About Us
Our mission is to nurture and support the development of young dancers.
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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
Artistic Director (she/her)
Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (RAD)
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
Ash's journey in the world of dance commenced at a tender age, culminating in her achievement of distinction in all RAD exams by the age of 16, under the expert guidance of Christine Bowman. Following a decade devoted to full-time classical ballet study, Ash further honed her skills during a two-year immersion in performing arts at Ministry of Dance & The Space. This experience broadened her repertoire to include Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre.
Collaborating with renowned figures such as Paul Malek, Gideon Obzarzanel, Kelly Akyers, Troy Phillips, Adam Wheeler, and international choreographers Daniel Brown and Michelle Zeitlin enriched her artistic journey. Notably, Ash is also a qualified RAD teacher, bringing a wealth of expertise to her dance education.
Drawing from years of stage and studio experience, Ash took a significant step by establishing Volar Dance Centre, where she has served as owner and operator for the past decade. Ash's ardor for the classical art form is evident in her dedicated approach to teaching students of all abilities, reflecting her commitment to nurturing a passion for dance in every individual.
Kira Mitchell
Classical Ballet (RAD) and Competition (she/her)
Acrobatic Arts Certificate of Teaching
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
Progressing Contemporary Technique Certified
Kira began her dance journey at the age of 9 discovering her passion for ballet & contemporary finding herself absorbed by the technical and expressive nature of both styles sparking her interest in teaching and choreography.
Over the years, Kira pursued a variety of academic endeavours to further her personal and professional knowledge within dance teaching. Kira completed her Diploma of Dance, specialising in the contemporary stream in 2020, followed by achieving her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management in 2021. Kira also found herself fascinated with the human body, driving her to complete her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science in 2023 and recently adding Mat & Reformer Pilates to her repertoire completing her certifications in 2023 alongside her Bachelor.
Kira is currently undertaking her Certificate of Dance Teaching (Ballet) with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Kira has a huge love for teaching, providing knowledge and sparking creativity with her students to help them grow and reach their full potential. Kira strives to create a safe and welcoming space for all to express themselves through the art of dance.
Destini Damon
Contemporary & Classical Ballet (she/her)
Destini started her training at the age of six at Volar Dance Centre, where she quickly developed a love for performing. Over the years, she has studied many different styles of dance but has a strong foundation of ballet and contemporary dance. At the age of 13, she then started to study full-time pre-professional training at Ballet Theatre Australia under the direction of Leanne rutherford, Oleg Timursin and Ben Davis.
Destini later on joined Transit Dance, where she is currently completing her Diploma of Dance in the contemporary stream. Where she is training with Jayden Hicks, Paul Malek, Lachlan Hall, Kaitlyn Malone, Chimene Steele-Prior, Karen Malek, and many more. Her training has provided a solid foundation in both classical and contemporary techniques.
In addition to her studies at transit, she had the opportunity to tour with Transit Dance, performing in Suite 13B in Shepparton and Warragul, further expanding her performance experience.
Addison John
Preschool, Junior Ballet & Contemporary (she/her)
Addison’s love for dance began the moment she stepped foot into Volars doors in 2012. Addison is a passionate and creative dancer and continues to grow this passion everyday through teaching and working with the young dancers at Volar.
Since beginning her journey she has spent her time working with and learning from many incredible teachers and choreographers, some being those of the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, The Queensland Ballet Academy and many more.
Through this she sprouted her passion for teaching and working with the next generation of dancers.
Addison has been training and preparing to take on the role of teaching at the studio for many years, working along side other staff and learning new skills and language from then every day.
Addison’s love for dance began in ballet and has spread across to many styles, some being Contemporary, Jazz and Character dance , though her true passion remains in the beauty of classical ballet.
Christie Roussos
Senior Jazz, Tap, Lyrical & Musical Theatre (she/her)
Christie completed her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance between 2023–2024 and began teaching in 2023. She teaches Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap and Musical Theatre, with Hip Hop and Lyrical/Contemporary being her favourite styles to teach and perform.
Christie was also part of the dance team that performed for the Carlton Football Club in the AFL, as well as the women’s team (AFLW).
A love for dance, the ability to move and express herself, and the opportunity to help children grow and develop their dance skills are what fuel Christie’s passion. She is excited for her journey with the VDC team and for watching her students continue to enhance their abilities.