Meet the team
Christina Phillips-Kelly
Founder & Director
Christina began her classical ballet training at The Crescent Academy in Bedford before continuing her professional studies at the prestigious London Studio Centre, where she completed a three-year degree in Performing Arts.
Following graduation, Christina trained at the Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea, qualifying as a teacher of Classical Ballet, Character Dance and Free Movement in 1998. Over the past 25 years, she has dedicated her career to inspiring dancers of all ages and abilities, combining exceptional technical knowledge with a passion for nurturing every student's potential.
Committed to continual professional development and the highest standards of ballet education, Christina was selected in 2024 as part of only the second cohort of teachers to gain affiliation with the Royal Ballet School's Affiliate Programme (formerly ATAP). This prestigious training equips teachers in The Royal Ballet School's own methodology for classical ballet and creative practice, reflecting the school's internationally recognised approach to developing young dancers.
Alongside her work in the studio, Christina has also shared her expertise as a Lecturer in Dance at the University of Lincoln, helping to educate and mentor the next generation of dance professionals.
As Founder and Director of Aurelius Ballet, Christina's vision is to provide exceptional pre-vocational ballet training within an environment where excellence, artistry and individual potential are nurtured in equal measure. Her philosophy is founded on technical integrity, thoughtful teaching and a commitment to preparing young dancers to achieve the very highest standards of classical ballet.
Daniela Delerci
Associate Artistic Director
Daniela Delerci is an internationally recognised dancer, choreographer and educator whose career has spanned classical ballet, contemporary dance and artistic direction across Europe.
Originally from Italy, Daniela began her professional training at an early age, studying with renowned teachers from the Bolshoi Academy, the Roland Petit Conservatoire and the Ukrainian National Academy under Egor Speciaciov. She later continued her artistic development at the prestigious Atelier Rudra Béjart in Lausanne, refining the versatility and artistry that have become hallmarks of her career.
Since 2005, Daniela has performed internationally, collaborating with some of Europe's most respected companies and choreographers, including the English National Ballet, Akram Khan Company, Gary Clarke Company, Ballet di Milano, Compañía Nacional de Danza (Spain), and numerous other leading dance organisations. Her work as a performer, soloist and creative collaborator has given her extensive experience across a broad range of repertoire, combining technical excellence with expressive artistry.
Alongside her performing career, Daniela holds a degree in Choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, where she developed a particular interest in creativity, movement research and the relationship between technical training and artistic expression.
Daniela is also the Artistic Director of DCollective Company and continues to work with a number of respected dance organisations, including the Royal Academy of Dance, UK China Academy of Dance and Italia Conti.
As Associate Artistic Director of Aurelius Ballet, Daniela is passionate about creating an inspiring and ambitious environment where young dancers receive exceptional technical training alongside individual artistic mentorship. Her philosophy is centred on developing confident, expressive and versatile dancers who possess not only technical excellence, but the curiosity, resilience and creativity needed to flourish within the world of dance.
