about us

Born into a family of ballet dancers it was no surpirse that Alisa showed an early, prodigious talent for ballet. Dancing from age 5 the future professional dancer was consumed by dance.

Studying at the Lviv State School of Ballet exposed her to some of the best teachers in Europe. Her teaching career began while still studying dance in Lviv. After a perfect score in her final exam, she won a full scholarship to Joffrey Ballet school in New York. Studying with some of the best teachers in the world had an incredible impact on Alisa’s career.

Having received a BA degree in dance from the Lviv State College of Arts and Culture, she furthered her dance studies in Jazz-Modern and Contemporary as well as Ballet. Returning to Lviv to dance professionally with the Lviv National Opera and Ballet House, Alisa resumed teaching, at the State Ballet School, teaching Jazz-Modern, Contemporary and Ballet.

Her career as a professional ballet dancer with the Lviv National Opera and Ballet House included appearances in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker Suite, Don Quixote, La Bayadere, & Sleeping Beauty.

Upon arriving in South Africa, Alisa joined Mzansi Productions dance company and began teaching. She then became the Artistic Director and teacher of the Russian School of Ballet.

In 2019 Alisa established her own school, naming it for her maternal grandmother – the Prima Ballerina of Lviv National Opera and Ballet House, Ludmila Orlovska.

Lizanne’s lifelong journey in dance began at a young age, exploring various disciplines such as ballet, modern, tap, gymnastics, and acro. Her passion for movement led her to embrace Latin and ballroom dances during her eighth-grade years. By the time she reached grade 11, Lizanne had not only become an accomplished dancer but also started teaching and competing.

During her undergraduate studies, Lizanne joined the UJ dance company, where she dedicated herself to her craft from 2009 to 2013. In 2013, she successfully completed her honors degree in Anatomical Sciences, showcasing her commitment to both the art and science of dance.

Since 2017, Lizanne has been sharing her expertise by teaching acrobatics and contemporary dance, followed by modern dance instruction in 2019. Her qualifications include being a certified teacher in PACRODA acrobatics, Dance Vision Latin and Ballroom, as well as AIDT modern.

Lizanne’s true passion lies in teaching children, particularly in genres that offer unique physical challenges like acrobatics and tumbling. She takes great delight in sharing her love and joy for dance with her students, nurturing their growth and fostering a deep appreciation for the art form.

With her extensive background, qualifications, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching, Lizanne creates a supportive and inspiring environment where her students can thrive and develop a lifelong love for dance.

Meet Fern, a self-proclaimed “ballet nerd of the century” who exudes an unwavering passion for dance. Her dance journey began in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where she trained diligently and had the privilege of dancing with the esteemed Rhodesian National Ballet during her formative years.

At the age of 17, Fern’s dedication led her to the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London, where she further honed her skills. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to share her passion with others led her to embark on a three-year teachers’ training course at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Throughout her training, Fern delved into various disciplines, including classical ballet, national dance, ballroom, period dancing, anatomy and physiology, choreography, history of ballet, costume, and music. Her commitment and hard work paid off as she graduated as a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (L.R.A.D.).

Fern’s teaching journey took her to the Mignon Furman Ballet School in Cape Town, where she shared her expertise before establishing her own ballet studio in Zimbabwe. Fueling her desire for artistic growth, she also danced professionally with the N.A.P.A.C. Ballet Company. However, her passion for teaching remained strong, and she transitioned back into the role of a freelance teacher, working with several professional ballet schools.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Fern expanded her knowledge by studying the Vaganova method, recognizing the importance of continuous learning for any dedicated teacher. She firmly believes in the future of ballet in South Africa, especially with the global standards reaching new heights. As a dedicated member of the Orlovska team, Fern is thrilled to contribute her expertise to the advancement of ballet in the country.

Fern’s unwavering passion, extensive training, and commitment to ongoing growth make her a valuable asset to the dance community. Her presence at Orlovska is a testament to her dedication and enthusiasm for shaping the future of ballet in South Africa.

Kwanele Thusi, also known as Finch, is a highly skilled and well-rounded contemporary dance teacher. With a wealth of expressive experience, Finch has previously taught at CoDarts in Amsterdam before joining 5678 Dance Studio. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Dance Lecturer at Wits University, demonstrating his dedication and expertise in the field. Known for his gentle and soft-spoken nature, Finch is committed to nurturing the talents of his students.

Finch is a dedicated professional who has made significant contributions to creative education. He has served as a Performance Lecturer at Wits and Monash University, enriching minds and coordinating courses since 2021. Additionally, Finch’s leadership skills were underscored during his tenure as the Head of Department and Production Coordinator at The Bomb Shelter Film Company. He has also held the position of Provincial Coordinator for ASSITEJ SA, making valuable contributions to international theatre for young audiences. Notably, Finch’s artistic abilities were recognized when he received the Thami Mnyele Foundation Visual/Performance Artist Award in Amsterdam, further highlighting his artistic prowess. With his extensive knowledge in drama, performance, and cultural studies, coupled with his leadership experience, Finch excels at seamlessly blending education and creativity.

Kwanele Thusi, aka Finch, continues to inspire and guide students in the realm of contemporary dance. Through his passion for teaching and his diverse background in the arts, he fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for students to grow and flourish.

Christina, affectionately known as ‘Teacher Tina,’ embarked on her journey as a ballet teacher in 2020 when her own ballet teacher entrusted her with leading the youngest ballet group. This pivotal experience led her to join the esteemed team at Orlovska Dance Academy in 2021. Presently, Christina imparts her ballet expertise to beginner ballet groups for children.

Having danced since the tender age of 2 and trained in both RAD and Vaganova methods, Christina’s passion for teaching ballet mirrors her love for dancing. Her goal is to instill that same adoration for dance in her students, fostering an enjoyable and nurturing environment where they can learn and flourish. Christina aspires to guide her students on a remarkable journey of growth, enabling them to blossom into beautiful dancers while embracing the joy of dance.