Why dance at a smaller, boutique studio? | Why get lost in a larger studio? This whole industry revolves around being seen and, though we are renowned for the vibe we generate in class, we balance that with the knowledge that EVERY dancer gets the attention they deserve. Anything less is a breach of the trust our students place in us. If there is one thing we are renowned for, it is our solidarity – we move as one and are all the more formidable for it. |
Are there performance opportunities while studying? | Are there ever. Each year our first impact is at the VDF Showcase before we progress to our own celebrated RAW mid-year performances. Next comes our Musical Theatre or Cabaret performances and then we cap each year off with our fully themed end of year performances. If that is not enough, as Kelly and our choreographers are still very active in the industry, our students are often called upon to perform as work experience in professional environments whether it be on stage, on film or even on the MCG. More importantly, we have achieved a perfect balance between training and performance. For that reason we don’t hold performances at the end of each term. Don’t get us wrong – we love performing but to spend all of our time rehearsing would be to neglect the technical training that is so crucial to gaining employment upon graduation. |
Where do you perform? | We are fortunate to dance in some pretty special places, from festivals and movie sets to Melbourne's iconic stadiums. That said, some of our most cherished weeks each year are those that we spend in the theatre. Let’s be honest, there is something magical about performing in real theatres with real history so rather than perform where we spend the year training, we proudly descend upon some of Melbourne’s favourite venues and make them our own. |
Are fee payments flexible? | Even though we are the most affordable (and best) option around, full time tuition doesn’t come for free but even then, we do all we can to relieve as much of that stress as we possibly can. Dance is about freedom so whatever we can do to make course payments less of a burden, we do it. For that reason we use a direct debit system to take payment in instalments that are tailored to the individual and at a frequency and an amount that is the most manageable. Repayment terms can also be negotiated and our flexible system even allows suspension of fees for those moments where life throws a curve ball. |
Are there additional costs? | Once again, we are dedicated to keeping costs to a minimum. Any additional costs are those incurred directly by the student rather than fees for services. Those may include uniform items like the KAFTD jacket, entry to events like VDF or filmed copies of performances. Many charges are optional but even so are listed in the student handbook and very rarely exceed three hundred dollars in total and those are absorbed into the payment plans. |
Can I study two qualifications at once? | You certainly can. A great way to ensure career longevity is to combine your Diploma studies with the Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management. Graduates emerge not only with the skills to take performance to the professional stage but also the crucial ability to become a valuable asset to any studio, or for that matter, open your own. It really is the best of both worlds. |
Can I still audition and work while studying? | The whole point of studying full time is to gain employment and sometimes that means striking while the iron is hot. Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance is unique in that it allows students to audition and work while studying. Not only does it provide invaluable experience for when our dancers graduate but timing is everything in this business so if that perfect job opportunity presents itself, why wait? |
What happens after graduation? | When you graduate from Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance you carry with you the reputation that Kelly has built over years of operating at the very pinnacle of professional dance and Musical Theatre. That alone opens the doorway, not only to professional auditions but to established, professional agents that operate at the highest level. Our graduates emerge industry ready so rather than tie dancers to an in-house agency with limited opportunity, we provide them with the guidance and mentorship that allow them to soar. |
Can I study online? | No. Correct technique is everything and without proper first-hand tuition, it is not giving your craft the respect it deserves. This is even more so when it comes to Dance Teaching & Management as it is that very technique that you will be passing on to our next generation of dancers. The very future of dance depends on doing things the right way so short cuts are never an option. |
Why are your courses more affordable? | We take less profit and we focus our resources on providing the very best teachers for our dancers. It really is that simple. |
