Empire Dance Studio

I simply have no words (well I have a lot actually.. surprisingly not haha). The best and most inclusive club ever where everyone supports everyone, and the owners are actually SEEN, approachable and respond to my crazy emails at 1am!! (or the same or next day, not weeks later) and we don’t just feel like a number, or there are parent clique’s AT.ALL! My daughter attended try-outs for Youth, and was placed into Junior teams for Jazz, Hip Hop and Pom - something she nor we were expecting. Although this year will be the first year she didn’t make a Nationals team, but we will take the small wins! Coming from another club with her from Mini’s to Youth, this was a big leap for her, but she has transitioned more seamlessly than we expected. She didn’t form friendships at the other club and, I don’t really want to speak ill or out of turn of them but as a parent you were either “in” or you were “out.” And we were always “out” because of my declining health and mobility, and unfortunately I think the parent’s comments about me fed into the athlete’s ears and she was always made to feel like an outsider - and there were very jealous parents when she was given mostly front or solo parts in routines. We haven’t felt like there is this power imbalance with parents or athletes at all, and I think it’s because the amazing coaches, Ryan and Angela keep everything so in check, inclusive and communicate so regularly! She has managed to make great friendships so quickly (who like to put her hair - mainly her fringe - into silly styles before starting class) and they text regularly about routines, who is bringing what lollies to class before it starts (lol) and their overall thankfulness for friendship for one another. They even have a private Life360 group (that is toggled off / on for class days) to keep each other accountable for attending classes each week! She used to come home from dance crying every lesson for yearssss. Now … she is dressed and waiting at the door saying “hurry up” to us!! Empire genuinely seem to care about their entire community and yes, they push their athletes to their best potential, and honestly - in almost 2 terms at Empire we have seen more growth in her skills and technique, than in 4 years at the other club! We are so fortunate that our daughter has always been a great performer on stage - with big smiles (or whatever face is needed), big hit’s and an overall crowd pleaser whilst ensuring her routine is spot on. With Empire’s completion of all routine genres to be able to do full out’s, over and over and over more than a month before first comps it’s no wonder you’re miles ahead of the competition out there! Thank you to the entire Empire community, for accepting us for who we are, for awesome coaches, and for Ryan for being so involved (I saw you watching those hip hop routines bopping along), giving high 5’s to all athletes, coming into trainings to raise energy levels, you’re responsive and all around being amazing, and to Angela for pushing our daughter to be more confident and competent in the skills she already has, and continuing to put effort into her to develop further. We have watched Empire from afar for a few years and we know this is the club we are meant to be at - we are just sorry we didn’t make the move sooner! You really do stand for and endorse your values and promises

We joined empire in 2021 and haven’t looked back. Empire is owned by two amazing people (Angela & Ryan) and are like second parents to our daughter Georgia Mae. Within the 3.5yrs Georgia has improved out of sight as a dancer and leaves the studio every time with a big smile on her face and loves it. They have given there students amazing opportunities being solos/ duos , troupes , dancing at port games , the fringe just to name a few. We wouldn’t be anywhere else and love the welcoming, encouraging studio!!

We have been apart of the Empire family since early 2019! First my son started ant 3.5 years old and then in early 2020 my daughter started at 18 months old. Ryan, Angela and all of the numerous staff who have worked with my children have been no less than AMAZING. Both of my children are neurodivergent, have anxiety and my son has cerebral palsy and they’ve always made accomodations and gone above and beyond. Ryan and Angela are very understanding and genuinely care for every student who attends. As a solo parent they have always helped when I needed it whether that be me dropping and running to another place for the other child and allowing the dance child to stay there earlier/later for a bit. They don’t allow any students out of the dance school unless they know they’re walking or busing it home. Ryan is ALWAYS at the entrance/exit every 30 minutes (if he leaves at all) to ensure there’s no student leaving without their guardian or having non Empire family members into the studio. Angela was a teacher prior to founding Empire Dance Studio and is very aware of child safety and protection. They have lockdown/fire drills/plans in place as well as incident reports sent home if your child hurts themselves/gets injured. I wouldn’t have my children anywhere else. #weareEMPIRE #MoreThanaDanceStudio

Both of our daughters have danced at Empire Dance Studio for over five years, and we couldn't be more grateful for the unwavering support and guidance they receive. The encouragement and care shown by the whole team has played such a big role in their growth and love of dance. We feel very lucky to call Empire our dance home.

Empire is Cleo’s home away from home. If you watch dance moms, Empire is the TOTAL opposite. Ange and Ryan (studio owners) are literally Cleo’s second parents, and I believe they have helped morph her into the beautiful, confident young woman that she is today. If you are looking for a dance studio that will nurture and care for your child, this is the studio for you. Ryan takes the time to meet and greet all families every day with a smile and sometimes a long chat. They take the time to get to know your child and you as parents and family. Seeing them grow to the studio they are today is testament to them giving their whole heart and soul into what they love. Cleo has been given the opportunity to travel and represent her dance studio in America (Dance Worlds Orlando), represent Australia in Pom, and dance for Gospo in the Fringe and soon in Sydney. What an amazing opportunity for her!! Thank you Empire aka Ange & Ryan forever grateful xx