a-arts Dance syllabus and academy
Teachers who have obtained recognised qualifications through the following institutions and organisations are acknowledged and protected under the A-Arts framework. In recognition of their prior training, experience, and professional accreditation, these teachers will not be required to repeat their teaching qualifications.
To begin teaching the A-Arts programme, qualifying teachers simply need to purchase the official A-Arts syllabus and ensure that they uphold the standards, values, and teaching excellence expected within the organisation. We value and respect the dedication that educators have already invested in their professional development, while also maintaining the integrity and consistency of the A-Arts teaching system.
- SABOD (modern & hip hop)
- RAD (ballet)
- DASA (all classical styles)
- AIDT (all classical styles)
- ASDDSA (hip hop)
- AFSA (acro)
- ASSA (acro)
- IDF (acro)
- SABOD (modern & hip hop)
- RAD (ballet)
- DASA (all classical styles)
- AIDT (all classical styles)
- ASDDSA (hip hop)
- AFSA (acro)
- ASSA (acro)
- IDF (acro)

Michellé Terblanche
Director of Ballet Syllabus
Biography

Chanel Steyn
Director of Acrobatics & Tumbling Syllabus
Biography

Denné Henning
Director of Tap Syllabus
Biography

Kaylee Bester
Director of Hip Hop Syllabus
Biography

Wanya Downing
Director of Modern Syllabus
Biography
Wanya Downing
Director of Modern Syllabus
Wanya Downing has been teaching dance for 20years. She completed her degree in Human Movement Science in 2006 & Postgraduate degree in intermediate & senior phase.
She choreographed numerous productions/shows, participated with her dancers overseas and in numerous dance competitions, is a well-known judge in the industry, and is the Director of A-Arts Dance Organization. She has a passion for dance, and through dedication and hardwork she is proud to be part of the A-Arts Syllabus for the Modern Style.
Life’s motto: The sky is the limit!
Kaylee Bester
Director of Hip Hop Syllabus
I began dancing at the age of eight, and it quickly grew into a lifelong passion.
My drive lies in choreography—creating pieces that are accessible, energetic, and meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
Through my work, I aim to keep the spirit of hip hop alive while continuing to help it grow, evolve, and connect people through movement.
Denné Henning
Director of Tap Syllabus
Denné is a world-class tap dancer with an extensive career competing at both the national and international levels. Having secured top honors on global stages, they bring a high-caliber perspective to this syllabus, prioritizing rhythmic clarity, speed, and technical precision.
With a deep respect for the craft’s history and a passion for modern innovation, Denné focuses on developing musicality and “clean feet” in the next generation of dancers. Their global competitive experience ensures that this syllabus meets the highest standards of excellence in the industry today.
Chanel Steyn
Director of Acrobatics & Tumbling Syllabus
Dedicated and creative individual with a passion for growth, learning, and excellence.
A Channel set apart to equip our new generation with the love and passion for dance.
Setting a fire in a dancer’s soul for a love of life and a passion for dance.
Michellé Terblanche
Director of Ballet Syllabus
I began dancing at the age of two and a half, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and performance. I completed my teachers’ training in SABOD Modern Dance and went on to compete in numerous dance competitions, gaining valuable performance and technical experience.
My formal dance education includes completing DASA examinations up to the Advanced 2 level. Over the past ten years, I have dedicated myself to teaching dance, sharing my knowledge and love for the art with students of all ages. For the last six years, I have proudly run my own dance studio, where I focus on developing strong technique, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for dance.
In addition to my dance career, I hold a degree in Psychology, which supports my holistic approach to teaching by allowing me to better understand, motivate, and support my students both artistically and personally.
17 Years ago A-Arts slowly started working on a Dance Syllabus for Hip Hop, Modern Contemporary and Ballet only. Our syllabus is more competition orientated. At the time the dance industry started bursting and it became very competitive. We needed a syllabus that challenged the dancers and gave options in a variation of the same movement.
Today after 17 years we added the Acrobatics and Tap styles to our syllabus.
Dedicated Expert of Team: Our syllabus is developed and maintained by a committed team of professionals, each highly qualified in their specific field.
Looking Ahead: We are excited about the future and the continued growth and development of our syllabus.
Acrobatics Syllabus
In this document, you will find the A-Arts Acrobatics teacher training syllabus, levels (Pre-Level to Level 12), training/practical requirements, age groups, exam fees, certification steps, and benefits for teachers and students.
Ballet Syllabus – Rules and Guidelines
In this document, you will find exam syllabi, rules, dress/code requirements, assessment procedures, grade levels, and guidelines for teachers and candidates in ballet training and examinations.
Modern Dance Teachers Syllabus
In this document, you will find a dance registration form outlining student details, class options and fees, payment terms, risk/fee policies, festival/exam dates, clothing requirements, and agreement signatures for 2026 dance participation.
Hip-Hop Teachers Syllabus
In this document, you will find all requirements, structure, levels, practical hours, costs, exams, age/grade rules, certification criteria, and benefits for teachers applying for A-Arts Modern & Hip-Hop dance teaching credentials and exams.
Reach out to us for any inquiries or information
Wanya Downing
Cell: +27 74 240 2027




