Contemporary
Contemporary Dance Classes Johannesburg: Expressive Movement for All Ages
Introduction to Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance is a captivating and ever-evolving art form that breaks away from the strict lines of classical technique. Combining the groundedness of modern dance, the flow of creative movement, and the technical strength of ballet, it allows dancers a tremendous range of artistic and emotional expression. Contemporary dance is excellent for developing deep body awareness, fluid transitions, and dynamic movement quality. At Orlovska Dance Academy, we provide highly respected Contemporary dance classes in Johannesburg, taught by experienced professionals who foster creativity and technical excellence in every student.
Children & Youth Contemporary Programs (Ages 6–18)
Our progressive contemporary curriculum guides young dancers from basic movement to advanced artistic performance, developing strong technique and individual expression at every stage.
| Age | Program / Level | Focus & Benefits | Johannesburg Contemporary Schedule | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 Years | Contemporary Beginner | Introduces basics, combining elements of ballet and modern. Focuses on fluid, grounded movements, coordination, and musicality. Perfect for building confidence. | Tuesday: 3:00–4:00pm | Gabriella Smith |
| 8–10 Years | Contemporary Junior 1 | Builds on foundational techniques. Introduces more complex patterns, basic floorwork, and improvisation. Focus on strength and flexibility. | Friday: 2:30–3:30pm | Gabriella Smith |
| 10–12 Years | Contemporary Junior 2 | Refines technique and deepens understanding of contemporary styles. Focuses on fluid transitions, dynamic movement, and performance skills. | Monday: 3:30–5:00pm | Tshepo Zasekhaya |
| 12–14 Years | Contemporary Intermediate | Challenges dancers with advanced choreography and technical combinations. Emphasis on body control, musicality, and emotional expression. | Wednesday: 5:00–6:30pm | Ipeleng Merafe |
| 14–18 Years | Contemporary Senior | Our most advanced level for experienced dancers. Focuses on complex improvisation, partnering, choreography, creativity, and performance quality. | Monday: 5:00–6:30pm | Tshepo Zasekhaya |
Adult Contemporary Beginner Classes
Adult Ballet Classes in Parktown North, Johannesburg
Ready to move? Our adult class is the perfect entry point for those new to or returning to Contemporary dance classes in Johannesburg.
| Age | Program / Level | Focus & Benefits | Adult Contemporary Schedule | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ Years | Adult Contemporary Beginner | Learn the fundamentals of contemporary movement in a relaxed environment. Improves coordination, flexibility, and expressive movement—no prior experience necessary! | Monday: 6:30–7:30pm | Tshepo Zasekhaya |
Professional Team
Meet The Coach
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.
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.
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.
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.