Fiona Tonkin

Fiona was Born in Singapore but brought up and trained in New Zealand. She began her career with Southern Ballet in Christchurch before joining Royal New Zealand Ballet in 1979. In 1980 Fiona was invited to the Australian Ballet where she received much acclaim in her roles and reached the rank of principal in 1987. During her career with the Australian Ballet she guested with the Kirov Ballet, and appeared in Rudolf Nureyev’s farewell tour.

She also travelled overseas on a study scholarship in 1988 to Stuttgart Ballet being coached by Marcia Haydee and working with Yvette Chauvire in Paris. Following her career with the Australian Ballet in 1993 she returned to New Zealand and taught ballet while completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Canterbury.

In 1999 Fiona completed the Advanced Diploma of Teaching for Professional Dancers at the Australian Ballet School with Distinction. In 2000 Fiona was appointed rehearsal director of Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 2002 invited to London as assistant Artistic Director of English National Ballet. Fiona returned to the Australia Ballet in 2003 as Principal Coach and Ballet Mistress.