Mission
Raising The Barre Academy aims to provide exceptional classical ballet training for those students wanting a deeper understanding of classical technique.
We aim to ensure all students acquire the skills to maximise their technical potential and cultivate artistic values within a positive environment. To watch our students flourish into self-motivated, well-rounded individuals who possess the confidence and drive to shape their own future in the field of their choice.
Belinda Hernandez
Belinda Hernandez started her formal ballet training in 1987 at the age of 15 with the Beverley Rowles School of Dance in Wollongong before being accepted into The Australian Ballet School in 1989. After graduating she joined The Australian Ballet in 1992. During her time with the company,she danced many soloist and principal roles and worked with notable dancers and choreographers.
On moving to England in 1994 Belinda spent a few months with the Northern Ballet Theatre. In that same year she accepted a contract with English National Ballet under the directorship of Derek DeaneOBE. In 1998 she was promoted to Soloist and went on to dance a full range of principal roles with the company. Her debuted as the Sugar Plum Fairy was ravishing and raved over. “Her beautiful lines, quick footwork and engaging personality made her an audience favourite.” A memorable moment was being painted in bronze from head-to-toe for a Degas celebration and photographed by the renowned Lord Snowdon, but one of her greatest experiences with the company was to work with skating superstar Christopher Dean in Encounters, a short ballet about his life. She was cast to portray his ice-dancing partner, Jayne Torvill, and to dance with The Australian Ballet's principal dancer, Greg Horsman.
In January 1999 she was featured as "dancer of the month" in UK-based Dancing Times. Not long after, she accepted a Principal contract with Japan’s K-BALLET COMPANY becoming a founding member. She thoroughly enjoyed her experience of touring and performing extensively throughout Japan and having the opportunity to work with the company’s founder and Artistic Director, Tetsuya Kumakawa. In 2000 Belinda travelled to New York and joined the Metropolitan Opera.
Belinda was one of the first dancers selected to model for the French ballet brand Wear Moi and her silhouette is still used on their logo to this day.
Since returning to Australia and basing herself in Sydney with her two children, her love of dance transitioned to a rewarding career as a much sorted and in demand classical ballet teacher and coach.
Julie McQuire
Trained at Tanya Pearson Academy under direction of Tanya Pearson, performing with preprofessional company Sydney Festival Youth Ballet.
Completion of RAD examinations, Registered RAD and Rambert Grades teacher.
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With over 25 years of freelance teaching experience I pride myself in technical excellence of classical technique, focusing on history, pure principles and the core values associated with the profession.
Over 20yrs experience in choreographing, coaching and staging both group and solo works (including repertoire) in classical and contemporary within schools and with private students.
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Specialising in:
RAD Classical ballet
Rambert Grades
Contemporary & classical/pointe open class
Repertoire/solo choreography & coaching
Performance group choreography & staging
Private classical coaching
Eisteddfod adjudication
External assessments & workshops