S.H.A.K.E. Dance School prides itself on having a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging a love of dance and producing dancers with a positive attitude and excellent work ethic.

About S.H.A.K.E. Dance School

SHAKE Dance School ballerinas in yellow tutus.

S.H.A.K.E. Dance school delivers a quality Dance Education that nurtures your child’s development and long-term progress as a dancer and a person. At S.H.A.K.E. they are a big, fun dance family!

S.H.A.K.E is a FUN, friendly and supportive dance school. They provide an after-school pick-up service for students at Brisbane Central State School. S.H.A.K.E. have trained the only two Queensland dancers to have passed the Premier Danseur Exam, the highest level achievable in the Classical Comdance Syllabus.

The S.H.A.K.E Studio is located on Love Street, Spring Hill in Bedford Park with a lovely playground, basketball court, public tennis court, green space and plenty of parking. Their studios are spacious and air-conditioned for those hot summer months.

Dance classes for kids in inner Brisbane

S.H.A.K.E. Dance School toddler dancers in farm costumes.

S.H.A.K.E. Dance school offers dance classes to children aged 3-18 years in Brisbane’s inner-city. Classes include Tinies (3-5 years old), Acrobatics, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-hop, Modern Jazz, Theatrical/Performing Arts and Tap. Private Singing and Dance classes are available.

TINIES – 3 to 5 years old

The Tinies class is based on a combination of jazz, classical and modern styles. Students learn basic exercises such as skipping, galloping, pointing, stretching and assorted jumps and travelling combinations. It is designed to help your little one explore their creativity and imagination while developing gross motor skills, coordination, balance, posture and confidence! Parents are welcome to stay during the class.

ACROBATICS – 5 years old and up

Acro is available for all skill levels. Students learn a variety of acrobatic techniques such as: cartwheels, handstands, tumbling, flipping, trampolining and partner work.

CLASSICAL BALLET – 5 years old and up

Classical is a traditional, formal style of ballet known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique. Classes follow the CSTD syllabus and begin at Pre-Ballet and work through Primary, Grades 1-6 and Majors. Students sit regular exams.

CONTEMPORARY – 10 years old and up

Contemporary dance is the exploration of the total movement potential of the body. It is not bound by set standards as defined by styles such as ballet or Jazz dance. Younger students follow the Jason Winter’s CSTD syllabus and begin with a Foundation Grade and continue through the grades. Classical Ballet is a prerequisite. Students sit regular exams.

JAZZ – 5 years and up

The Term ‘Jazz’ encompasses several dance styles, but generally refers to movements performed to popular music. At S.H.A.K.E., the open jazz class encompasses various styles from funk to cabaret and hip hop to lyrical. Students learn basics like kicks, jumps and turns. S.H.A.K.E. have classes for all ages, from Tinies to adults 60+ years!

Young acro performers on stage in clown costumes

HIP HOP – 5 years old and up

Hip-hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture. S.H.A.K.E. have 2 levels of hip-hop – Beginner and Intermediate to Pre/Advanced.

MODERN JAZZ – 5 years old and up

Modern Jazz is basically the same as Jazz, but follows a set syllabus designed by the CSTD. Students begin at the Pre-Modern Levels and work through to Grades 1-8 and then onto Diploma. S.H.A.K.E. students sit yearly exams.

THEATRICAL/PERFORMING ARTS – 5 years old and up

These classes incorporate singing, dancing and acting to create a true triple threat. Students begin at the Pre-Level and continue through the grades. To be eligible for this class, you must do Jazz and one other genre. Students sit regular exams.

TAP – 5 years old and up

Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one’s tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. At S.H.A.K.E. the classes follow the CSTD syllabus but also incorporate an open element. It is not compulsory for the students to sit exams, but exam work is taught in the classes.

VARIETY CLASS – 5 years and up

In this class, you get to try something a bit different every week – no exams, no concert, just learning new skills for fun! Things like Ribbons & Rolls, Tricks & Tumbles and Creative Contemporary, just to name a few. Perfect for kids who just want to dance for fun, or who aren’t sure what style they like!

PRIVATE CLASSES

Private singing lessons available. Dance privates for students who wish to compete in Eisteddfods in solos/duos or trios. 

Testimonials

Group of young dancers on stage holding large red hearts

My children have loved their time with SHAKE. It’s friendly, inclusive, fun and easy going, but Nikki and her team have helped some serious dancers kick start careers in all types of dance as well including a couple of Queensland Ballet Academy students. I love the way the older kids become helpers and teachers, inspiring and supporting the younger kids.” – Judith Hunter

I’ve been at SHAKE since I was 3. Growing up dancing, I not only loved learning many genres, but I’ve also made many lifelong friends at SHAKE!!” – Emma Liddy

What an excellent dance school! Something for all ages, supportive and talented teachers and heaps of fun! Highly Recommend!” – Laura Caitlin Jensen

I have been dancing at S.H.A.K.E for over 10 years and absolutely love it! There are lots of different classes and age levels for everyone! Miss Nikki is amazing and everyone is super fun and friendly!” – J MB

We have been a part of the Shake family for the past 4.5yrs. It really is an amazing dance school. So supportive, inclusive, teaches good principles and lots of fun. They even managed to take a bunch of the dads, boyfriends etc and put on an amazing, polished performance at the end of year concert. No mean feat!! Highly recommend.” – Kylie Royals

My daughter Emma loves the variety of classes and routines at Shake and Miss Nikki is loads of fun. All abilities are welcome.” – Fiona Lawrence

Immediately warm, friendly and fun environment. These guys just love what they do and it shows” – Bec Fin

Theatre group of young performers

Frequently asked questions

Does S.H.A.K.E. offer trial classes?

Yes, they do!

Is there a strict uniform?

Not for open classes, but for Exam classes, students must wear correct uniform.

Do Exams count towards the Queensland Certificate of Education?

Yes, any exams from Grade 4 upwards go towards the Senior School Certificate.

To find out more, please head to the S.H.A.K.E. Dance School website