Amelia Chandulal-Mackay
– Monday Upper Beginner Ballet, Thursday Swans Ballet & Private Lessons
A committed and passionate classical ballet artist, Amelia Chandulal-Mackay brings extensive training and professional experience to her teaching, approaching every class with thoughtfulness and integrity.
Amelia began her training under the guidance of her mother, Anna Chandulal, at the Whanganui Ballet and Dance Academy, later studying with Gwenda Britten, Jacqui Trimmer, and through the New Zealand School of Dance Associates Programme. She went on to complete her pre-professional training at Ecole Vocational Ballet and Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, earning scholarships to several international summer intensives.
Her professional experience includes trainee and studio company positions with Orlando Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, and Oklahoma City Ballet, as well as a scholarship to The Ailey School in New York City, where she broadened her movement vocabulary beyond classical technique.
Since returning to Aotearoa in 2019, Amelia has worked as a freelance performer, dancing works by leading New Zealand choreographers including, Loughlan Prior, Mary-Jane O’Reilly and Sarah Knox. In 2024, she joined Ballet Collective Aotearoa under the artistic direction of Turid Revfeim, former ballet mistress of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Alongside her performance work, Amelia teaches and coaches students at a number of studios throughout Auckland. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling and Guidance), bringing insight, empathy, and a strong academic foundation to her work as a teacher and mentor.
Rina Shito – Saturday Beginner Ballet
Rina began ballet at the age of three together with her twin sister at Meiko Fujiwara Ballet in Iwate, Japan. At ten, she was cast as Toto in The Wizard of Oz for the studio’s 30th anniversary performance, where she performed as part of the principal cast alongside professional guest dancers. For this special production, she received training from Jacqueline Barrett, an official choreographer of The Royal Ballet School.
Over the years, Rina also had the opportunity to perform with professional dancers from Japan, Germany and England at local arts festivals in Iwate. During high school, she was entrusted with leading roles such as Odette in Swan Lake (Act II pas de deux), Dulcinea in the Dream Scene from Don Quixote Act II, and Raymonda’s Grand Pas de Deux in Act III of Raymonda.
After moving to New Zealand for university, Rina took a break from ballet for several years and returned to dance at Mari Ballet Class in 2025. She has around 10 years of experience assisting in children’s ballet classes and is now excited to extend her skills to teaching adults. She is passionate about supporting students and sharing with them the joy and beauty of ballet.
Outside of ballet, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Tourism & Hospitality Management from the University of Waikato, and she currently works in Auckland as a tour coordinator, assisting international students.
Yuka Aramaki – Private Lessons
Yuka began her career as a flight attendant a year ago, which currently prevents her from teaching group lessons. Nevertheless, she continues to share her passion for dance through private instruction.
Trained in the Russian ballet method since the age of 3, she has a rich background in ballet, including running her own ballet school. I have attended her classes several times before, and I‘ve always appreciated the friendly atmosphere that she created and her practical advice gained through Russian ballet training.
If you’d like to polish your technique or need a couple of private lessons before jumping into any group lessons, you’ll be in excellent hands. To book a lesson, please contact Yuka via email at yuka.akl.ballet@gmail.com
Bianca Lau – Assistant
Bianca first began learning ballet as an adult and has been my student for years. She’s now become part of the Mari Ballet Class team, supporting our operations behind the scenes.
With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Bianca brings a wealth of knowledge from her career in both New Zealand and Hong Kong, where she began her professional journey. Her expertise spans across industries including luxury retail, banking, hospitality, and corporate retail. With a strong background in people, processes, and organisation, she offers a well-rounded perspective that contributes to the running of Mari Ballet Class.
You may also recognise her from our promotional materials and class videos, where she’s featured as a student. Her love for ballet, commitment to learning, and generous support behind the scenes make her an invaluable part of our community.
Bianca holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Human Resources Management. She is currently studying Applied Psychology in University of Auckland.
