About IMS
About IMS
What makes In Motion Studios a great choice for your child's dance education
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In Motion Studios is a community-focused dance school where values matter just as much as technique.
We are passionate about creating a studio culture that feels safe, supportive, and inspiring. Our teachers are committed to nurturing confident, respectful dancers who feel proud to represent IMS.
Dance training at IMS is not just about learning steps, it’s about learning life skills. Through consistency, encouragement, and high expectations delivered with care, our dancers develop:
Confidence and self-belief
Resilience and perseverance
Teamwork and leadership
Respect for themselves and others
Families choose IMS because we partner with parents, communicate openly, and place each child’s wellbeing at the center of everything we do.
In Motion Studios is proudly built on a rich history that began in 1969 as Maureen Ward School of Ballet, when the foundations of a nurturing and inspiring dance community were first established. For generations, the studio has been more than just a place to learn dance. It has been a second home where students grow in confidence, creativity, discipline, and lifelong friendships. The strong sense of community that was created in those early years continues to flourish today, with families often returning across multiple generations. IMS honours its heritage by maintaining high-quality dance education while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and encouraging environment where every dancer feels valued and inspired to achieve their personal best.
Styles of dance
Styles of dance
At IMS, classes are structured, supportive, and designed to help every dancer feel successful.
We carefully place students by both age and ability, ensuring they feel challenged while remaining confident and motivated.
Ballet (Cecchetti)
Our ballet program follows the internationally recognised Cecchetti syllabus, focusing on strong technical foundations, musicality, discipline, and artistry. Ballet at IMS builds grace, strength, and focus that supports all styles of dance.Offereing both rereational classes and examination streams. Our Exam students must take part in two ballet classes per week. Our Cecchetti Examination classes provide structured, classical ballet training following the internationally recognised Cecchetti syllabus. Students develop strong technique, musicality, and artistry while working towards annual formal examinations. These classes encourage discipline, precision, and a deep understanding of classical ballet foundations.
Jazz
Our jazz classes build strength, flexibility, and performance skills through dynamic movement and engaging choreography. Students explore a wide range of styles including musical theatre, modern jazz, commercial dance, and routines set to current pop tracks, while developing confidence, technique, and stage presence
Contemporary
Our Contemporary classes invite students to explore creativity, musicality, and emotion through movement. Focusing on fluidity, strength, and body awareness, these classes help dancers develop technique while learning to express themselves with confidence and style. Suitable for 7 years + , our contemporary program encourages individuality, artistic growth, and a deeper connection to the joy of dance.
Tap
Our tap classes develop rhythm, musicality, and strong technical foundations through progressive tap training. Students build coordination, clarity of sound, and performance confidence while learning both traditional and contemporary tap styles in a fun, supportive environment.
Beginner Dance Classes
Our 3–5 year old Beginner Combination Classes are the perfect introduction to the magical world of dance! Little ones explore ballet, jazz, and creative movement in a fun, nurturing environment that encourages confidence, coordination, and a love of movement. Classes are specially designed to support learning milestones and movement development, helping children build essential foundational skills while having fun with music, imagination, and age-appropriate activities.
Hip hop
Designed for senior dancers, our commercial hip hop classes focus on precision, power, and performance presence. Students build confidence, stamina, and versatility while working with choreography inspired by music videos, stage, and screen. Perfect for dancers who love to perform with impact.
Combination Dance Classes
Across our junior school classes we offer an opportunity to combined Jazz, Tap and Ballet into one class fee to give the younger students the opportunity to eplore all styles and a discounted cost. This is an option and the classes with classes able to be taken separately but will be charges at the appropriate timed rate per class.
Production – Competitive Team Classes
Our Production Competitive Team classes are designed for committed dancers who love performing as part of a team. Students learn two to three routines across the year and compete at two eisteddfods within a 12-month period, focusing on performance quality, teamwork, and stagecraft. These classes build discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of ensemble.
Teaching Staff
Teaching Staff
All of our team hold a Current First Aid certificate - Level II with CPR and vaild Working with Children Checks
Beginner Dance Classes, Classical Ballet , Tap, Jazz,
Production Classes
Assosiate Diploma C.I.C.B (Cecchetti)
Diploma Business Managament
Skye began her ballet training at the age of three, completing the majority of her studies at the Maureen Ward School of Ballet under the Cecchetti method and successfully completing Cecchetti ballet examinations through to Advanced 1. In 2006, she progressed from student teacher to staff member, teaching students of all ages and abilities in concerts, competitions, and Cecchetti examinations. In 2014, Skye purchased the school and has since led it under the In Motion Studios banner, continuing her professional development to become a registered Cecchetti ballet teacher, completing rigorous study in syllabus work, teaching methodology, musicality, anatomy, and safe dance practice. She is passionate about the Cecchetti method and committed to developing technically strong, expressive, and confident dancers through structured, age-appropriate classical training. Skye is deeply passionate about sharing the love of dance with her students. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers are encouraged to develop strength, artistry, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance.
Classical Ballet, Strength & Conditioning & Barre Fusion
& Production Classes
Bachelor of Arts, dip Ed (Secondary)
Melanie began dancing at the age of four at the Maureen Ward School of Ballet, where she completed her Cecchetti ballet exams to Intermediate level and participated in the Cecchetti Scholars program. A recipient of a Premier’s Award for VCE Dance, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Dance, performing in several contemporary shows and dancing on secondment with Perth contemporary dance company 2 Dance Plus. Melanie also holds a Diploma of Education (Secondary) and has introduced and implemented Dance as a subject in schools, while running extra-curricular dance and aerobics programs. She has taught at various dance schools across Melbourne, been a guest teacher at several schools, and choreographed for eisteddfods, concerts, junior contemporary groups, school musicals, aerobics teams, and ceremonies. Melanie is constantly expanding her knowledge with a keen passion for conditioning and safe dance practices, and she loves sharing her expertise to inspire her students to experience the joy of movement.
Senior Jazz , Senior Contemporary, Classical Ballet &
Production Classes
Certificate IV in Dance, Cert IV in dance Teacher Management, Cert Iv in Pilates matwork and reformer
Studying Cecchetti Ballet Assosiate
Annabelle is a wonderful example of the strong legacy and pathways created through In Motion Studios. Beginning her journey as an Maureen Ward school of Ballet dancer, Annabelle has gone on to build a successful career in dance and has now returned to the studio to nurture and inspire the next generation of dancers. She teaches Senior Jazz, Senior Contemporary, Classical Ballet and Production classes, bringing passion, professionalism and a deep understanding of the IMS values into every class. Annabelle holds a Certificate IV in Dance, Certificate IV in Dance Teacher Management, and a Certificate IV in Pilates (Matwork and Reformer), and is currently furthering her training by studying her Cecchetti Ballet Associate qualification. Her dedication to both her own development and her students makes her a valued and inspiring member of the IMS teaching team.
Intermediate Jazz, Intermediate Contemporary, Ballet
Bachelor of Teaching - Primary & Secondary
Jacinta Naismith has been part of the In Motion Studios family since she was just three years old, growing up within the studio and developing a genuine love of dance and performance. She has now transitioned into a valued member of the teaching team while undertaking her Bachelor of Education. Jacinta brings fresh ideas, creative choreography, and a vibrant energy to her classes, along with a strong understanding of the IMS culture and values. Her passion for working with young dancers and her dedication to both education and dance make her a wonderful role model for students.
Ballet & Jazz
Masters of Teaching - Secondary
Jess is a highly valued member of the In Motion Studios teaching team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience through her Master’s in Education. Her strong understanding of student development and learning styles allows her to create engaging, supportive, and structured classes where dancers can thrive. Jess is passionate about helping students build confidence, refine their technique, and develop a love of dance in a positive and encouraging environment. Her dedication to both education and the wellbeing of her students makes her an important and respected part of the IMS community.
Junior Dance Coaches - across Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary
Both Coaches have trained as dancers for over 10 years and under supervision as student teachers for 24 months or more. Both Coaches are perusing further education and will continue their teacher training under the guidance and supervision of our senior coaches.
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