Janine McGrath - Founder and Artistic Director

After graduating from University with a Bachelor of Education and commencing teaching with the Department of Education, Janine opened her own dance school in 1994 quickly developing a reputation as a leading school in classical ballet with excellent teaching and exceptional choreography. In 2008, Janine decided to focus solely on developing BCYB by closing her own school to give the company the time and direction it needed. Teaching students is her love and life passion. She is now based at Brisbane Dance Centre (BDC) / ADPI along with many of her dedicated classical ballet students and associate Ms Jan Moore. Janine continues to strive for perfection in an environment that promotes a love and discipline for classical ballet by teaching and heading up an elite training program at BDC.

Janine's focus on providing the best possible ballet training has lead her to visit and attend courses run by leading International teachers. Past and present students have attained outstanding examination and eisteddfod results. They have also been finalists or prize winners at prestigious competitions both nationally and internationally. Past students have been accepted into The Australian Ballet Company and School, Queensland Ballet, Queensland Ballet Professional Year, Royal New Zealand Ballet Company and also several European companies and American Schools.

This youth ballet company has already produced four magical ballets; 'The Fairy Doll', 'Nutcracker', 'Sleeping Beauty' and the most recent one being 'Cinderella' . Her passion for ballet and choreography is evident in these full scale story ballets. Her greatest joy is seeing dancers reach their potential and enjoy the experience and magic of theatre. The Brisbane City Youth Ballet is a wonderful avenue for bringing students from all over South East Queensland together for an opportunity to participate and perform in these full scale ballet productions.

Brisbane Dance Centre

Leslie White - Assistant Artistic Director

Born in England, Leslie began dancing at the age of seven, finishing his dancing training at the Royal Ballet School, London. Leslie joined the Royal Ballet Company where he became a leading soloist. While touring Australia and New Zealand with the Royal Ballet, Leslie decided to settle in Australia, opening a dance school in Adelaide. He also danced on Channel 7’s live variety shows twice a week. Leslie took up a contract with the Queensland Ballet as dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director and principle teacher. During this time he was appointed assistant to the artistic director. Since leaving Queensland Ballet, Leslie has pursued a very long and rewarding career as a freelance ballet teacher and choreographer in Brisbane and the North Coast. His coaching role with the Brisbane City Youth Ballet is one that gives him great pleasure.

Jan Moore - Guest Teacher

Jan is a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and a Grades and Major Examiner for the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing (FATD). Former principal of her own studio in Rockhampton for 25 yrs, Jan now has over 40 years teaching experience. A choreographer and qualified adjucdicator who has extensively adjudicated at Festivals and Eisteddfods throughout Australia. Past students of Miss Moore are presently performing in ballet companies overseas - most notably Leanne Benjamin, who is a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet. Past students have also attended The Australian Ballet School, the Victorian College of Arts, the Western Australian College of the Arts and the Queensland Dance School of Excellence.