Sparked by a childhood visit to her sister’s dance lesson, ballet fast became Anita Coutts-Delaland’s passion. 

Ms Coutts-Delaland loved it so much she ended up teaching ballet for 30 years, a milestone the artistic director and principal of Anita Coutts School of Dance is celebrating this year.

Seeing the success her dance students go on to achieve is something Ms Coutts-Delaland cites as one of the highlights of her career. 

“Just last year, eight of our students went on to full time training,” Ms Coutts-Delaland said.

“Three with Australian Ballet School, one with the McDonald College in Sydney, three to the Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne and another to the Conservertoire in Melbourne.” 

While her school has approximately 200 students, the growth of the community has prompted an expansion of the facilities on 5600 square metres of land. 

The addition of another six studios follows a floor plan over 1800 square metres, making it the third largest dance development in Victoria. 

“It will be lovely to have the new space,” Ms Coutts-Delaland said of the project which has been under development for the last two years. 

“I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful involvement and to be able to give back to the community.”

For more information about the dance school, visit www.anitacoutts.com.au or call 0409 388 325.