MEET OUR TEACHING STAFF
Terri Charlesworth - Artistic Advisor and Mentor (OAM, CIT. WA and former dancer with West Australian Ballet)
Terri Charlesworth is a highly respected ballet educator with an international career, trained at the Australian Ballet School and experienced in teaching globally, including at Monaco’s Princess Grace Academy.
A recipient of the Ulanova Award, WA Citizen of the Year and an OAM, Terri has influenced generations of dancers. At Youth Ballet WA, she continues to mentor young artists and contribute to the growth of ballet training in Western Australia Tatiana Pevneva - Artistic Coordinator and Senior Classical Teacher (former soloist of the St Petersburg Theatre and Ballet) Tatiana Pevneva is an acclaimed classical ballet teacher and Artistic Co-ordinator at Youth Ballet WA, bringing world-class expertise to dancers in Perth. A graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg, she performed professionally as a demi-soloist and soloist with leading Russian ballet companies, appearing in iconic works such as Swan Lake, Giselle and Sleeping Beauty.
Since joining YBWA in 2004, Tatiana has played a key role in shaping the school’s artistic direction, restaging major classical productions and choreographing works including La Fille Mal Gardée. With her extensive performance background and passion for teaching, she is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of young dancers Christian Luck - Classical Teacher (former soloist with the West Australian Ballet) Born in Sydney, Christian began his training at The McDonald College of Performing Arts before graduating from The Australian Ballet School with a Diploma of Dance. He also holds an Advanced Diploma of Dance, further strengthening his professional expertise.
In 2004, Christian joined West Australian Ballet, where he enjoyed an outstanding 18-year career and became the company’s longest-serving dancer in its 70-year history. Renowned for his versatility and artistry, he performed a wide range of leading and character roles, bringing a wealth of professional experience to his work with dancers today. Sonya Shepherd - Classical Teacher (Dip in Dance) Sonya is a highly respected dance educator and leader, recognised for her lifelong dedication to elite ballet training and youth development. With a strong foundation in classical ballet education, Sonya trained under the guidance of her mother, internationally acclaimed ballet educator Terri Charlesworth, developing a deep understanding of both technical excellence and artistic expression from an early age.
Throughout her career, Sonya has been mentored by some of the most influential figures in international ballet, including Marika Besobrasova, Yanina Clunovas, Carlo Garcia and Maris Leipa, shaping her refined teaching approach and passion for developing well-rounded dancers. Sharon Dalla Costa - Contemporary and ATAR Dance Co-Ordinator (former soloist dancer with Chrissie Parrot & various Sydney Dance Companies, B.A, Dip Ed) Lynn Martlew - Spanish Teacher and Pilates Coordinator (Adv. Dip in Dance and former dancer with Danza Viva Spanish Company) A highly experienced dancer and former member of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company. She trained to advanced level in classical ballet before completing her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she was awarded the prestigious Robert Finlay Dance Award for outstanding achievement.
Introduced to Spanish dance at 15, Lynn became a founding member of Danza Viva at 18, performing for over 15 years under artistic director Deanna Blacher. She holds teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Instituto de la Danza Española and the Spanish Dance Society. Lynn has performed as an individual artist and with companies and taught for over 35 years both locally and internationally through the UK, Madrid, South Africa, China, Seville, Valencia and Spain. She has also has her own Pilates business in Perth. May Cheah - Classical Teacher (Adv. Dip in Performing Arts and former Soloist with the Singapore Ballet Company) May is a former Soloist with Singapore Ballet, bringing over a decade of professional performance experience and seven years of teaching to Youth Ballet WA. Having performed leading roles in major classical ballets including Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote, she combines strong technical knowledge with refined artistry.
A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, May has taught across pre-professional and adult programs in both Singapore and Perth. Her experience as a private coach and repertoire teacher allows her to guide dancers in technique, performance quality and artistic development, fostering disciplined, confident and expressive artists. Katie Chown - Contemporary and Pointe Prep Teacher (B.A - Dance B.A.Sc - OT and former dancer of Remnant Dance Theatre Collective) Katie is a former Charlesworth Ballet Institute student and long-standing performer with Remnant Dance Theatre Collective since 2011. Combining her professional dance background with her qualifications as an Occupational Therapist, Katie specialises in safely preparing students—particularly foundation dancers—for pointe work, supporting strength, alignment and injury prevention Tamice Puckridge - Classical Foundation Teacher (Certificate IV in Ballet Performance) Tamice began her training at Charlesworth Ballet School from a young age, progressing into full-time studies at Charlesworth Ballet College where she completed Certificates I–IV in Ballet Performance. She trained extensively in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Spanish and Character under renowned teachers and was selected for the Ballet West Summer Intensive in the USA.
With a strong passion for teaching, Tamice has worked across schools delivering dance and gymnastics programs, including experience in special needs education. She now manages Charlesworth Ballet School while also teaching Classical Ballet at both Charlesworth and Youth Ballet WA, bringing valuable experience and dedication to her students. Ivan Tarakanov - Classical Teacher (Former dancer with Mikahilovsky Ballet Theatre, Israel Ballet and Alanta Ballet) Ivan is a graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St Petersburg. He has performed internationally as a principal dancer with leading companies including the Mikhailovsky Theatre, Israel Ballet and Atlanta Ballet.
In addition to his performance career, Ivan is an accomplished choreographer and director, with works such as Sense of Time and Aladdin. He brings a wealth of elite training, artistry and creative experience to his teaching at Youth Ballet WA. Cassie Walton - Classical Teacher (Certificate IV in Ballet Performance) Cassie is a former Charlesworth student who brings both strong technical training and a deep understanding of the YBWA pathway. With her experience as a student within the program, Cassie is passionate about supporting young dancers in developing their technique, discipline and confidence in a positive and nurturing environment.
A recipient of the Ulanova Award, WA Citizen of the Year and an OAM, Terri has influenced generations of dancers. At Youth Ballet WA, she continues to mentor young artists and contribute to the growth of ballet training in Western Australia Tatiana Pevneva - Artistic Coordinator and Senior Classical Teacher (former soloist of the St Petersburg Theatre and Ballet) Tatiana Pevneva is an acclaimed classical ballet teacher and Artistic Co-ordinator at Youth Ballet WA, bringing world-class expertise to dancers in Perth. A graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg, she performed professionally as a demi-soloist and soloist with leading Russian ballet companies, appearing in iconic works such as Swan Lake, Giselle and Sleeping Beauty.
Since joining YBWA in 2004, Tatiana has played a key role in shaping the school’s artistic direction, restaging major classical productions and choreographing works including La Fille Mal Gardée. With her extensive performance background and passion for teaching, she is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of young dancers Christian Luck - Classical Teacher (former soloist with the West Australian Ballet) Born in Sydney, Christian began his training at The McDonald College of Performing Arts before graduating from The Australian Ballet School with a Diploma of Dance. He also holds an Advanced Diploma of Dance, further strengthening his professional expertise.
In 2004, Christian joined West Australian Ballet, where he enjoyed an outstanding 18-year career and became the company’s longest-serving dancer in its 70-year history. Renowned for his versatility and artistry, he performed a wide range of leading and character roles, bringing a wealth of professional experience to his work with dancers today. Sonya Shepherd - Classical Teacher (Dip in Dance) Sonya is a highly respected dance educator and leader, recognised for her lifelong dedication to elite ballet training and youth development. With a strong foundation in classical ballet education, Sonya trained under the guidance of her mother, internationally acclaimed ballet educator Terri Charlesworth, developing a deep understanding of both technical excellence and artistic expression from an early age.
Throughout her career, Sonya has been mentored by some of the most influential figures in international ballet, including Marika Besobrasova, Yanina Clunovas, Carlo Garcia and Maris Leipa, shaping her refined teaching approach and passion for developing well-rounded dancers. Sharon Dalla Costa - Contemporary and ATAR Dance Co-Ordinator (former soloist dancer with Chrissie Parrot & various Sydney Dance Companies, B.A, Dip Ed) Lynn Martlew - Spanish Teacher and Pilates Coordinator (Adv. Dip in Dance and former dancer with Danza Viva Spanish Company) A highly experienced dancer and former member of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company. She trained to advanced level in classical ballet before completing her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she was awarded the prestigious Robert Finlay Dance Award for outstanding achievement.
Introduced to Spanish dance at 15, Lynn became a founding member of Danza Viva at 18, performing for over 15 years under artistic director Deanna Blacher. She holds teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Instituto de la Danza Española and the Spanish Dance Society. Lynn has performed as an individual artist and with companies and taught for over 35 years both locally and internationally through the UK, Madrid, South Africa, China, Seville, Valencia and Spain. She has also has her own Pilates business in Perth. May Cheah - Classical Teacher (Adv. Dip in Performing Arts and former Soloist with the Singapore Ballet Company) May is a former Soloist with Singapore Ballet, bringing over a decade of professional performance experience and seven years of teaching to Youth Ballet WA. Having performed leading roles in major classical ballets including Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote, she combines strong technical knowledge with refined artistry.
A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, May has taught across pre-professional and adult programs in both Singapore and Perth. Her experience as a private coach and repertoire teacher allows her to guide dancers in technique, performance quality and artistic development, fostering disciplined, confident and expressive artists. Katie Chown - Contemporary and Pointe Prep Teacher (B.A - Dance B.A.Sc - OT and former dancer of Remnant Dance Theatre Collective) Katie is a former Charlesworth Ballet Institute student and long-standing performer with Remnant Dance Theatre Collective since 2011. Combining her professional dance background with her qualifications as an Occupational Therapist, Katie specialises in safely preparing students—particularly foundation dancers—for pointe work, supporting strength, alignment and injury prevention Tamice Puckridge - Classical Foundation Teacher (Certificate IV in Ballet Performance) Tamice began her training at Charlesworth Ballet School from a young age, progressing into full-time studies at Charlesworth Ballet College where she completed Certificates I–IV in Ballet Performance. She trained extensively in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Spanish and Character under renowned teachers and was selected for the Ballet West Summer Intensive in the USA.
With a strong passion for teaching, Tamice has worked across schools delivering dance and gymnastics programs, including experience in special needs education. She now manages Charlesworth Ballet School while also teaching Classical Ballet at both Charlesworth and Youth Ballet WA, bringing valuable experience and dedication to her students. Ivan Tarakanov - Classical Teacher (Former dancer with Mikahilovsky Ballet Theatre, Israel Ballet and Alanta Ballet) Ivan is a graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St Petersburg. He has performed internationally as a principal dancer with leading companies including the Mikhailovsky Theatre, Israel Ballet and Atlanta Ballet.
In addition to his performance career, Ivan is an accomplished choreographer and director, with works such as Sense of Time and Aladdin. He brings a wealth of elite training, artistry and creative experience to his teaching at Youth Ballet WA. Cassie Walton - Classical Teacher (Certificate IV in Ballet Performance) Cassie is a former Charlesworth student who brings both strong technical training and a deep understanding of the YBWA pathway. With her experience as a student within the program, Cassie is passionate about supporting young dancers in developing their technique, discipline and confidence in a positive and nurturing environment.