.png)
EV Dance Studios (formerly known as Silver Swans with Alice) is a dedicated Adult Dance studio based in Newcastle NSW, specially designed for adults and older learners.
​
With a current focus on Classical Ballet, our classes will help improve your mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. Classes are open to people of all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners to those wishing to return to dance.
​
Ballet and Dance are also very social activities and EV Dance Studios can be a great place to meet new people with a passion for dance and joy for life.
​
​
​
OUR TEAM
ALICE MCKECHNIE
Director
​
Alice was born in the seaside town of Bournemouth in the UK and has been dancing since the age of 3. She studied RAD and ISTD at the local school alongside being a Junior and Mid Associate at the Royal Ballet School in London. She competed at competitions in all styles nationwide including the All England Finals, and also performed in such events as the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony.
​
She then went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Ballet Education from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, as well as the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD), Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD) and Registered Teacher’s Status. After teaching in numerous schools in the London area, she set out to travel the world, which has seen her settle in Australia to pursue her career as a dance teacher.
​
Now based in Newcastle NSW, Alice continues to teach her passion for dance with a focus on the adult community. She also assess trainee teachers for the RAD CBTS courses, and travels as a dance adjudicator.
COURTNEY LYALL
Ballet Teacher
​
Courtney is a Newcastle local with a passion for sharing the joys of dance. She began dancing at the age of 3, and has danced in competitions all over Newcastle and New South Wales. She has completed Advanced RAD Exams and LGTDA Tap exams, as well as her full time training in Sydney.
Courtney loves to perform and recently opened a Newcastle based entertainment company, Cailini Gaire Productions, where she produces work for other local professionals.
She loves being back home in Newcastle and sharing her passion through teaching. Courtney's teaching style is relaxed and fun, while developing great relationships with each of her students.
​
KIMBERLEY PATCH
Ballet Teacher
​
Kim has been dancing since the age of 3, and has a big passion for Ballet and Contemporary. She danced with the Queensland Youth Ballet from the age of 8 and was a part of the Regional Dance Ensemble for many years. She has also completed her Royal Academy of Dance examinations to Advanced 2.
​
She has previously taught at a dance studio in Armidale whilst studying Exercise and Sport Science at University. She currently teaches people with disabilities to dance as part of her disability support role.
With a real passion for teaching dance to people from all walks of life and at any level, Kim believes ballet is such an important part of her life and can’t wait to share her passion with everyone.
MADALEN BALTUSSEN
Yoga Teacher
​
Madalen is a veterinarian who has been practicing for 28 years. She initially started doing yoga to help with movement and flexibility as well as to help maintain a calm mental state for the challenges of her day job.
Madalen believes yoga is a complete practice which nourishes your mind and body.
Her yoga classes are based on the Ashtanga style, and she loves to incorporate movement challenges specific to the needs and abilities of her students. She will finish her classes with a brief meditation as a way to reward the body for its hard work during class.
​
Madalen has completed teacher training in Vinyasa and Meditation through Aura Wellness in the United States, in conjunction with Ashtanga Yoga Newcastle. She thoroughly enjoys learning and is currently undertaking further training to broaden her yoga knowledge.
​
In Maddy's words "You should do some yoga!"
LAUREN GALLIE
Admin Wizard
​
Lauren is our wizard for day-to-day operations, administrative & accounting support.
Lauren joined us as a student and became part of the EV team when she began pursuing her career as a Virtual Assistant, offering operational support to small businesses.
Pointe Classes
That's right, we are offering pointe shoe classes as part of our weekly timetable!
This class is available for those who want to tick that box off their bucket list.
One-to-One Private Classes
Private lessons are also available for one-on-one sessions to further develop your technique. They are typically 30 minute to an hour session, directly focusing on whatever skill or goal you wish to work towards. These sessions allow us to work at your own pace and to suit your schedule.
PBT
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train and enhance students' technique by focussing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance.
Yoga Classes
Join Madalen to learn how to approach daily stressors. Introducing the ancient practice of Ashtanga Yoga, come to breathe and smile. Friendly for all levels.
Mums and Bubs Classes
This class is aimed at pregnant people & new mothers who want to exercise in a safe and fun environment.
Suitable for all ballet skill levels.
Bring your little one - non-mobile babies only.
"Ballet is for anyone at any age, and these classes have shown me just that. I love learning and putting my brain to the test remembering the steps. Such a fun, relaxed environment. Highly recommended if you are looking for a new hobby" - Melanie
"Ballet is something I had been missing deep down in my soul for many years. I decided to take the plunge and try a class and I'm so glad I did. As soon as that beautiful music started and the first barre exercise was complete, I knew ballet was once again an important part of my life." - Janice