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Dianne Leathem
DIANNE LEATHEM A.R.A.D A.T.O.D A.D.A
Member Australian Dance Adjudicators Assn
Associate Member Royal Academy of Dance
Affiliate Member Australian Teachers of Dancing
Member IADMS International ...ver maisDIANNE LEATHEM A.R.A.D A.T.O.D A.D.A
Member Australian Dance Adjudicators Assn
Associate Member Royal Academy of Dance
Affiliate Member Australian Teachers of Dancing
Member IADMS International Association of Dance Medicine and Science
Dianne's love of dance started when her parents sent her to ballet lessons aged 4 ½ at the local YMCA in Christchurch, New Zealand. She fell in love with everything about it, and particularly the music. Aged 7 she saw her first musical, a film of Westside Story and was besotted. Many touring companies visited New Zealand back then - the Russian Ballet stars such as Maya Plisetskaya, Alla Osipenko, Nadezhda Pavlova, to name a few, as well as the big Russian circuses, ice dancers such as Torvill and many other international shows. When the biggest ballet star and idol Rudolph Nureyev visited Christchurch on his farewell tour, Dianne was the first in line at the stage door and received a kiss on both cheeks and an electrifying smile from the ballet genius - a highlight of her life! There was no Youtube but no shortage of inspiration and from an early age Dianne read every dance book she could get hold of, and has continued to immerse herself in the history of dance, which she believes everyone who studies dance should have knowledge of. Dianne considers herself to be immensely fortunate to work with such highly esteemed and gifted and inspiring mentors such as Loraine Peters, Gillian Francis, Russell Kerr, Julia Barry, and Robert Young as well as many visiting Master Teachers. But her gratitude extends most significantly to David Peake, who arrived in New Zealand via the Royal Ballet and Kiel Opera Ballet in Germany. David's first production in Christchurch of 'Coppelia' astounded the 12 year old Dianne as she was selected to perform in Dance of the Hours and as the Spanish Doll. David's professionalism, dedication, artistry and in depth knowledge of dance was an outstanding inspiration to all the young dancers. With the formation of Southern Ballet Company, Dianne later went on to partner David in major ballet productions and tours. Christchurch was a melting pot of ideas and talent and Dianne was able to play many roles in many genres. One highlight of her performing career was working under Russell Kerr, touring with David Peake, performing in the schools program around the South Island of New Zealand. Dancing everything from the Nutcracker pas de deux and Coppelia to the Muppets, David and Dianne converted many children (who would never otherwise see dance), into ardent fans.
Teaching all genres and specialising in Classical Ballet for over 35 years Dianne began teaching aged 18 and was Director of her own large and very successful studio in New Zealand. In Australia, Dianne was very honoured to work closely with the former Patron and Life Member of ATOD - Averil Binzer. Dianne was Averil's Senior Teacher and together with Sacha Alexander they co-directed Bellder Ballet Theatre where she was also Choreographer. Having also directed her own studio and freelanced in recent years, Dianne was honoured to teach for the renowned Prudence Bowen. She has adjudicated numerous Eisteddfods and Scholarships in Australia and New Zealand over 30 years. Having choreographed and staged numerous full length and short ballets, Dianne has received many accolades for teaching and choreography. She has choreographed many Musicals as well as solos, duos, and groups for International, National, State and local competitions.ver menos