We build solid foundations and foster each student's individual artistic qualities
The Boutique Ballet Coaching Academy
We're dedicated to nurturing the next generation of passionate classical ballet dancers. Led by Gina-Marie, a former professional ballerina, our academy focuses on developing strong technical foundations, artistic expression, and valuable life skills such as self-confidence, discipline, and perseverance. We help our students navigate a career in ballet and offer valuable insights into what life is like in a company setting. Join us in our positive and boutique environment, as we help our students reach their goals in their ballet journey
About the Director
Gina-Marie Krutzky (formerly Leathem) grew up on the Gold Coast and began her ballet training under her mother, Dianne Leathem. At age 13 she commenced full-time training with Joy and Dawn Ransley and was selected to perform in the New York Finals at the Youth America Grand Prix. Gina-Marie finished in the top 12 and was invited to attend the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive and was honoured to be named National Training Scholar, returning each year for 4 years. She worked with many renowned master teachers and choreographers and having been training on scholarship at the Australian Ballet School from level 6, Gina-Marie returned to the Gold Coast to learn from world renowned Master Teacher Prudence Bowen and former Royal Ballet soloist Suzanne Way
She attained her Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal Award (the highest award in the RAD syllabus) and having achieved High Distinctions for her RAD exams was invited to travel to London for the Genee International Ballet Competition (now The Fonteyn). Gina-Marie was selected from over 150 Australasian dancers as one of 8 finalists in the McDonald’s Ballet Scholarship in Sydney. She performed her solos at the Opera House before returning to New York to join the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre, on scholarship in the Pre-Professional division. Some highlights in New York were being chosen to perform the 3rd Shade Variation from ‘La Bayadere’, the Waltz Variation from ‘Les Sylphides’ at the Guggenheim Museum, and dancing as a ‘super’ at the Lincoln Centre with ABT. Gina-Marie particularly enjoyed helping to teach the younger students at JKO and touring to Washington DC to perform for Caroline Kennedy
Gina-Marie was honoured to receive a very rare offer to train at the world famous Vaganova Academy of Classical Ballet in St Petersburg, Russia. Opting to be closer to home, she accepted an offer from Ethan Stiefel as an Apprentice with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The following year Gina-Marie joined the Dresden Semperoper Ballet in Germany where, as well as dancing in productions with the main company, she was involved in operas and enjoyed the opportunity to perform in matinee shows for children, as well as studying contemporary dance at Palucca Hochshule. Having spent several weeks taking classes in London at the Royal Ballet, by invitation of (then principal dancer) Johan Kobborg, Gina-Marie accepted a contract in the National Ballet of Romania under his direction. She was fortunate to perform most ballets in the classical repertoire and career highlights include the soloist role of ‘Moth’ in Sir Frederick Ashton’s ‘The Dream’ and one of the 8 Girlfriends in ‘La fille mal Gardee’
Gina-Marie has always had a passion for teaching the younger generation of ballet students, and she looks forward to sharing insights into her time as a professional ballerina. Gina-Marie is committed to encouraging her students to strive for excellence. She promotes high standard moral values, strong self-confidence, dedication, and discipline in a positive environment. She aims to develop a dancer’s artistic qualities just as much as working towards strong, safe foundations and solid technique, all the while maintaining the joy of dance. Gina-Marie looks forward to welcoming you into her boutique ballet space!