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Our Professional Teachers
Gemma Dippenaar
Ballet
Gemma has been a Ballet dancer for 37 years completing her Cecchetti Ballet Examinations
from Pre-Primary - Advanced 2 Level.
She was a member of the Junior Dance Theatre of KZN as well as the KZN Youth Ballet. She has 22 Years
experience teaching the Cecchetti Method both in South Africa and the UK and is also a Committee Member
of The Cecchetti Society Of South Africa, KZN Headquarters, having completed her Cecchetti Associate, her
Cecchetti Associate Diploma and Licentiate Assessment. This year Gemma will be completing her Licentiate Examination.
Gemma is among the few Cecchetti Teachers globally to have been awarded the Maestro Enrico Cecchetti Final
Diploma. She has taught Ballet at the Highgate School Of Ballet In London as well as the St Johns Wood School Of Ballet
n London for two years where she trained and prepared students for Examinations. She also taught Ballet to their affiliated Pre-Schools.
Gemma ran her own Ballet school, the Gemma Crawley School Of Dance in KZN for 10 Years where she trained male and female students ages 3-21 in preparation for Examinations, Productions and Performances, as well as teaching ballet at the Pre-Schools affiliated with her dance school.
Gemma has managed trained and choreographed a Competition Team for 4 Years, winning 3 National and 2 International Competition Titles. She is a Certified Pilates and Zumba Instructor and also holds her SAGF Coaching certification and is a National Level 1 Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge as well holding her SABOD Regional Judges Certification.
Gemma passionately quotes "Ballet is in every fiber of my body and fuels my soul"
Shaun Zitha
Hip Hop
Shaun Zitha is a versatile South African theatre practitioner whose work bridges contemporary dance, Afrofusion, and street dance to tell powerful, socially conscious stories. With a strong foundation in physical theatre and dance, Shaun has become known for his emotionally charged performances and ability to transform spaces whether on traditional stages or in unconventional, site-specific environments.
He began his journey with intensive professional training in contemporary and African dance techniques, developing a distinctive style rooted in rhythm, expression, and cultural identity. Over the years, he has performed extensively across South Africa’s major cities, showcasing original works in festivals, theatre productions, and public art platforms.
Shaun’s artistic voice has also reached television audiences through his appearances in national hip hop dance competitions. These high-energy platforms allowed him to showcase his deep connection to urban and street dance styles, and cemented his reputation as a performer with both technical skill and raw, expressive power.
He has developed award-winning choreography for regional youth and community initiatives, earning recognition for pieces that highlight themes such as identity, resilience, and social justice. Shaun is also a committed facilitator, conducting contemporary dance workshops and open classes for diverse communities, including individuals of all ages and those with special needs.
In addition to performing and creating, Shaun contributes to arts education by mentoring emerging artists and promoting creative practices that empower and heal. His work continues to challenge conventions, blending the physical with the political and the personal with the collective.
Shaun Zitha is a dance innovator driven by movement, meaning, and a deep commitment to using the arts as a tool for transformation.
Vanessa-Jayne Bennet
Modern
Vanessa-Jayne Bennett is an experienced and passionate dance professional with a multifaceted background as a dancer, instructor, choreographer, examiner, and adjudicator. Over 30 years of experience in both performance and dance education,
including leadership roles in syllabus development and international adjudication.
She is the Administrator for the A.I.D.T. and was the founder of Moving Visions Dance Studio (1986–2016). She currently trains dancers in technique, performance, and musicality at The Edge Dance Project, Elite Ballet (A.I.D.T. Modern Dance), and Glam
Dance Company (A.I.D.T. Modern Dance), while also covering freelance coaching. As an AIDT facilitator, she prepares learners for the A.I.D.T. Teacher’s Training Program (TTP).
She has coached dancers to podium finishes at the IDO World Championships and choreographed award-winning works for competitions. A key contributor to A.I.D.T.’s ballet, tap, and modern syllabi, she was appointed as an A.I.D.T. Examiner in 2003 and has since conducted examinations in South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the USA.
Her judging credits include eisteddfods, festivals, and competitions such as Elite Eisteddfod, WLDF, SABOD, and Concours de Moderne. She has taught across South Africa, Namibia, Canada, and Australia.
Driven by a passion for excellence, she is dedicated to helping dancers become the best they can be—technically, artistically, and personally.
Veronica Rigney
Acrobatics
Veronica is a distinguished acrobatics professional, having achieved her qualifications through AFSA in 1993 with Honours and distinction on across all examinations. Her expertise is further solidified by her certification as an instructor with Acrobatic Arts.
With a teaching and choreography career commencing in 1990, Veronica's passion for dance is both profound and infectious. Her
competitive spirit has led her to national and international arenas, where she has earned regional and national recognition, as well as being a top 10 contender for the coveted AFSA bursary.
Veronica's coaching experience spans both local and international borders, having mentored several teams to compete in prestigious events such as Dancestar, Talent Africa, and the WLDF in countries including Montenegro, Croatia, and Ireland. Known affectionately as Teacher V, Veronica brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and a track record of excellence to the world of dance.
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