ABOUT AVANT
Since 1984, we’ve fostered a supportive, family-centred environment where students thrive. Founded as Avant Ballet Studio by Robbyn Garrett, Avant Dance Studio evolved in 2025 to embrace the diverse range of classes we now offer. Under the guidance of former ABS student Sian Gavros, Avant provides opportunities for students of all levels to grow, both on stage and off – and we can’t wait to help your child shine!
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Sian Gavros
Sian Gavros
Sian’s passion for dance began at the age of 3, starting with ballet and gradually expanding to include jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and Brazilian samba. Her dedication to dance saw her successfully complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) in dance, followed by a Certificate IV in Dance in 2012.
Sian has had the privilege of working with international choreographers, and her talents have earned her invitations to audition for prestigious companies such as Cirque Du Soleil in Montreal and the Australian Ballet School. She has also excelled in the Cecchetti ballet examinations, completing all levels up to Advanced 1, and is currently preparing to take the Cecchetti teacher’s exam.
As a performer, Sian has danced with Brazilian Dance Fusion, showcasing her skills in floor shows and at various events across the state.
2019 marked a significant milestone in Sian’s career, as she celebrated 10 years of teaching dance. She has had the pleasure of working with students of all ages, helping them achieve their dance aspirations. Sian has taught at numerous dance schools and primary schools, as well as contributing to dance programs at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
In addition to her teaching and performing career, Sian is also the Event Manager at Schools Challenge Australia, where she runs performing arts events for schools across South Australia. This role allows her to help organize and manage events that showcase young talent, fostering the growth of the performing arts within schools.
Sian’s commitment to dance, both as a performer, educator, and event manager, continues to inspire and motivate students and artists, bringing their dreams of dancing and performance to life. She strongly believes that the arts are for everyone and works hard to create a supportive and family oriented environment at Avant.
Robbyn Garrett
Robbyn Garrett
Robbyn Garrett began her ballet training in 1962 at the Kay Cranwell School of Ballet. Progressing through the Cecchetti Examination system, she achieved Honours in nearly all examinations up to and including the Advanced level (now Advanced 2). Throughout her career, she competed in the Cecchetti Medal, becoming a runner-up twice in the Junior Cecchetti Medal and once in the Senior Cecchetti Medal.
Robbyn was a regular participant in dance performances, enjoying roles such as Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, the Ugly Sister in Cinderella, and the Wolf in Peter and the Wolf. She also took part in many Adelaide dance competitions, earning numerous first, second, and third-place awards in solos, duos, and troupes.
In addition to performing, Robbyn's passion for choreography led her to create a modern ballet that won a competition, further launching her into the world of ballet composition. Over time, she choreographed more works for public performances. Robbyn was also selected as a dancer for a new youth ballet company, which performed for school groups.
In 1974, Robbyn's career took a significant turn as she was given the opportunity to teach a class of four-year-olds. Realizing there was much more to teaching than simply instructing steps, she expanded her teaching to various age groups and eventually ran a branch of Miss Cranwell's school.
Her academic qualifications include:
- 1976: Cecchetti Teaching Qualification - Associate.
- 1980: Cecchetti Licentiate.
- 1999: Anatomy Examination.
In addition to her dance and teaching career, Robbyn was deeply involved in theatre, participating in musicals at the Blackwood Players, The Mayfair Light Opera Company, and The Cottage Theatre. She also appeared in Channel 7 pantomimes with the Kay Cranwell School of Ballet, acted in plays at the Q Theatre, and appeared on television, including several commercials and episodes of an Adelaide-produced children's show. Robbyn even played a role in a Youth Employment Film used in local schools.
Her creative talents extended to modeling, both in catwalk shows and photographic shoots for brands like CoxFoys, John Martins, and local boutiques. Robbyn also dabbled in music, learning the piano and guitar in her youth, and earning prizes in speech competitions.
Robbyn's commitment to education continued when she earned a Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching in 1978, followed by a Bachelor of Education in 1983, and later a Masters in Social Science in 2007. Over the years, she worked at Cabra College, various kindergartens, and most recently as a relief early childhood teacher.
During a trip overseas in 1982, Robbyn continued her dance training at prestigious institutions like Dance World and Pineapple Dance Studio, and even got involved in the new craze of aerobics. She returned to teach in Adelaide and established the Avant Ballet Studio in Tea Tree Gully in 1984, where she has continued to teach for over 40 years. Many of her students have gone on to have successful careers in dance, theatre, film, teaching, and choreography.
In 1990, Robbyn founded the Petit Theatre Ballet Company, a small ballet troupe made up of young dancers that performs for schools, kindergartens, senior citizens, and community groups.
Outside of her professional achievements, Robbyn has enjoyed a fulfilling family life, raising three sons and becoming a grandmother to seven beautiful grandchildren.
Robbyn Garrett's lifelong commitment to the arts, education, and her community has left a lasting impact on the dance world and beyond.
MEET OUR TEAM
Kirsten
Maddy
Tayla
Nadia
Sarah
Ashlee
Christie
Emma
Jorja
