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Kalman Warhaft

Director

Melbourne is my home, where I was born and fell in love with dance.

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During my early years of training, I had the privilege of being taught by the internationally acclaimed Russian teacher Madam Janina Ciunovas - one of “Ten 20th Century Master Teachers” (Gretchen Ward Warren’s  “The Art of Teaching Ballet”) - before continuing my studies at The Australian Ballet School.

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As a student, I performed with The Australian Ballet in Coppélia; toured regional Australia with The Dancers Company’s production of The Nutcracker; and worked with the English National Ballet on their arena production of Swan Lake, during their Australian tour.

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After graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Dance, I was thrilled to accept a contract to join Sydney Dance Company (SDC) under the artistic directorship of Graeme Murphy AO and Janet Vernon, touring extensively across Australia and internationally. 

Within the confines of an extremely talented company, I performed in a vast array of works including Graeme Murphy's Grand, Berlin, The Director’s Cut; Stephen Petronio’s Underland; Meryl Tankard’s INUK2; Rafael Bonachela’s 360Ëš and we unfold; Aszure Barton’s Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade and Kenneth Kvarnström’s Mercury. 

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After leaving SDC, I was invited to be a founding member of Mod Dance Company - a new recruit in the dance-mad climate.  Re-joining distinguished choreographer Graeme Murphy and some of Australia's brightest dancing stars - the world premiere of Suite Synergy "left the audience in awe".

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I then had the enriching experience of dancing with The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Opera Queensland and Victorian Opera. I came away with a deeper understanding of the Australian performing arts scene.

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My final performance, still dear to my heart, was as principal dancer with Opera Australia in Graeme Murphy's "sumptuous production" of Aida. Since retiring from the stage, I have enjoyed being creative assistant to Alice Topp, one of The Australian Ballet's rising choreographers.  

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My love of dance has fuelled a passion in dance education; I was one of the first to complete a Graduate Diploma in Elite Dance Instruction at The Australian Ballet School. I have amassed a large following of both children and adults, teaching dance in many schools, universities and academies across Australia.

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And now, drawing on a wealth of experience and knowledge - may I present: Melbourne Institute of Dance.

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