Deborah is widely recognized as a premier classical ballet teacher in our region and is the founding co-director and principal teacher of the International Dance Academy and International Ballet Company. Deborah holds teacher’s diplomas from the Cecchetti Society of America, The Royal Academy of Dance in London, the International Imperial Society, and Progressive Ballet Technique.

Deborah performed as a principal and soloist on stages in America, London and South Africa. Deborah took her first ballet steps with the legendary Gardner Sisters and trained throughout her teens under the renowned Durban teacher, Kerry Barends, until she left South Africa on scholarship, to London. She graduated from the Classical Graduate Program at the London Studio Center and trained under Margaret Barbieri, Director and former Prima Ballerina of the Royal Ballet Company as well as Dame Alicia Markova, David Wall and Barry McGrath. Deborah danced the leading roles in Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty, Façade, Rack’s Progress and Pineapple Poll, to mention a few. Deborah’s talents were also featured in newly choreographed works by David Bintley, Christopher Wheeldon, celebrated choreographer of the NYC Ballet, and Jack Carter, amongst others.

As a choreographer, Deborah has produced original versions of The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Coppélia, and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs for IBC. One of her most remarkable achievements is the co-choreography, with Eriberto Jimenez, of “The Promise”, a full length ballet honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and, most recently, “Bardo” with music composed by her brother, Greg Buttner, where she also danced the leading roles with Eriberto Jimenez. In addition to teaching, preparing students for their RAD examinations, coaching, and setting ballets, Deborah continues to enjoy performing character roles in International Ballet Company’s Nutcracker, Cinderella and Snow White.