First Step and Highland Dance School is a dance school located in Isabella Plains, Canberra. They offer dance classes for children aged 2 years to adults and cater to all levels and abilities. Whether dancers want to dance for fun and fitness, take exams, perform, or compete, First Step has an option for everyone.
The school believes that dancing should be a part of every child's life and that it is a way for them to embrace a love of movement and dance. They prioritise teaching the basics and fundamental techniques while allowing children to explore and develop their sense of movement and rhythm. Dancing is not just a job for the teachers at First Step, but also their passion. They put the fun in fundamentals and aim to create connexions with their students to instil a lifelong love of dance.
In addition to traditional dance styles, First Step offers Highland dancing, which enables dancers to make new friends, build strength, fitness, and coordination while having a great time. They believe that children and adults of all ages should experience the fun of Highland dancing.
The school offers a first lesson free for those who want to try it out. They also provide self-paced, online classes for individuals aged 18 and above.
First Step and Highland Dance School has a team of experienced and qualified teachers. Shannon Hart, one of the teachers, has been involved in Highland dancing and the Canberra Highland Dancing community for over 20 years. She has competed in national and international championships and has represented Australia at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. Shannon holds teacher qualifications with the Scottish Dancing Association of Australia and has taught Highland dancing to students of various ages.
Aleshia Currie, another teacher at First Step, started dancing at the age of 3 and has experience in various dance styles. She has competed in Highland competitions around Australia and in Scotland and has performed in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Aleshia is also an experienced dance teacher, having taught a wide range of dance genres to students of different age groups.
First Step and Highland Dance School offers a variety of classes for different age groups. They have a Wee Wonders class for 2-3-year-old boys and girls. In this class, they focus on fundamental movement skills, musical awareness, basic dance positions, and overall engagement and fun in dance. Parents are welcome to watch and participate if needed during this class.
Overall, First Step and Highland Dance School provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of dance. They are passionate about teaching dance and building connexions with their students, ensuring a lifelong love for dancing.