Suzanne’s School of Ballet students with owner Kristy Serpell and founder Suzanne Eacott (middle).
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Suzanne’s School of Ballet, a staple in the Echuca-Moama community, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
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The school was founded in May 1980 by Suzanne Eacott, not long after she moved to Moama.
In Melbourne, Mrs Eacott had danced with a small ensemble and earned her teaching qualification.
With few connections in the area, she decided to start a dance school at the Moama Preschool.
Mrs Eacott said despite the small number of students, she was very proud.
“I had six students, and I was so proud that I had six,” she said.
“From there we did a little show that very first year, just a little hour demonstration, and then the school grew from there.”
Suzanne’s School of Ballet is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
By 1982, the school had moved to the OPT building on Hare St, an arts centre at the time.
As enrolments increased, Mrs Eacott introduced modern, jazz and tap classes alongside ballet.
Students also began taking dance exams in Melbourne and hosting end-of-year showcases at the centre.
Eventually, the school relocated to Wesley Hall, welcoming up to 400 students each week at its peak.
Many former students have gone on to dance professionally, perform on cruise ships, or work overseas, while some have returned to help run the school.
Dance principal Brianna Kiely began dancing at the school back in 1991, at just four years old.
Ms Kiely progressed from student to student-teacher before earning her diploma to become a qualified dance teacher.
Ms Kiely said the school had become a core part of her life.
“It's like a second home ... you never want to leave,” she said.
“It's really just like a family, and the culture hasn’t changed. It’s been the same for 45 years.”
Current dance stdents Parker Goulding and Samantha Serpell.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
After 32 years, Mrs Eacott retired and handed the reigns to Jodie Joyce and Emily Purton.
At the end of 2023 Kristy Serpell, mum to four dancing daughters, took over ownership, carrying its legacy forward.
Today, the school offers classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap, acro and more.
Mrs Eacott said back when she started the school, she never imagined it would be this successful.
“I didn’t dream that it would,” she said.
“It’s worth celebrating 45 years, and it hasn't just been all me — there's been a lot of people involved to get it to where it is today.”
Suzanne’s School of Ballet will put on a show this weekend.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The school will showcase its talent this weekend at the Echuca Paramount Theatre, on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30
The Tinker and Kinder ballerinas will perform Tinkerbell on the night, before the Junior and Senior Ballet students take to the stage for The Nutcracker.
In celebration of 45 years, there will be a special performance at the end of the night featuring students, staff and Mrs Eacott.
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