Melanie West
Melanie has been teaching classical ballet and contemporary dance for 25 years at various dance studios across Melbourne. Trained in the Cecchetti method from the age of 4, Melanie attended the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School from year 7 through to year 12, then continued on at VCA for a further two years of study all styles of dance at an elite level. During her training at VCASS and VCA, she had the opportunity to work with many renowned choreographers including Jonathon Taylor, Anna Smith, Rochelle Carmichael and Joe Scoglio.
After spending some time travelling across Europe, Melanie returned to Melbourne and co-founded the contemporary dance company, Shandy Independent Dance. With this group, she successfully co-produced numerous seasons and choreographed her own works, which received favorable reviews.
Having undertaken many years of qualified dance teacher training, Melanie currently holds Licentiate status with the Cecchetti Society of Australia and also teaches the Cecchetti program at VCASS with her esteemed mentor, Miss Anne Butler. She frequently works for Cecchetti Ballet Victoria conducting audition classes for a variety of adjudicators including Colin Peasley OAM and Marilyn Jones OBE.