SUZANNE’S School of Ballet has become more than a dance school for the thousands of students who have graced the floors during the past 39 years.
It has become a sanctuary for students of all abilities to express themselves, whether for fun, fitness, social interaction as well as those looking to pursue a career in dance.
‘‘Students learn to dance in a safe, fun, all inclusive, family environment to build confidence, fitness and technique where we try to ensure all individual needs are met so students can get the most out of their dance experience,’’ principal Jodie Ritchie said.
‘‘We pride ourselves on encouraging each and every student to do their best to achieve their goals, reach for the stars all the while having fun and making friendships for life.’’
As Echuca-Moama’s longest established dance school, it offers classes in classical, contemporary/lyrical, jazz/hip hop, tap, acro and Barre Attack.
‘‘Dance is constantly evolving and we pride ourselves on staying new and fresh with all our styles and classes,’’ Jodie said.
About 150 students are enrolled in any given year, with students ranging in age from two years old to adults.
‘‘We are the only dance school in Echuca registered with Cecchetti Ballet Australia, a nationally recognised training organisation, offering classical ballet examinations at all levels,’’ Jodie said.
‘‘The aims of Cecchetti Ballet Australia are to provide our teachers and students with the best ballet education, inspire them to achieve their full potential and foster in them a love and enjoyment of dance.’’
The ballet school was established 39 years ago by Susan Eacott who over the years grew the school into a wonderful place for students to learn to dance in a family environment.
When she retired in 2013, Jodie and Emily Purton took over and together with their team of seven teachers they have continued to provide high quality dance classes in a fun, safe environment.
Along with her work as a clinical pilates instructor at Echuca-Moama Physiotherapy, Jodie said she understood the need for safe dance practices and works with physiotherapist Hendrika Kirchhofer to provide pre-pointe assessments for all students before they begin pointe work to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Jodie said the end-of-year concerts were among their biggest achievements.
‘‘It fills our hearts with love and pride to see the students performing with confidence and seeing how far they come since the start of the year,’’ she said.
‘‘Also seeing students who came to us as three years old graduating in year 12 to see how their love of dance and time at the school has helped shape them into wonderful young adults.’’
Past student successes includes dancers in contemporary companies, music videos, musical theatre and television.