Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance has built a fantastic reputation over the last few years and has become renowned not only for it’s quality dance tuition but is turning heads in the professional world as well.
In 2018, Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance launched its junior school which employs the same professional attitudes and standards that have taken the senior school to such heights.
Kelly leads a hand picked, professional staff that bring passion and an unwavering love of dance to each class, offering a safe and fun envronment for young dancers of all ages.
As if that is not enough we feature some special guest appearances from our senior teachers at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance.
As part of our continuing commitment to the wellbeing of our students, all of our studios feature professional-standard, fully sprung dance floors, which are essential to the safety of growing bodies and help prevent injury. Your child’s health is too important to risk on a floor that is not designed and purpose built for safe dance.
Our friendly staff are always on hand in the studio at all times so you will always have someone to turn to whenever you have any questions.
There are comps, exams, the mid year Raw Showcase, the end of year Triple Bill Showcase and a whole lot of dancing so while things are busy, we are really excited about what lies ahead and loving every minute.
It is exciting times ahead so if you require any information or would like to enrol your child, you can send us an online enquiry by pressing the 'Casual/Junior Dance Enquiry' button at the top of the page or you can contact us anytime at: fulltimedance@kellyaykers.com.au
Ballet
Ballet is the basis of all dance. In Ballet the children learn the fundamental technique that will be used through out their dance journey. It starts with Barre work, which supplies correct placement and then moves into Centre work, honing into strength and agility. Ballet training is necessary if your child is serious about dance. Our ballet classes are based on the syllabus from the British Ballet Organization.
Jazz
Immensely popular and probably what most kids mean when they tell you they want to be a dancer, Jazz is energetic, fun and impossible not to love. Easy to learn, Jazz incorporates bold body movements with the beat making it both irresistible and amazing to watch.
Tap
More then just dancing to the music, Tap is actually a part of the music! Few genres can match it for its audacity and its breezy style and is a real crowd-pleaser. With an emphasis on fun (and a lot of noise), Tap starts with the basic technique and moves onto intricate beats as the students gains confidence
Hip Hop
The last decade or so has seen Hip Hop emerge from the streets and into popular culture. Combining fat beats with wry presentation and dazzling steps , the rise of the Hip Hop culture makes this genre a favourite of all ages.
Contemporary
An offshoot from Classical dance, Contemporary dance casts plot aside and focuses on the purity of movement and physical expression. Thought provoking and driven by intent, dancers enjoy the freedom to express their emotions in the nicest way possible – through dance.
Competition
Experience the thrill of dancing on stage performing in the genres of Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Song & Dance in our Comp squad. There are weekly rehearsals working on choreography which bonds the children together and lets them perfect the art of performance as well as solidifying the dance genres.
*Comp classes are available to those that are study three genres or more including ballet.
Skills
Skills class is for those dancers that want to take their dancing to the next level. The focus here is on advanced technique. Starting with a series of stretches it then goes into working skills such as Fouette`s, Jete`s, Pirouettes, Russian Jete`s and much more. Once adopted, these skills will hone and polish performance in all genres forever more.
Pointe
Effectively ‘dancing on toes’, Pointe is what many think of when they think of classical dance. It is harder than it looks though and is for advanced students who have been assessed in their ankle strength. Pointe class is only available to children over 12 years of age who have been training in ballet.
Acrobatics
Nothing takes the breath away quite like a well executed flip or somersault in the middle of a high energy number. Acrobatics is trained on a professional acro mat where the children gain the courage to find their own strength. It is placement and technique based and taught strictly through safe dance practices.
Musical Theatre
Combining the triple threats of singing, dancing and acting, each Musical Theatre class is like a mini-musical in itself. The children have a ½ hour group singing class followed by a chorography class, which includes acting and learning character breakdown. Kids really love the chance to step outside of their shells for a little while and really get into character.
Singing
We ALL sing – we do it because it makes us feel good. With the correct training and practice, using the voice as an instrument can be immensely satisfying and do wonders for confidence. The great part is, once you start, you may never stop!
Singing is best trained in private tuition (½ to 1hr sessions) but is also offered as a group class in Musical Theatre and Competition squad.
Tiny Tots
For children 2-4 years of age, the Tiny Tot class introduces the students through immersion to the genres of Ballet and Jazz. Engaging them with music and props, the class structure ensures the little ones get that all-important development of motor skills while letting their imagination run free!
The Kelly Aykers Casual Dance timetable is carefully curated by Kelly and her team to group similar disciplines and age groups together. It is also streamlined to not only benefit the students but also to assist parents in balancing their own weekly schedules.
* Timetable is subject to change
Our ballet syllabus is proudly presented in partnership with the British Ballet Organisation (BBO). All ballet students are encouraged to take their examinations as good classical technique and discipline is the cornerstone of all genres.
Competition classes are only eligible to students training in three or more classes including ballet which is compulsory for all competition students.
Kelly is also proud to present an elite, structured package for U17 and Open age students which will feature industry professionals and will act as perfect preparation for those that are ready to take it to the next level.
Enrol today by pressing the 'Casual/Junior Dance Enquiry' button at the top of the page or you can contact us anytime at: fulltimedance@kellyaykers.com.au
Kelly spearheads a top class junior faculty that is an astute blend of her industry peers alongside some of the brightest and dedicated up-and-coming teachers that have been trained and mentored personally by Kelly. With an unwavering emphasis on safe dance and technique, the Kelly Aykers Dance Faculty will not only build solid foundations for years of dance, but bring fun and enthusiasm to every class.
All of our teachers have valid Working with Children accreditation and are extremely dedicated to creating a safe and friendly environment in which the kids can enjoy doing what they love.
Kelly draws on years of experience and contact with the brightest in the industry to compile a Melbourne based teaching staff that would be the envy of any school in the country. Kelly knows that to deliver the kind of graduate that can take on the dance industry with confidence, she needs to surround herself with people that share her own passion and vision. To that end, Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance is dedicated to providing the best tuition by the best in the business.
After 40 years of training and performance, during which time she has choreographed, and assisted many Australian and international choreographers, Kelly is delighted that the natural progression of her career is now giving her the opportunity to pass her knowledge on to others within the dance industry.
For more on Kelly's career, check out our About Kelly Page.
At such a young age, Melbourne based Donnie Dimase has already established himself as a choreographer to watch for in years to come. Specialising in Urban Dance, Voguing & Waacking, he created the very popular Tenacity Dance Crew winning the UDO 1st Place World Championship Title & various awards as well as creating underage commercial company Ferocity Dance Crew.
Donnie is a graduate of Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance and has been Nominated for Victoria's Favourite Dance Teacher by Ausdance. In addition, he has been nominated for the Short Dance Film award with his work, 'Black Widow'. Resident Choreographer at Masters of Choreography for two shows running including 'Nightmare on Dance Street' & 'Once Upon a Time Chapter II'. Donnie is honoured to have been selected to participate in the 2013 Short + Sweet Dance Festival and to be awarded both the 'Choreographic Award' and the 'People's Choice Award' for his show, 'Own The Throne' he was also selected Resident Choreographer at Raw : Natural Born Artists.
Amongst his many achievements and choreographic credits, he can include the Melbourne White Night, Australian Open, Big Day Scout, Victorian Dance Festival, Miss Crown Asia Beauty Pageant, Platform, Lili Kendall's 'Run' Boylesque and Many More.
Connor has danced with multiple dance companies including "Lionheart Dance Company", Performing in the professional show "Fabricated" and undergoing company training every week, as well as that he has completed his training at "Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance" in Melbourne under the prestigious Kelly Aykers. His performance credits include: Representing Australia in the ICC opening ceremony , back up dancer to Nathaniel and Mike Tompkins, featured dancer in the Australian mini series “The Divorce”, performer at Brandcast and the Youtube Fanfest. Additionally has has performed a number of times in Masters of choreography , Victorian dance festival and Australian Dance Festival.
Kirsten graduated from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance completing her Diploma of Music Theatre and has been involved with Parklife Productions Little Shop Of Horrors (2021), Lightbox Productions Be More Chill (2018) and Dogfight (2019), Misfit Theatre Children of the Clock (2018) and Windmill Theatre Company Jersey Boys (2022) and World of Musical Theatre for Kids (2023), and CLOC’s Catch Me If You Can (2023). She teaches hip hop, street dance and musical theatre and is a character entertainer with Flutterby Entertainment and Royaltea Parties.
George has made quite the impact since his guest teaching last year so we can now announce that he will be a regular at the Casual School each week. In 2017, George joined the emerging Hybrid DC company and performed in Sydney in their debut production of 'Raw: Natural Born Artists - Horizon'. George rounded the year out with a lead dance role in 'La Furia Del Amor' for Parklife Productions.
George has loomed large at Kelly Aykers of late and we are thrilled to have him in full effect teaching Hip Hop on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Louise is a graduate from NIDA having completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2016. In 2017 Louise starred as Matron Mama Morton in Chicago (dir. Kelly Aykers) as she continued her training at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance. Earlier this year Louise appeared in Matthew Lee Robinson's New Voices and Masters of Choreography - The Ringmaster. Louise continues to teach drama, acting and musical theatre at NIDA Open.
We are taking enrolments now for the year ahead!
Press the 'Casual/Junior Dance Enquiry' button at the top of the page or you can contact us anytime at: fulltimedance@kellyaykers.com.au
Watch this space for more great information including cutting-edge Pro and Graduate classes in the coming weeks!