The Gay Wightman School of Ballet

We recently trialled classes at this studio for my daughter and had a really positive experience. Alisa, Muriel and Lyndal were friendly and approachable. The teachers were encouraging and supportive throughout the trial classes. The studio is quite particular about uniform, so there is a bit of an initial cost, but I appreciate the high standard it sets. The programs on offer seem thoughtful — a good variety of dance, conditioning, and PBT classes that help students build strength and improve their overall technique. My daughter is looking forward to improving her dancing at this school. Overall, it’s a positive and welcoming studio.

My daughter has attended Gay Wightman for over 8 years since she was 3 years old. She is attending classes in a number of dance styles offered such as ballet, contemporary and musical theatre. She loves her teaches, and the commitment and attention that is given to each individual dancer is reflected in her passion and growth over the years. The teachers are dedicated and warm and train the dancers to a technically high standard. The teachers have developed my daughters skills to help her reach her full potential and they have also inspired her to work hard. She has also made some beautiful friends and we have found the students amongst all levels to be kind, respectful and encouraging. We look forward to many more years at Gay Wightman and we highly recommend them.

Strong technical focus. Challenges our girls to strive for excellence. Fantastic learning ethic and offer students to learn how to support and teach younger students. The school Principal is so supportive and inclusive of students and parents. Our girls do 9 classes each week, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, funk, choreography and VCE VET Dance. Our highest recommendation.

This school removes negative reviews! So here I try again to share my experience of a parent whose daughter was with the school for 5 years. The owner cares about money and nothing else. When we were there my bill for concerts included cleaning???? The building is old and there were days when the smell inside was so strong that it makes you gag. There is no room for parents to sit while waiting (so many times I had to sit on the floor). The two change rooms are tiny and because the classes are so full (more kids, more money!!!!), when the older girls had to wait for their next class, the younger girls could not change because there was hardly any room. The performances were of poor quality. The owner constantly pushes extra classes (my daughter did 3), she says some are by "invitation only" but I don't believe this for a second. Almost everyone in my daughter's "basic" class was sent an invitation only email. The teachers hardly ever smile and greet the parents. The culture is awful. I would not recommend the school.

Went to a 3-4 yo trial class today, intially teacher totally ignore my daughter, never introduce herself and never acknowledge our existence. 5 mins my daughter has lost total interest in the class as there’s zero guidance or encouragement. The worst trial class we have ever been! Even the class had only 4 kids but the teacher chose to ignore us. What a shame.