Shimmy Shakes - our story
STARTED IN 2015
Our Story
Shimmy Shakes began in 2015 with just one class per week, created for my own children and their friends in a small rented hall in Caringbah. As word quickly spread, our dance community continued to grow year after year. Today, we are proud to offer classes six days a week from our very own purpose-built studio.
Our mission at Shimmy Shakes is to make dance accessible to every child who wishes to participate. We are committed to keeping costs as affordable as possible for families, particularly those with multiple children. We do not charge enrolment fees, uniforms are not compulsory, and we offer flexible payment options to suit a variety of family situations.
Our programs focus on the development of both gross and fine motor skills while teaching the fundamentals of dance in a fun, engaging, and imaginative way. Children are encouraged to explore movement, build confidence, and enjoy learning through play.
To keep classes exciting and engaging, our programs are refreshed each term. While the content changes, the class structure remains consistent, helping children feel comfortable, secure, and confident in their learning environment. We incorporate key word sign language and visual aids into all classes to support different learning styles, recognising that children learn in visual, auditory, and physical ways.
Class sizes are kept small to ensure children do not feel overwhelmed and can receive individualised attention. Each class is supported by two staff members, allowing us to provide extra care when needed—whether that’s helping with a dance step or offering reassurance and comfort. Our studio is an intimate, child-friendly space with ground-floor access, making it wheelchair and pram accessible.
Classes are grouped by age and ability so children dance alongside peers at a similar developmental stage. Each child is individually assessed to ensure they are placed in the most suitable class for their emotional and physical needs. We work closely with parents and carers and will always communicate if we feel a change in class placement would better support a child’s experience at Shimmy Shakes.
At Shimmy Shakes, we nurture each child’s love of dance, movement, and music, and we would love to welcome you into our growing community.
In-Service Programs
In 2023, we introduced our In-Service Program to share the joy of dance with even more children. We offer single-session, term-based, or year-round programs to daycare centres, preschools, SSP (special needs) schools, and support classes.
If you would like more information about our In-Service Programs, please get in touch via email—we would love to discuss how we can work together.
TYPES OF CLASSES
Mixed dance style classes
Separate age groups
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
