Celebrating Excellence
in Vaganova Ballet

At Ballet Express we believe every plie, every tendu, and every moment of growth is worth celebrating. Our accolades reflect the dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and unique authenticity of our training. Here at Ballet Express we're proud to offer one of Australia's most genuine pathways to ballet excellence.

Internationally Acclaimed Founders & Teachers

James Fraser

Born in Johannesburg to Australian parents, James trained at the Australian Ballet School before joining the South African Ballet Theatre, where he performed principal roles including Albrecht in Giselle, Droselmeyer in The Nutcracker, and more.

Together with Jessica, he cometed in prestigious International Ballet Competitions (IBCs), winning multiple awards such as:

Galina Ulanova Award for Artistry
Best Pas de Deux at Arabesque in Perm, Russia
Special Artistry Award at the Varna IBC and Korea IBC

James later danced with the Universal Ballet Company in South Korea before deepening his expertise in the Vaganova Method. He studied under Mr. Albert Mirzoyan (Pedagogue of the Vaganova Academy) and attained full qualification to teach Vaganova Levels 1-6.

Jessica Overton

Also from Johannesburg, Jessica rose quickly in the South African Ballet Theatre, performing soloist and principal roles like Clara in The Nutcracker, Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty and more.

Her competition successes include:

Silver Medal at the Korea IBC
Special Award for Artistry at the Varna IBC
Galina Ulanova Award for Artistry and Best Pas de Deux at the Arabesque in Perm, Russia
Best Pas de Deux at the Beijing IBC

After dancing with the Universal Ballet Company in South Korea, Jessica turned her passion to teaching. She too qualified under Mr. Mirzoyan for Vaganova Levels 1 - 6, driven by deep commitment to injury prevention and nuturing the next generation.

Mr. Albert Mirzoyan

Our official examiner brings unparalleled expertise:

General Director of the Hungarian State Opera
Vaganova Pedagogue & Professor
Former Ballet Master at the Vaganova Ballet Academy and Mariinsky Theatre
Extensive international experience across Russia, Austria, South Korea, and beyond

We are honoured to offer the ONLY true Vaganova exams (Levels 1–6) in Australia, examined by Mr. Mirzoyan himself.

Student Achievements

Growing Stars Shining Bright

Our dedicated students thrive in Ballet Express’s authentic Vaganova environment, achieving wonderful milestones that reflect their discipline, artistry, and growth. In just four short years of being open, these phenomenal results highlight the strength of our training and the bright futures we're nurturing right here in Melbourne, Australia.

Pathways to Renowned Schools & Intensives

Berlin State Ballet School (Germany)
DAW (Dancer at Work) (Italy)
English National Ballet School (UK)
Queensland Ballet Academy (Australia)
The Rock School for Dance (USA)
Alberta Ballet School (Canada)
Royal Winnipeg Ballet School (Canada)
John Cranko Summer Intensive
Royal Ballet School Summer Intensive (UK)
Paris Opera Ballet Intensive (France)
Russian Masters (Japan)

Our students have been accepted into or attended prestigious international programs, including:

Competition Successes

Our young dancers have also shone on the competition stages:

Gold Medal at the Aus Prix
Winner of the Level 2 Section at the Claudia Dean Scholarships
3rd place Junior Mens Contemporary at YAGP Sydney
Finalist at YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) in Tampa, Florida
Winners at the Ballet Teachers Workshop and many other competitions

These extraordinary accomplishments, reached in such a brief time since our founding, fill us with immense pride. They speak to the power of small classes, traditional Vaganova training, and a supportive environment where every child is truly seen and encouraged to soar.

“In only four years, watching our students open doors to the world’s top ballet opportunities is nothing short of magical. Their hard work, combined with authentic training, proves that big dreams start with strong foundations.” James & Jessica

Celebrating Excellence in Vaganova Ballet