“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets”
Ludwig van Beethoven
Our Teachers
For the love of Ballet
Brileen White
Teacher/Owner
Brileen began her ballet career at the age of three where she trained by Joy Cooper and successfully completed all her Cecchetti exams with Honours.She matriculated from The National school of The Arts with a distinction for Ballet, Spanish and contemporary. Trained by Rhoda Rifkin for Spanish and Sonya Mayo for Contemporary. Also dancing the role of Swanhilda in Copellia which was staged by PACT ballet in her matric year. As well as having the privilege to guest for The Mercedies Molina Spanish Company.Brileen joined PACT ballet in 1990, Where she was promoted to a soloist and spent 7 years in the company, dancing several soloist roles. On retiring from PACT Brileen took some time off to travel the world as an air hostess for SAA. But still keeping actively involved in dance. Brileen is a qualified Cecchetti teacher and has the privilege to run a ballet studio with her mother Joy Cooper. Brileen is also a qualified STOTT Pilates instructor. She is married and has a son named James and a beautiful daughter, Madison.
Zanyé Smith
Teacher
Zanyé grew up in Pretoria having matriculated at Hoerskool Montana.
She started Ballet at the age of 3 years where she grew a foundation before joining the Tshwane Youth Ballet Company at the age of 10.
There she was a cast member for 5 years.
In 2010 she matriculated and then went on to complete her Associate Teaching Diploma under the instruction of Joy Cooper where she has since been employed with Ballet Academy.
Chanél Du Toit
Teacher
For Chanél du Toit, the ballet studio has been a second home since she was just five years old. She grew up within the Cecchetti Society, dancing her way from Pre-Primary all the way to Advanced II, and qualifying as an Associate in 2013. But Chanél’s journey also took an interesting detour. Stepping away from the studio for a time, she pursued her academic curiosities, ultimately earning a Master's degree in Architecture and a second degree in Financial Accounting. This time in the corporate world gifted her with a rare toolkit: the precise eye of an architect, the logical mind of an accountant, and a natural knack for project management.
In 2022, her heart pulled her back to the studio full-time. Today, as a dedicated teacher, Chanél pours her soul into her students—guiding them from their first Primary exams up to Advanced II preparation with a signature mix of warmth, high standards, and a healthy touch of perfectionism. She is constantly pushing her own boundaries, too, having recently earned her Associate Diploma and now training for the prestigious Maestro Enrico Cecchetti Diploma.
Now, Chanél is beautifully weaving her two worlds together. She brings not just her lifelong love for the Cecchetti method, but the administrative structure, analytical clarity, and collaborative spirit of her corporate background to her daily teaching. For Chanél, it is the ultimate way to support and enrich the community that shaped her, ensuring her students benefit from both her artistic passion and her practical expertise.
Tayla Lautenbach
Teacher
For Tayla, the dance studio has always been a second home. Her journey began right here at Arabesque Ballet Academy in 2009, taking her very first steps in slippers as a young dancer. Through years of dedication, discipline, and passion, she grew up within these walls—advancing through every Cecchetti examination up to Advanced 2 and performing in academy productions and national competitions along the way.
Today, that journey comes full circle. Now an ISTD-qualified Cecchetti Associate teacher, Tayla works with dancers across every level, six days a week. Whether introducing the youngest students to the joy of movement, guiding senior dancers toward exam excellence, or choreographing vibrant pieces for the stage, she brings warmth, precision, and unwavering encouragement to every rehearsal.
Balancing her studio life with completing her law degree at the University of Pretoria, Tayla embodies the dedication and artistry she instills in her students. She continues to share her lifelong love for ballet with the next generation of dancers finding their footing on the Arabesque stage.
Photos courtesy of Carla Nel Photography
