meet fiona brown
With a lifetime dedicated to education, artistry, and mentorship, I am a highly experienced full-time dance instructor trained by some of South Africa’s most respected dance educators, including José Pretorius, Ann Geddes, Madeleine Rowlands, Dawn and Glynnis Grant, and Moonean Ferreira. My qualifications span Cecchetti Ballet, Modern, and Tap, and I am a proud full-time teaching member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
My commitment to excellence extends beyond dance. While earning my Associate Teaching qualification, I specialised in Music Education at Johannesburg College of Education (now the Wits Education Campus), specializing in piano, vocals, choir, and Orff Schulwerk music education. I also performed as a violinist and timpanist in the orchestra, enriching my understanding of musicality and performance.
As a passionate advocate for the wellbeing of young dancers, I am a member of DA:NCE (Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited), an organization dedicated to promoting age-appropriate dance, music, and costuming while safeguarding children in the performing arts.
Throughout my career, I have nurtured and developed numerous award-winning dancers, producing outstanding results in Cecchetti examinations, eisteddfods, and international competitions. My students have earned medals and accolades across South Africa and internationally, including in China, Russia, Bulgaria, Korea, and the United States. Many have gone on to enjoy successful professional careers with renowned dance companies in South Africa, Australia, Korea, America, and even the world-famous Lion King production.
Beyond the arts, my diverse professional background includes Quality Assurance, Packaging Technology, Industrial Safety and Hygiene, as well as community work in alcohol and drug prevention education and supporting women in rehabilitation programs.
My Approach
My teaching philosophy combines technical excellence, artistic expression, musical understanding, and personal growth, empowering each student to achieve their fullest potential both on and off the stage.
My philosophy as a teacher extends far beyond producing award-winning dancers. While I take great pride in my students’ achievements on stage and in examinations, I am equally passionate about supporting recreational dancers and helping every student discover their unique strengths, talents, and aspirations.
I believe that dance education is about developing the whole person. Through encouragement, discipline, confidence-building, and goal setting, I strive to equip young people with skills that will serve them throughout their lives, regardless of whether they pursue a professional dance career.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching journey has been working with children from disadvantaged communities, helping them build confidence, resilience, and ambition. Many have gone on to achieve qualifications and successful careers in fields such as law, physiotherapy, education, finance, business, and other professional disciplines.
My years of experience in industry have given me valuable insight into the qualities that employers and higher education institutions seek in young adults. This perspective allows me to prepare students not only for success in dance, but also for future opportunities in the workplace and wider society. I am committed to nurturing responsible, capable, and confident individuals who are equipped to thrive in whatever path they choose.