Tonia Walker

Tonia Walker brings a lifetime of dedication to classical ballet and education to her teaching at the Adult Ballet Centre. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and a Cecchetti Licentiate holder, Tonia has trained extensively in both ballet and primary education—merging her love of movement, learning, and artistic expression throughout her career.

After stepping away from dance to raise her family, Tonia returned to the studio as an adult and rediscovered her passion for ballet. This personal journey gives her a deep empathy for adult learners and a profound understanding of the physical, emotional, and technical pathway for adults returning to ballet. Her classes are guided by this insight—encouraging, structured, and deeply supportive.

In addition to her ballet expertise, Tonia has served as a Level 0 Artistic Coach for state-level figure skaters, specialising in choreographic development, flexibility training, and ballet-based movement conditioning. This cross-disciplinary work has enriched her appreciation of technical refinement, musicality, and the athletic artistry of dance.

At the Adult Ballet Centre®, Tonia leads classes from beginner through to advanced levels, including pointe work and private coaching. She also plays a pivotal role as the Coordinator of the Australian Institute of Classical Dance (AICD) Adult Ballet Assessment Program—a nationally recognised initiative that provides adult dancers with structured progression opportunities, formal assessment pathways, and the chance to celebrate personal technical milestones.

Under Tonia’s coordination, ABC dancers have the opportunity to participate in this respected program, developing their artistry and technique with clear goals, professional feedback, and a supportive framework that honours the unique adult ballet journey. The AICD Adult Ballet Assessment Program offers an inspiring avenue for those wishing to track their growth, challenge themselves, and be recognised for their achievements in a nurturing, non-competitive environment.

Known for her calm, attentive teaching style and genuine investment in her students’ growth, Tonia is passionate about delivering thoughtfully designed classes that empower adult dancers to build strength, confidence, and artistry at every stage of their ballet journey.