Instructors
Evelyne Aregger Esterhuyse, Switzerland
Director of Cape Ballet Centre
Royal Academy of Dance Professional Dance Teaching Diploma
Vaganova Methodology Certified Teacher
Cuban Methodology Certified Teacher
Evelyne is the founder and director of Cape Ballet Centre (CBC) one of the first ballet school in South Africa to offer ballet classes to both children and adults.
Originally from Lucerne, Switzerland, Evelyne moved to Cape Town in 2005 and has been teaching dance to children and adults for nearly 30 years.
After moving to Cologne, Germany in 1993, Evelyne completed her Professional Teaching Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance. From 1996 to 2005 she taught students from Pre-Ballet to Advanced levels in a multiple-dance school in Cologne, where she managed the ballet department. In 2003 Evelyne was certified in the Russian Vaganova Method through the Borrmann Ballettpädagogenverband, Germany and in 2022 she completed the Cuban Ballet Methodology through the Alicia Alonso University Institute of Dance, Madrid.
Married with two children, Evelyne is passionate about dance teaching and believes that ballet is beneficial for everyone, whatever their age or ability. Her caring and supportive classes are focused on detailed technique balanced with a sense of fun, lyricism and joy in dance.
Lindy Raizenberg
Qualified Ballet and Irish Dance Teacher
Masters in Choreography
Lindy Raizenberg was a teacher and lecturer at the UCT School of Dance for many years, obtaining a Masters degree in Choreography as well as teaching Classical Ballet, National Dance and lecturing in Stage Craft and Choreography to the many young dancers who studied at the School. She was a member of CAPAB Ballet Company (now Cape Town City Ballet) where she continues to teach classes for the company. She is also their resident Stage Manager and is involved in the many exciting new productions performed by the company. Lindy loves working in the adult ballet environment as dancers are enthusiastic and keen to experience the freedom of movement and a sense of musicality offered in her classes. Her classes offer a positive and encouraging environment to those who wish to experience the joy of dance!
Rayanah Rezant
American Academy of Ballet Certified Teacher
Cuban Methodology Certified Teacher
Rayanah joined Cape Ballet Centre as a student in 2011. It was here that her passion for ballet was nurtured as both a dancer and teacher. For the past 7 years she has assisted teaching CBC's Pre-Ballet (ages 3-4) and was officially employed by CBC in 2017.
Rayanah completed her American Academy of Ballet (AAB) Certificate of Ballet Teacher's Training in 2021.
She completed the Cuban Ballet Methodology through the Alicia Alonso University Institute of Dance, Madrid in 2022.
Gill Upsher
ISTD Teacher Associate in Ballet, Modern & Tap
Certified Mat Pilates
Gill is a passionate dancer, teacher, and qualified Pilates instructor from Cape Town. She trained at the Waterfront Theatre College, where she achieved Advanced 2 levels and Teaching Associates qualifications in Ballet, Modern, and Tap.
Her professional performance career includes dancing with the Bovim Ballet Company, as well as appearing in numerous television commercials and advertising campaigns.
With more than 19 years of teaching and performance experience, Gill is dedicated to inspiring and guiding dancers of all ages and abilities. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover their own artistry and self-expression in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Caroline Tyrrell
Teacher Associate of the Cecchetti Society of Southern Africa
Caroline has been dancing since the age of five and achieved her Cecchetti Advanced 2 qualification in 2016, followed by her Associate Teacher's Qualification in 2017. She joined Cape Ballet Centre in 2024 and became part of the CBC teaching team in 2025.
Caroline finds great joy in the musicality, expression, and artistry of ballet and as is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where every dancer feels welcome, valued, and encouraged to grow. She strives to inspire confidence, nurture progress, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and joy of dance.
Pianist
Gavrin Mahaffey
Gavrin has always had an interest in ballet but decided to transfer her interest from the dance studio to the piano. In her twenties, she gained years of experience playing the piano for Cape Town City Ballet, as well as for dance instructor and director, Dianne Cheesman. She currently plays for the Cape Academy of Performing Arts. With many years’ experience as an RAD and Cecchetti exam pianist, Gavrin enjoys inspiring dancers with improvised music and is constantly motivated by the work dancers do.
