Ivanhoe Edge Dance

Anna’s Elite Experience Brings Global Excellence to Ivanhoe Edge

From the Royal Ballet School in London to dance companies across the world, Anna brings a lifetime of elite performance, teaching, and technique to the Ivanhoe Edge program. Anna’s training began at 11, leaving behind her family and home in East Africa to accept a place in one of Europe’s most prestigious dance schools; Anna’s journey has been defined by passion, precision, and perseverance

By 18, she trained full time, graduating from the Royal Ballet Upper School and was dancing at the Royal Opera House with the Royal Ballet company—experiences that gave her a deep understanding of the expectation required of performing at the highest level. She has worked internationally with six major ballet companies, including Birmingham Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Cape Town City Ballet and K Ballet in Japan. Touring internationally Anna danced 100’s of performances in a vast range of repertoire, including world premiers productions with leading choreographers. This breadth of experience gives Anna a rare depth of understanding in both classical and contemporary styles of dance.

Anna is also a seasoned adjudicator and mentor. She knows exactly what top-tier schools and competitions are looking for and helps young dancers prepare technically and mentally for high-stakes auditions. Her focus includes everything from breathing techniques  - training the respiratory system to assist in optimising performance and recovery - to correcting posture and dysfunctional movement patterns for injury prevention.

Over the last two decades, she has specialised in rehabilitation as a movement specialist, teaching teachers, medical professionals and training dancers and athletes recovering from injuries. Her recent work in China with a leading Tai Chi master highlights her commitment to integrating breath and movement—skills that help dancers and athletes alike manage their stress response and perform at their peak.

At Ivanhoe Edge, Anna’s contributions extend beyond dance. Her focus on breathing, alignment, and elite-level technique is helping young athletes across disciplines gain a professional edge. Whether working with a future ballerina or a rising sports star, Anna is passionate about giving every student the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to pursue excellence and most importantly achieve their personal best.

With her global experience and expert guidance, Anna is not just teaching movement—she’s shaping the next generation of high performers.

Bella’s Journey with Ivanhoe Edge Dance: From Uncertainty to Juilliard

At the beginning of 2024, Bella took a leap into something completely new—she joined the very first intake of Ivanhoe Edge Dance. With little idea of what to expect, she soon discovered just how unique and powerful the program could be.

Unlike traditional dance classes, Bella’s sessions weren’t in a group setting. Ivanhoe Edge Dance offered one-on-one coaching, tailored entirely to her skill level and goals. This personalised approach meant every session could adapt to Bella’s needs—whether she wanted to improve her technique or try something new, the space was hers to grow.

Before joining the program, Bella’s only dance experience had been in large groups, and she had limited technical training. But working closely with Anna, her Ivanhoe Edge coach, changed everything. With Anna’s extensive background in dance technique, Bella began learning the foundations that would set her apart—from high kicks and pirouettes to the purpose behind every move.

Early in the year, a new opportunity emerged: an audition for the Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard, an international program for young artists in voice, dance, and musical theatre. Bella and Anna spent weeks preparing together. They rehearsed four audition songs and a challenging dance piece. Anna helped Bella break down the choreography, refine her movements, and make sure each step had intention and presence—just as it would need to shine on stage.

Thanks to that dedicated support and Bella’s hard work, she received life-changing news: she had been accepted into the Juilliard Summer Performing Arts program. This June and July, Bella will spend four weeks in Florida, immersing herself in voice and musical theatre alongside talented young artists from around the world.

Reflecting on her journey, Bella shares, 

“Ivanhoe Edge Dance has brought my dancing so far. I’ve improved so much. Not only has the program taught me so many new skills, it’s created such a supportive and flexible environment—it’s helped me grow in something I’m truly passionate about.”

Bella’s story is a testament to the power of personalised coaching, hard work, and the right support at the right time. 

And it’s only just the beginning.