Meet the Team

Chengwu Guo

Founder / Artistic Director

Chengwu Guo began his training at the Beijing Dance Academy at age 11. After winning Second Prize and the Contemporary Award at the Prix de Lausanne, he joined The Australian Ballet School and later The Australian Ballet.

Chengwu was promoted to the highest rank of the company, Principal Artist, at the age of 24. He has since guested internationally, performing alongside leading artists in the ballet world. His repertoire highlights include Basilio in Don Quixote, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Franz in Coppélia, and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux.

Chengwu is a qualified vocational ballet teacher, holding a Graduate Diploma of Elite Dance Instruction. With dedicated passion, he supports ballet students through his expertise, refined skills, and distinctive training methods, guiding them toward their artistic and technical aspirations with clarity and precision.

Ako Kondo

Head of Training

Ako Kondo began her ballet training in Nagoya, Japan, at the age of three before continuing her studies internationally, including at The Royal Ballet School and The Australian Ballet School. She joined The Australian Ballet in 2010 and was promoted to Principal Artist in 2015 following her acclaimed debut as Giselle, becoming the company’s first Japanese principal artist.

Ako has performed an extensive repertoire of classical and contemporary works, collaborating with leading choreographers and dancing principal roles across the world’s major stages.

A highly respected artist and educator, Ako is also a qualified vocational ballet teacher, holding a Graduate Diploma of Elite Dance Instruction. With passion and care, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers through excellence, artistry, and thoughtful mentorship.

Mao

Teacher

Mao began her ballet training in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of four. In 2014, she moved to Australia to continue her training at The Australian Ballet School, graduating in 2019 with a Graduate Diploma in Classical Ballet. During her training, she performed with The Australian Ballet on regional tour and Sydney season production.

She then went on to join the Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka (2020–2022), where she performed in a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works, gaining international stage experience.

Now based in Melbourne, Mao further developed her interest in health and wellbeing, completing a Bachelor of Food & Nutrition (2025) alongside a certified yoga teacher training. She teaches both ballet and yoga, and her work reflects a holistic approach to movement, integrating dance, physical health and mental wellbeing. 

Mao is passionate about guiding dancers with care and clarity, fostering strength, confidence, and a sustainable approach to training.

Matej Perunicic

Teacher

Matej Perunicic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and began his dance training at the age of nine at Lujo Davičo Ballet School. After moving to Australia, he continued his studies at The Australian Ballet School and later graduated from the National Theatre Ballet School.

He began his professional career with West Australian Ballet, where he performed for many years before moving to Israel to join the contemporary company Kamea Dance Company. He most recently performed with The Australian Ballet throughout 2025, concluding a diverse and accomplished performing career.

Across his career, Matej has performed a wide range of repertoire spanning both classical and contemporary works. Alongside performing, he developed a strong passion for teaching, delivering masterclasses and adult ballet training, with a focus on clear, functional technique and individual development.

David McAllister AC

Guest Professor

David McAllister AC is one of Australia's most respected ballet leaders and artists. A graduate of The Australian Ballet School, he joined The Australian Ballet in 1983, was promoted to Principal Artist in 1989, and performed many of the world's leading classical roles throughout an outstanding performing career. He also appeared as a guest artist with internationally renowned ballet companies, including the Bolshoi Ballet, Kirov Ballet, National Ballet of Canada and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Following his retirement from the stage, David became Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, leading the company from 2001 to 2020. During his two decades of leadership, he expanded the company's artistic vision, commissioned acclaimed new productions, nurtured Australian choreographers, and strengthened The Australian Ballet's reputation on the international stage.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the performing arts, David was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). He continues to be a highly respected teacher, coach and mentor, inspiring dancers and educators throughout Australia and internationally.

Guest Teachers

  • Kirsty Martin

  • Benedicte Bemet

  • Rina Nemoto

  • Yichuan Wang

Chengwu Guo Ballet is expanding and welcoming passionate ballet teachers to join our community. If you would like to work with us, please email your CV and expression of interest to: contact@chengwuguoballet.com.au