Where it all began...

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to dance.

My mother has videos of me, age 3, prancing around the house, choreographing routines with my imaginary dance troupes. Seeing the Sugar Plum Fairy started my ballet dreams and by 4 I was signed up for ballet lessons. I found my passion and so began 11 years of eagerly attending dance lessons starting in Ballet, then moving on to Jazz.

When I became a mum and my own daughter showed an interest in ballet, I was ecstatic to share this passion with her! We brought a cute little ballet outfit, I found my favourite music on You Tube and we danced the days away.

I eagerly researched lessons for my daughter, however was soon left feeling disappointed. The classes available were hideously expensive, with the added cost of a branded uniform and certain style of ballet slipper. We were looking at over $250 straight up, which was not an option at the time. The lesson itself was very strict, with straight faced, serious looking children. I was left thinking 'Where is the JOY?'

The hardest bit was that parents weren't able to stay and watch. You had to drop your child in the room and leave them there. This just wasn't going to work for my shy girl. She was very shy in new situations and needed time to warm up. I knew from my Early Childhood Education training that she had what we call a 'Slow-to-warm-up' temperament. She needed time and support until she warmed up, then she would have a fantastic time! But pushing her didn't work- it would increase her anxiety and she would shut down. She need patience, support (and her mum!) to help her feel safe until she was ready.

A little idea formed in my head...I could pass on something to her that was very special to me- my love of dance!

With my background in dance as well as training in Early Childhood Teaching, I came up with a basic lesson plan. We invited some special friends around, moved the furniture out of the lounge, put on some beautiful music and off we went!

It was amazing, the girls loved it and it began a weekly lesson that was definitely the highlight of our week. Word got around and I found more and more little children and parents who were also looking for a gentle, positive and nurturing ballet experience.

Soon we were outgrowing the lounge and so with some help from the community, we found a hall that we could hire on a Saturday morning and invite even more gorgeous girls to come and join us.

3 years later, and I now have the pleasure of teaching over 100 little ballerinas each week, over 8 classes and 3 different locations. It's been so wonderful to watch our group grow and feel so blessed that we have been able to share the love of dance with so many amazing children. I take such joy in seeing them grow in confidence and ability, and seeing their faces light up when they step into the room for their lesson. I look forward to many more years of getting to share my love of dance with our awesome little dancers!