Elite Academy of Dance in Greenock was founded by Julie Kavanagh in 2009 after she graduated as a teacher at the Royal Academy of Dance. From the schools humble beginnings, the demand for top quality ballet training quickly grew. So much so that in 2010 Elite opened its own private studio in the centre of Greenock. In 2012 Elite Academy of Dance set up a performing company called Alba Ballet. Alba Ballet is the first ever performing classical ballet company from Greenock. Since 2012 Alba have performed the Nutcracker (2014 and 2022), Cinderella (2016) and Coppelia (2018). Further expansion in 2013 saw Elite add its Silverswan programme to its weekly ballet classes. Silver swan classes are designed for those over 55. All of Elite's classes continue to be ballet based. Elite Academy of Dance is the only dedicated Royal Academy of Dance school of classical ballet in Greenock and Inverclyde. Since 2009 Elite has kept it focus on delivering first class ballet tuition, following the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. All staff at Elite Academy of Dance are industry experts who trained and have qualified as Royal Academy of Dance teachers.