Shimmy Shakes - our story
STARTED IN 2015
Shimmy Shakes started in 2015 with one class per week for my own children and their friends in a small rented hall in Caringbah. The word quickly got out and each year we have grown so that now we can offer classes 6 days a week in our own studio.
Shimmy Shakes’ mission is to make dance accessible to every child in our area who wishes to participate in dance classes. We try to keep costs to a minimum so that is it affordable for families, especially those with multiple children. We don’t have an enrolment fee, uniforms aren’t compulsory, and we have payment options to suit every family situation.
Our program is based on gross and fine motor skill development, teaching the fundamentals of dance, igniting the children’s imagination and letting them have fun whilst they are learning.
We change our program each term so that the children stay engaged, however we keep the structure of the class the same so they feel comfortable and secure. We use key word sign language in all classes as well as visual aids to enhance the children’s learning in our classes, as all children learn in different ways - visual, auditory and physical.
Our classes have limited places so that children don’t get overwhelmed and they each get individualised attention. We have 2 staff members in each class so that there is always an extra pair of hands to offer support if students need it, whether that be helping them to complete a dance step or offering a cuddle when they miss their parents. Our venue is intimate so children can feel secure and it is ground floor so is wheelchair/pram accessible.
Our classes are split into different age groups so the students are dancing with children of a similar age and ability. We individually assess each child to make sure they are in the most suitable class for their emotional and physical needs and will speak to parents/carers if we think they need to change classes to gain the most out of their Shimmy Shakes experience.
At Shimmy Shakes we nurture children’s love of dance, movement and music and we would love to welcome you to our community.
In 2023 we introduced our IN SERVICE PROGRAM so we can get share the joy of dance with even more students. We offer single, term or all year round programs to daycare centres and pre schools as well as SSP (special needs) schools and support classes.
If you would like more information on these programs please send us an email as we would love to discuss this further with you.
TYPES OF CLASSES
Mixed dance style classes
Classical Ballet
Sensory Classes for Babies
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BABIES - 6 to 12 months
MINIS - 12 months to 2 yrs
MOVERS - 2 and 3 yrs, mixed style dance
SHAKERS - 4 and 5 yrs, mixed style dance
FAIRY BALLET - 3 to 5 yrs, classical ballet
