About

Intro

The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts, founded in 1991, offers a wide range of performing arts classes, fostering confidence, technical skills, and a love for dance in a state-of-the-art facility.

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Our story — The Dance Studio

Our story

The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts, originally founded as Hawthorn School of Dance in 1991 by Ms. Susan Sargison, has evolved into one of the premier performing arts schools in the region. As the studio’s reputation and enrollment numbers grew, the school moved to a larger, upgraded facility in Surrey Hills in 2014. This new space featured professional dance studios, a spacious parent waiting area, change rooms, and additional storage for the growing costume library, allowing the school to better serve its expanding community. In 2015, Ms. Jessica Masson took over as Director and rebranded the school as The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts to reflect its growth. This name change signified the school’s transition into a fully fledged performing arts training facility, offering an extensive range of classes in classical ballet, modern dance, musical theatre, singing, and acrobatics. In 2021, The Dance Studio proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of fostering talent and helping thousands of students realize their dreams, with many building successful careers both in Australia and internationally. The latest milestone in the studio’s journey came in 2023, with the move to a permanent, state-of-the-art facility at 9 Harker St, Burwood. This custom-built, purpose-designed space includes four spacious, extra-large dance studios, a fully stocked Uniform Shop, and an expanded costume library, making it the most impressive home yet for The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts.

Our values

Find your voice — The Dance Studio

Build confidence

We are committed to empowering each student to express themselves with pride and assurance. Our goal is to help students find their unique voice through dance, encouraging self-expression, resilience, and emotional growth. We believe that the confidence developed in dance will resonate in all aspects of our students’ lives, both on and off the stage.

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Develop technical skills

At the heart of our program is a strong foundation in dance technique. We prioritize building the skills necessary for students to excel in their craft, from mastering basic movements to refining advanced techniques. Our teachers focus on precision, discipline, and creativity to ensure students are not only technically proficient but also able to explore and develop their individual artistry. We continuously inspire and challenge our dancers to set goals and push their limits, fostering a growth mindset that encourages improvement at every stage of their journey, striving for dancers to reach their full potential.

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Foster a love of dance

Dance is more than just a skill; it is an art form that can inspire joy, connection, and personal fulfillment. We strive to instill a lifelong passion for dance in our students, helping them see it as both a form of self-expression and a joyful experience. Whether it’s the rhythm, the movement, or the sense of community within the dance world, we aim to make dance an enjoyable and meaningful part of their lives that continues to grow with them.

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Positive environment

We believe in creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. It is essential that every dancer feels valued, respected, and safe within our space. Our studio is a place where students can thrive, not only as dancers but also as individuals. We celebrate diversity and encourage open communication, ensuring that every dancer feels welcomed, accepted, and empowered. By fostering an atmosphere of fun and support, we help our students feel comfortable taking risks, exploring their creativity, and making mistakes – all in the spirit of growth.

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Lasting impact

We recognize that dance is not just about movement; it’s about shaping the character and well-being of our students. The lessons learned in dance – from perseverance and hard work to collaboration and self-discipline – have a far-reaching impact that extends beyond the studio. We are dedicated to a lasting difference in the lives of our dancers, teaching them life skills that transcend the world of dance and contribute to their success and happiness in other areas of life.

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Foster creativity

Above all, we aim to cultivate a culture of creativity, where every dancer is encouraged to explore their artistic potential. We value inclusivity, embracing the differences that make each dancer unique, and foster an atmosphere where everyone feels respected and appreciated. Through collaboration and shared experiences, we nurture a community where passion for dance is at the core, and each student is inspired to grow and express themselves fully.

Our awards & achievements

Awards

Ballet Teacher’s Workshop
Jump Dance Challenge Competitions
Southern Federation of Dance Competitions
Starstruck Dance Competition
Stage Attack Dance Competition
Prestige Dance Awards
Australian Teachers of Dancing Competitions

Vocational Training Programs

The Dance Studio students and teachers have been accepted into full time training at the following prestigious vocational training programs:

Australian Ballet School
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS)
Victorian College of the Arts (Melbourne University)
Dance World Studios
Ballet Theatre Australia
Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance
Australian Conservatoire of Ballet
Melbourne City Ballet
Transit Dance

Testimonial — The Dance Studio

What people say

Check out why people LOVE The Dance Studio!

Staff

Run by one of our fantastic dance teachers