About Us
In February 2019 Alisa Balayan established Orlovska Dance Studio, which is named after her grandmother, Ludmila Orlovska. Ludmila was the Prima Ballerina at the Lviv National Opera and Ballet House. She studied at the Kiev State Choreographic Academy which was later merged with Kiev Conservatory during World War Two. At the institute, Ludmila studied ballet (Russian Vaganova Ballet method), character and historical dance. She was taught by Klavdia Vasina a student of Agrippina Vaganova.
Ludmila graduated from the Institute in 1949 and received offers from across the Soviet Union. She chose Lviv National Opera and Ballet House to be close to her family. A storied career followed including the lead roles in: Giselle (Giselle), Swan Lake (Odette), Spartacus (Phrygia), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet), Nutcracker (Clara), Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Peer Gynt (Solveig), The Red Poppy (Tao-Choa), The Tale of the Stone Flower (Katherine), Les Sylphides, Grand Waltz and many others. After retiring at 35 Ludmilla began her career as a teacher, teaching for 49 years including teaching her own daughter and granddaughter, Olena and Alisa.
Ludmila passed away at the age of 89 on the 17th of March 2020. Her legacy will be remembered and carried through to the young dance students of Orlovska Dance Studio.
What is Vaganova Ballet Method?
In ODA we teach Vaganova Ballet Method. The Vaganova Method is a ballet technique and training system devised by the Russian dancer and pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova (1879–1951). While there is debate over which system is the best, simply put, most of the world’s best dancers of the last and current century were trained in the Vaganova method (e.g Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Anna Pavlova, Sergei Polunin, Natalia Osipova, Diana Vishneva, Ivan Vasiliev to name a few). A good dancer can come out of any system and no ballet company hires only Vaganova or RAD, or Cecchetti graduates.
Vaganova’s key strengths are teaching correct movement and posture first, strict technique based on correct movement and very clear grading and marking systems. Many RAD & Cecchetti dancers need to unlearn or improve their technique upon entering the professional dance world.
Vaganova graduates are arguably more ready for the rigours of professional dancing.
From a parent’s perspective Vaganova may seem the better choice as the risk of injury is lower and assessments of the student’s progress are more accurate as the balance between technical ability and expression is more objectively obvious.
For dancers starting at a later age ( 5-7 years of age is normal) Vaganova method is a good choice as they will be immersed in correct technique allowing their natural ability to flourish faster.
Recreational dancers who dance purely for fun or exercise will benefit from a system of movement that reduces injury risk and quickly benefits endurance, posture and strength.
Our Philosophy
The Vaganova ballet method, along with Contemporary dance, Acrobatics, and Hip Hop, places a strong emphasis on building a solid technical foundation. This foundation serves as the fundamental starting point that must be honed alongside dancers’ expressive abilities. At the heart of these dance forms lies the harmonious fusion of technique and joyful expression. In fact, without the capacity to convey the sheer delight and exuberance of a performance, technical prowess alone loses its significance.
For those dancers who seek to engage in dance primarily for recreational purposes or as a means of exercise, Orlovska Dance Academy (ODA) is dedicated to providing students with the necessary technical skills and expertise to fully enjoy movement and express themselves through dance. Our primary objective at ODA is to foster a nurturing and inspiring environment that nurtures both vocational and recreational dancers, allowing their unique personalities and talents to flourish.
At ODA, our esteemed instructors firmly believe in the power of positive encouragement, body positivity, and fostering a supportive team atmosphere as the catalysts for unlocking a dancer’s full potential. We view dance as a profound tool for self-development, and it is this passion that drives us to witness the growth and development of our students of all ages. Indeed, observing their progress and transformation serves as its own intrinsic reward, inspiring us to continue providing a wonderful platform for dancers to thrive and flourish.
Meet Our
Fully Qualified Teachers & Staff
Alisa Balayan
Owner / Ballet & Contemporary
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.
Olena Balayan
Ballet
Olena offers 37 years of experience as a dance teacher and choreographer whose productions are known nationwide in Ukraine
Being a daughter of the principal ballet dancers at Lviv National Ballet and Opera House, Olena started her dancing education at the age of 5 at the Lviv State Ballet School in Ukraine where she studied ballet, modern and character dance. She graduated from the Lviv State Ballet School at the age of 16 with distinction.
In 1985, she completed her degree in ballet (Russian Ballet method -Vaganova syllabus), character and modern dancing with distinction at the Lviv College of Art and Culture and continued her education at the Department of Dance at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
Olena has received her first teaching experience at the age of 17 when she started working with pre-ballet groups at the Lviv State Ballet School. She continued teaching ballet, modern and character dance to different levels at the Lviv State Ballet School until 2006.
In addition, Olena established “Sirius”, a jazz and modern dance Company between 1992 and 2006.
Since 2006 she has been working at the National Drama Theatre as a head ballet master and choreographer where she choreographed over 50 shows. Olena Balayan has been a head ballet-master and choreographer at the Lviv National Drama Theater since then until the end of 2019.
In 2020 Olena moved to South Africa and became a teacher at Orlovska Dance Studio, named after her mother the Prima Ballerina of Lviv National Opera and Ballet House, Ludmila Orlovska.
ODA is incredibly fortunate to have Olena as part of our team. Her extensive dance and teaching expertise is invaluable.
Ipeleng Merafe
Contemporary & Ballet
Ipeleng Merafe is a 36-year-old professional dancer and theatre performer from Johannesburg. She began ballet at age 5, completing her training with the Royal Academy of Dance (Advanced 2 level) and performing with the South African Ballet Academy. A 2003 exchange student at The National Ballet School in Toronto, she also attended programs at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
In 2006, Ipeleng enrolled at the Cape Academy of Performing Arts, earning a diploma in Contemporary Dance and Theatre Related Studies. She joined the Cape Youth Dance Company and later the Cape Dance Company, performing locally and internationally at festivals like Salisbury and Edinburgh Fringe.
Ipeleng has performed in Dada Masilo’s productions, including “Death and the Maidens” and “Swan Lake,” where she understudied the lead role. She was also Assistant Dance Captain in the international tour of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” (2018-2020). A founding member of the South African Dance Alliance, she recently earned her Certificate of Ballet Teacher Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance and became a board member of Cape Ballet Africa in 2024. Currently, she is studying Pilates at Trifocus Fitness Academy.
Liz-Anne Robinson
Acrobatics
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.
Jaden Finch
Acro & Contemporary
Jaden Finch is a dedicated dance educator and performer whose passion for dance has been a driving force throughout her life. Beginning her journey with ballet and contemporary dance, she later discovered a profound love for acrobatics, lyrical, and various other styles.
At the age of 14, Jaden began competing in local, national, and international competitions. Notably, in 2017, she represented her talent in Croatia, where she achieved an impressive sixth place in the world for her age category. Her accolades continued in 2019 when she was honored as Dancer of the Year by Talent Africa. That same year, she earned her Acrobatics Arts teacher qualification, achieving a remarkable 100% in both the practical and theoretical components of the course.
Jaden’s commitment to excellence extends to her students. She has successfully coached several dancers who competed in Ireland at the World Lyrical Dance Federation, where two of her students claimed lyrical world champion titles. Additionally, she received a prestigious scholarship from the Millennium Dance School in London. Jaden’s accomplishments also include earning her official Gauteng colors and qualifying for Protea colors, allowing her to compete at the IDO National Championships in Poland.
As a qualified dance teacher through the South African Body of Dance, Jaden currently shares her expertise in acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary, and modern dance with her students. Her fervent enthusiasm for dance and her dedication to nurturing the success of her dancers make her an inspiring figure in the dance
community.
Juan Louw
Hip Hop
Introducing Juan Louw, our incredible Hip Hop teacher extraordinaire!
With an impressive journey that began in 2005, Juan has dedicated himself to mastering the art of Hip Hop dance. From the young age of 16, he found his true calling as a Hip Hop instructor and has never looked back.
Throughout his career, Juan has graced numerous shows and competitions, leaving a lasting impact with his exceptional talent. He has proudly represented South Africa on multiple occasions, showcasing his skills and passion on international stages.
Juan’s love for dance is infectious, and his true joy lies in helping individuals develop and unleash their full potential. With unwavering dedication, he goes above and beyond to educate and inspire his students, always willing to exceed expectations. His commitment and motivation are unmatched, and he thrives on seeing his students succeed and achieve their goals.
Not only is Juan an outstanding dancer and teacher, but he is also actively involved in the dance community. He has been a regular adjudicator for the Dance School Sport League (DSSL) and Dance School Club League (DSCL), lending his expertise and guidance to aspiring dancers. Additionally, he has taken on the role of managing the team for Gauteng, further contributing to the growth of dance in the region.
Juan’s remarkable talent and passion make him an invaluable asset to our team. We are incredibly grateful to have him on board, bringing his expertise, dedication, and infectious energy to our dance community.
Gabriella Smith
Ballet, Contemporary & Acrobatics
Gabriella, a seasoned dance teacher since 2021, brings a unique blend of expertise to her classes. With a focus on flexibility advancement, she holds certificates in anatomy from the University of Michigan and the science of exercise from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her extensive dance background spans 17 years of ballet training, 8 years of contemporary training, and 7 years of burlesque. Guiding students of all ages, Gabriella has discovered her true calling—igniting a lifelong passion for dance in each and every one of her students.
Jade Stofberg
Ballet
Jade Stofberg’s dance journey began at the tender age of six, igniting a lifelong passion that has taken her from freestyle to the elegant realms of modern, lyrical, ballet, and jazz. Over the years, she has showcased her talent in numerous competitions, earning qualifications for Team South Africa to perform internationally on multiple occasions. Jade has also excelled in prestigious examinations with RAD, SABOD, and SADTA.
With a heart dedicated to nurturing young dancers, Jade’s primary goal is to ensure that children feel heard and understood. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where they can learn and thrive. Now, she is thrilled to embark on a new adventure as she begins teaching Creative Dance and Step 1 at Orlovska Dance Academy, eager to inspire the next generation of dance enthusiasts.
Svetlana Timmerman
Ballet
Svetlana brings a lifetime of passion, experience, and international acclaim to her ballet classes. A gold medalist at an international competition by age 14, she went on to become a champion dancer, coach, and judge—training over 100 dancers, many of whom became finalists in major international tournaments.
Svetlana graduated from the prestigious Vladimirskiy Regional College of Art and Culture. She later founded her own successful dance school, specialising in Competitive Ballroom and Latin-American dance with a strong classical foundation.
With over 25 years of teaching experience across Europe and South Africa, Svetlana’s classes are known for their energy, discipline, and inspiration. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for competition-level performance, you’re in expert hands.
Tshepo Zasekhaya
Contemporary
Tshepo Zasekhaya began dancing at The Dance Factory at age 4 and had his first professional performance at 8 in Oliver by Swedish choreographer Marie Brolin-Tani. He trained at the National School of the Arts (2006–2010) and completed his Cecchetti ballet exams up to Grade 5 with Honours.
After matriculating, he performed with The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative and later joined Unga Fuse Dance Ensemble in Sweden, touring internationally. With The Dance Factory, Tshepo has performed lead roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Carmen, and The Sacrifice, touring 27 countries.
His credits include works by PJ Sabbagha, Dada Masilo, Llewellyn Mnguni, and Nadine Buys-Blackmore. He was principal dancer in Nkoli the Vogue Opera (2023) and assistant to Masilo on her Salome commission for Joburg Ballet (2024). He is currently performing in Masilo’s Hamlet, which premiered at Impulstanz in July 2024.
Sarah Steyn
Administration
Sarah was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Durban in her early years. After school she attended the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and obtained a BComm degree. Post university she moved to the UK where she worked in the Investment Banking and Financial Industry sector. She returned to Johannesburg and was involved in this line of work for 18 years. When her third child was born, she left the corporate world and now assists Orlovska Dance Studio with administrative work.
Sarah loves the outdoors and enjoys spending golden moments with her family and friends. ODA is grateful to have Sarah on board. Her professionalism is invaluable to our Studio.
Abigail Kearns
Front of House & Receptionist
Abigail Kearns was born and raised in Johannesburg.
Currently, Abigail is the receptionist at Orlovska Dance Academy, where she plays a key role in managing the day-to-day operations. She assists with general administrative tasks, handles parent queries, and ensures smooth communication within the studio. As she works towards her diploma in Administration, Secretarial, and PA studies, she continues to build her skill set and looks forward to furthering her education.
Outside of her role at the studio, Abigail is passionate about the outdoors, with a love for hiking, camping, and water activities. She also enjoys producing and playing music, sharing her creative energy with others. With her background in sound production and her deep love for music, working at a dance studio feels like a natural fit, where she can connect her passion for both music and movement.