Learn About the Principal, Miss Rory

by | Feb 12, 2026 | Teachers

For more than 25 years, Miss Rory has been a cornerstone of dance education in our local community and across Australia. As the Founder, Owner and Principal Teacher of Rory Williamson School of Dance, she has dedicated her career to nurturing dancers, mentoring teachers, and shaping the future of dance education with integrity, vision, and heart.

Rory established the school over two decades ago with a clear purpose: to create a studio that delivers exceptional technical training, supports the whole dancer, and fits realistically within family life. Today, that philosophy remains at the core of everything she does. Generations of dancers have passed through the studio doors, many for recreation, many pursuing professional pathways, and many who have gone on to become teachers themselves.

A Leader in Dance Education

Miss Rory is widely recognised as a highly respected dance educator, examiner, syllabus author, mentor, and teacher trainer. She is a Director of Australian Dance Vision Co Ltd (ADV) and has played a significant role in shaping national dance education standards. As a co-author of the ADV Jazz syllabus and contributor to the ADV Classical Ballet syllabus, her influence reaches studios and students across Australia.

Importantly, Rory was one of the first dance teachers in Australia to hold a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching, and later a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management – a qualification that was ground breaking at the time. She was also among the very first teachers and schools to offer VET Dance courses, long before structured pathways were common in the industry.
Working closely with her mentor and ADV founder Penelope Lancaster, Rory was “on the ground” during the early advocacy years, lobbying for formal recognition of dance education and contributing to the development of what would become a nationally recognised Dance Training Package. This work helped legitimise dance teaching as a profession and opened doors for countless teachers and students nationwide.

Training, Mentorship & Professional Excellence

Trained to professional advanced levels in classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, Rory also performed at this level. Her training includes mentorship under former Borovansky dancer Penelope Lancaster, an influence that is still evident in her commitment to technical excellence, artistry, and safe dance practice. Beyond her own studio, Rory is deeply involved in teacher education and mentorship, supporting educators through syllabus training, examinations, workshops, and VET pathways. She is known throughout the industry for her clarity, fairness, and unwavering commitment to high standards—balanced with genuine care for the people she teaches. As an ADV registered assessor/examiner, Rory has examined thousands of students and worked with teachers across the country. Her reputation is one of professionalism, knowledge, and respect—earned through decades of consistent contribution.

A Holistic Philosophy

What truly sets Miss Rory apart is her belief in holistic dance education. She is passionate about developing strong, current technique alongside confident performance skills, while also prioritising dancer wellbeing, longevity, and balance. She believes dance should be accessible – whether a child dances once a week for joy, or trains seriously toward a professional career. Families value the supportive environment she has cultivated – one that allows young people to thrive in dance while maintaining balance with school, family, and life beyond the studio.

A Lasting Legacy

Over 25 years, Rory has taught countless students, trained and mentored generations of teachers, and helped shape the broader Australian dance education landscape. Her impact is felt not only in studios, examination rooms, and syllabi, but in the confidence, discipline, and love of dance carried forward by those she has taught. Through her studio leadership, national syllabus work, and ongoing teacher education, Miss Rory continues to shape dancers and educators with a focus on artistry, excellence, and a lifelong love of dance.