Our Story
Started in 1964 by Kalasuri Oosha Saravanamuttu and rebranded in 2016, The Ballet School of Colombo has seen decades of brilliant dancers and choreographers walk through our doors. The Ballet School offers a well-rounded dance curriculum that includes serious training in classical ballet (technique, pointe, variations, adagio, men’s classes), contemporary ballet (technique, improvisation, partnering), as well as modern, choreography, dance history, music, stretch and tone and other dance related disciplines. Special workshops are taught by visiting guest faculty as well.
The Ballet School offers ballet classes and dance lessons for toddlers, kids and adults. Our well trained ballet teachers are dedicated to educate and enhance the talents of our students and encourage them to be creative, think outside the box and push their boundaries to be the best they can be.
Our Instructors
Romina Gyi
Romina embarked on her ballet journey at Oosha Garten of Ballet at the age of 13. By 16, she was already teaching ballet, initially assisting Aunty Oosha and later becoming a dance teacher at the British School of Colombo from 1999 to date. Romina currently co-heads the Classical Ballet Department at TBSC.
Tara Cooke
Introduced to the world of ballet at 4 years, Tara began her teaching career at 17 years alongside Aunty Oosha. With a degree in Fashion Design and Arts, she heads the Modern Jazz and Contemporary Departments at TBSC. Tara is also part of the Strategic Development team at TBSC and a member of the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing.
Nadine Shums
Nadine started her dance journey at Oosha Garten of Ballet at 6 years and began teaching at The Ballet School in 2019. She holds a BSc in Mathematics and runs her own Montessori. With 13 years of teaching experience, Nadine is a hardworking and compassionate teacher. She co-heads the Classical Ballet Department at TBSC.
Janidu Ranasinghe
Introduced to classical ballet and tap dancing at a young age, Janindu is a dedicated and caring teacher. She holds a BSc in Business Management & Marketing and an MSc in Business Psychology. Janindu pioneered the Tap program at TBSC and is now the department head.
Shalini De Mel
A student of Oosha Garten of Ballet, Shalini began teaching at The Ballet School of Colombo in 2019. With expertise in classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary, Shalini is an MBA holder in electrical and electronic engineering. She leads the Beginner Ballet and Intermediate Ballet for Adults programs.
Anitra Gunaratne
Anitra started dancing at Oosha Garten of Ballet at the age of 3 and joined The Ballet School of Colombo in 2019. She began teaching in 2023 and is currently in the Teachers Training program at TBSC. Anitra also serves as the Assistant Program lead for the Beginner Ballet and Intermediate Ballet for Adults programs.
What Our Clients Say
The positive influence the school’s ballet program has had on my daughter is immeasurable. Thanks to the dedication and passion of the instructors, my daughter has not only honed her ballet skills but has also had her confidence boosted. I am delighted with her progress and offer my heartfelt gratitude for all of the program’s remarkable work, including an enchanting concert. I truly appreciate everything that has been done for my daughter.
My daughter Ovindee joined TBSC 2 years ago and has enjoyed each moment of her life spent with them. Even if I ask her to miss a class due to illness, she would be adamant to attend, saying that it relieves her stress level. During the past 2 years, she has learnt ballet and jazz and has become a very graceful dancer. She has also turned out to be a young lady who is more confident in interacting with others, than she was earlier. I have identified TBSC to be a happy second home where immense enjoyment as well as hard work is delivered at the same time.
At TBSC, dedication, friendliness, and professionalism are not just words; they are the pillars of the community. As a part of the TBSC family, I've witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication of the staff and the genuine friendliness that makes every interaction a pleasant one. The professionalism displayed at TBSC sets a high standard, ensuring that every aspect of the experience is top-notch. It's a privilege to be a part of this wonderful community.
Having attended adult ballet classes at the West Australian Ballet and then returning home during the pandemic, was a depressing experience. However, in early 2022, I made the decision to join the adult beginner class at Colombo Ballet School, and I couldn't be happier with that choice. Today, I am an enthusiastic participant in the Intermediate Adult Ballet classes, and I can genuinely say that the few hours spent in the class each week are incredibly rewarding. Romina, Tara, Nadine, and Shalini provide exceptional care and guidance during each session, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship among attendees. The class offers a diverse range of styles, from classical to jazz and contemporary routines, and it's thoughtfully structured to accommodate students from young adults to those in their mid-ages.
Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend and extend an invitation to anyone interested in adult ballet to join us at the Colombo Ballet School.