Dancers make great leaders because our craft inherently nurtures many essential leadership qualities. I’ve been reflecting recently about what it is that makes young dancers turn into phenomenal adults. Trying to put into words how dance helps your child grow from a little person bouncing around in a tutu into an adult capable of anything. When your child is little you put them ballet so they have fun, can wear a pretty tutu and maybe go grab a coffee in silence. But what you’re actually doing is putting them in leadership bootcamp! In a confidence building and excellent hobby that will see th ..read more

We are old school when it comes to ballet uniform and hair for ballet classes. There are some traditions that we have done away with but uniform isn’t one of them! That is because uniform and traditional ballet buns in ballet classes serve multiple purposes beyond mere appearance: Mindset Shift – putting on the uniform helps children transition mentally from their daily activities to the focused mindset of a dancer, even at a young age Identity & Confidence – looking the part fosters a sense of identity and confidence as a dancer. When a child is confident they will flourish! Preparation ..read more

A Night to Remember: An Enchanting Academy Ballet Concert Experience There are moments in life that leave an indelible mark on our memories, where every detail seems to align in perfect harmony. One such moment was Academy Ballet’s 2022 concert that not only brought joy to the audience but also showcased the hard work and dedication of all those involved. As we reflect on this extraordinary event, it’s impossible not to be swept away by the sheer professionalism and magic that filled the air that night. The stage was set, the lights were dimmed, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Th ..read more

There is ONE reason your child should dance above all the others and it isn’t what you think. I could rattle off many reasons your child should dance (in fact I have): Improve posture Increase flexibility Musicality Muscle memory Develop coordination Strengthen balance Develop rhythm Learn to follow instructions Culturally enrich their lives Plus so many more But I think there is a more important reason that your child should dance. Why you should enrol your YOUNG child into dance isn’t about the benefits right now….its about the future benefits. You see, one day your little person grows int ..read more

As parents, we want our children to explore various interests and activities, but it can be challenging to strike a balance. Overloading their schedules can lead to burnout and exhaustion (yours as well as theirs!!), which can actually hinder their progress and enjoyment. I thought in this post-Covid world we’d continue our less intense scheduling but it feels like we’re all winding back up again. I know as a Studio Owner I should be encouraging you to do more ballet! But I only want you to do that if it fits with your life. So here are some practical strategies to help you navigate the delica ..read more

The word anxiety is bandied about a lot, in the same way people claim they have the flu when clearly its just a cold (but that’s a whole different rant). Anxiety isn’t worry or concern. It isn’t being a little bit scared or apprehensive. Anxiety is a full bodied sensation that literally stops you in your tracks. And I know this because I watch it happen in my daughter on almost a daily basis. The girl I know is larger than life, inquisitive, dynamic and smart. She asks so many questions and talks so much she makes me look quiet (which I know you won’t believe). She is cheeky and owns her pecul ..read more

Why did you choose to come to Academy Ballet? Matilda had outgrown her tiny tot ballet school. Her principal asked me to find a good ballet school for her to continue her studies under the tutelage of well instructed classical ballet teachers. I chose Academy because of its history and reputation for ballet excellence. How did you first hear about Academy Ballet? (for some of you that might be a while ago!!) First I did a Google search of ballet schools close to us. Then I checked the website. Then I asked teachers at The McDonald College Summer School what their recommendations were and they ..read more

For over 25 years I have been teaching ballet to kids, mainly girls, from 2 years old through to their teens – I have learnt a lot and he’s what I know about raising successful kids. I have had the pleasure of seeing so many different personalities and parenting styles. Each child, each parent and each family has taught me something. Some teach me wonderful things. Others teach what I definitely will not do! I learn what to do and what NOT to do. But here’s what I know about: Success We all want our kids to be successful but sometimes we focus so much on the end result that we forget its a con ..read more

We know ballet is beautiful and know ballet dancers are stunning…but ballet is also a wonderful gift you can give your toddler to help them in life. Here’s why ballet is good for toddlers (or kids of any age for that matter!) Many studies have shown that movement based classes including dance support better scores in literacy and numeracy. Young children who are regularly engaged in physical activities demonstrate cognitive benefits. These include improved attention, better ability to problem solve and better management of their own emotions. Therefore dancing, will benefit your toddler. The y ..read more

Ballet exams are offered by many ballet schools, so why should you consider them for your child? RAD Ballet Exams are not compulsory and, in fact, your child can progress right the way through to Intermediate (in their teens) without ever doing an exam. But I strongly suggest you consider a ballet exam for your child, and here’s why: GIVE THEM A GOAL Most kids (and adults!!!) need a clear goal to work towards. We’re naturally not good at just working hard for the sake of it. Think about saving money. Thinking about saving money each week for a rainy day or just because is often futile….but dan ..read more