meet our faculty
artistic director
Isabella Rose Cort is Melbourne/Naarm based classical and contemporary ballet teacher, with expertise in fine arts, choreography, and elite dance coaching. Her career as a ballerina began at Queensland National Ballet School, training under notable figures such as Matthew Lawrence (ex-principal ballerina of Australian Ballet and current Ballet Master of Queensland Ballet) and Karen Donovan (ex-principal ballerina of Birmingham Royal Ballet and teacher at the Royal Ballet School). Whilst at QNB, the artist received top marks for her BC syllabus exams, multiple 1st Place solo competition awards, and attained her Advanced Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance). Following this, Isabella then received a place at the Upper School of Elmhurst Ballet School (in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet), and moved to the United Kingdom in 2017 to complete her training. Here, she was fortunate to take 1st Place in the 2018 Elmhurst Solo Competition, and Runners Up in the Elmhurst Choreographic Competition. Upon graduation, Isabella then received a professional ballet contract for DJKT Ballet Company, Czech Republic, but unfortunately retired prior due to injury.
Since retiring, Isabella has passionately transitioned into a career of dance teaching, whilst also continuing to develop her own artistic work across choreography, photography, and the contemporary arts. She remains dedicated to coaching the next generation of young aspiring dancers, and has since taught at schools across QLD and VIC, including Queensland National Ballet School (full-time + afternoon program), the National St Kilda (full-time program), and Jiayin Masterclass Academy (pre-professional elite + afternoon program). Additionally, Miss Bella has continued her studies, gaining her Honours (First Class) in Fine Art at RMIT, Melbourne. This great mixture of training from across the creative industries has led to many notable achievements, such as choreographing ‘Pink Cherry’ & ‘Hold to’ for IndepenDance 2024, and exhibiting multiple works at Hatched: National Graduate Show 2025 at PICA, Perth. Isabella has also received multiple awards and scholarships for her pursuits in the contemporary arts, including the 2024 Hilde Chenhall Memorial Scholarship at QUT, and the 2025 Varney Foundation Prize at RMIT.
Available for Private Coaching, Choreography, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, and Stretch/Conditioning.
SYBA Artistic Director Miss Bella is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leading young dancers. Her classes are focused on the gradual methodological development of Vaganova-based technique, whilst instilling a deep love and respect for the arts in each and every student. The dance studio should always be an inspiring and safe space for dancers to come learn, express themselves, and work hard. Developing this mindset is key to the future of each young artist, whether that leads them towards a professional career in dance or the many other opportunities that life brings.
Classical Ballet Coaching
Miss Hiroko Kaneko will be guest teaching with South Yarra Ballet Academy during 2026. Available on request for limited Private Coaching sessions in Classical Ballet, Repertoire, Pointe, Exam Preparation, and Stretch/Conditioning.
Hiroko began her ballet training in Tokyo at the age of three, completing her early education under the BC syllabus. Her formative years in ballet instilled a strong technical foundation, discipline, and an appreciation for the artistry of classical dance. She later relocated to Melbourne after being accepted into the full-time training program at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, where she completed both her Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance).
In 2014, Hiroko joined Tokyo Komaki Ballet and was awarded third place at the ZAMA All Japan Ballet Competition in the same year. In 2016, she performed professionally with the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, dancing an extensive range of classical repertoire and gaining valuable international performance experience.
After returning to Melbourne in 2022, Hiroko transitioned her focus toward teaching, driven by a genuine passion for sharing her knowledge and supporting the next generation of dancers. Drawing on her professional performance background and international training, she is committed to helping students build strong technique, musicality, and confidence in a safe and encouraging environment. She is a qualified BC syllabus teacher and holds certifications in Peak Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Hiroko values thoughtful, sustainable training and takes pride in guiding each student’s individual growth, both technically and artistically.