Instructor/

Marie Walton-Mahon, a beacon in the ballet universe, has been graced with the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia, a testament to her profound impact on the dance community. Her educational foundation is as impressive as her artistic achievements, holding a Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.At the helm of the global business, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Marie stands as the Artistic Director, Founder, and Director of PBT Workshops.

Her influence extends beyond these roles, as she is also a renowned freelance coach and guest teacher, sharing her wisdom and expertise with aspiring dancers worldwide.Marie's ballet journey commenced in Newcastle, Australia, where she excelled in all RAD examinations, earning Honours in Advanced and the coveted Solo Seal award in 1970. Her talent and dedication led her to France in 1971, where she honed her skills at the Rosella Hightower School in Cannes on a scholarship. This European venture culminated in a professional contract with Les Ballet de Marseille under Roland Petit's artistic direction.

A memorable encounter with the legendary Maya Plisetskaya in Paris deeply influenced Marie. Observing and joining Plisetskaya in pre-class floor barre exercises, Marie gleaned insights into the crucial role of mental and physical preparation for dancers. This experience ignited her quest to explore the significance of a dancer's body and their preparatory routines to achieve peak performance while maintaining health and longevity.

Marie's entrepreneurial and educational spirit led her to establish the Marie Walton-Mahon Dance Academy in Newcastle, a revered institution she led for 38 years. In 2007, she broadened her impact by founding the National College of Dance. During her 12-year tenure as an examiner and tutor for the Royal Academy of Dance, Marie demonstrated her commitment to elevating dance education standards.

The creation of the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is a hallmark of Marie's career. This innovative program, borne out of her passion for safe dance practice, is designed to train muscle memory, helping students reach their classical ballet potential. She has collaborated with physiotherapists to develop each exercise, ensuring its effectiveness and safety. Her creative teaching methods and focus on muscle memory have been influential in improving students' understanding of core stability, weight placement, and alignment for over two decades.

Marie's pivotal moment came in 2012 while tutoring for the Royal Academy of Dance. After demonstrating exercises to enhance students' alignment and stability, teachers encouraged her to document her methods. This led to the creation of three DVDs and an online training program.

Today, PBT is taught in thousands of schools across 40 countries, with its teachers' courses consistently selling out. Continuing her journey, Marie now dedicates her time to freelance teaching and mentoring official tutors worldwide in the PBT technique, ensuring the highest quality of certification courses globally.

In 2024, Marie Walton-Mahon OAM will celebrate a milestone of fifty years dedicated to dance education. This landmark anniversary not only honors her beginnings as a professional dancer with Les Ballet de Marseille but also highlights her significant contributions to dance pedagogy. Her journey from founding her dance school in Newcastle in 1974 to establishing the National College of Dance in 2007 showcases her enduring influence in the dance world. Her tenure with the Royal Academy of Dance, culminating in life membership, and the global success of PBT reflect her unwavering commitment to dance education and performance. In 2021, her dedication was recognized with the Order of Australia medal.

Marie Walton-Mahon OAM's legacy in the dance world is unparalleled. Her innovative work and dedication continue to inspire and shape the future of dance education globally, making her an indisputable icon in the realm of ballet and dance education. Through her pioneering spirit, Marie Walton-Mahon OAM has not only carved a niche in ballet education but also revolutionized the way ballet is taught and learned. Her Progressing Ballet Technique program, with its emphasis on safety and muscle memory, stands as a beacon of innovative pedagogy, widely acclaimed and adopted in dance institutions worldwide.

Marie's journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and her unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers and teachers. Her educational initiatives and creative teaching methodologies have shaped the careers of countless professional dancers and educators, leaving an indelible mark on the ballet world. Her recognition with the Order of Australia medal is not just a personal accolade but a celebration of her long-standing dedication to the art of dance. It is a fitting tribute to a career that has been tirelessly devoted to advancing the standards of ballet training and performance.

As Marie Walton-Mahon OAM continues her invaluable work, her influence resonates beyond the dance studios and stages. She remains a guiding light, inspiring a legacy of excellence, innovation, and passion in the world of ballet. Her story is one of dedication, innovation, and a deep love for the art of dance, making her an exemplary figure and a source of inspiration for generations of dancers and educators to come.