About Us
Our mission is to nurture and support the development of young dancers.
Since opening in 2010, Volar Dance Centre has developed a strong reputation for being an inclusive and family friendly atmosphere within the dance community of the Western suburbs.
We offer a variety of classes that foster a love of dance and a strong work ethic through technical expertise. Our classes are fun, energetic and aimed to inspire all students to be the best they can be. Whether for fun, fitness or to fulfill dreams of dancing as a career, we cater to all young dancer’s needs.
Meet the Team
Ash Barratt (A.R.A.D)
Artistic Director
Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (RAD)
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
Ash has been involved in the dance world since a very young age, completing all her RAD exams with distinction by the age of 16 under the direction of Christine Bowman.
After studying full time classical ballet for 10 years, Ash then went on to study performing arts for two years at Ministry of Dance & The Space, where she was exposed to many different dance styles including Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. Ash has worked with the likes of Paul Malek, Gideon Obzarzanel, Kelly Akyers, Troy Phillips and Adam Wheeler and international choreographers Daniel Brown and Michelle Zeitlin
After years on the stage and in the studio, Ash opened Volar Dance Centre and has been the owner and operator for the last 10 years. Ash has a passion for the classical art form and the teaching of students of all abilities.
Kira Mitchell
Junior Ballet, Contemporary and Competition
Acrobatic Arts Certificate of Teaching
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
Progressing Contemporary Technique Certified
Kira commenced dancing with Volar Dance Centre at the age of 9 participating in all genres where she discovered her passion for teaching particularly ballet and contemporary where she assisted in classes and began teaching at the age of 15.
Kira has had extensive ATOD training with her highest completion of Elementary classical ballet. Kira has had opportunities of being a member of Scimm’s Youth company performing in Chromosome X and VOID. Kira completed her full-time training with Transit Dance attaining a Diploma of Dance (Contemporary) and Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management.
Kira is currently studying her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University aspiring to become a dance physiotherapist.
Alida Endrigo
Classical Ballet, Pointe & Extension Ballet
Registered Royal Academy of Dance Educator
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
Alida has been a fully registered educator for the Royal Academy of Dance for 41 years and served for 10 years as a member of the Royal Academy of Dance Victorian panel.
Many of Alida's students have continued on to professional dance education and careers and have been accepted in to the Hamburg Ballet Company, Hamburg Ballet School, Monte Carlo Ballet School, Dutch National Ballet School, Australian Ballet School, Melbourne City Ballet, Hungarian Ballet School, English
National Theatre Ballet School, Victorian College of the Arts and Tanya Pearsons Academy.
Alida has dedicated her life to the art of classical ballet, dance and music. She is privileged to pass down the legacy bestowed on her by her wonderful teachers and thrives on developing each individual child to the best of their ability and instilling in them a love of dance and music that they will carry with them forever.
Rose Gentile
Classical Ballet & Progressing Ballet Technique
Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (RAD)
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
Acrobatic Arts Certificate
Rose Gentile trained at Patrick School of the Arts completing their renowned full time performing arts course.
Whilst at Patrick's, Rose completed intensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Salsa and Contemporary styles.
Rose has achieved the RAD graded examinations from 1-8 and Intermediate with distinction. She has subsequently completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance.
In addition, Rose recently completed a Certificate 1 in Acrobatic Arts and her Certificate in Progressing Ballet Technique. Rose is dedicated in up skilling to constantly provide new and innovative ways to teach the next generation of young performers.
Peyton Harvey
Jazz, Tap & Hip Hop
Peyton started her training in dance at the age of 2 years old. She started her pre-professional dance career at the age of 13 years old performing in different contemporary companies around Melbourne.
Peyton has obtained her Certificate III in Fitness and her Certificate IV in Dance. Peyton now works in the industry dancing in events for Crown Casino, Groovy Face Entertainment Live Show, and also cheerleads for the Melbourne Aces.
Peyton trained full-time at The Space Dance & Art Centre working with leading choreographers and has worked intensively on her dance technique, training in the styles of Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary,Commercial Jazz, Broadway Jazz, and Lyrical. Peyton is now studying full-time under the guidance of Robert Sturrock.
Jasmine her dance training at 3 years old and became a competitive dancer by 14 having extensive knowledge of competition scene and different styles of dance.
Jasmine performed as a speciality troupe for Victorian State School Spectacular in 2016 and assisted in choreographing for “Wakkakiri” winning state champions 2015&2016 whilst also obtaining her certificate I and II in jazz through VCE dance.
Guided for 4 years as an assistant teacher from 14 to 18 years old training in junior ballet, jazz and tap before taking on teaching roles from 18 through different dance schools through Melbourne.
Jasmine also competitively trains and competes as an aerialist in a range of apparatuses, as well as performing and competing at graded competitions throughout Australia and performing in finals interstate through 2021-22.
