Dance (Year 3 to Year 12)

Dance is an integral part of MLC School’s performing arts program.

A popular activity, Dance offers a variety of classes from Year 3 to Year 12. The Dance program prides itself on being an inclusive, creative and collaborative community. Our aim is to provide a supportive environment for girls of all abilities, allowing the girls to develop and refine their skills alongside peers as well as those from outside of their Year level. Along with being an excellent physical activity, we identify the importance of dance as an art form and see dance as means for our students to understand and respond to the world around them. Each year the program creates and performs a number of works for School community performances, such as Dance Showcase, alongside various external competitions.

Enrolment

Dance is a year-long commitment. Enrolment in all dance programs occurs via our online enrolment system. New enrolments are only accepted in Term 1 and Term 4.

In order for a class or program to run, there must be a minimum of eight students enrolled. If this minimum number is not reached the class will not go ahead and any enrolled students will be refunded.

Co-curricular Dance fees for Term 1 are paid in advance via credit or debit card through the MLC School Payments page. From Term 2 onwards, students will be automatically re-enrolled in their respective programs at the start of each term, and the associated fees will be charged to their school account. This arrangement continues through to the end of the calendar year, covering Term 2, Term 3, and Term 4.

Any student can opt out of re-enrolment by informing the Dance Coordinator in writing by Week 7 the term prior.

For full details and enrolment links for each program please scroll to the drop down menus at the bottom of this page.

Our Expectations

All information and notices will be communicated by the MLC School app.

To receive this information, parents and carers must adjust their settings in the MLC School app to subscribe to the Co-curricular Dance tags appropriate to their daughter/s registrations. You will also need to subscribe to the same tags within the parent portal – Omnia.

Students commit to their chosen dance programs for the full academic year so that they are able to participate in the performances and competitions throughout Term 2 through to Term 4.

We have high standards for the girls taking part in dance – they are expected to attend all rehearsals – both the weekly after school sessions and a small number of weekend rehearsals in the lead up to a major performance (not applicable for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2). If a rehearsal must be missed, the Dance Coordinator must be informed in writing prior to the date of the rehearsal, with a minimum of one week’s notice. There is an expectation that students attend 85% of all scheduled rehearsals at minimum.

In Term 2 and Term 3, ensembles and companies will require additional rehearsals, including some Sundays, as they prepare for performances. Students and parents/carers will be notified of these rehearsal dates via term notices.

Please note: Class and ensemble rehearsal venues are subject to change on occasion. Despite this parent pick up for Year 3 to Year 6 girls is in the southern foyer of the Senior Centre regardless of any room changes.

Dance Ensembles (Year 3 to Year 6)

The Dance Ensemble program allows for continued growth and development of our Junior School girls in dance. As part of the dance ensembles students start to focus on individual styles of dance and are offered a number of internal and external performance opportunities throughout the year. The dance ensembles are an inclusive program. The vertical nature allows us to cater to both the students who are new to dance as well as those who are experienced dancers.

Dance Companies (Year 7 to Year 12)

The Dance Companies allow for both development and extension of a Senior School students’ dance skills, with a focus on the character attributes including teamwork skills, sense of responsibility, appreciation of diversity, tenacity and self-awareness. The vertical nature of the dance companies allows for girls to work with others from across the Senior School creating a strong sense of community. Girls also work with others who have the same skill level. The companies are inclusive and foster a sense of responsibility and reinforce cognitive and personal development.

It is important to review the below Dance Contracts and Uniform Requirements prior to registration.

Contracts

Uniform Requirements

Ballet Dance Ensemble (Year 3 to Year 6)

Renowned for its grace and discipline, Classical Ballet has evolved from courtly origins into the sophisticated art form we admire today. This program offers students the opportunity to explore ballet’s rich tradition while developing essential technical skills that support progression into other dance styles.

Our classes focus on refining posture, strength, control, coordination, and line. Ballet training is known for its precision and attention to detail, helping dancers build a strong foundation that enhances overall performance and physical awareness.

This is a non-examination class, designed to develop both technical and performance skills in the art form. Students are encouraged to grow as expressive and confident dancers, without the pressure of formal assessment.

The program caters to beginners through to intermediate students, with structured lessons tailored to varying levels of experience. Advanced learners will be challenged with more rigorous expectations, encouraging deeper engagement and refinement of technique.

Each session fosters discipline, creativity, and artistic expression. Students are guided through classical exercises, combinations, and choreography that reflect the elegance and strength of ballet. Whether you are just starting out or looking to elevate your skills, this class provides a supportive and inspiring environment to grow as a dancer.

Program Details

Dance Coordinator: Jenna Skepper
Assistant Dance Coordinator: Jessica Dyson
Places Available: 30 places
Day and Time: Tuesday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: F19
Cost: $180 per term
Uniform: See Uniform Requirements document above
Costume Hire Fee: Costume hire levy of $110 will be charged to the student's Term 2 Fee statement
Enrolment: A link to the MLC School Payments page will be shared when registration opens

Contemporary Dance Ensemble and Company (Year 3 to Year 12)

Ensemble: Year 3 to Year 6
Company: Year 7 to Year 12

Contemporary Dance, rooted in the pioneering work of early modern dancers such as Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan, is a dynamic and expressive art form. Emerging in the early 1900s, it blends abstract movement with emotional intention, aiming to communicate meaning and feeling to an audience.

Each session begins with a structured warm-up and technique development, followed by creative exploration and the construction of performance pieces. Students are encouraged to express themselves through movement while building strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness.

This program is designed to develop both technical and performance skills. It offers a supportive and inspiring environment where students can explore contemporary movement, build confidence, and engage with the expressive power of dance.

Whether students are new to contemporary dance or looking to refine their skills, this class provides a welcoming space to grow artistically and physically. Through lessons focused on technique, performance, and choreography and composition task work, students will gain a deeper understanding of movement and its expressive potential.

Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their work in community productions, including the annual Dance Showcase and various school and local events. These experiences allow dancers to share their creativity with wider audiences and celebrate their progress in a collaborative setting.

Spaces in this activity are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once payment is processed, a receipt will be issued to confirm your place in the class.

Program Details

Dance Coordinator: Jenna Skepper
Assistant Dance Coordinator: Jessica Dyson
Places Available: Ensemble: 60 places
Company: 70 places
Day and Time: Ensemble: Wednesday 3.30pm–5pm
Company: Tuesday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Ensemble: Basement classrooms 1–3
Company: Basement classrooms 1–3 and ILC3
Cost: $180 per term
Uniform: See Uniform Requirements document above
Costume Hire Fee: Costume hire levy of $110 will be charged to the student's Term 2 Fee statement
Enrolment: A link to the MLC School Payments page will be shared when registration opens

Hip Hop (Year 3 to Year 12)

Junior Hip Hop Crew: Year 3 to Year 6
Senior Hip Hop Crew: Year 7 to Year 12

Hip Hop dance emerged in the 1970s as part of a broader cultural movement in New York City. Influenced by street styles, funk, and breakdancing, it quickly evolved into a global phenomenon known for its creativity, rhythm, and expressive power. Today, Hip Hop continues to thrive as a dynamic and ever-evolving dance form rooted in musicality and individuality.

This program introduces students to the foundations of Hip Hop technique, with a focus on body isolations, control, rhythm, execution, and musical interpretation. Sessions begin with a warm-up and technical development, followed by choreography that incorporates stylistic elements and performance skills.

The Hip Hop team is an open-entry competition group – no audition or selection process is required. Students in this program will represent the school at Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) competitions and perform at the annual Dance Showcase and other community events. It’s an exciting opportunity for dancers to develop their skills, build confidence, and perform in a team environment.

Whether students are new to Hip Hop or looking to extend their experience, this class offers a supportive and energetic space to grow as a performer.

Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once payment is processed, a receipt will be issued to confirm your place in the class.

Program Details

Dance Coordinator: Jenna Skepper
Assistant Dance Coordinator: Jessica Dyson
Places Available: Junior: 60 places
Senior: 60 places
Day and Time: Junior: Monday 5pm–6pm
Senior: Thursday 5pm–6.30pm
Location: Basement classrooms 1–3
Cost: $180 per term
Uniform: See Uniform Requirements document above
Costume Hire Fee: Hip Hop competition uniform is approximately $110 and will be charged to the student's Term 2 Fee statement
Enrolment: A link to the MLC School Payments page will be shared when registration opens

Jazz Ensemble and Company (Year 3 to Year 12)

Ensemble: Year 3 to Year 6
Company: Year 7 to Year 12

Jazz is a high-energy and dynamic form of dance performed to popular music. Known for its musicality and rhythm, jazz incorporates a range of technical elements including turns, jumps, leaps, kicks, and body isolations. It’s a vibrant style that encourages both precision and expressive movement.

Each session begins with a warm-up and technique development component, followed by choreography and rehearsal of performance pieces. Students will build strength, flexibility, and coordination while learning to interpret music through movement.

This program is designed to develop both technical and performance skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Whether students are new to jazz or looking to refine their abilities, the class offers opportunities to grow artistically and physically.

Students will also have the chance to showcase their work in community productions, including the annual Dance Showcase and various school and local events. These performances allow dancers to share their creativity and progress with wider audiences.

Spaces in this activity are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once payment is processed, a receipt will be issued to confirm your place in the class.

Program Details

Dance Coordinator: Jenna Skepper
Assistant Dance Coordinator: Jessica Dyson
Places Available: Ensemble: 60 places
Company: 70 places
Day and Time: Ensemble: Monday 3.30pm–5pm
Company: Thursday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Ensemble: Basement classrooms 1–3
Company: Basement classrooms 1–3 and Potts Hall
Cost: $180 per term
Uniform: See Uniform Requirements document above
Costume Hire Fee: Costume hire levy of $110 will be charged to the student's Term 2 Fee statement
Enrolment: A link to the MLC School Payments page will be shared when registration opens

Pom Teams (Year 3 to Year 12)

Junior: Year 3 to Year 6
Senior: Year 7 to Year 12

Pom is a dynamic and athletic style of dance that blends cheer-based precision with choreographed formations. Originating from American cheerleading traditions, Pom has developed into a competitive dance form known for its sharp arm motions, synchronised shapes, and high-energy presentation.

This program introduces students to the specialised techniques of Pom, including jumps, lifts, codified motions, and intricate shapes and formations based on musical interpretation. Each session begins with a high-intensity warm-up, followed by focused skill development and rehearsal of competition routines.

The Pom team is an open-entry competition group – no selection process is required. Students enrolled in Junior Pom will represent the school at Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) competitions and perform at the annual Dance Showcase and other community events. The program offers a disciplined and supportive environment where dancers can build strength, coordination, and confidence while working as part of a team.

Whether students are new to Pom or looking to extend their experience, this class provides an exciting opportunity to grow as a performer and athlete.

Spaces in this activity are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once payment is processed, a receipt will be issued to confirm your place in the class.

Program Details

Dance Coordinator: Jenna Skepper
Assistant Dance Coordinator: Jessica Dyson
Places Available: Junior: 60 places
Senior: 60 places
Day and Time: Junior: Thursday 3.30pm–5pm
Senior: Wednesday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Junior: F19 and ILC3
Senior: F19 and Basement classroom 3
Cost: $180 per term
Uniform: See Uniform Requirements document above
Costume Hire Fee: Custom Pom competition uniform is approximately $250 and will be charged to the student's Term 2 Fee statement
Enrolment: A link to the MLC School Payments page will be shared when registration opens

Technique and Conditioning (Year 7 to Year 12)

Technique and Conditioning is a dynamic 60-minute class designed to elevate dancers' physical capabilities and technical precision. Perfect for students aiming to enhance their performance in Dance and related sports, this class blends Pilates-based conditioning, targeted stretching, and focused technique work to build a strong, flexible, and resilient body. Each session begins with a Pilates-inspired warm-up to activate core muscles, improve alignment, and increase body awareness. This is followed by strength-building exercises tailored to support dance-specific movements, helping students develop muscular endurance, joint stability, and control. The final portion of the class is dedicated to refining dance technique through progressive combinations that challenge balance, coordination, and precision. Whether preparing for performance, competition, or simply aiming to move with greater confidence, this class empowers dancers to reach their full physical potential in a supportive and energising environment.

Program Details

Dance Coordinator: Jenna Skepper
Assistant Dance Coordinator: Jessica Dyson
Places Available: Minimum 8 students to run
Day and Time: Monday 3.30pm–4.30pm
Location: Dance Studio F19
Cost: $160 per term
Uniform: See Uniform Requirements document above
Enrolment: A link to the MLC School Payments page will be shared when registration opens