Our Expertise
Kate Reilly by Kristina Kingston
Qualifications
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice — Monash University
Graduate Certificate in Classical Ballet Pedagogy — Moscow State Academy of Choreography
Graduate Diploma in Classical Ballet Teaching — Victorian College of the Arts
Bachelor of Dance — Victorian College of the Arts
State-Examined Classical Dancer - John Cranko-School, Stuttgart, Germany
Dance training
Australia.
Born in Newcastle, Kate discovered her passion for ballet at the age of six, taking her first class in a local church hall. She was immediately captivated by classical music and the artistry of dance. After a decade of dedicated study, Kate successfully auditioned via video for five major international ballet academies at just sixteen years old. Under the guidance of Marie Walton-Mahon at the Marie Walton-Mahon Dance Academy, she accepted a coveted place at the prestigious John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany.
Germany.
At the John Cranko School, Kate undertook intensive six-day-per-week training in the Vaganova method, alongside a select group of international students. Entry to the full program required passing a demanding three-month probationary period, during which students were closely evaluated by a panel of examiners. Kate completed the two-year course in 2001, graduating with the professional title of State-Certified Classical Dancer.
Stage Career
Europe.
Upon graduating from the John Cranko School, Kate auditioned extensively across Europe, visiting opera houses in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. In highly competitive “cattle call” auditions involving more than 200 young dancers, she progressed to the final rounds in Dresden, Düsseldorf, Salzburg, and Cannes. She accepted an offer to train on a voluntary basis with The Stuttgart Ballet, and soon secured professional contracts with Ballet Compagnie Deutschland, Malaika Kasumi Ballet Theatre in Frankfurt am Main, Das Meininger Theatre, and Volkstheater Rostock. Across these companies, Kate performed alongside peers from around the world and honed her skills in a wide repertoire of classical and neo-classical works.
Australia.
After six years abroad, Kate returned to Australia, where her stage performing continued to flourish. A particular highlight was performing with The Australian Ballet’s renowned educational program Out There – The Australian Ballet in Schools, introducing classical dance to primary school children across Victoria.
Following this, Kate was contracted with the Vienna State Opera Ballet to perform in the Australian leg of André Rieu’s World Stadium Tour. This unique opportunity involved rehearsals in Vienna before returning to Australia to dance in sports stadiums across the country, often in front of audiences exceeding 60,000.
Teaching Career
While still performing, Kate established her own classical ballet school, Fitzroy Ballet School - later renamed the Melbourne School of Classical Dance (MSCD). Following her contract with the Vienna State Opera Ballet, she chose to dedicate her focus to teaching and nurturing her students.
The school grew rapidly, expanding within a few years from just two students to more than 200, supported by a team of twelve staff. MSCD fostered many talented young dancers who went on to professional careers locally and abroad, while also welcoming hundreds of adults of all ages who danced for health, wellbeing, and joy.
After twelve years leading the thriving MSCD, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Kate to transition into private coaching under her new business, Developing Dancers Melbourne. Today, she continues to work with students of all ages, offering personalised coaching, pathway planning, and audition preparation.
Occupational Therapy
After 15 years of teaching dance, Kate broadened her skillset into allied health by completing a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice. Since graduating, she has worked predominantly in community paediatrics and within the NDIS, with a strong focus on functional assessments and report writing.
A highlight of her training was the opportunity, during student placement, to design and deliver gentle exercise programs for residents in aged care facilities—an experience that deepened her appreciation for movement across the lifespan. Alongside this new professional chapter, Kate also embraced motherhood, and is now kept on her toes by her energetic toddler.