FOR PARENTS
New to dance? Here's everything you need to know.
Starting dance classes is a big step for both parent and child. We've answered the questions we hear most often — and if yours isn't here, just call us.
What age?
From 18 months to 2 years
Butterfly Ballet for our youngest dancers
How much?
Per term
No hidden fees. Contact us for a full schedule.
Free trial?
Yes!
One trial per style, no obligation
Experience?
None needed
Complete beginners welcome at any age
GETTING STARTED
First steps
The questions every new family asks. If yours isn't here, just get in touch.
Our Butterfly Ballet classes welcome children from 18 months to 2 years. Prep Ballet, Jazz and Acro classes start from around 4.5 years old. Formal RAD syllabus training typically begins at age 5 to 6, but there's no upper age limit. We welcome new starters of any age, and we'll find the right class for their level.
No experience is needed to start at KWDA. We welcome complete beginners of all ages and place students in a class suited to their age, experience and individual needs. Our supportive teachers help every dancer build confidence and skills at their own pace while developing a love of dance.
We're here to help. The right class depends on your child's age, experience, interests and individual goals. Simply get in touch with our friendly team and we'll recommend the best options, with a free trial available so your child can find the class where they feel happiest and most confident.
Yes! We offer free trial classes so your child can experience the class, meet their teacher and make sure it feels like the right fit before enrolling. Simply get in touch to book a trial in an age-appropriate class. We'd love to welcome you to KWDA.
For your child's first class, comfortable clothing they can move freely in is perfectly fine. Please ensure hair is neatly tied back and avoid restrictive clothing or street shoes on the dance floor. Once enrolled, we can guide you through the correct KWDA uniform and dance shoes required for their class.
For our Butterfly Ballet dancers, one class per week is a great starting point, though they're welcome to do more if they'd like. From age 4 onwards, we encourage two or more classes per week to help build consistency and develop skills across different styles.
As students progress and develop their passion, many choose to add classes such as jazz alongside ballet, or extension classes for exam preparation. For dancers on a vocational pathway, multiple classes per week become important from around age 8 to 10. We'll always advise what's appropriate for your child's age, level and goals.
Quick tip
Open Trial Week runs in the first week of every term. New students can try any age-appropriate class at no charge. Get in touch before term starts to book a spot.
EXAMS & PROGRESSION
How your child advances
Everything about exams, syllabi, and the pathway from beginner to advanced.
A dance exam is a private assessment where a qualified, independent examiner watches your child perform a set sequence of steps and awards a grade plus written feedback. It's similar in spirit to a music exam, but for movement.
New to dance? There's no audience and no costumes. Exams happen outside of class, usually in small groups, and the focus is on technique. Results come back as a mark (such as Pass, Merit or Distinction) along with the examiner's written report.
Already familiar with dance exams? We examine under the RAD syllabus for ballet (Primary through to Advanced 2, with separate Graded and Vocational tracks) and the ComDance syllabus for jazz. Examiners are independent of the school and accredited by the relevant body. Vocational grades from Intermediate Foundation upward can carry QCE credit.
Exams themselves are optional. See the next question for how that choice works.
No. Exams are optional and we offer both recreational (class award) and formal examination pathways. Many families choose exams because they provide clear goals, external feedback from visiting RAD or ComDance examiners, and a real sense of achievement. But some families prefer the recreational path, and that's equally valid. The quality of teaching is the same either way.
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is the world's largest dance education and training organisation. We follow their syllabus for classical ballet, from Primary to Advanced 2. The Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (ComDance) sets the syllabus we follow for jazz. Both organisations set internationally recognised standards, send external examiners, and award certified qualifications.
Yes. Select levels of RAD vocational examinations and ComDance high levels carry credit toward the Queensland Certificate of Education. This means your child's dance training can contribute to their formal school qualifications. We can provide details of which levels qualify.
Yes. We welcome transfers and we'll assess your child's current level to place them in the right class. If they've been following the RAD or ComDance syllabus elsewhere, the transition is usually very smooth. If they've been training in a different system, we may recommend a placement class so we can see where they're at. There's no judgement. We just want to make sure they're in the right place to succeed.
Did you know?
RAD vocational exams can count as QCE credit. Your child's dance training could contribute to their formal school qualifications.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
The day-to-day
Fees, location, concerts and everything else you need to know as a KWDA parent.
Fees are charged per term and vary by class type, duration and level. We're happy to provide a full fee schedule, just contact the studio. We believe in transparency: there are no hidden charges, registration fees, or surprise costs. Exam fees (if your child chooses to sit exams) are charged separately and set by the RAD or ComDance.
We're at 58 Holdsworth Street, Coorparoo QLD 4151. The studio has off-street parking and is well served by public transport. There's a comfortable waiting area for parents, and viewing windows in all studio doors so you can observe your child's class.
Yes. Our end-of-year concert is a highlight for the whole school. Every student is invited to perform, from the youngest Butterfly Ballet dancers to our advanced students. It's held at a professional theatre, with proper lighting, costumes and staging. It's a wonderful experience and a chance for families to see how far their children have come. Participation is encouraged but not compulsory.
We welcome all children and we're happy to discuss how we can accommodate your child's needs. Please contact us before enrolling so we can have a conversation about the best approach, whether that's a specific class, some adjustments, or just making sure your child's teacher is aware and prepared. Every child deserves the chance to dance.
To help students stay focused, parents wait in the foyer during class. Viewing windows on every studio door let you watch from outside.
Life happens. If your child needs to miss a class, just let us know by email. We don't offer make-up classes as each class follows a progressive curriculum, but consistent attendance is encouraged. If your child will be away for an extended period, get in touch and we can discuss options.
Good to know
Our studio at 58 Holdsworth Street, Coorparoo has off-street parking, a waiting area for parents, and viewing windows in every studio door.
ACRONYM GUIDE
What all the letters mean
Dance education uses a lot of abbreviations. Here's what they stand for and why they matter.
DANCE GLOSSARY
What does that word mean?
Dance has its own language — most of it French. Here's a plain-English guide to the terms your child's teacher will use in class.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you
Call 0427 149 117, email the studio, or just drop in during class hours. No question is too small.
Email the Studio
