ABOUT US
In 2020 we began our journey as a dance school, offering styles to Ballarat dancers that are modern, fresh and performed by the industry professionals of today.
In starting SMDS, the aim was to create a safe space for dancers of all backgrounds to feel nurtured, respected and encouraged to be the best they can be.
A place that they can feel at home while exploring their own talents and creativity, while also being offered performance and developmental experiences in a dance community that is supportive, inclusive, positive and friendly.
Our instructors LIVE TO DANCE, are incredibly passionate, highly experienced and all-round skilled dancers, teachers and performers. We as a team believe a ‘tried and tested’ and ‘one size fits all approach’ just doesn’t suit everyone and know that every student is unique and can’t wait to tap into the strengths of those coming our way!
OUR VALUES
We ensure our SMDS family is surrounded by a supportive environment, consisting of encouragement of individuality while accompanied by our nurturing instructors.
Everyone a part of the SMDS difference is included. Here at SMDS we welcome and vitalise all aspects and unique values of individual dancers. We aspire for our Dance Society to be welcoming for all ages and abilities.
We aren't a traditional dance school.
Here at SMDS our classes are based on todays society. We offer styles sought after by the dancers of today! Our passionate teachers guarantee here choreography and teaching patterns to the relevant times.
All our instructors inspire to teach and nurture the next generation of dancers. Their professional experience validates for their engaging and knowledgeable classes here at SMDS. An ongoing cycle that will continue at SMDS for decades to come!
2023 TERM DATES
Soraya McKee Dance Society follows the standard Victorian School Term Dates. See below all the key dates for the year. Various dates that are TBC, and families will be notified once these dates are set. Soraya McKee Dance Society is closed on Victorian Public Holidays and classes do not run.
TERM ONE
TERM TWO
TERM FOUR
TERM THREE
FIRST DAY:
FIRST DAY:
FIRST DAY:
FIRST DAY:
Monday 6th January 2023
Monday 24th April 2023
Monday 10th July
Monday 4th October 2023
LAST DAY:
LAST DAY:
LAST DAY:
LAST DAY:
Friday 31st March 2023
Saturday 24th June
Saturday 17th September 2023
Saturday 25th November 2023
KEY DATES
Mid-Year Fundraiser: Saturday 24th June
Competition Showcase: TBC
END OF YEAR DANCE RECITAL: Sunday 26th November
SMDS Christmas Party: Friday 1st December
PRESCHOOL CLASSES
DANCE AND PLAY CLASSES | 2 - 4 YEARS
THE MINI SOCIETY: DANCE AND PLAY
A casual, pay as you go class.
(No commitment Necessary!)
We understand that our littlest dancers can change their minds VERY quickly, that mornings don’t always go to plan and that last minute things can be thrown in the works. That’s why this class is so cool! Play based, loads of fun, and super chill!
Paid weekly - student must be booked into the session via our Customer Portal and session paid for 24 hours in advance.
The lesson will not run if numbers fall below 3 students in any particular week and parents who have booked will be notified and credited if this occurs.
THE MINI SOCIETY
A structured weekly class.
(2 - 4 Years Old Preschool Age!)
Ballarats popular preschool program. Here in a safe space ballarats youngest movers will have fun dancing. A place where they can grow and evolve in. Also aiding in their development within these quality exercises, games and suitable activities provided by our friendly team.
RECREATIONAL TRAINING
DANCE CLASSES | 2 YEARS +
SMDS classes are to suit beginner to advanced levels.
Our dance programs are timetabled classes that focus on technique, choreography, fun and friendship. These classes help make quality dance tuition accessible to all; even those who aren't working towards a dance career!
All SMDS classes aim to bring out the best in every student from their confidence and creativity, to an active way of making lifelong friendships.
LIL' DANCE SOCIETY
(5-6 YEARS)
A class combining the dance styles of: Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobatics, Tap
As well as: Stretch and Strength, engaging high energy routines, dance based games and technique training.
After ‘graduating’ from this class we will know EXACTLY where your child needs to branch off to make their future dance dreams and goals a reality!
JAZZ AND ACRO COMBINATION
(7 - 10 YEARS)
CONTEMPORARY AND BALLET COMBINATION
(7 - 10 YEARS)
COMMERCIAL JAZZ
(10 YEARS +)
ACROBATICS
(10 YEARS +)
Technique with the added bonus of learning skills on mat and floor. Learning the basics and technique for both acro and jazz.
A technique and movement combination ballet for students to learn the technique and beginner basics of ballet whilst moving and using they bodies to dance in contemporary
Highly choreographed, and a stylised fusion, often seen in commercial video clips and modern performances. This class is great for fitness levels, strength and stamina, whilst focusing on technique and flexibility.
Our highly skilled instructor teaches the skills required to perform tricks and flexibility tasks. Strengthening the body whilst teaching safe practice of these focused skills.
CONTEMPORARY
(10 YEARS +)
Our Contemporary classes allow dancers to use their body as an art form and express emotive dynamics. Combining innovative and abstract choreography with the notion of feeling the music and using the full body to dance with.
BALLET
(10 YEARS +)
This class demonstrates the foundation of dance including terminology and technique. Choreography focusing on fluid and graceful movements. Students will also learn the importance of strength and conditioning for safe dance practice.
STREET TAP
(7 YEARS +)
HIP HOP
(7 YEARS +)
The creation of unique rhythm and percussion. The learning of musicality and flow, whilst learning new and crisp tap skills.
A street inspired style focusing on contrasting elements. SMDS Hip Hop teachers choreograph to todays style and focus on the commercial side of Hip Hop; as seen in Music Videos and Television.
OUR PROGRAMS
THEATRE ARTS
MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAM | 7 YEARS +
With the mission to create industry-ready professionals, learning from teachers who have worked in the musical theatre industry!
Learning the dance styles of musical theatre throughout ALL eras, advancing individuals repertoire of songs, and learning the acting traits and secrets that will help one succeed in the business!
A chance for kids to practice their skills in an environment where they will be nurtured and educated. Working on ALL aspects to do with theatre including, mock auditions, self tapes theatre etiquette, how to strengthen vocals and acting abilities, increasing confidence both in auditions and on stage and preparing the next generation to work professionally in the industry!
A fresh take on Ballarat musical theatre culture, and preparing Students with today’s on stage performers! This class will give all children an equal opportunity to advance forward and give a leg up in the professional industry!
Straying away from the traditional Broadway Theatre, this class will focus on todays contemporary musical shows ft the work of Hamilton, Six, Matilda etc!
Creating musical theatre performances that captivate audiences which intertwines all aspects not just song and dance pieces! SMDS ensures students will learn how to work as an ensemble and soloist to equip them for all areas of the industry, helping them achieve their goals for future endeavours for professional and amateur/local theatre!
*This class also involves workshops with professional industry performers, directors and choreographers who share their experiences, skills and lessons with the SMDS students!*
This class will involve divided dedicated sessions to each theatrical study of song, drama and dance under the instruction of Cooper Guinea (Drama, Dance) and Liam Kelly (Vocal)
DANCEFIT
DANCE AND FITNESS PROGRAM | 18 YEARS +
Ballarat's first DanceFIT program is separated into two equipped classes including; Beginner and Advanced for all adults out there wanting to stay fit and healthy whilst having fun!
This program is inclusive, non-judgemental and all round supportive environment, no matter ones ability and experience.
Get ready to get back into dance and get active again! For all adults out there, try something new and be ready to do something for YOU!
This 18+ causal exclusive DanceFIT program covers:
- Jazz choreography and technique
- Commercial and Latin Hip Hop
- Contemporary
With the added bonus of FITNESS including:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- HIIT Circuits
*DanceFIT classes are casual, meaning no long-term commitment necessary, with a pay-as-you go system.*
This 1hr classes are suitable for all adults 18+ with Beginner and Advanced Classes, both lead by Elaine Mills who has extensive experience, training and knowledge in both the dance and fitness field.
PRIVATE TUITION
TECHNIQUE & COMPETITION AVAILABLE
TECHNIQUE PRIVATE TUITION
Here at SMDS we offer private lessons with any of our below faculty members.
A technique private involves a weekly 30 minute private session where the dancer can advance their technique and skills one-on-one.
COMPETITION PRIVATE TUITION
A competition private lesson is a weekly either 30 minute or 1 hour private session where the dancer will work with one of our choreographers on building solo routines to compete around Victoria at numerous dance competitions.
*Competition private lessons are by invitation only*
*The student must posses the SMDS values and attributes such as commitment, excellent class attendance, dedication and respectful attitudes towards students and staff
*Both private lessons are aimed too improve a dancers confidence and strengthen their relationship with dance *
