Dance is one of the most popular activities for Melbourne kids, combining exercise, music, creativity and confidence-building in one fun package. This guide covers ballet, jazz, hip-hop and creative movement classes, what to expect, typical costs, and how to pick the right studio for your child. We feature a range of well-reviewed Melbourne providers to help you start your shortlist.
Kids in Motion in Port Melbourne offers movement-based programs for children focused on confidence and character development. Specific class types are not fully detailed in the text, but the provider runs term-based and holiday programs. A 30-day money-back happiness guarantee is offered. Age ranges not specified.
Hollier Music Academy (founded 2008) offers private guitar, piano/keyboard, singing, drum, and ukulele lessons for all ages from around 4 years old. Lessons are 30 or 45 minutes weekly. A 50% discount applies to the first lesson, effectively serving as a discounted trial.
Yarra Heights Dance Academy in Kilsyth, VIC offers dance classes for all ages (from toddlers/2.5 years up) in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, contemporary, theatrical, acrobatics and tumbling. Classes run across 3 sprung-floor studios. Free trial classes are available. Over 25 years of experience.
Richmond Music Academy in Richmond, VIC offers one-on-one music lessons in guitar, piano, singing, drums, violin, and music production. Open 7 days including evenings. Welcomes all ages and absolute beginners. In-person, online, or hybrid lessons available. First lesson is half price.
Fairy Feet Dance Club is located in Rosanna, VIC and appears to offer dance classes. No further details about age ranges, specific class types, trial availability, or instructors could be retrieved due to the provider's website being unavailable (bandwidth limit exceeded).
Ignite Bollywood Dance Company (Balaclava, VIC) offers Bollywood dance performances, workshops, and school incursions for corporate events, weddings, festivals, hens parties, and kids parties. Led by Jagriti Bhatia, they engage children and adults in Bollywood dance and Indian culture. No specific age ranges or trial class offers are explicitly stated.
Hit The Floor Dance Studio in Malvern offers group dance classes (from $15) and private lessons (from $65) for all ages and abilities in styles including Latin, Ballroom, Salsa, Belly Dance, Bachata, Chachacha, and Zumba. Wedding dance choreography packages are also available. No trial class offer explicitly mentioned.
Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in Brunswick, VIC is a boutique pre-professional dance studio offering full-time, part-time, casual, and junior school programs. Auditions are free and available in-person or via video. Private auditions with Kelly are available by appointment for the 2027 study year.
Kids dance classes come in many styles, and most Melbourne studios offer a mix so your child can find what suits them. Common options include:
Many studios also run tap, contemporary, acro, musical theatre, and combination classes that sample several styles in one session. Some, like cheer or rhythmic gymnastics programs, sit on the more athletic end of the spectrum.
Most Melbourne studios structure classes by age and stage:
If your child is keen but unsure which style suits them, a combination class or creative movement program is a great entry point.
At a first lesson, arrive 10–15 minutes early so your child can settle in. Younger kids usually wear comfortable clothes they can move in; older students may need ballet shoes, leotards or specific footwear, though most studios won't expect a full uniform on day one. Expect a warm-up, some skill or technique work, a fun routine, and a cool-down. Good teachers keep younger classes playful and encouraging rather than rigid.
For toddlers and preschoolers, a parent may stay in or near the room. For school-aged kids, parents often wait in a viewing area or step out, depending on the studio's policy. Don't worry if your child is shy at first — it's completely normal and a good teacher will gently bring them in.
Prices vary widely by studio, style, class length and whether you pay per term or per class. As a general guide (always confirm directly with the provider, as fees change):
Additional costs can include registration or membership fees, uniforms, shoes, exam fees and concert costumes. Ask for a full breakdown so there are no surprises later in the year.
With so many studios across Melbourne — from Port Melbourne and Brunswick to Malvern East and Richmond — a few checks help you choose well:
This page features a range of Melbourne dance and movement providers across different suburbs and styles, including Kids in Motion (Port Melbourne), Melbourne Studio of Ballet (Thornbury), Lucy Sparkles & Friends (Brunswick East), Melbourne Kids Yoga and Creative Dance, Stageworks Academy (Alphington), Melbourne Cheer Academy (Box Hill North), Australian Academy of Dance (Malvern East), V.V Rhythmic Academy (Glen Iris), BKs Gymnastics Hawthorn, Two Shoes Dance Academy (Brunswick), Apo Arts Academy (South Melbourne) and Dance Factory (Richmond). Use the listings to compare locations, styles and reviews, then contact your shortlist directly.
Taking the time to trial a class and ask these questions helps you find a studio where your child feels comfortable, supported and excited to keep dancing.
Or read the full dance classes guide, or browse all Melbourne providers.
Many Melbourne studios offer creative movement or parent-and-child classes from around 18 months to 3 years, pre-ballet and creative dance from 3–5 years, and more structured ballet, jazz and hip-hop from school age. Choose a class grouped by your child's age and stage.
As a general guide, casual classes run roughly $15–$30 each, while a weekly class over a term is often around $120–$250. Prices vary by studio and style, and there may be extra costs for registration, uniforms, shoes, exams and concert costumes, so always confirm directly with the provider.
Confirm that all instructors hold a valid Working With Children Check, ask about class sizes and supervision, read a good number of reviews, and check sign-in/out and safety procedures. A free trial class is the best way to see the studio in action before enrolling.
For a first class, comfortable clothes they can move in are usually fine. Some styles need specific footwear, like ballet shoes, but most studios won't expect a full uniform on day one. Ask the studio what to wear and bring before you arrive.
Ballet is a popular starting point because it builds technique and posture, while creative movement suits younger children and jazz or hip-hop appeals to kids who love energy and music. A combination class lets your child sample several styles before committing.