OUR TEAM

 Talitha's passion for dance is evident, but her greatest joy comes from teaching and witnessing her students grow. She cherishes memories of dancing Cinderella in 2006, but her most treasured dance experience is her time with the Doxa Dance Ministry Sisterhood. Talitha's dance background is extensive, primarily focused on ballet, but also encompassing ministry, Spanish, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and modern styles. Her qualifications include a Bachelors in Theology from SATS, Cecchetti Associate Diploma and Teachers qualification, Cecchetti Advanced 2 Dance Exam, and DASA Associate Teacher certification. 

Larissa's passion for dance has led her to a diverse career. From performing in professional musicals and representing South Africa at the World Dance Masters in Croatia, to choreographing for various events and leading Doxa Deo Brooklyn's Dance Ministry. She cherish performing in the State Theatre and Jabulani Centre Stage, but her heart is Dance Therapy. Larissa has been teaching dance since 2013 and has choreographed numerous revues, musicals, music videos, and other productions. Her dance styles include Hip-hop, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Ballet. Larissa holds a BA in Psychology & Counselling, a TEFL certification, and AIDT Tap and Hip-Hop Teacher qualifications.

Judy's extensive dance career spans teaching, performing, and artistic direction. A highlight of her journey includes four trips to Russia, fostering connections for future collaborations. Her teaching experience is vast, including senior ballet lecturer positions at TOM Arts College and guest teacher roles at the South African Ballet Theatre (now Joburg Ballet). She has also taught at Pro Arte Arts Academy, Doxa Deo, and through various outreach programs. Judy has served as a dance coach for Tom Arts Company and WGRUV International Contemporary Ballet Company, and has lectured on dance mechanics. Her performance experience includes work with the South African Ballet Theatre, Afrodizziac, and collaborations with various dance companies. Judy's Christian faith has also played a significant role in her dance career, with involvement in Youth with a Mission and the founding/directing of PraiseCo Stage Company. Internationally, she has traveled and worked in Switzerland, France, Chile, Canada, Ukraine, and Russia, including obtaining a Russian Ballet (Vaganova) Teaching Certification in St. Petersburg. Her dance styles include Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Classical Greek, Tap, Hip- Hop, and Spanish. Judy holds a Matric certificate, certificates in Debtor and Creditor Control, a Diploma in Group Fitness Instruction, Cecchetti Associate Diploma, Russian Ballet Teaching Certification, RAD Advanced 2 certificate, and Cecchetti Advanced 2 certificate. 

Ayla's dance experience is diverse, encompassing Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. A cherished memory is dancing with Rhythm of Hope at Passievol. She fondly recalls a ballet concert where she performed a solo on pointe as the "Queen," wearing a beautiful purple and gold tutu. Ayla holds an HSC Diploma  from AIS Singapore, a Musical Theatre Diploma from Oakfields College, a 300hr TEFL Certificate, and two Kodály Music Course Certificates. 

Zahré's dance journey includes fond memories of summer school at Hilton College and a competition in Mauritius. She has graced the stage of the State Theatre, participated in winter schools at Joburg Ballet, and danced in music videos. Her primary dance style is Ballet. Zahré holds Advanced 2 and Associates Cecchetti qualifications, as well as a BOccTher (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) and an MOccTher (Master of Occupational Therapy) degree. 

Emma's dance journey is filled with memorable experiences, including Cecchetti Summer Schools at Hilton College, dancing in the opera Faust at the State Theatre in 2018, and performing a Raymonda solo on the same stage in 2019. Trained in the Cecchetti Ballet Method since the age of five, she progressed to Advanced II level and performed in various studio productions at the State Theatre as a soloist and in corps de ballet pieces. Emma obtained her Associate qualification in 2018 and taught ballet to children aged 3-18 for four years. After a brief hiatus, she returned to teaching at ROH in 2023 and earned her Associate Diploma. Her dance focus is Cecchetti Classical Ballet. Emma holds Associate and Associate Diploma Cecchetti qualifications, as well as a BCom Degree in Fashion Retail Management and a BCom Honors Degree in Supply Chain Management. 

 Desiré has been dancing since the age of three, cultivating a deep passion that she loves to share with audiences. Trained in ballet, modern, and hip hop through SABOD and RAD, she has competed in numerous dance competitions, including representing her country twice at the World Trial Championships (Copenhagen 2013 and Austria 2016). Desiré furthered her dance education, earning a diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance. Her dance styles encompass Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, Commercial, Musical Theatre, and Tap. Desiré holds a Matric Certificate, RAD Intermediate qualification, and a Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance. She is currently completing her SABOD Teacher Qualification in Modern and Hip Hop.

 Cresando's dance journey began at the age of three, and she joined the SABS at eight, where she met her current teacher, Elecia Ceronio. She fondly remembers performing in various ballet shows during her time there. As a runner-up for the Mabel Ryan award, Cresando had the opportunity to travel to Italy for an Enrico Cecchetti course. She received her Associate qualification in 2010 through Ms. Joy Cooper and is currently working towards her Associate Diploma. In 2019, Cresando launched her own studio in Eersterust. Her primary dance focus is ballet. She is currently working towards her Associate Diploma in 2025.

Martie's dance journey began at the age of three in Rustenburg with the Jennifer Peterson Ballet Company. She fondly remembers end-of-year concerts, her ballet friends, and her influential teacher. Martie completed all RAD exams up to Advanced 2 and, while studying music, danced at Hestie's studio, where she took several DASA exams.. Her primary dance focus is Ballet. Martie's qualifications include RAD exams up to Advanced 2 and DASA exams (grades unspecified).

 Jacqueline's dance experience centers around ballet and tap. She fondly remembers the special occasion of getting her hair done before dance exams. While her qualifications are not directly related to dance (Family Law Mediation, BAdmin Public Management and International Relations, and BA Hons International Relations), Jacqueline plays a vital role in supporting the dance community. She manages the studio shop for ballet and dance attire, oversees the With Joy Gift Boxes, develops skills, and manages the Bursary Students Outreach Projects.

 Portia's dance journey is marked by a deep admiration for Michaela De Prince, a dancer who inspired her to pursue her dreams. A particularly cherished memory is dancing the role of Michaela in Hope in a Dance shoe by Rhythm of Hope. As a dance major at Pro Arte, she performed in their annual production at the State Theatre. Portia spent 3 1/2 years with YDCT, where her favorite experience was dancing "The Silly Sister." For the past 10 years, she has been part of ROHD's annual productions. She has also participated in ministry dances and performed in Passievol, she also danced at a provincial wheelchair dance event. Portia's dance styles include Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, African, and Spanish dance. She holds an RAD Intermediate qualification and a Matric certificate.