Artistic Director and Principal

Group of five young ballet dancers and two older adults in a dance studio with white walls and large windows.

Helene Gowers

A young ballet dancer practicing in a dance studio with Helene Gowers guiding her. The studio has large windows and ballet barres.
A theatrical performance on stage with a woman in a sparkly silver jacket receiving flowers from a young girl in a green costume, while a man dressed as a magician or performer and several women in costumes look on.

Helene Gowers started dancing at the age of five under the tuition of Madame Kira Bousloff, founder of the West Australian Ballet

As a child Helene was a member of the WA Junior Ballet Company learning many styles of dance including Jazz, Contemporary and Spanish. Her teachers included Kiril Vasilkovsky, Louis Moreno and Shelley Rae. The Junior Company danced for charities and had holiday programs and performances in the city and suburban centres, giving students the opportunity to gain much performing experience. During this time Helene danced two seasons with the West Australian Ballet Company and later became Ballet Mistress and then Artistic Director of the Dance Theatre of WA (which replaced the Junior Ballet Company).

Helene passed her Associate teaching exam with ‘Honours’ in 1978.

In 1979 Helene and some of her colleagues formed the Serenade Ballet Company.  As Artistic Director, Helene was responsible for choreographing many of the Company’s ballets and for designing costumes and sets. For five years the Company toured country areas and each year held a city season. The Company was also invited to dance at Government House at a command performance for His Excellency and Lady Kyle. Helene danced the leading role in the ballet ‘The Newcomer’, choreographed by Tania Chitty, and especially commissioned for this performance.  Helene was also invited to be guest classical teacher for the state gymnastic team at the University of WA Sports Department.

During this time Helene taught in city and country areas and in 1983 established the Bunbury Academy of Dance and the Bunbury Junior Ballet Company.  For the School and Company Helene produced and directed many major productions (original and traditional) including shopping centre shows twice a year.  Helene upgraded to Licentiate in 1980 and passed her Fellowship in 1986.

Helene has become a prominent teacher of classical ballet in Western Australia. In 1995-96 Helene was guest Cecchetti teacher for the West End Academy of Dance.  Miss Gowers has travelled to Europe to study and observe the teaching methods of some of the world’s best teachers including the Cecchetti Centre in London and The Royal Ballet School.

Over the years Miss Gowers has trained 12 of the state’s Cecchetti Associate Teacher members and now coaches all levels of the Cecchetti syllabus, travelling all over the state to promote the Cecchetti Method.  Helene has choreographed dances included in the Australian Cecchetti Advanced 1 Major Syllabus.  Miss Gowers is the State Representative for the Cecchetti Ballet Australia Inc. for the WA Committee, Chair of the Lucie Saronova Memorial Award Panel, Deputy Chair of the WA Classical Ballet Teachers Association Inc., and is also responsible for organizing many of the courses, workshops, and conferences held in Perth for the dance community.

All guest teachers have vast performing experience, and this year Helene celebrates 50 years of teaching in Western Australia.

Our Faculty

  • A ballet dancer performing on stage, wearing a black tutu and white tights, with one leg extended behind her and her arms gracefully positioned.

    Miss Ashley

    Teacher

  • Ballet dancer in a pink tutu and crown performing on stage, surrounded by other dancers also in pink tutus with flowers in their hair.

    Miss Matilda

    Teacher

  • A woman performing contemporary dance on stage, wearing a brownish animal print sleeveless top and a matching skirt, with black and brown fabric around her waist, stretching her arms outward with a focused expression.

    Miss Jasmin

    Teacher

  • Ashley began ballet at the age of three - what started as a childhood hobby has grown into a lifelong passion for movement, music, and mentoring young dancers. She began assisting in classes over a decade ago and now finds immense joy in nurturing students through creative, engaging teaching. Her goal is to develop not only strong technique but also a genuine love for ballet. Ashley is completing her Certificate 4 in Dance Teaching and Management and was awarded a scholarship by the West Australian Classical Ballet Teachers Association in recognition of her commitment to the field. Outside the studio, Ashley holds a Master's degree in Business Psychology and works full-time in Human Resources. She brings a deep understanding of people and communication into her teaching—and in her spare.

  • With a passion ignited at age five, Matilda has devoted her heart to the art of ballet. Over the years, she has cultivated not only technical skill and stage experience, but also a deep appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and joy ballet inspires. Currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Ballet Teaching and Management, she is expanding her expertise to guide and nurture the next generation of dancers. Her teaching style blends classical technique with patience, encouragement and fun, creating a welcoming and structured environment for students to grow. She is committed to fostering confidence, grace, and artistry in every dancer she works with—whether they dream of the stage or simply find joy in movement.

  • Jasmin brings a lifelong love of ballet, storytelling, and teaching to the studio. She began dancing at the age of five and went on to complete her Gold Bar examinations in both Ballet and Jazz. Alongside her performing arts background, Jasmin holds a Bachelor of Business in Communication with a Major in Advertising and has worked professionally in the creative industries as an advertising account manager and stage manager. She is currently completing her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management through Empowerdance, supported by a scholarship from the West Australian Classical Ballet Teachers Association (WACBTA).