davido, and more). Danced on the first ever all-female cast for Castle Lite unlocks: Hip Hop: Her Story for Bontle Modisile as well as Nadia Nakai, Young MA, Moonchild, and more. Danced on Idols SA Season 16. Danced for Loyiso Baal’s Live Concert DVD recording. Choreographed the live album launch for Kanya Greens. I also danced in music videos for local artists as well as international African artists.
“My proudest moments were taking 2 of our MOD teams to World Champs in 2019, 2022 and 2023 with these teams receiving their Protea colours as well as having 3 teams (HERd, Coalition Small group and Imperatrix) receive their provincial colours twice. “
“My vision is to empower dancers to reach new heights by upskilling and embracing their unique journey. I believe in cultivating unshakable confidence within each dancer so that they believe in themselves as much as I do. I want dancers to understand that passion can take various paths – whether it leads to a professional career or remains a beloved hobby, both avenues are equally valid and fulfilling. I also want them to know that there is always a new goal to achieve and that it’s never too late to start.
In their journey, I want to emphasise that kindness, positivity, and good sportsmanship must always be remembered. Sharing a passion means sharing a love for each other and dance. As I strive for excellence, I do so in an environment that fosters camaraderie, supports one another, and spreads the joy that dance brings. I’m not just crafting exceptional dancers; I’m nurturing exceptional individuals who carry their passion and confidence in every facet of life.”
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston S. Churchill
Abi West
Head of Performing Arts
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern and Pointe Class
BioAbi West
Head of Performing ArtsBallet, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern and Pointe ClassAbi West is our talented Contemporary teacher!
Styles: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern
Abi is by nature an educator and thrives on teaching all ages. She is a qualified ballet teacher through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She started dancing at age 3 in the Cecchettii method and trained in multiple disciplines such as contemporary, jazz, and modern.
Abi competed in several competitions and festivals and placed 1st in the character section in the Concour d’ Arts Festival at The National School of Arts for her character work. She also competed for several years with contemporary groups at The National Arts Festival and was one of the youngest choreographers entering.
Abi danced for the Lions rugby team and choreographed several high school productions. Abi also assists with other studios’ internal Ballet examinations.
Abi obtained her International Diploma in Makeup and Styling and has 22 years of makeup and hairstyling experience. She also has a diploma in Public Relations and Media Studies.
“I enjoy the freedom of contemporary dance but love the challenge of refining technique in the RAD syllabus with Ballet”.
“The first step to achieving your goal, is to take a moment to respect your goal. “Dwayne Johnson”
Chiara Cambitsis
Choreographer and Private Lessons
Ballet, Contemporary, Modern
BioChiara Cambitsis
Choreographer and Private Lessons Ballet, Contemporary, ModernChiara Cambitsis has been dancing since she was three years old, exploring modern, jazz, ballet, and contemporary along the way. Her training has always been highly technique-focused, and she has completed all the AIDT Modern exams up to the final exam and RAD ballet up to Advanced Foundation, achieving distinctions/diplomas in all exams.
Chiara has had incredible opportunities, including a 25% scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive in 2018. This experience gave her insight into the professional dance world, allowing her to work with choreographers from far and wide, exposing her to different styles of teaching, and various brands of creativity.
More recently, Chiara has focused on recreational training at Bowring Levin School of Dance, refining her technique and passion for dance.
Chiara joins our Ministry of Dance family, doing choreography and private lessons.
‘As a teacher, my goal is to create a comfortable and creative space where students feel nurtured, inspired, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Alongside growing technique and quality, I also want every dancer to find the same joy, freedom, and sanctuary in dance that I do.’